St. John Lutheran Church, Ocean City, New Jersey

Home

Worship

Namibia

Pastor Mark and New Jersey Synod Mission Trip to Namibia

From June 16th to July 1st, the Travel Team will visit church leaders, congregations, rural mission stations, health facilities, ministries, and agencies of our companions in Christ: the Lutheran Churches in Namibia. We pray for our Travel Team and for their safe return home. We've been hearing from Pastor Mark during the trip, and will post information as it becomes available (see below).

For more information, including pictures and daily prayers, see the New Jersey Synod web site.

Global Mission

Updates from Pastor Mark in Namibia

June 24th:

Hello to all,
Sorry it has taken so long to get to you. This is (believe it or not) the first time I could get near a computer. We arrived, we have done lots, we are half way through this wonderful adventure. And yes, we are fine! We are at Makuti lodge, just outside Etosha National Park. Today we saw elephants!!! The rest of the stories will have to wait. Obviously since this is our first time at a computer, there are others who are waiting to get on. Again I apologize that it has taken so long to get to you. I miss you all, and can't wait to share ALL the stories. For they are so much more than stories, they are experiences, and they are moments of learning and sharing. I will try to send more when we get back to Windhoek.
Love to you all, and I do wish you were all here to share in all of this.
Mark

NEW JERSEY SYNOD COMPANION VISIT TO NAMIBIA – TRIP ITINERARY – 2008

Mon. June 16 6:00pm Meet at British Airways Terminal, Philadelphia
Depart from Philadelphia, 9:00pm, British Airways

Tue. June 17 Arrive London, England, 9:25am (Tour London)
Our plan is to go into London and spend a few hours walking the city.
Depart from London, 7:05pm, British Airways

Wed. June 18 Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa, 6:50am
Depart from Johannesburg, 1:20pm, South African Air
Arrive Windhoek, Namibia, 2:20pm
Check-in at Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia, Walking Tour of Windhoek
Once we arrive in Windhoek, we check in to the Guesthouse at the ELCRN headquarters. From there it is just a short walk to the business district of Windhoek. We will take care of banking (exchange) and see a little of the city, including the Craft Center. It is about 2 blocks from the Guesthouse, where local artists and crafters present and sell their work. It is the best place to see the work of the local people.

Thur. June 19 Meeting with Bishop Kameeta, ELCRN Staff
Depart for Tsumeb, About 5 hours to the north

Fri. June 20 Depart for Ondangwa, Another 3 hours to the north
Meeting with Bishop Sindano, ELCIN Staff in Oniipa

Sat. June 21 Visit with Sister Congregations (I will be going to Onyaanya Parish)
This day is normally spent visiting the sight of the Sister Congregation, accompanied by the Pastor of that parish. We let them show us what they want to show us. It is their change to bring out the past, their history, and the best of what they are doing today. While we (St. John) are “sistered” to Hosianna, in Katutura, I will be going along with another member of the Travel Team, Katharine Tenore, to her Church’s Sister Congregation, the Onyaanya Parish.

Sun. June 22 Worship with Sister Congregations (Onyaanya, 25 Kilometers SW)
Worship will take up most of the morning hours. Since Katharine is not a Pastor, I will be preaching at the Onyaanya Parish. In the afternoon we let the Parish Hosts once again show us what is important to and for them. In the far north country this is often the chance to see not only the main church sight, but to visit the “preaching points” that the congregation maintains off in “the bush.”

Mon. June 23 Visit Evangelical Lutheran Church In Namibia project sights
In the north we will see some historic sights, the first places where the Finish Church settled, and current projects, such as the Lutheran Hospital and the Lutheran High School. This will be a full day of driving back roads, and sometimes… NO ROADS!

Tue. June 24 Depart for Mokuti Lodge
Afternoon Safari in Etosha National Park
Mokuti Lodge is just outside Etosha National Park on the West side. The Park is the largest game preserve in Namibia. It is the size of the state of Massachusetts. Once in the park, we will drive and stop at watering holes. There is no getting out of the vehicles. When we return to Mokuti that evening we will enjoy what they are known for, their Wild Game Buffet. It’s not always about the next meal. But at Mokuti, IT IS!

Wed. June 25 Depart for Safari Drive
Chick in at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, In Etosha National Park
We will spend the entire day driving the Park and stopping at watering holes. Wednesday night we stay at Okaukuejo Rest Camp. This is one of 3 Rest Camps in the Park. Each Rest Camp has its own watering hole, where you can watch the animals come and go all night long.

Thur. June 26 Travel to Windhoek, Return to ELCRN Guesthouse
It takes a full day of driving to return from the north to Windhoek. This is a day of rest for the Travel Team (sleeping in the van) but for me it is the best chance to see the country. Nothing could make me happier than being able to drive, and really see, this beautiful country!

Fri. June 27 Visit Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia
Project sights and Paulinum Seminary
Today we will visit The National Council of Churches Office, The AIDS Clinic, Paulinum Seminary, and other sights in and around Windhoek.

Sat. June 28 Free Day (SHOP TILL YOU DROP)

Sun. June 29 Worship with Sister Congregations (Hosianna, Katutura)
Farewell Dinner
This is “HOMECOMING!” A return to Hosianna! I hope to see some of the children that I baptized in 2004. I will be preaching at their service and presenting them with the greetings and the gifts from St. John, Ocean City. Since this is a “city parish” the day goes much like ours. Worship in the morning, and by early afternoon everyone returns to their homes.

Mon. June 30 Depart from Windhoek, 1:20pm, South African Air
Arrive Johannesburg, 3:45pm
Depart from Johannesburg, 9:10pm, British Airways

Tue. July 1 Arrive London, 7:20am
Depart from London, 12Noon, British Airways
Arrive Philadelphia, 2:45pm