What an amazing experience we had at Soetwater yesterday with the beautiful people who are staying there as refugees because of the xenophobic attacks. These people are in an incredibly tough situation. They have no homes, very few possessions, most have no jobs, and they literally do not know what to do. I can only imagine how helpless you would feel and how hopeless life would seem during a time like this. The good news is that the camp site is becoming very well-organised and the necessary supplies are getting to the people. There are also many amazing volunteers who are helping to make life in the camp more enjoyable and there is an air of peace in the camp. Only God knows how long this situation is sustainable but we are praying for an outcome that will truly assist these people to move forward with their lives.
So back to yesterday… We organised a small outreach team to provide some entertainment and together with the support of Joyce Meyer Ministries, we were able to give out Bibles, plus 100 pairs of shoes we had bought! We gathered the kids together, then Blair and Chantel led with some songs of praise to God (in both English and African). It was so much fun and the kids were loving it! Some of the adults soon started to gather around and we then played the great youth ministry game “Chubby Bunny.” (Yep it even works in a refugee camp!!!) Jon Norman, our English import led in the fun and we had kids lining up to say “Chubby Bunny” with mouths full of marshmallows… It was hilarious! It was so wonderful to see everyone laughing and even more adults drawn to the ‘commotion’ where they smiled and enjoyed watching these little champions with bits of marshmallow flying everywhere… We sung a few more songs as the crowd gathered and then it was time to share a few thoughts with everyone at the camp… I could not help but think of what to say in a situation like this?? We kept our message simple so that the kids could understand as well… We talked about Australia, did some Kangaroo impersonations, and then went on to Lion impersonations… And then talked about how God made all things and how God loves all animals and all people. We then shared from Psalms 40 where it says that God hears our cry and will lift us out of the pit of despair. We then had a time of prayer and you could sense God’s Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of people.
Following that, it was time to give out the Bibles. We had both English and French translations so we decided to wander around the campsite and give them out. As we did, word got round that we had French Bibles and all of a sudden, people started running toward us to receive them. It was amazing to witness the scene as they were so thankful! What we soon realised was that many Africans from the region of the Congo were French-speaking and did not expect us to have Bibles in their language for them!! Some were in tears as they received them…
It was an incredible experience, and we want to thank everyone who has assisted in some way – whether by volunteering, prayer support or through a financial gift. We are planning another outreach next week and will keep you posted with details.
: Account written by Phil Dooley | Pastor, Hillsong Church Cape Town :
For more pictures.. Read the rest of this entry ?
