“Koinonia quilt” does battle against HIV/AIDS

The Koinonia Quilt, begun in Africa in August 2003, is on a mission against HIV/AIDS. It has already travelled to North America and Europe, with more stops to come.

At Mennonite World Conference Assembly 14 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, more than 400 women, men and children from around the world hand-stitched fabric patches onto muslin squares. The last dozen blocks and final machine quilting were done in California after the assembly. The quilt was dedicated in a service led by Paul Quiring, MWC treasurer, Oct. 27.

Since then, the quilt has been on display in various Mennonite churches in Europe. In February, it will return to North America, beginning in Ontario.

The quilt was the dream of Pakisa Tshimika, an expert on HIV/AIDS who works with MWC’s Gift Sharing Program. Pauline Aquilar of Reedley, Cal. implemented the project.

“Each block is unique,” says Aquilar, “but the variations of size and stitching don’t stop the flow of connection and unity.” Hence the name, “Koinonia Quilt.”

Quilt detail

Tshimika hopes the travels of the quilt will be self-financing, will connect churches and people involved with HIV/AIDS programs, and will raise funds for the struggle against HIV/AIDS such as MCC’s Generations at Risk project. Requests for the quilt can be addressed to MWC’s California office).

—Ferne Burkhardt, MWC