DURBAN, South Africa — Thick mud clings to the shoes of Pastor Xolani (Ko-lan-ee) Klaas and his church members as they walk through an informal settlement in Newlands East.
The mud makes walking difficult, forcing the team to slip as they walk up and down the hills past tiny shacks constructed of scrap metal, tarps and cloth. Each houses an entire family, inadequately providing shelter from the cool, wet weather. Yet amid the struggle of everyday life, the smiling faces of residents conversing with one another reveal there is still joy and happiness in their community.
The evangelism in the informal settlements can be closely compared to how Jesus did ministry, because the needs of the people are so immediate. Klaas explains, “People, if they are hungry, will not listen because their primary needs have not been met.”
The residents of Newlands East struggle to find food, water and, above all, medicine, since medicines tend to be more expensive. Klaas’ church, Hope Restoration Baptist Church, has started taking food and blanket packets to individuals and talking with them about coming to church.
One woman, who was born in 1918, receives a blanket, and her eyes shine with gratitude and amazement as she unwraps it and rubs the soft, thick material between her fingers.
After giving her the blanket, Klaas prays for her, that she would have strength, healing and wisdom. He emphasizes that all providence and glory go to God and encourages her and her family to attend the service on Sunday morning.
Klaas is confident God is at work in South Africa. “The same thing that happened in the Book of Acts, that is happening in South Africa right now,” he claims. “There’s so much of a revival. You go everywhere, Christians are standing up. They are … evangelizing. They can’t keep quiet, talking about Christ.”
Evelyn Adamson is an intern writer for the IMB Global Communication Team. She is working on a degree in communications and travels as much as possible. She grew up on the mission field and is passionate about God and working with wildlife.
