I am dedicating my trip to June Kjome, a dear friend, mentor, role model, social justice activist, missionary and nurse who died at the age of 103.  Her entire life was an inspiration.  She said, “It is a great temptation when you’re older to tell everyone how to do it (the work of peace and justice), but I don’t think people need advice as much as they need examples.”   What an example she was!

June was born in Decorah, Iowa and was enthralled by the missionaries who spoke about their experiences abroad.  After graduating from nursing school June volunteered to be a Lutheran missionary.  When the mission board called her and asked her to go to Zululand, she responded, “Yes, where is it?”

In 1945 she boarded a cargo ship and sailed to South Africa.  For 17 years she worked in the  back country clinics of Zululand.   She was appalled by the institutional racism which fueled her passion for peace and social justice.

Living in LaCrosse, WI she dedicated her life to being a voice for the voiceless  by speaking truth to power.  She was a fierce and fearless advocate for anyone impacted by societal injustice, but it was her action that spoke volumes. She founded the local of chapter of Habitat for Humanity,    She was the founding member of the LaCrosse Interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder Network. June was an advocate for gay and lesbian rights.  She co-founded an anti-war group known as “Women and Black”.  When she was in her 80’s when  her war protests got her  arrested; however, they did not keep her in jail.  June thought the reason they let her go is they did not want her to die on their watch. Together June and I  worked to open a Transitional Housing Unit for victims of domestic violence on the property of our church.   Friends established the June Kjome Justice and Peace Fund to support educational efforts that encourage community members to be informed about and active in, issues of justice and peace at the local, national and international level.  This is just the tip of the iceberg of how June lived out her faith with love and service.

When June turned 100, she was featured in an article in the LaCrosse Tribune, and Representative Jill Billings said of June, “June is LaCrosse’s perfect combination of Mother Theresa and Mother Jones.  June has the love, compassion and acceptance of Mother Theresa, and the voice, determination, and social justice commitment of Mother Jones.”

Without the inspiration and example of June Kjome, I never would have embarked on this journey.   Thanks be to God for  my mentor, role model and dear friend, June Kjome, who I carry in my heart every day.  For me, this trip is in  memory of June.


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