friday in the cape

As I shared previously, I visited two ministries on Friday. SHADE works in the city and serves those who have been displaced from other countries in Africa. I met a couple who came to South Africa as refugees from Congo. They experienced and witnessed terrible things during the war there - brutality, rape, murder. They walked 94 days with their five daughters to get to Zambia, then to Cape Town. I was reminded of the stories I heard in Sierra Leone in 2003 following the civil wat there. This couple and ministry have a heart and vision to reach out to the huge numbers of people who are in Cape Town to escape circumstances in their home countries (some are recognized by the South African government, many are not). They provide support groups for women who have experienced so much, as well as weekly programs for the children.

I also visited LIVING HOPE about a half an hour drive south from the city. This ministry specifically addresses the those suffering from AIDS/HIV. They work near a township. They work closely with the local clinics to identify those in desperate need. They recently opened a hospice nearby with about 20 beds. I also heard the story of the local traditional healers (witch doctors) who came to the hospice asking for help for this disease (AIDS) that they could do nothing about. They ministry provided training to educate these traditional healers, which is a huge first step. They have asked to return for more training because they could not take it all in the first time. Along with these traditional healers and the ansestor worship, it is clear that Satan has a tight grip here. The battle is so spiritual.

I went briefly into the township. Many images stood out, but the thing that stood out most was learning about the druglord that controlled this one area of the township. We drove by his big, gated house in the township. He holds the power and is feared. He especially controls youth who sell the drugs. I know this is common throughout the townships.

So, that is just some of what I am processing, reflecting, and praying through. I know I have only stratched the surface of all I have to learn!! Monday I will take a tour of the largest townships near the city, an area called Cape Flats. I am hopeful that I can meet some street workers spending time with street children here on Tuesday. But, it is a holiday, so I am not sure yet.

Thanks for blogging with me. It is so helpful to reflect and write about my time here!