Botswana Appeal Letter

 

For many years I have leaned heavily on Bishop Curry’s “Way of Love” seven practices of Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest to guide my work here at St. John’s and my life.  Out of all of these practices, I have a favorite:  GO!  To me, GO means going beyond our circles and comfort zone, to other places, geographically, culturally, economically, and spiritually to witness the love, justice, and truth of God. In September, I will GO in a whole new way!  Along with 11 other Pilgrims from the Diocese, including Mawethu, I have been accepted to be a part of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina’s Pilgrimage to Botswana.  

 

The Diocese encourages all of the Pilgrims to seek support from their congregations and expects participants to integrate our experiences from the pilgrimage into the life of our congregations when we return.  Our congregation will have the opportunity in the future to host the Botswana pilgrims in this reciprocal relationship- this is something that I am certain will enrich our life together as a church.  The connections to the schools, churches and organizations that I will make in Botswana on this pilgrimage will be the start of creative and life giving ways to worship, serve and learn together.  I humbly come to you in hopes that you will contribute to defray the $4,250/person cost of this trip. Our first year Curate Rev. Mawethu Ncaca will also be a pilgrim on this journey and we will split all contributions.

CLICK HERE to donate online

Text “STJOHNSWF Botswana” to 73256 to give using your mobile device.

 

Here is a brief description of the pilgrimage:

We will depart on September 22 and return October 3, 2022.  Pilgrims will spend several days in and around the capital, Gaborone, including time with students at St. Augustine’s School of Theology, and will then travel to visit congregations in Serowe and Francistown. Along the way, opportunities to enjoy some of the country’s rich history, culture and wildlife are also planned. The pilgrimage will return to Gaborone for a concluding weekend of worship and celebrations of the Anglican Diocese of Botswana’s 50th anniversary, including the ordination of the diocese’s newest priests. Bishop Rodman and others from North Carolina plan to attend the weekend as well.  This journey is a pilgrimage: a time for experience, guided and personal reflection, and holy conversation.