Piki Pikis
Dear Friends in Christ,
Spring is finally here! Hopefully by the time this newsletter is printed we will finally enjoy warmer temperatures and sunny skies. Soon summer will be upon us and the work of the church does not stop. Vacation Bible School is on its way! This year we are offering to all VBS in the synod the chance to partner with our sisters and brothers in Tanzania. The Dodoma Diocese is literally on the other side of the world, and just like us they need to hear the Good News of Jesus.
What would it be like if our churches were in the middle of a dense jungle? On top of that what would happen if our pastor lived 10 of 15 miles from our church and had no way to get to our church other than walking? Well in our case we would have a much skinnier pastor. All kidding aside this is the reality for many congregations in Tanzania. Due to distances and needs some congregations are only allowed to worship once a month rather than weekly. Travel on these remote roads is risky and dangerous.
The Tanzanian Working Group of the Global Mission Board for the synod is partnering with the Dodoma Diocese to provide small motor bikes to be used by pastors and evangelists in meeting the need of the communities they serve. Called Piki Pikis these motor bikes are rugged and can take the harsh conditions of the jungle roads. We are asking the VBS' around the synod, congregations and individual members to join in the effort of purchasing these inexpensive modes of transportation. The cost of a Piki Piki is $1600 US. For each bike purchased by a VBS or congregation, the Working Group will match that gift and purchase a Piki Piki. We will be having a lot of fun promoting this and I pray you will all consider giving to this worthy cause.
Rogation days are also just around the corner (40 days from now). Once again, the area pastors will be blessing farmers, farms, seed, ground, equipment and livestock. If you would like to have your farm or garden or flower bed blessed, please sign up and we will put you on the schedule. Roga-tion Days of course are tied to Ascension Day. Once again, we will have a worship service at Solomon Woodville beginning at 6:00 PM followed by a dinner catered by Ole Zims. It should be a rousing cele-bration.
Busy times indeed. The Lord is so good to us and we are blessed to be able to do these things together in community to the Glory of God! I am so proud to be your pastor.
Pastor Bob
