Buena Vista UMC Initiates Partnership With West Bank Village of Wadi Foquin
 enlarge>> The congregation of Buena Vista United Methodist Church in Alameda, California. In photo below, left, making origami bees. |
Written: 11/4/2009
Buena Vista United Methodist Church in Alameda, California kicked off a partnership with the West Bank village of Wadi Foquin in August, launching a "Bee Hive Project." Through the partnership, the church is raising funds to enable the village to cultivate honey as a means of economic survival.
"In the midst of severe economic struggle due to the ongoing Israeli military occupation, expanding settlements, and plans for building of the separation wall, this usually vibrant agricultural village, five miles away from Bethlehem, faces urgent choices for its survival," reports Buena Vista's pastor, the Rev. Michael Yoshii.
The bee hive project is part of the church's covenant relationship with UMC Mission Liaison to Israel-Palestine, Janet Lahr Lewis. The project is supported by the Israel-Palestine Task Force of the California-Nevada Annual Conference, Conference Board of Church and Society, and the General Board of Global Ministries.
One bee hive (with bees) costs $250. Thus far, Buena Vista has raised funds for 12 bee hives, and now is inviting other congregations to join the partnership. Already Trinity UMC in Berkeley has partnered to pledge three bee hives by the end of the year. The partnership is being organized in the larger context of education around the social justice issues related to the occupation of Palestinian territories. A trip to visit the village in the early part of 2010 is being organized. Those participating will be able to meet village leaders to discuss and organize opportunities for ongoing support for community development.
For more detailed information about the partnership, download the Bee Hive information sheet (in PDF format). For more information about how your congregation can join the partnership, contact Rev. Yoshii at 510.522.2688 or bvumc@aol.com, or Kaz Takahashi at 510.522.2041 or oaksidea@sbcglobal.net.
Through the presence of Janet Lahr Lewis, and designated Advance projects in the region, the General Board of Global Ministries supports efforts for peace with justice among Palestinians and Israelis.