First Church Raises $18,000 For Water Project

Submitted by Pastor John Castricum, First Church, Congregational

Last fall, First Church, Congregational in Bedford made a bold decision: to dedicate 100% of their Fair proceeds to buy a well that would provide clean, safe drinking water to a community in need.  The decision was a great success: people from all over donated extra items to be sold at the Fair.  Those attending the Fair gave extra money for the items they purchased.

“Normally, a Church Fair will bring in between $12,000 to $13,000” explained John Castricum, Pastor at First Church, “but this Fair broke all records – we collected over $18,000.  This means six wells will be drilled in villages in desperate need of safe drinking water.  I am so proud of all who worked on the Fair and contributed to its success.  This was a tremendous accomplishment.”

But there was another challenge ahead: what organization would get the Fair proceeds?  In the midst of the decision making, Pastor John talked about the project in a conversation with a United Church of Christ conference minister.  She encouraged John to talk to Greg Morrisse, Pastor at Plymouth Church in Framingham, which has built many water wells over the past several years.

John and Greg got together for an initial conversation.  John was really impressed with their ongoing relationship with a Lutheran Church in the Pommern area or Tanzania.  In January, First Church invited Plymouth Church members to give a presentation and answer questions.  It was a great evening.  Mission leaders talked about their deep relationship with the people of the Pommern region and how that relationship motivated them to expand their mission and get involved in building  over 30 wells.

Members of First Church got excited about the project and voted to give their money to Plymouth Church.  On Saturday, March 14^th, Pastor John and others from First Church attended a fundraising dinner in Framingham and presented the check.  “To say the least, the leaders of the water project rejoiced – we got a standing ovation,” said Pastor John.  “They were so thankful for our generosity and the trust we placed in their mission.”  One mission leader told Pastor John that their contribution  meant dozens of babies will live.

The folks at First Church are excited at this new partnership.  They are looking forward to sending members to Tanzania to see the wells in action and to build a relationship with the people receiving the wells.  “As much as mission is about giving out money and resources, it is also about making a personal connection with someone totally different from you,” said Pastor John  “You come to realize that you receive more from the experience than you give.”

For more information on the water project visit the First Church website:  www.firstchurchbedford.org.