The idea of a native African priest being missioned in Kentucky would have been nearly unthinkable 25 years ago. Today, with the shortage of priests in the U. S., it's becoming more common. Father Chrispin was born Chrispin Quentine Bedde Oneko, the oldest of nine children. At an early age, he was influenced greatly by the religious heritage of his parents, an aunt, and his grandmother. Chrispin lived in Mombasa, Kenya, East Africa, before being ordained on August 25th, 1990. Father Chrispin Q. B. Oneko          Father Chrispin performed various work -- assistant priest, teacher, and chaplain -- before being assigned as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Mombasa, with eleven missions. His ministry included traveling to one mission 80 miles away and arriving there through a countryside filled with wild animals. Eventually, he accepted a challenge from his Bishop to go to Jamaica as a missionary where he ministered for four years as pastor of a mission church. He learned to speak the language and appreciate the culture so different from his own. Through prayer and study, Father Chrispin realized that the Holy Spirit was prompting him to learn yet another culture. This time he was led to America. After consulting with the Bishop of Jamaica, Bishop McCraith welcomed him into the Owensboro , KY Diocese. Asked if he thought he was bringing Christ, Father Chrispin said, "that like everywhere else, God is already present in every place. It is [Father Chrispin's] his privilege to help the people find Him in their midst." Father Chrispin has recently been named Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Hawesville, KY and St. Columbia Parish in Lewisport, KY by Bishop John McRaith of the Owensboro, KY Diocese.