jhnewsletter

Joining Hands Against Hunger

NEWSLETTER

Tenth Edition, June 2009

Greetings!

by Lionel Derenoncourt, Coordinator

Dear Friends,

I just returned from South Africa last weekend. I had traveled there to accompany the Rev. Bridgette Hector, the new Joining Hands companionship facilitator for South Africa and Lesotho. From May 18 to May 23 Bridgette was introduced to the leadership of the two networks: Kopano Ke Matla Toantsong Ea Bofuma - Lesotho and Sisonke Masilwe Indlala - South Africa. We gathered at a community center in a township near Bloemfontein for three days of mutual introductions. Bridgette was received with opened arms, so much so that she was given a new name, “Liteboho” meaning “Thank You” in the Sesotho language.

From May 19 to the 21st we had a training session on organizing for peaceful social change, a refresher course over what we had done together in January 2008. The two delegations from Lesotho and South Africa drove long distances to come to Bloemfontein. Doug Tilton, the PC(USA) regional liaison for Southern Africa, drove from Johannesburg to receive Bridgette and I and to facilitate her first meeting with our partners. After the training, Doug and I accompanied Bridgette in a search for appropriate permanent accommodations, visiting numerous apartments in the process.

The new Companionship Facilitator for Lesotho and South Africa, Rev. Bridgette Hector

We hooked up with local members of the Dutch Reformed Church as well as of the Uniting Presbyterian Church who were all very eager to help. We also contacted a real estate agency which provided a number of good addresses that we visited. Eventually, Bridgette took up a temporary room in a guest house in the center of Bloemfontein not very far from restaurants and shops until she could find a more permanent place on her own. For me, this trip provided an excellent window to observe Bridgette’s first steps in South Africa as well as the reception offered to her by the larger community of Bloemfontein.

All around, we felt welcome. Beyond the two networks delegations Bridgette made friends with university professors, church leaders, local pastors, store clerks, restaurant waiters -- a web of connections from all walks of life, genders and races. She has that genuine openness introduced by her smile and her eyes that tell whoever she encounters she is a good person and a potential friend.

The KKM Executive Committee takes a moment during the workshop to pose with the new Companionship Facilitator, Bridgette Hector, and with Lionel Derenoncourt, who is sitting on her left

At the Vodacome store where we spent hours selecting the right phone and internet package, Bridgette gave a parting hug to the store clerk who stayed beyond closing time and who lent her a modem so that she could talk with her mother that evening. Marjolaine, the white Afrikaner sales-person, invited her to her church while stating “even if you cannot understand Afrikaans I want you to meet my fiancé and my parents and the pastor.”

With this introduction to Bloemfontein and all the positive vibes felt from all sides, as I left South Africa last Saturday evening, I felt very hopeful that Bridgette will have a successful mission with our Lesotho and South African partners. Also I am thankful that Doug Tilton, our regional liaison, is also involved and willing to offer a brotherly hand as Bridgette treads her first steps as companionship facilitator for the two networks. May God bless her and take her hand and accompany her in her journey in mission in South Africa and Lesotho. Good luck, Bridgette!