Melvins on the move August 2007 Fall on your Knees for the Basotho

"Fall On Your Knees for the Basotho”

Virtual Prayer Walk September 23rd thru October 14th

Join us this fall as we corporately pray for the Basotho in the Lowlands of Lesotho

What is Prayer Walking? Prayer walking is walking and talking with God as an intercessor for the needs and concerns of a particular people in a particular place.

What is a Virtual Prayer Walk? A virtual prayer walk is "walking" and talking with God as an intercessor using photographs and captions depicting the needs and concerns of a particular people in a particular place.

FAQ:

Who are the Basotho? There are over 5.5 million Basotho living in Southern Africa and the country of Lesotho. Approximately 1.5 million Basotho live in the lowlands of Lesotho where there is severe overpopulation. Unemployment is high and most working Basotho earn an average of $100 a month.

Life expectancy is approximately 52 years of age and dropping due to the pandemic of HIV/AIDS. Incidence of HIV/AIDS has risen to over 24% of the adult population and the number of orphans increases daily.

More than 90% of Basotho claim to be Christian although their African traditional religion involves witchcraft and ancestor worship often mixing with Christian rituals. Most claim ties to the mainline Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lesotho Evangelical Churches where traditionalism and nominalism are widespread. Evangelical Christians are often ridiculed and are called the "the saved ones". Mainline clergy frequently use fear and intimidation to keep people away from evangelistic services. The number of evangelicals is estimated to be only 2%.

Lesotho is presently experiencing its worst drought in 30 years. Due to harvest shortages and failures, many will begin to face starvation in the next two months.

How can I participate in this Virtual Prayer Walk?

“Fall On Your Knees” for the Basotho. Commit to “walk” and pray for the Basotho sometime between September 23 and October 14.

Register your participation by emailing the Melvins (go to the pdf file for the e-mail address) to inform them that you, your family, or your group commit to “walk.” Go to the Basotho Team website www.Basotho.org.

Download and/or print off the “virtual walk” which will include photos and captions noting the needs and concerns of the ministry of the Basotho in the lowlands of Lesotho.

Pray at your computer or print the pictures and set up an actual “walk” around your Sunday school classroom, education wing, prayer room, etc.

Use “walk” prints with your prayer groups, Sunday school classes, missions clubs, youth groups, co-ops, and Bible study groups.

We look forward to hearing from many of you who will “Fall On Your Knees” for the Basotho.

The Melvins are missionaries serving with the International Mission Board of Southern Baptist in CESA (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa Region).