One of the main reasons Colin and I decided to join the route that we chose for the World Race was because it included South Africa. Something inside of me has always wanted to come to South Africa even though I knew very little about the country. And within the first couple of days that we got here God overwhelmed me with just how amazing this place is. I know I have said that for most of the countries we have traveled to so far. And honestly, God has blessed us with amazing hosts and opportunities in the first three beautiful countries we went to. But there is something about Cape Town, South Africa that has captivated me unlike any other place on earth.
Colin put it perfectly when he said, “If Colorado and Hawaii had a baby, her name would be South Africa.”
[Colin and I overlooking Hout Bay]
We live in Oceanview, a small suburb about an hour away from downtown Cape Town by train. It is a breathtaking community; both for the friendly people as well as the amazing views you can catch from our front yard. God perfectly placed us with the mountains and the ocean at our fingertips. And each day, He displays His glory through the sun rising over the mountains in front of us and setting over the sea behind us.
Our host, Bradley, is also one of the most gracious and humble human beings I have ever met. He and his wife and kids gave up their two-bedroom home so that missionaries like us could live in it while serving the Western Cape. He moved his family in with his wife’s sister and her family in order to do so. They serve us and love us so well. The whole block has really welcomed us into their community and the kiddos playing on the street warm our hearts with their laughter every day.
[Overlooking Oceanview from a nearby mountain, and views of our house and street we live on]
But, when people we have met or interacted with around Cape Town hear that we are staying in Oceanview there is always a collective gasp of shock in response. “Aren’t you scared living there? … a lot of bad things happen there.” Truth be told it is a rougher area in the Western Cape. On certain streets gangs are known to fight, and teenagers have been heard to stab someone for a cigarette. There is an overwhelming use of alcohol and drugs by both the teenagers as well as matured adults in the neighborhood and the substance presence many times leads to broken families.
But the Holy Spirit is alive here! God has revealed Himself and made Himself known to these people in a powerful way. Coming from the stark contrast of the spiritual atmosphere in Vietnam, it is very evident of just how much the people of South Africa know and recognize God. Yes, there is pain and hurt through poor life choices in many families here. Yes, there are people that choose to turn their backs on the gospel and live their lives worshipping other idols. But there is also a significant hunger for the Lord here. And God is blessing us every day with opportunities to glorify His name and encourage people to choose to follow Him.
On the 18-hour bus ride from Jo’burg to Cape Town the bus attendants prayed over the microphone that the Holy Spirit would guide us and protect us on our journey. People we meet in restaurants or the grocery store openly praise the name of Jesus. Passengers we meet in taxis to and from other coastal towns pour out their hearts and ask for prayer as they recognize their need for our savior. And our ministry host shows us daily what it means to be obedient to the Lord in every aspect of life.
Amidst the crime, corruption, and brokenness that Cape Town, and specifically Oceanview, may be known for… it is truly evident that the Holy Spirit is alive and moving in this place. And we are so thankful to be able to take part in how God is moving in His people here.
