|
Closing the gap
After 30-plus turbulent years under “apartheid,” South
Africa held its first national democratic elections in 1994.
Under the rule of the previously all-white government, the
political and economic gap between whites and the black majority
had expanded at a rapid rate. Now, though racially motivated
laws have been repealed, the black population continues to
struggle in getting back on their feet.
To assist in the recovery process, the government of South
Africa has set up several mini-villages outside of urban areas.
These settlements are a long way from glamorous. In fact, according
to the Director of African Ministries, residents are on “the
edge of survival.” He says, “This is a new kind
of hunting and gathering society with evidence of this in the ‘houses’ and
on the streets; in the clothing they wear, or often the lack
thereof.”
But at least these settlements are allowing people—who
were previously residing illegally on the property of others—to
have land they can call their own.
“Blessed are the poor”
In the midst of these small-budget villages, God is opening
big-opportunity doors. Trained by the Bible League, South
African Christians are establishing evangelical churches
in these brand-new, unreached communities. As
the physically and spiritually deprived pour in, church planters
are sharing the hope of the Gospel with them.
It’s not an easy task for church planters to reach a
group that has been neglected for so long. Faced with unemployment
and hunger, it’s hard for many to look beyond their circumstances.
South Africa’s church planting coordinator says that
they are asked, “If Jesus loves me, why I am like this?” He
responds, “God loves us—even in our poverty. And
he can change our lives.” (To read the testimony of this
church planter, click
here.)
Over the course of time, church planters continue to share
this message through their actions and through God’s
Word. One by one, the impoverished of South Africa are coming
to know the spiritual wealth of a life in Christ. And slowly
but surely, Christ’s Church is growing in these shantytowns.
In truth and love
It’s not just among the poor that Christ’s Church
is growing. Bible League-trained workers
are laboring faithfully to establish new churches throughout
South Africa—in
areas where there was no previous evangelical presence.
Bible League-trained church planters are succeeding in their
endeavor for two reasons. First, they are founding churches
on the basis of God’s Word. While churches are plentiful
in this country, many neglect the teachings of the Bible. God
is blessing the work of church planters who point Africans
to the Truth.
Moreover, South African church planters are succeeding because
they use a strong relational approach in ministry. Many of
them continue to work in normal jobs—even after they
have completed church planter training. Through everyday conversations,
church planters are building evangelistic bridges to their
co-workers.
A matter of prayer
Remember South Africa in your prayers. While many steps are
being taken forward, this country has a long way to go towards
healing. Poverty abounds, racial tensions remain, and millions
still don’t understand what it means to have Jesus as
their Savior.
But through God’s grace, and through your prayers, it
might only be a matter of time before everything changes. |
To provide Bibles to the Christians longing to have them,
click here
We need to plant the churches that proclaim Jesus as Lord
and Savior... Read
more
As South Africans turn their hearts towards Christ, communities
are being changed—and major societal problems are
diminishing in God’s hands... Read more
|
South Africa