Botswana - Namibia Mission – Mission Wishlist

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Botswana and Namibia's cultures are rich with Bantu and San influences, seen in their traditional music, dance, and art. Traditional dishes like seswaa in Botswana and biltong in Namibia are popular. The regions are known for their vibrant marimba music and intricate beadwork. Celebrations and festivals such as the Dikgafela festival in Botswana highlight the rich cultural heritage and traditions.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region's topography includes the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, the Okavango Delta, and the Namib Desert in Namibia.

CLIMATE

The climate varies with average temperatures ranging from 45°F (7°C) in winter to 95°F (35°C) in summer. Rain is more likely in the summer months, while winters are generally dry.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken in the area are English and Setswana.

RELIGIONS

The three largest religious denominations in the area are Christianity, Islam, and African traditional religions.

INDUSTRIES

Mining: Major employers include Debswana in Botswana and Namdeb in Namibia, both excelling in diamond mining.

Agriculture: The region supports large-scale livestock farming and crop production.

LOCAL EVENTS

The three largest local celebrations include the Maitisong Festival, the Kuru Dance Festival, and the Namibian Independence Day celebrations.

TOURISM

Popular tourist attractions include the Victoria Falls, the Etosha National Park, and the Chobe National Park.

RECREATION

Favored recreational activities include safaris in the Okavango Delta and exploring the sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

MISSION HISTORY

Missionary work in Botswana began in 1990. Among the first converts was Kwasi Agyare Dwomoh, an architect from Ghana working for the Botswana government. Dwomoh was called as the first branch president in 1991. A branch is a small congregation. He later became the first district president in Botswana.

By March of 1992, the fast-growing branch was ready to be divided into two branches as the membership had grown to 160. And in 1992 a third branch was organized in the city of Lobatse.

On February 18, 1996, members from Botswana were among the 5,000 people who gathered in Johannesburg for the South Africa Regional Conference at Soweto.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!