Crossing boundaries: Pentecostal Asia - Africa networks and connections in the context of Botswana

Abstract

This article examines the extent to which Pentecostalism has become a religion without borders. This is supported by the migratory or transnational nature and practice of the Southern African religions in general. The article however focuses on the networks, connections and relationships that develop between Pentecostals in Asia and Africa in the context of Botswana or generally outside their national boundaries. To do this I provide some case studies from my anthropological field research on the establishment and growth of two churches, the Korean Church in Botswana, with roots of origin in South Korea, and the Kingdom City Church in Botswana, with connections and historical origins traceable to Malaysia. The article also examines the networks that have resulted from the formation and growth of these churches. The result and conclusion of the discussion is that Pentecostalism has become a religion without borders or frontiers. It has spread and established networks and connections beyond its borders, as is typical in the case of Botswana, Malaysia and South Korea.