Coordinated by Richard Brunson, director for N.C. Baptist Men, the conferences included a presentation of every facet of North Carolina Baptist work in order to better acquaint the Southern Africans with what is available in programs, methods and resources.

The group of approximately 15 persons arrived at Raleigh-Durham International Airport Oct. 7 and are scheduled to leave Oct. 18.

The first four days were spent in the Cary area with sessions held in the Baptist Building. From Oct. 11 through Oct. 18, the coordinators from three countries in Southern Africa -South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho - will travel with associational leaders across North Carolina.

During the Baptist Building sessions, the Tar Heel leaders shared the philosophies and the implementation of their programs.

Lodging was provided in a nearby motel with meals available in the Baptist Building and in the area. The intense training/planning sessions included a trip to Cameron Boys Camp near Vass.

The evening of Oct. 9 was devoted to a conference with Associational Partnership leaders which gave the Southern African coordinators an opportunity to present their needs to the North Carolina leaders.

The comprehensive session included a discussion of needs in the areas of training, church development, project processing, cross cultural ministering, proper dress of U.S. volunteers and addressing Hindu/Asian/Muslim ministries.

One major subject addressed was "Third World vs. First World in South Africa."

Opportunity was provided for small group sessions, involving the Southern Africans and those with whom they will be partnering from North Carolina.

The process through which the N.C. Partnership Office works was presented by Linda Hicks who has worked in that assignment for years.

Marjorie Froise, editor of the Baptist paper in Southern Africa, talked about the publicity in her country for the partnerships.

After nearly 20 years of partnerships with many parts of the United States and several countries in the world, the partnership with Southern Africa is considered the most massive and far-reaching of any attempted by Tar Heel Baptists.

The geographical size of the countries on the African continent are challenging, but a bit overwhelming, according to Brunson.

"Yet, the opportunities are unlimited, in so many areas," the director of Baptist Men and coordinator of the partnerships said.

The size, diversity, needs and aspects of the culture that is now emerging from apartheid, gives unprecedented opportunities for contributions by N.C. Baptists, Brunson said.