Thursday, December 8, 2016

The Country of Lesotho

Over 80% of the country lies above 5,906 ft. Lesotho is the southernmost landlocked country in the world and is entirely surrounded by South Africa. 

While crossing the border to go back into South Africa, we got out of the car to show our passports. When we returned to our car, policemen questioned us. They asked about my name badge, and I talked to them about the church. I promised to bring them a Book of Mormon next time we came, and one of the officers is currently taking the discussions from some of our missionaries! 


 There is one other church in Lesotho - located in Leribe (la-ree-bay).


 Unfortunately, Lesotho has the highest percentage of people affected by HIV/AIDS.

 About 40% of the population lives below the international poverty line of US $1.25 a day.

 LDS Church families from the United States lived in Lesotho during the 1980s. In July 1988, at a meeting attended by 15 people, the Maseru Branch (a small congregation) was organized at the home of expatriates. The Church was registered in July 1989 .

The first LDS missionaries entered Leosotho in  September 1989. As the branch grew, facilities were rented in a local school. Later a home was purchased to be remodeled into this church building.

The first full-time young missionary from Lesotho began serving in the Durban mission in 1993.  

There are almost 1,000 members of the church in Lesotho.

President Thompson and I had the privilege to speak at the very FIRST District Conference of Lesotho just a couple of months ago.


 Traditional attire revolves around the Basotho blanket, a thick covering made primarily of wool. The blankets are ubiquitous throughout the country during all seasons, and worn differently for men and women.



 Water and diamonds are Lesotho's significant natural resources.


 Lot's of shepherds in Lesotho!

 Lesotho gets snow in the Winter months of July and August!


1 comment:

  1. I know that our Elder has loved Lesotho. He's had some great experiences while serving there. Thank you for your posts.

    ReplyDelete