An SMA Veteran Returns to the Field
From January 2002
Long before Regis Philbin, and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” Fr. Clark Yates, SMA, offered the people he served a "Lifeline." That was the nickname for the mission plane that Fr. Yates, a former military pilot, flew in Liberia. That mission plane linked isolated stations on the Kru Coast with larger towns further away. But Fr. Yates also offered other "lifelines".
The wise Fadda-Man
He was the first resident missionary in Barclayville, and became known as the "wise Fadda-Man" of the area for the primitive medical clinic he conducted. Fr. Yates dispensed compassion, spiritual guidance, and simple - but much appreciated - remedies for the ills of the people. Recently, Fr. Yates served on the SMA Provincial Council as Councilor.
At the age 77 back to Liberia
This year, at the age of 77, he returns to Liberia once again.
A Florida native, Fr. Yates was in the Army Air Force during World War II. He was ordained in 1956 and went to Liberia the following year, using his skills as a pilot to serve God and His people. During his service in Africa, Fr. Clark was regional superior in Liberia for 15 years. He also served on the General Council of SMA in Rome, and as Vice-Provincial for the American Province. Fr. Yates did extensive formation work in both the United States and Africa (Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Kenya).
The aura of wisdom
His prayerful, reflective approach to life imparts the aura of wisdom that draws others to him and that has made him a beloved mentor to so many.
We bid Godspeed to Fr. Yates as he returns with wholehearted commitment to Africa.
