Missionary News

March 16, 2009

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We left early this past Friday morning for a long road trip to visit the dioceses to the south and west. These visits are an important part of what we do as Regional Representatives to keep the relationships between the ELCT and ELCA and between the ELCT Dioceses and their Companion Synods strong. We will have the opportunity to talk with the bishops and their staffs and to visit the institutions and projects supported by the ELCA and the Companion Synods. Where there are ELCA Mission Personnel or other volunteers serving, we will meet with them to learn more about their work and how we might support them in their ministries.

The route we are taking is included below. JMe has her computer & modem so that we can keep in touch. She is hoping to chronicle our trip on our blog and website, so feel free to check in while we are away. If you don't already know these addresses, they are:

Blog: http://elcaarusha.blogspot.com
Website: www.lutheransonline.com/elcaarusha

We've also attached a couple of maps to show where we will be traveling.

This is our schedule:

March 13 Arusha to Morogoro
March 14-16: Ulanga-Kilombero Diocese
March 17-19: Iringa Diocese
March 20-23: Konde Diocese
March 24-25: South Western Diocese
March 25-26: South Central Diocese (?)
March 27-30: Southern Diocese (?)
Apr. 1-4: North Eastern Diocese
Apr. 5: Return to Arusha

Two diocese visits are not confirmed, but we hope to finalize these plans while on the road. Because these dioceses are difficult to reach during the rainy season, we won't know the state of the roads until closer to the time of our visits.

Blessings to you all. Please keep us in prayer during our travels. At least we have an extra spare tire this time, even if we don't have a rim for it. We will hold you all in prayer also.

Peace,
JMe & Bob