Family set for missionary work in Tanzania

Family set for missionary work in Tanzania

21 May 2025

THREE Downpatrick siblings are heading to Africa this summer.

Ronan Gilchrist and his sisters, Bronagh Reid and Roisin Rice, will be going to Tanzania in July.

Joining them will be Bronagh’s son, Eoin, and their nephew, Niall Gilchrist.

They will be going to the town of Moshi in northern Tanzania which lies under the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

During their ten-day stay they will be doing missionary work in the parish of Kolingoni and working with schoolchildren.

They will be teaming up with an old friend, Fr Willie Malingi, who is the local parish priest.

Fr Willie is a familiar face in Downpatrick, having visited and stayed with the Gilchrist family with whom he has shared his unwavering dedication to the children he serves.

The family are making the trip thanks to the support of the local charity ALPs (All Lives are Precious), which provides support to people with mental health needs.

Bronagh said: “This mission is a long-held aspiration for us to contribute meaningfully to those less fortunate in Africa.

“We will be working to enhance educational opportunities for the children there whilst also immersing ourselves In Tanzanian culture, building upon the foundation ALPs has laid there already.

“This opportunity is made possible by the dedicated work of ALPs within our communities. Their commitment extends beyond local borders, reaching and supporting communities in Africa, and now, facilitating our own journey there.”

To help raise funds to cover the cost of the trip a charity soccer match held at Kilmore Rec’s ground in Crossgar and featuring teams representing Downpatrick FC and Drumaness Mills raised £600. 

More money was raised during an abseil in the Mournes in April.

Further funds are needed and the family are appealing for donations. Some of the money will go towards the construction of a new primary school.

“We are committed to supporting Fr Willie’s work,” Bronagh said. “All funds raised, after covering essential travel costs, will remain in Africa. 

“Donations, regardless of size, will significantly contribute to improved educational facilities and brighter futures for the children.”

In a direct appeal to Recorder readers, she said: “We would be deeply grateful for your support if you are able to contribute.

“And if Africa is calling you, if you feel a pull towards this extraordinary experience, please reach out to us. 

We would love for you to join us on this journey. Share this adventure, and witness the impact we can have first hand.”

To find out more about the trip to Tanzania, or to make a contribution, go to the link Gilchrist family mission trip to Moshi Tanzania.