Bicycles for Ngara

Ngara is a District in the Karagwe Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, the Companion Synod of the NWPA Synod. Pastor Oscar Samwel, who visited us in January, is the District Pastor of this area. He oversees 22 Lay Evangelists who serve congregations much like a pastor does during the week and on Sundays when the parish pastor is visiting other congregations. A parish pastor in his district may serve between 12-20 congregations within the same parish, so lay men and women assist.

One of the greatest challenges that the Lay Evangelists face is transportation. Most of them do not have a bicycle or a motorbike to get to their church building, to the hospital, or to the homes of their parishioners. Pastor Oscar has humbly asked if we might be a partner with them to provide bicycles for his Lay Evangelists.

With enthusiasm and many good ideas, the Councils of Good Hope and Zion and the community have raised enough money to purchase all 22 bicycles, including the shipping and assembly.

Watch for more information about upcoming fundraisers. They will be simple, low-key, fun, and reasonable – ways for anyone to participate at any level.

If you have questions or ideas to share, contact Pastor Jones.

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UPDATE NOVEMBER 25TH, 2020

A Message from Pastor Oscar:

Dear Pastor Sandra, dear all.

Am very happy and thankful to inform you that we receive the money and purchase 22 bicycles for evangelists here in Ngata District. Yesterday all evangelists received the bicycle for the mission work. Bishop Dr Benson Bagonza led the program by handing the bicycle to the evangelists. It was a very wonderful moment and all evangelists were very happy.

Please pass our sincere thanks to all brothers and sisters at Zion and Good Hope, without forgetting the pupils at Cranberry Elementary School for the contribution to make this project possible.

With kind regards.
Oscar

 

 UPDATE - AUGUST 15TH, 2020

The Bicycles for Ngara project has been a terrific success! We have surpassed the goal of providing 22 bicycles for the Lay Evangelists of the Ngara District of the Karagwe Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. The interest, energy, and commitment shown has been amazing!

As of this writing, the total raised with the the Cranberry Elementary students, Good Hope, and Zion is $4350.95. The funds for the bicycles will be sent to Ngara by wire transfer through the banks of the Synod and the Diocese.

My sincere thanks!
Pastor Jones

  • These photos are from a trip to the Karagwe Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) in 2003. Bishop Ralph and Pastor Sandra Jones visited the Bweranyange District and took part in a celebration where bicycles were blessed and presented to the Lay Evangelists to use for their travel throughout their parish areas. The bicycles were a gift to the Lay Evangelists from a congregation in Germany.