SPANISH FORT — Dr. Michael Mahoney has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support his fledgling international-aid organization has received since its October creation.

The founder of In Nomine Patris said he is only now beginning to realize, however, the intricacies associated with coordinating the logistics overseas ministries require.

“We certainly don’t want to limit anybody’s offerings but the cost of getting materials overseas is almost prohibitive,” Mahoney said, noting time, prayers and money seem to be the most hassle-free contributions supporters can make at this time. The nonprofit — whose name is Latin for “In the Name of the Father” — is a Spanish Fort-based organization dedicated to delivering care and assistance to impoverished nations abroad. The grassroots group’s first official trip to Haiti is slated for mid-June.

To date, Mahoney said In Nomine Patris has had little trouble shipping things such as Crocs, the lightweight shoes known for their durability because they can be tightly packed and shipped relatively cheaply.

And while items such as used clothes, appliances and books would certainly be welcomed by the communities served, Mahoney said the group simply has no place to store donations or the financial backing at this time to pay for shipping.

“You’re talking about spending thousands of dollars to ship things that were donated completely free, so we have to find other ways to get the supplies we need,” he said.

For instance, buying the products needed overseas — when they exist — eliminates the storage and shipping concerns and also stimulates the economies of the impoverished nations the aid organization was created to serve.

Editor’s note: This is the final story in a three-part series examining In Nomine Patris, a Spanish Fort-based international-aid organization founded by Dr. Michael Mahoney.

See the full story in the March 2 edition of The Bulletin.