Botswana Botswana Mennonite Ministry Survey
Worship at the Head Mountian of God Apostolic Church in Zion Francistown Congregation
Mennonite ministry in Botswana is moving into a new phase. Currently, we have no North American mission workers there who are focusing on relationships with African Initiated Churches (AICs). That marks a big change from a 30+ year pattern which began in 1975 when Ed and Irene Weaver arrived in Gaborone and began making contacts with local AIC leaders.
In late May 2010 former AIMM mission worker to Botswana, Bryan Born, led a group including Africa administrators from the North American side, Hippolyto Tshimanga (Mennonite Church Canada Witness); Steve Wiebe-Johnson (Mennonite Mission Network); and Rod Hollinger-Janzen (AIMM); in a series of contacts with AIC church leaders across Botswana. The hope was that such a survey could help provide new direction, particularly for the organization of the long standing Bible Study group ministry among AICs. Another need that was strongly underlined by many partners, is for continued work in the area of family and marriage relationships.
Savy Toitoi addresses Philimon Paul, Mennonite Bible Study Group leader, and Bryan Born, former AIMM mission worker in Botswana.
Our in-country partners gave of themselves willingly in offering their understandings of possible future direction for Mennonite work in Botswana. Currently, we are looking at various options that would firmly root this program in a Botswanan institution, using national leadership, so that it could continue to serve AICs in years to come. We are hopeful that the resources, both human and financial, which will be needed to strengthen ministry in Botswana, will be forthcoming.
Currently there is one AIMM partner mission worker in Botswana, Melanie Quinn (MMN/MC USA www.MennoniteMission.net) based in Francistown. Melanie works with the Bopaganang Basha Youth Center, assisting teams of youth who raise awareness of issues around HIV-AIDS through drama and song.
Bopaganang Basha Youth Center
Melanie Quinn with Bopaganang Basha Youth Center participants. Front row: Tshepo Tom, Mpho, unknown, Tlamelo. back row: Lyonel Nkosi, Tirelo, Keneilwe, Mogomotsi, & Melanie |
