Even as young believers, Hope's vision of fulfilling the Great Commission by planting churches had been etched in our hearts. During one Missions Sunday, we responded to the call to do missions in South Africa.
When we first landed in South Africa, we had to learn to assimilate to the new environment and our new roles. Things like logistics and AV setups, as well as preaching were new, so there was a steep learning curve to get up to speed. We were also new parents, so we had to juggle different roles – working, leading the church, taking care of our toddler as well as doing household chores. Yet as we gave our best to Him, God provided and protected us.
South Africa was known to be a dangerous place. Our neighbour who lived in the same complex was robbed at gunpoint, but we didn’t experience any security incident throughout our stay. We also got into a traffic accident where our car was hit from behind by a drunk driver. Our son, Matthias, was in the car and the car was so badly damaged that it had to be scrapped. But by God’s grace, we only sustained whiplash injury.
God also never failed to provide for us. Our business was not sustainable over there, but we were often blessed with love offerings by strangers who told us that God had told them to do so. It was amazing to experience first-hand an unseen Father watching over our needs.
God also moved powerfully in His church. We witnessed miracle after miracle, from people being healed from HIV, to the jobless coming forward for prayer and landing jobs shortly after.
As God manifested Himself tangibly among us, the church grew. Pastor Henry and Lerato were commissioned as pastors of the church in 2006. Today, Hope South Africa has 105 adults, youth and children, and continues to shine God’s light. During last year’s Easter outreach, the church gave out random gifts to all the children and youth who came. One girl who was in need of underwear received a box containing underwear and socks – she had never even owned socks before in her life! Some were so moved by their gifts that they wept.
To us, planting churches starts with one simple commitment and continues through a lifetime of faithfulness: knowing Christ, and making Him known, right where we are. Not when conditions are perfect; not when we feel ready. Right here, right now, as God leads and as He opens doors.
