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ST. DAVID'S IS PLANNING A PILGRIMAGE
VISITATION TO SOUTHERN MALAWI IN MAY 2007
Excerpt from March 27 correspondence with Bishop James Tengatenga
via the Diocese of Southern Malawi Mission Partners email listserv ...
I look forward to coming to visit you with the other pilgrims from St. David's in May.
I very much remember your presentation with Titus Pressler before our first group came to visit two years ago when you suggested that we should consider it a Pilgrimage rather than Mission Trip.
This was very good counsel and I am taking it to heart as I prepare to come and be with you.
I have shared with others that I believe a Pilgrimage involves our saying to God, "Lord, I am opening my heart that you may change me as I offer myself for this journey."
It is with this intent that I prepare to come and see you and the faithful of your diocese. I have no expectations for the trip but to be open to God and I invite you to use me in any way that you see fit.
Thank you for your ministry to Christ and his people, know that I remember you and your diocese in my prayers.
The Reverend David A. Boyd, Rector
St. David's Episcopal Church
304 East 7th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT
OUR PARTNERSHIP
WITH ST. DAVID'S CHURCH
By Bishop James Tengatenga
St. David’s sent a team on a pilgrimage to the Diocese two years ago, during which they shared in our lives. They helped the diocese buy a mini van which for almost two year was the bishop’s means of mobility but now it is used for doing diocesan admin errands. St. David's was the first to help Chiweni Primary school through their “Small Gifts” grant which bought teachers desks.
On their last visit they donated funds with which plumbing and roofing materials for the priest’s house at Chilobwe were bought.
One of their major foci is the sourcing and provision of medical equipment for the maternity clinic being built at Mindanti. They have already sent us some of that equipment.
Another focus is the provision of safe water for deprived areas in Mindanti.
Similarly, in another project being carried out at the moment is a "windmill water pump borehole" for the clinic and community around Mindanti.
They will be doing more in the diocese with these projects next year.
St. David's has established a charity company (Warm Heart International) to help in their fundraising efforts for these mission endeavours. And, they are planning another pilgrimage to Southern Malawi in May 2007.
Saint David's Episcopal Church
Austin, Texas, USA
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