For two months now, I’ve lived in Soshanguve, the most corrupt and crime-ridden part of South Africa. I stay in a gated property, surrounded by an electric fence with spikes. Just outside the gate, Soshanguve is overrun by alcohol, drugs, and darkness.
The truth about Soshanguve is that everyday during evangelism, I encounter more drunk men than sober.
The truth about Soshanguve is that at least once a week, I hear gunshots as I fall asleep.
I can spot the drug lords car driving down the street. (Its a blue Polo)
I have gotten more marriage proposals than I thought possible.
I have learned that phrases like “you’re beautiful” and “I love you” mean nothing here.
This country, this town full of corrupt people living dark lives, has changed me.
It’s been on my heart to write this blog for a while now, but I’ve put it off because I didn’t want to scare anyone with the facts of where I am and the people I encounter daily. I left home as a quiet girl who had little boldness and zero confidence. But the reality I have been living in HAS changed me.
I’ve grown in boldness.
I’ve grown in confidence of who I am.
I’ve learned to defend myself and defend others.
Ive learned to speak up for myself when I feel wronged.
I’ve learned how to love people who are actively walking in darkness.
I’ve pursued Jesus more than ever before, because I say without Christ is a day completely wasted.
Soshanguve has taught me how to reach a group of people I never would’ve reached out to before. My focus was always on children, but Soshanguve has taught me that the corrupt people that the world disowns need Jesus, too. They are just as worthy of love because they have been created by the ultimate creator.
It’s been hard living here. There were many days that I didn’t see the benefit of evangelism, so I didn’t want to do it. Again and again, Christ has reminded me that it’s not my job to see the fruit, but to simply plant the seeds. Living here has been a gift, even though it oftentimes didn’t feel like it.
I am more capable to reach a bigger group of people in America because of the people I was surrounded by here in Soshanguve. I am becoming more and more equipped to be a missionary in America, thanks to my stay in South Africa.
Thanks, God. That’s pretty cool.
