-Prayer initiatives and missions involvement have flourished in SA. “The multiplication of Christian ministries helping the disadvantaged is a remarkable testimony, even as the numbers of these unfortunates continue to increase. There are profoundly touching and effective ministries to victims of rape, crime and AIDS, to those in prison, to slum-dwellers and the unemployed and to the poorest of the poor.
-“South Africa’s functioning demoncracy, which has continued now through four general elections, allows the population a say in determinng the country’s future and sets a positive example for the rest of Africa that such models are sustainable and practicable.”
The legacy of apartheid.
-The impact of this racial segregation continues to impact the nation and while there has been progress, the inequalities and injustices of the past have an effect on the future.
-Pray for reconciliation among all races, not just among black-white relations but among coloured and Indian peoples as well as the relations between the various black ethnicities. “The ‘rainbow nation’ must still deal with contempt, mistrust and deep-seated hurts and fears among peoples of this diverse but troubled land. Pray that the Church might lead the way by living out the truth of oneness in Christ Jesus.”
-“Poverty and economic inequality. Land redistribution and affirmative action in employment are contentious intiatives that seek to assist the previously disadvantaged, but they come at a cost to the efficient running of the economy. Extremes of wealth and poverty persist. The black majority itself includes a wealthy elite and a poor majority, but the middle class is growing. Pray for economic measures that might uplift those most needing assistance without crippling the effective running of the economy.”
-“Rape and violent crime rates are alarmingly high. The proliferation of illegal firearms, poverty, desperation and lack of justice fuels hopelessness and anarchy. Pray for those working for justice and for people’s safety ��” especially pray for the beleaguered police force. Pray for Christian ministries working with children at risk, jobless young people, prisoners and the police force. Pray that the spirit of violence ��” both physical and sexual ��” might be bound under the authority of Christ.”
AIDS and other diseases.
-Again, it is a huge problem. While the HIV-occurrence rate is dropping, “the impact of AIDS is already devasting and yet to be fully felt – on the economy, demography, and in ministry. There are around 500,000 new infections every year and nearly two million AIDS orphans. About 14% of the population are infected (some sources say more), but some regions or groups are much higher (infection rates of women aged 20-34 are at more than 40%). Nearly alf of those with HIV have access to anti-retrovirals, but half of those with HIV also have tuberculosis, greatly increasing mortality rates. Pray that Christians might be used of God to care for the victims, the orphans, and the bereaved. In Christ, there is a meaningful message of eternal hope, plus the spiritaul power and moral foundation to mitigate the impact of AIDS. Ther are dozens of Christian agencies and NGOs, as well as many churches, active in this field.”
The Church.
-Biblical Christianity is strong, influential and growing. But there are a lot of denominations and a lot of variations within the church in SA. Pray that the Body of Christ in SA would be unified and that there would not be any confusion about what it means to follow Jesus in SA. Pray that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit would be lifted high and that any traditions and practices in the church that are not of God would not flourish.
-Pray for transformational ministry through the Church. Pray that the Church will step up and engage with the “ills besetting society” and that the “life-changing power of the gospel can bring about change that no government policy ever will. Pray that the Christians in SA will “make the sacrifices, take the risks and live out Christ’s love in the hard places because temptation to withdraw to a safe, comfortable, and unengaged existence is ever-present.” Pray that for us too!!
-“Unfinished church planting. To effectively reach and then disciple the millions of unchurched (but usually nominally Christian) South Africans, an estimated 30,000 further congregations are needed.”
-Deep reconciliation and unity. “Since evangelicals were slow to denounce apartheid, divisions and unfinished business remain. A number of denominations have gone through painful periods in dealing with the past. More work is required for real trust, understanding and cooperation to fully develop across cultural barriers. Pray that the whole Church may put the sad conflicts of the past to rest and demonstrate the powerful reality of unity in Jesus.”
-Revival.
Society.
-South African society has a strong post-Christian worldview that has center stage in the media and has pushed through the legalization of pornography, gay marriage, prostitution, and gambling. So pray that Christians would be able to love those legislators and those who engage in the now lawful behavior well and that the love of Christ will surpass the desires to live in sin.
Our Ministry
-Pray for many salvations in SA, and that God would use us to bring what is spiritually dead back to life.
-Pray that we will be an example to fellow believers and encourage Christians in South Africa.
-Pray that we will love every single person that we meet so well – fellow laborers in Christ, ministry partners, people with AIDs, prostitutes, everyone.