Doing
ministry in South Africa is somewhat similar to doing ministry in America, but
is also very different. Just like in
America, many of the students we have talked to say they are Christian, but
after a few short conversations we quickly realize that they aren’t. However unlike America, many of their
families still practice ancestor worship.
Also, there’s an element of tribalism that is very different than
anything we have in America. Overall,
our experience with the South African students has been awesome! They are all very welcoming, and we've really
enjoyed ministering to them and learning about the culture.
-Stephen
Chambers
South Africa is amazing! Being here has been such a blessing
and has drawn me to God more than I could have ever imagined. The South
Africans here on the campus of Wits University are so open to talking about
Christ and have been such a joy to be around. Yesterday, I had conversation
with a practicing Hindu and I began sharing the Gospel of Christ with him. I
compared Karma (You get what you deserve i.e what goes around comes around) to
the gospel of Grace (Meaning that there is no condemnation for those who are in
Christ Jesus [Romans 8:1] Keshan was super intrigued by the gospel of Grace and
wanted deeply to know more about Christ. Please pray for Keshan and all the
students that are here at Wits University. The Lord is doing amazing things at
Wits and I am thankful for you and your life in the Gospel. Grace and Peace to
you all.
-Patrick
Mauney
My time in South Africa has been stellar. Learning and
seeing first hand the affects of apartheid and then how a nation united and is
progressively working towards unity everyday is encouraging. I am amazed at the
kindness of the students of Witwaterstrand and their inviting nature. God has
been teaching me how to just have a conversation with someone and appreciate
them for them. God has also been teaching me so much about loving His people as
our team of 20 is living together in close quarters. Overall, I have been struck
again and again by the power and faithfulness of God in my weaknesses and how
the Gospel of Jesus Christ prevails against all evil thoughts and powers. The
gospel has been blowing me away so far and I am excited to see where God takes
me throughout the rest of the trip.
-Mason
Carpenter
South Africa has been fantastic so far. It hasn't been long
since South Africa wasn’t even considered a country for the racial crimes
committed during apartheid. Already, the redemptive qualities of God are beginning
to shine through on this amazing country, as I can see the country seeking
unity between the races. The generation
we are ministering too, in college, is the first generation of collegiate that
in no way experienced apartheid. This is
evident in my mind as most of the students are welcoming to us Americans and
surprisingly open to spiritual conversations. Three students in particular,
Thumi, Terrance, and Snesh, are abundant with questions, which is a true sign
that God is answering our prayers that the students would want to here the
Gospel. Unfortunately, most of the
student’s versions of Christianity are not Biblically grounded, including these
three. Please pray that the students at
Wits, these three in particular, would continue to seek truth, and to look
toward the Bible to find it. God is
doing big things here in South Africa.
-Wes Gaylor
