Missions in Africa// July 2022

South Africa - Cape Town and Johannesburg

My 3 weeks in South Africa were spent with 3 different tribes from different social classes. I’ve seen how His love is for everyone regardless of their origin. Is also humbling to model and learn how to be a better witness cross-culturally in Africa.

The first family I've stayed with is of French descent. I pondered “why this family? what do they need?”. Apparently, the daughter of this family has been having daily anxiety attacks, paralyzing her for weeks. We worshipped and sought God together where she encountered Jesus for herself and instantly felt lifted. When I left, in tears she goes, “Thank you. Nobody has ever done this for me before. God sent you to our family at the right time.” I came to understand being a witness entails ushering God’s presence into a household, and that can bring so much healing, joy, and peace. God is looking for hearts willing to be used anywhere, anyway, and anytime. All we need to do is to say yes.

Rina, 76 YO, has been a farmer for 30 years. She shared how it is to live simply.

Mama Ilsa and her daughter, living in Capetown

The second family is in Johannesburg's Township (slum) with a Zulu (Black) family. I have been so blessed by their hospitality. Despite not having much, they are so willing to give! I remember a time when my friend, Prince, with only 20 rad (SGD$1.70) in his pocket, spent 10 rad (SGD$0.80) on a loaf of bread for a homeless man we met on the street. That 20 rad was all he had for the day to cover his meals. Prince begins to testify about God's providence to him. I was moved to tears as his giving reminds me of the woman with her two copper coins. It was extravagant and lavishing for the message of love.

Captured a precious moment of Prince gifting his niece. Love their smile.

Prince's mother, Thuli (pic below), is a hard worker. She lost her job years ago and her family once fed only fatty cakes for 14 days. In her desperation, she fasted and trusted that she would be provided. With the last 3 fat cakes left for Prince, support arrived in a timely manner and she got a job that provides more than she asked for. 🙌

Thuli (left)

Fat cake, an African dish.

These amazing people gave me their best in hospitality. They showed how contentment and joy are found in intimacy, and that certainty is not a prerequisite for faith.

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The third community is the church family in Johannesburg of the Indian (Asian) descent. I was invited to share the testimonies of Ukraine in their African church. It was very scary speaking to a large group. However, being able to encourage other believers to stay on their journey with God gives me such great joy. One of the believers’ words were, “The volunteers at the borders showed me that while there are people out there living to die, there are people dying to love”. It hit me hard.

This family took care of me as their own, making sure I'm always well-fed and kept warm (I've gained so much weight staying with them. Hahaha) They have given me the best of themselves and I'm deeply impacted by their kindness towards me.

Street evangelism; prayed for Helen (left) who decided to be reconnected to church. She was in an abusive relationship and is in the process of healing. 

Street evangelism with the church members 

África Oriental - Moçambique 

Mozambique is the 5th poorest country in the world, and it remained poor due to corruption. Yet, the people here are so kind and humble. It is relatively safe for me to walk around the neighbourhood alone at Maputo as compared to South Africa. 

Thankful to be given platforms to share and hear from the people in church and the communities. I see how hungry and open they are to the gospel and discipleship.

The SEND series at a youth service.
Many young people responded to the call to go and live a missional life in their communities! 

Gender focus group sharing with the church. These sisters in Christ opened up about their pain and suffering and we prayed to receive breakthroughs and deliverance.

Mozambique is one of the more challenging places for mission. There is so much injustice, oppression, and slavery happening right here in the 21st century. Do pray with me in these áreas.

1. The authorities mercilessly sought to take, deceive and steal. Corruption practiced among government officials, police, teachers, and pastors.
2. In schools, students offer sexual favors to teachers in order to remain in school.
3. Child brides (children below 16 years old) are made to marry older men.
4. Albino people are abducted due to witchcraft’s myth that their flesh could disease and bring prosperity.
5. The myth of child rape as a cure for AIDS (virgin cleansing myth).

Beatrice is one of the missionaries I'm currently residing with. She is a Brazilian who said yes to the call of Mozambique 12 years ago. She shared her experience of injustice where her car was severely damaged but the perpetrator got away with it by bribing the police officers. This incident has impacted and compelled her to intercede. I'm truly inspired by her faith to stay on for 12 years despite being mistreated by the local authorities consistently. It takes faith to go, and bravery to STAY.

Beatrice (left) - missionary from Brazil

The people of Africa showed me that joy is a gift of God, and it comes to those who take life daily, whatever it may bring, from the hand of a loving Father. The secret of life is the presence of God himself.

I would be heading back to Singapore on 31 July. Looking forward to meeting my fellow Singaporeans! More updates in person when I`m back! 😁♥️