Lesotho

by Cindy Easterday

A JH visit: preparations and impact

A recent visit with the Los Ranchos Presbytery (Los Angeles / Orange County) JH Committee and several of the church mission committees was very encouraging in many ways. A team of six had come to visit in March and it was clear they had put great effort into preparing themselves, both in terms of JH as program and its intentions and expectations, as well as coming to listen, learn and understand issues within the local context.They were truly a pleasure!

During the visit of the Los Ranchos presbytery delegation, the Mafeteng District Committee presented a program, displayed items from their member's projects, provided lunch and planted two tree seedlings to represent the growing relationship between JH Lesotho and the presbytery

The trip seemed to not only educate but stimulate a greater passion amongst the delegation members to learn more and to share these experiences with others throughout the presbytery. Since their return some of their involvements have included . . .

Book group on globalization and US consumerism

A book group is being organized at one of the churches to initiate dialogue around globalization and how consumerism in the US impacts and is impacted by the rest of the world.

Joining Hands growth

In just the last couple of months meetings took place with two mission groups and two other churches around Joining Hands, seeking to educate and instill a desire to participate.

Presbytery African Summit

A big African Summit was held in September by the Presbytery and included many of the churches that have partnerships in Africa. It was very well attended and Lesotho and JH were given a great deal of emphasis at the conference.

"Think Red" campaign
The JH committee is getting the word out on the "Think Red" campaign as it relates to purchasing textiles made in Lesotho and the GAP's relationship with Lesotho factories as well as the contribution of some of the profits to HIV/AIDS in Africa. This type of thing really raises awareness and stimulates interest though it creates a diabolical condition. As the committee says, "Too bad it involves consuming....but if that's what it takes to get the word out, at least it is a beginning."

Global Summit on AIDS: "Race Against Time"
Those committee members attending a recent Global Summit on AIDS and the Church entitled "Race Against Time" at Saddleback Church were mightily blessed. Dave Dolan (Executive Associate of Los Ranchos Presbytery) says "it gives us a way to link and educate people on the AIDS issue" so greater efforts will be made to promote attendance next year.

Kopano ke Matla Toantsong ea Bofuma

The Lesotho office, after a visit by the Coordinator and Companion Facilitator to Cameroon in March, reconsidered its role, focus and emphasis as a Network and in 2007 will be developing "focus groups" to research and address four key areas identified by the district Network representatives in early October. These include: 

(1) Seeds and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's),

(2) Trade Agreements (i.e. AGOA),

(3) Labour and wages (local),

and, ever present in every aspect we address,

(4) HIV/AIDS.

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Links:

Profile JH partner network Kopano ke Matla Toantsong ea Bofuma >>>

Website Kopano ke Matla Toantsong ea Bofuma >>>

Profile JH Companionship Facilitator, Cindy Easterday >>>

The district committee of Mafeteng oversees the Network activities in their area.

JH Presbytery committee members with Rick Warren, Frank Dimmock (PCUSA mission co-worker in Malawi) and JH Companionship Facilitator Cindy Easterday at the HIV/AIDS Conference at Saddleback