Lodi pastor Leanne Wade finds a response to the dead goats found on church lawn

Leanne Wade, a volunteer pastor at United Congressional Church in Lodi, took a collection Sunday to buy goats for Heifer International in honor of the dead goats left on the church lawn. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Lodi pastor Leanne Wade finds a response to the dead goats found on church lawn

By Ross Farrow
News-Sentinel Staff Writer

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 6:19 AM PDT

Comments (6 comment(s))

Like everyone else at United Congregational Christian Church, Pastor Leanne Wade was distraught when parishioners discovered three dead baby goats on the church lawn after the June 7 church service.

Wade, who volunteers at the Lodi church, decided to turn a disturbing tragedy into something positive by donating goats to Heifer International, an organization dedicated to helping low-income families across the globe raise farm animals and become self-sufficient.

"People want to knock something down," Wade said. "Why don't we build it back up?"

The young goats were tied to wood pieces outside the church while a service was taking place inside. The animals' necks were broken, and they had been tied by wires and plastic zip-ties.

"Why would somebody do that?" Heifer International spokesman Ray White said from the organization's headquarters in Arkansas. "It's kind of shocking. I applaud the church for their action."

White said he hadn't heard of any gift to Heifer International like this one.

Wade has previously donated to Heifer International, which is also supported locally by Lodi's First United Methodist and St. Paul Lutheran churches, among others. She also wanted to honor her father, who died three years ago. She thought of him on Father's Day, and since she's no longer buying Father's Day presents, she could use that money for an organization he believed in.

Heifer International at a glance

Founded in 1944, Heifer International's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. For more than 60 years, Heifer International has provided livestock and agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income.

The organization has helped 48 million people in more than 57 countries, including the United States, through training in livestock development and livestock gifts.

For more information, visit www.heiferfoundation.org.

Source: Heifer International

Wade, who gave Sunday's sermon, said she doesn't know how much was offered by the congregation on Sunday, but she plans to continue the offerings the next couple of weeks.

One goat costs $120, but people can donate "shares," such as a $10 share, Wade said.

Contributions to Heifer International are important, White said, because many people in developing countries live on $300 a year.

Whoever ends up with the goats to be donated by the church can milk them and sell the milk, and when the goats eat the grass and produce waste to make compost, it helps grow more crops such as corn and rice, White said.

Furthermore, when the goats reproduce, families can sell a kid for more than $100, White said. That, in turn, could give a family a roof over their head for the first time or provide health care, he added.

Wade preaches about once a month at United Congregational Christian Church, which is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ. She puts in 10 to 15 hours a week and serves as a vacation replacement for pastors at other churches, such as in Angels Camp and Murphys. She's also a music therapist for the San Joaquin County Mental Health Department.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

BOMBOVA wrote on Jul 1, 2009 2:42 PM:

" If, "Why would somebody do that?" is still being debated! i would think it is a cry for inclusiveness. Lodi city council starts the session with a prayer to Jesus Christ in its need to be earnest. If i move to Lodi, i will serve Jew and Gentile in my responsibility to them. Every one has a need for the love and protection of God, no matter their faith expression. I as a Catholic understand the need to cloth, feed and shelter the infirmed. So does Sikh, Muslim and others. " even atheists with social conscious. " The dead Goat story on the church lawn, is an outcry for all to be included in the Lodi community. After our hour at church, it is a test on all of us to be expressive of our faith the rest of the week. I am sure, serve thy neighbour as yourself comes into the test. www.civilservicenetwork.com is just one example. I enote openly of this, as i have talked to lodi residents that are great ambassadors of inclusiveness. "

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WCPatty wrote on Jun 30, 2009 12:05 PM:

" I too agree with WTF's comment. This is a great story and hopefully offers inspiration for others to follow Leanne's example. "

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gatemom wrote on Jun 30, 2009 11:56 AM:

" This is a truly fine example of turning something that was so ugly and disturbing into something beautiful and positive! Great story! "

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Gator wrote on Jun 30, 2009 10:14 AM:

" Wtf, seldom do we agree but to~day is one, well done and as the New Zealanders would say “Bloody good show Mate!! "

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pooreastside wrote on Jun 30, 2009 10:05 AM:

" wtf, your comments were great-can't elaborate more.
Just shows how some people are so compassionate and don't let the bad things get in the way. "

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wtf wrote on Jun 30, 2009 7:38 AM:

" Leanne, that is the way to take lemons and not only make lemonade; but sweet lemon meringue pie!

YOU GO GIRL!!!!

People like you are what give me hope for the human race. ;) "

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