That is a ridiculous scenario, but a vivid snapshot of what happens when humanitarian aid is provided in the absence of cultural context and local leadership—no matter how well-meaning.
Now take Scenario 2: Your parish priest arrives at your doorstep. He heard you needed a job. Well, that vocational training center your parish has been trying to establish has found a sponsor—some folks in Iceland…
That is what sets Cross Catholic apart from most agencies helping developing countries: Our support of indigenous, church-based, grassroots efforts of people striving to lift themselves and their neighbors out of poverty. It’s a cost-effective, successful approach that’s inherent to our Mission Statement and Core Values, and has been since Day 1.