after arriving in the johannesburg airport, we were told there were going to be some changes to our trip. we came prepared to do hospice care for those dying of AIDS, but were informed that not enough people were identified as being in need of this kind of care. when a person admits to having AIDS, they are rejected by their families, leaving them isolated from their community and anything familiar. many prefer not to disclose this information and die in the company of family rather than live an extended life rejected and alone with treatment.
i can tell you that everything we thought we had prepared for was turned completely upside down. God had other plans. our ways are not his ways, nor our thoughts his thoughts. he had a bigger and better plan in mind. instead of hospice care, we were able to work alongside the home care team going into the "squatter camps." squatter camps are clusters of small shacks, packed closely together, a residence for south africa's poorest and also refugees from joining countries seeking employment to support their family. the home care workers are a handful of people living in these squatter camps that are trained and employed by Refilwe, a community outreach program, to give care to their community while also sharing the gospel.
we split up into small groups, about 3-4 americans paired with 2-3 home care workers. each team was assigned a camp and we spent each day 8am-4pm walking in and out of homes. the workers had already built relationships with these people, so we were there to offer support and assist them wherever needed. we were told it was against their law to give out any pills, even tylenol, so we came with just a wash cloth, antibiotic ointment, and soap to give to each home we visited. the home care workers acted as our translators as well. some people spoke english, especially the children. one day, we were able to visit a "cresh," a daycare, and spent a few hours playing with the children. we gave them toys, read stories to them, sang songs, danced, and just loved on them. the daycare was no more than another shack with a few chairs and a table squeezed inside. they mainly spent their time outside playing on their "playground" that had a rusty swing set, all surrounded by barbed wire with broken beer bottles scattered on the ground. it was a bit sobering to think of the abundance of toys, supplies, and resources we have at my preschool.
as we walked into the homes, each person we talked to had different needs. some had wounds that we dressed. many asked for seeds to plant a garden. one elderly woman was alone and more than anything wanted someone to talk to. most asked for prayer for employment or healing for family members. we were able to share the gospel and pray with each person we met, and often read scripture to those who allowed us. we learned quickly that praying was not something they did out in the open. each time, they would ask us to come inside before we prayed. as encouraging as it was to be able to pray with these people and share the word, we also knew how many different, contradicting beliefs were part of their culture. we asked if they believed that Jesus died on the cross for our sins to which they would answer yes. we asked if they worshiped God and they quickly agreed yes. then we asked if they also prayed to their ancestors and they said yes. many of them also had black bands around their neck, wrist, or waist signifying they also made visits to the witch doctor. many became upset when we would show them scripture telling them Jesus is the only way to heaven and that their ancestors cannot save them. they explained that they believe all of that but it is a part of their culture to pray to their ancestors and it would be disrespectful to not do so. it became overwhelming to be aware of all of the false teaching leading south africa further and further from God.
while sharing the gospel with these people was beneficial, we soon recognized that our short visits would not have a lasting effect on these people. it was the home care workers who would see them day after day that would have the most influence on their lives. and we began to be purposeful of our time with them, investing in them, sharing scripture with them, and encouraging them in the boldness to share truth with these people. they have heard the truth, and now it is up to the home care workers to be the word in the flesh for them. as we left the camps at the end of the week, i felt cheated out of time, wishing i could go in and out of each home, spending time in the word and sharing with them about Christ. but i am confident that God is going to use these workers to complete his work, and that he will raise up just one believer to be a light in that community.
i know that God is calling me back to africa, and i'm ready and waiting to return, hopefully to stay much longer than a week. for now, please continue to pray for me as i process all that God is teaching me, and that i would be obedient to where he leads me.
