Reverend Ray and Sarah Baker challenged the people at Vincent UMC in Minot, North Dakota to raise money for solar ovens, as part of a Lenten Journey. The Bakers committed to funding ten solar ovens at $150 each if the members of the congregation could raise funds for 10 ovens.

Solar Oven Partners is a ministry started by the Dakotas United Methodist Church. The ministry provides solar ovens to people in developing countries in the Caribbean and parts of Mexico. Most recently they have begun work in the Dominican Republic.

“During our services I have encouraged members of the congregation to consider giving at least the cost of one meal per week. Sarah and I spend over $25 each time we dine out. By contributing $25 per week, a family can give $150.00 during Lent. “ said Rev. Baker.

Each week Rev. Baker gave a report of how many ovens had been sold. “I made the connection between an oven and a family,” said Baker. “Each oven donated would transform the life of a family, freeing up one-fourth of their income to purchase other essential items.“

Monies came in each week. There was a major emphasis on Palm Sunday. That day a noisy bucket offering was held and raised over $3,000. Rev. Baker was able to announce on Easter Sunday that enough money had been collected for 80 ovens.

That was not the end. On Sunday, April 3, 2016, Baker announced there was now enough money for 94 ovens. Then the offering for the week included monies for three additional ovens. That made the grand total 97 solar ovens,  impacting 97 families in the Dominican Republic.

The Lenten journey continues for Vincent UMC.  The first step that church will take will be to inform Gordy and Ardell Graner, two North Dakota natives, are serving as missionaries serving in the Dominican Republic. Then the church will set out to get the ovens ready to ship to the Dominican Republic. Photo: Ardell and Gordy Graner.

“I am challenging the church to travel to Moffit (ND) and build reflectors for 97 ovens,” stated Baker. “I estimate it will take four mission teams to make this goal.”

The final step will be to get the ovens to Dominican Republic to families that will use them. “I want members of our church participate in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic,” said Baker. The hope is to have members of Vincent UMC and other churches in the Sakakawea District travel to the Dominican Republic the fall of 2016 with Solar Oven Partners.

“I want to build on our current momentum and I believe an international mission trip is essential. It will help us keep focused on ministry beyond our doors while we build ministry within our doors and our community,” said Baker.  “My goal is to hold this Lenten offering every year.”