To get the latest info and to communicate with the Dawsons check out their online blog, http://petenbob.blogspot.com/
Here is the video from Mission Man played during the church service on the 17th August. http://baptist.gniezno.pl/pete_and_bobs_video.htm
Who are Pete, Bobi, Aniela and Gracie Dawson
Pete: "I am a Fitter/Turner by trade. In 1991 I studied at GLO in Christchurch for one year and then went on to work full time with Team NZ(the GLO one!) for two years. I've studied Polish language and culture at Auckland University. Ministry experience includes youth work, camp work, English teaching and various short-term mission trips including PNG, Zambia, The Philippines, and three trips to Poland/Europe. I have had a heart for Poland for a number of years."
Bobi: "I am a Community Worker/Counsellor and have worked at the Merivale Women's Refuge in Auckland, NZ. A part of that involved group work. e.g. personal development, goal setting and creative groups. This is one area where I would like to be involved in Poland - building relationships through craft groups etc. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Practice (Counselling major). I studied at GLO Te Awamutu in 1987. I have worked as a Tutor to at-risk youth in a TOPS programme and I have ministry experience in youth work and camp work."
Aniela: Daughter of afore-mentioned Pete and Bob.
Gracie: Daughter and Sister of afore-mentioned Pete, Bob and Aniela.
December 2000 Pete and Bob co-lead a short-term mission team to Poland, along with a group of 8 others from our church. July 2002 Pete and Bob Dawson began full time training in preparation for mission work in Poland. November 2002 The Dawsons departed for Poland. April 2005 MWCC had the opportunity to send a group on a short-term mission to assist Pete and Bob with carrying out building renovations.
Where they're going
Isn't Poland a Christian Country?
The reality is that there are relatively few evangelical Christians in a population 10 times that of New Zealand. After the first 10 years since the fall of Communism, many are in the grip of materialism and the cults have grown rapidly.
Poznan and Gniezno
Poznan is a city of 700,000 people which lies in a line between Warsaw and Berlin. It is a student city, with many Technical Schools and a University. It was the scene of some of the first rebellions against the communist government which resulted in the deaths of rioters in 1956.
Gniezno was Poland's first Capital and the birthplace of the nation. It has 70,000 people and boasts a Catholic Seminary.
What they're doing
Pete: "I plan to teach English at the Kompas Language School which was set up as a means of reaching Poles with the gospel. The School operates in the city of Poznan and also the city of Gniezno. We will commute between the two cities."
Bob: "I will be busy with Aniela and Gracie although I hope to be involved with women's groups and supporting my husband wherever I can."
A part of the vision of the local church to reach out to their community is through the English language services. Students from the language school are invited to attend the English speaking church. We will be involved with this Church. One of our desires is to encourage the local church in missions in their own part of the world, perhaps through short-term missions.
What can you do
You can support them spiritually by praying.
You can support them emotionally by communicating and encouraging them.
You can support them financially Financial Support
A significant task for those at home is a commitment to regular on-going financial support.
The best method is by automatic payment to MWCC in the usual manner, except with "Dawsons" in the particulars.
Alternatively you may place your contribution in an envelope earmarked for the Dawsons in the Sunday morning collection.
If you do not attend Mt Wellington Community Church, you may contribute via Global Connections.
Postal address: Global Connections in Mission
PO Box 744
Palmerston North Central
Palmerston North 4440
Global Connections will gladly forward the funds on.
If you wish, you may also request the details needed to establish a regular Automatic Payment.
Those making donations through Global Connections are asked to make a 5% (maximum $75) contribution towards administration expenses