This fundraiser is in Memory of Fr. Carole Tchinda, a faithful priest who died struggling to serve his people.

On July 31st, 2025, my brother priest, dear friend, and classmate, Rev. Fr. Carole Tchinda Nguito, was swept away by the strong currents of a river in Tabongkwa, in the Diocese of Mamfe, Cameroon.

That morning, as he had done countless times before, Fr. Carole set out on his motorbike to visit one of his mission stations, humble communities of faith scattered across remote villages. His people were waiting. Among them were the sick who longed for the sacraments, families who needed encouragement, and a small congregation preparing to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist.

Between him and his people lay a river, deep, unpredictable, and swollen by the rains. But Fr. Carol had crossed it many times before. For him, the call of duty was clear: the shepherd must reach his flock. Little did anyone know that will be his last time. All he ever wanted was to be present for his people in these poor communities at every opportunity he had.

As he made his way across the river that faithful evening, the current grew fierce and violent. The river that he had so often conquered turned against him that day. He was swept away by the rushing waters, disappearing before the eyes of those were with him and who loved him. Nobody was able to dive in and save him.

Through the night, his parishioners and brother priests searched desperately, praying that somehow he might be found alive. Their prayers turned to sorrow the next morning when his lifeless body was discovered downstream, a young priest, only 39 years old, who had given everything for the love of Christ and His Church.

Fr. Carole and I were ordained together four years ago. We called ourselves the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit” for our Diocese. His heart was big-he gave everything. In his last voice message to me, he spoke about the difficulties of his people, the farm project he was starting for their well-being, and his deep love for the mission entrusted to him. They didn't even have a proper Church to worship or Rectory for the priest but he loved and served his people to the very end despite their situation. Fr Carole was their first Pastor since the Parish was created 3 years ago and he was just doing his best to get it going until death came knocking. He had been working so hard so that his people could one day have a better life.

Fr. Carol died in the line of duty, a true shepherd, laying down his life for his sheep. As mentioned already, he was the very first parish priest of St. Matthias Quasi Parish in Tabongkwa, a place of humble beginnings and deep faith. With very little, he did everything he could to build up his community, spiritually, materially, and humanly. He cared deeply for the poor, took care of the little ones and dreamed of building a permanent church and rectory for his people.

He never saw that dream fulfilled. But his life and death have planted a seed, a seed of love, sacrifice, and faith that continues to bear fruit.

His death has deeply shaken us. Many people reached out to me asking: “Fr Paul How can we help?” This fundraiser is our response. It is a way to honor his memory by making sure others can continue to serve safely and to support those he left behind. I have thought about it and prayed for the last 3 months and I believe it is the right thing to do. This is why we are asking for your help.

What Your Support Will Do. They're 2 main projects:

1. Build a rectory for the priests serving in Fr. Carole’s parish- a home that will carry his name and memory. (They currently do not have a Rectory and my brother who took over needs help to build a house for the priests so that they can stay there and see how to help build the Church and the people ) The house will be named: FR CAROL’S RECTORY. It cost at least $30,000 to build a modest Rectory in Cameroon.

2. Provide life jackets for some priests across the Diocese of Mamfe, many of whom risk their lives crossing rivers to bring the sacraments to remote communities. It cost about $2500 to provide 50 quality life jackets in Cameroon.

The other sub legacy projects we could do if funds permit are:

1. Build a small bridge across the river where he died, so that his sacrifice will bring safety to others.

2. Lay the foundation of their church, where the people he loved can finally worship in dignity.

3. Support Fr. Carol’s family during this time of immense loss. He was like the Dad to his younger siblings who have looked up to him from childhood because they lost their parents when they were still very young. Fr Carol was an orphan but the backbone to his family.

4. Assist remote mission stations with basic pastoral needs.

Fr. Carol died while serving God’s people. He crossed that river many times, out of love. His death was not be in vain. And so we need your help.

This is not just a fundraiser.

This is about honoring a life of sacrifice, and a mission that must go on.

Donate whatever you can-no gift is small. Share this link with your parish, friends, and community. Pray for the Diocese of Mamfe, for Fr. Carole’s family, and for the safety of all priests in the mission field.

If you’d prefer to donate life jackets or help in another way, please feel free reach out to me privately.

Your generosity will not only honor Fr. Carole's legacy but protect the lives of others and give hope to the ones he cared for most. Thank you, from the depths of my heart.

May the soul of Rev. Fr. Carol Tchinda Nguito rest in peace. Amen.

May his sacrifice bear fruit for the Kingdom and his legacy continue through us. Amen.

With deep gratitude,

Fr. Paul Ajong

Priest of the Diocese of Mamfe Cameroon and friend of Fr. Carol.

Associate Pastor at the Parish of Sacred Heart Saint Patrick's, Archidiocese of New York, USA.