From the Bishop

What a tremendous day yesterday as we celebrated the Diocese's fortieth anniversary. The exuberance and joy in Christ was palpable. I am glad that we have decided to continue focusing our relations in one diocesan partnership with Swaziland and Brechin. I have begun the process of asking the team what the Spirit is saying to them as they return home, and some amazing mission desires have been articulated already. I intend to share these with Bishop Mabuza in our final conversations this afternoon, and see where they might fit in to his overall vision. We are particularly touched by the situation in the southern region, as well as concerned to assist the water ministry to be further expanded and coordinated.

We have been honored guests during our time here, and I make it very clear to the Swazis that their ministry to us as we come among themis the making of disciples. We cannot fail to be effected deeply in our spirit by what we see, and what touch us from the brothers and sisters of all ages we meet. This communion of ours which Christ is the creator of is precious. It is a network for human compassion and caring which takes us deeper into each other's lives than we can imagine. Just sitting under the same tree where the village council meets to settle its internal disputes and then be "part of their agenda for the day" is an incredible honor, matched only by the open response of gratutude from our hosts for our coming and gift of clean water.

Of course we also tread carefully where we begin to realise that ministry has its bumps on the road, and is as dependent on ongoing work in human relationships in Swaziland as it is in Iowa. That is one reason why we seek to keep ministry coordinated at the episcopal level. Not because bishops always get it right, but because they are often at the center on the ground over the big picture. We hope in the years to come we can begin to share ministry through parish to parish. With Swaziland parishes being organised with multiple out stations, parish to parish from the Iowa perspective will mean ministering to a whole region. We hope also to think more strategically of following up on projects with sponsoring longer stays for Iowans with particular interests. There is a commitment on all sides of the partnership for multiple communication.

There is no doubt that God has given us a great gift in being partners with Swaziland and Brechin. I can only look over at those involved in this year's trip and know that God is transforming them in Jesus' likeness.

+Alan