By Admin1 (admin) on Sunday, May 25, 2003 - 9:53 am: Edit Post |
From The Pastor's Pen
From The Pastor's Pen
From The Pastor's Pen --
It was just over a year ago that Pam and I applied to be volunteers with the Peace Corps. It has been a long process, but we are now making plans to leave for Lesotho, Africa, on June 1. Lesotho is a very small country that is completely surrounded by the country of South Africa. It is often called ?The Kingdom In The Sky? because the lowest altitude is 3000 feet. And so, from what we have learned, we can expect hot summers and cold winters.
Lesotho is also a very poor country. It has a high unemployment rate, a serious problem with hunger, and a dreadfully high rate of HIV/AIDS infection. Pam and I did not choose this particular assignment but we did indicate to the Peace Corps a willingness to go where we might be most helpful. And so to Lesotho we go ? trusting that it is the Lord who has arranged the details for us to work on an HIV/AIDS project.
As you might guess, we are hopeful that many of our friends will come for a visit. But if you can't make the trip, we hope that you will at least stay in touch through letters, e-mail, and may even phone. Also, our son Lars has established a web site for his parents, ?Peace Corps Adventure? at (www.nystrom.us). The site provides up-to-date information about us but also has many links for information about Lesotho.
My last Sunday as a pastor at Arbor Covenant will be May 4. Pam and I will then be taking a month to take care of details, including saying good-bye to family. We aren't yet sure where that might take us. Please be in prayer for us and for the church during this time of transition.
Blessings, Dick