Many of you have probably seen on the news lately that there has been some violence spreading in South Africa. I wanted to first just let you know, that I am watching the news and US travel warnings very closely, and second challenge you to prayer.
The violence has been in area's the South African's call Townships. They are little Ghetto's set up during the time of Apartheid (which you will learn about when you get down here). In the Townships there are many refugees from neighboring countries. People from Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and northern countries like Ethiopia. The violence has been targeted at these people groups, because of the anger and frustration that the Black South Africans have towards these people groups. The anger comes from the thought that these people groups are taking jobs and land from South Africans, so the South Africans want to drive them from their country.
The violence is not directed at westerners, and we will not be in any area's directly affected by the violence. However we will be keeping close watch on the situation and My leadership and I will be praying and deciding how best to move forward for the safety of our team.
So... What do we do about this!?! This is the exact reason why we are going to South Africa. This country needs the love of Christ!! Their is so much heart ache and struggle in this country. Especially in the Townships, among the Black South Africans and the tribal people. We need to pray for this country. Start impacting the country even before you set foot on African soil by praying for this situation. For the displaced refugees from the neighboring countries, for the South Africans that are causing the violence, for the tension and frustration between the South Africans and foreigners living in their Country. Let this awful situation fuel your passion and prayer for this country, and lets bring the light of Christ to a dark situation!
Hope you guys are well, I am even MORE excited about the trip now! Pray Pray Pray!!!! If you feel like God is pressing anything on your heart specifically, please email me about it, I would love to know. Thanks team, WE ARE GOING TO AFRICA!!!!
Karl
Places to watch for yourselves and some recent articles,
http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/
http://topics.cnn.com/topics/south_africa
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24829539/
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