By Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito, TCR 19th Episcopal District Field Representative
This is one question that many parents have had to answer. This often happens when a family takes a trip, and the parents look forward to it; the children are excited to be part of it. Yet the second turn of a three-hour-long journey, the children ask, ‘Are we there yet?’. It doesn’t matter how many times the parents can assure the children that they will get there in the next two or three hours; the question will still be asked until the destination is reached. So where are we going? What’s in it for the AME Church to take this journey?
As on 6 July, I am one of those who ask whether I will experience the General Conference in the way it is intended, from Business Session I at 7pm South African time. I and some 19th District delegates and some from districts outside the US still had not received all our credentials by 7pm South African time. As I get ready to submit the article on 7 July, the VVoter credentials were sorted out but still awaiting the credentials to enter the Zoom platform. I have hope that all these teething problems would be sorted by the time you read the article. In my Project Management class, I was told – as I reported on the project – “I hope all will work out well”, that HOPE is not a strategy. I am glad I am a Pastor, so I still hope all will be OK as we get there. Would you please join me in this journey of hope?
I am happy that our Facebook and YouTube are organized. This assisted in watching the Morning Manna and the Opening Worship Service for the 6th and 7th. Many of us this side of the continent are trying not to express our frustration but cannot hold it off any longer, and we want to ask that question, ‘Are we there yet?’. I have tested our AMEGC2020 APP, which is a fabulous tool and has information on some of the subsections of it. The more you play with it the easier it gets. Relevant information gets uploaded as the days go by. We expect more information as the days go by with outdated information removed such as about Cape Town.
This journey is happening for the first time for all of us, so while we should not stop asking whether the execution of the GC fits the preparation, we must hold each other accountable, we must acknowledge each other’s hard work, but more importantly, we should remain hopeful that all will be ok, let us enjoy the ride. Three days ago, someone asked me where I would be connecting for the proceedings of the GC. I was ambivalent as I pointed to my office at the parsonage. There was a ‘Selah’ and then we enjoyed ourselves talking about the times we are in. Finally, we agreed, we have to get in, we have to do the best we can but most of all, enjoy ourselves. The technical and admin teams have done outstanding work to help sort out all the glitches.
Someone commented, “I have never checked my emails as I did for this GC”. As the Church honoured Bishop Vashti McKenzie with a platform to preach her last sermon as an active Bishop and to pronounce the benediction, that was AME in action. I pray the practice goes down to all levels of the Church and keep the AME Church’s practices alive at grassroots from the learnings at the GC. Sawubona AME. Yes, we heard you Bishop, and the African continent waits to see whether we will be heard. Is the Church prepared to hear, because, without a doubt, Africa is speaking. How shall the Church show she has heard? Let’s look at the Bills that come from Africa (if it does not affect the US, it does affect Africa), let’s look at the budgeting in context, let’s look at the candidates. Who will get in? Let Africa tell you; please hear us.
We are a liberating and reconciling people; we have a chance to live this creed. Let every vote pass the test of liberation and reconciliation. If it fails to meet this canon, don’t take it. The behaviour and decisions of this GC will tell whether we should keep asking the question, ‘Are we there yet?’ Shall all good things come out from this GC, or is the journey still too long? I believe the Church intends to arrive at a glorious destination, ensuring that all who are in this vehicle are happy when we get there. The Church needs to unite, even as we hold the meeting separated by time, room, continents, and countries.
