To receive
It has already been more than four years since we first came into contact with the community of Phumzile. It was in 2020, just before the lockdown in South Africa due to the corona pandemic. In the open field at the entrance to the township, our colleagues distributed food parcels and held a short meditation.
In the years that followed, we were able to get to know the community more and more. That normally doesn’t happen automatically. Phumzile is an illegal, but government-tolerated township, built on a garbage dump. More than ten different nationalities can be found there. In one square kilometer you will find literally hundreds of people, living in simple houses made of sheet metal.
Weekly visit
By coming back week after week, showing our faces, making contact and having many conversations, Bethlehem has slowly become part of this community. About two years ago we helped set up two soup kitchens for the most needy in the community. Most of the community members live in difficult circumstances and many children went to school without food. For these reasons the daily bread is well received.
The community itself is responsible for the operation of these kitchens. Through trial and error, local leaders and community members began to trust Bethlehem, and eventually there was opportunity for one Bible class per week.
Since the beginning of this year (2024), we have had two simple meetings around God’s Word. In this way, offering practical help became a starting point to gain confidence, in order to eventually be able to explain God’s Word.
Private land
In a recent article we we wrote that after a long wait, land was allocated by the government. This development was a cause of wonder for our mission team. In the past months we have prepared the site and now there is a simple building. We hope to slowly begin working on expansion soon, so that in addition to Bible classes for adults, we can also start working with children at this location.
Simply building
We solemnly conclude that the Lord Himself is the Giver of all this, but what good will it do without His blessing? Therefore, it is our heartfelt wish and prayer that the Lord will bless these simple gatherings around His Word. So that from a contrite heart a prayer for mercy may arise and people will learn to receive true saving faith. Freely, through grace alone.
Mathias Weststrate
