After 40 hours of traveling, we landed in South Africa. In just a few short weeks, the rest of the Paradigm Shift staff will arrive and collectively we’ll launch the pilot program here in the Johannesburg metro area. Can’t wait to continue to share the success of it here!
Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa’s biggest problem – the crushing passivity of the people’s mindset.
Matthew Parris writes a brief and engaging article for the London Times paper based in the UK.
Check out the article below or visit their site
Read the full post…
Here are a few significant and national challenges for prayer for South Africa:
The need for stable government. The euphoria of the ‘New’ South Africa has worn off. Pray for all in leadership that wise decisions, fair laws and economic betterment may be the hallmark. There are too many African examples of demagoguery, decline, corruption and cronyism for there to be any complacency. There are many committed Christians at every level in society.
The need for ongoing healing and reconciliation. The legacy of contempt, mistrust, fear, injustice, violence, intimidation and deep hurt has scarred the soul of the nation. Pray for a healthy balance between non-racialism and affirmative action (favoring the previously disadvantaged) in education, the economy, employment and leadership.
The need for economic betterment. There are extremes of wealth and poverty with the attendant evils of corruption, crime. Tangible improvements are needed to head off a future explosion. Pray that the available resources may be best used for the good of all.
The past 15 years have been ones of remarkable change for South Africa. Here are a few significant and national answers to prayer for this nation.
- Transition from white rule and apartheid to a non-racial democracy was achieved relatively peacefully rather than the feared bloodbath. The courage of F.W. de Klerk, the magnanimity of Nelson Mandela and the prayers of God’s people were key components in this.
- The institution of a functioning democracy and three successful general elections in 1994, 1999 and 2004.
- Strenuous efforts by local churches to roll back the centuries of discrimination, oppression and pain have borne fruit. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission under Archbishop Desmond Tutu was one means to begin addressing the wrongs of the past. There is a great distance to go, but praise God for what has been achieved.
- The massive growth of global vision and multiplication of South African mission involvement by all communities after the ending of South Africa’s diplomatic isolation in 1993. Innovative strategies for sending and support have been developed. In 1993 there were 650 South Africans serving abroad. That number had reached 1,870 in 1999.
- The multiplication of Christian ministries to help the disadvantaged – slum-dwellers, unemployed, the victims of rape, crime and AIDS, etc., has been a remarkable testimony.
Excerpts taken from Operation World
