JOHANNESBURG — Desperate areas. These are the focus of Impact Africa, a mission organization operating under the belief that people in desperate situations are searching for something that leads to hope and a better life.
The organization, which launched in 2003, ministers among the poorest of the poor, who live in settlements called squatter camps surrounding South Africa’s large cities. Impact Africa has a vision to be an agent of change through Christian outreach events, children’s education, teaching, discipleship and facilitation of short-term mission teams.
During the World Cup, a seven-member team representing Impact Africa are sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in Diepsloot, a community in northern Johannesburg.
“The people here [in South Africa] love sports,” said volunteer Andrew Bailey from Canada, “allowing us to use sports terms, such as ‘spreading the net’ or ‘the perfect goal,’ to help people better understand the Gospel.”
The Impact Africa team is using a ministry program called “Super League,” created by Eastside Community Church in Pretoria. Though mainly focused on soccer clinics, the curriculum also incorporates arts and crafts, drama, music and dance.
Zimbabwean Joseph Sheroni says, “We want to use this opportunity to reach the children and let them know that God loves them and that in God’s eyes they have worth no matter where they come from.”
Doors into the adult community of Diepsloot are also opening as parents watch and hear about their children’s experiences. The community also comes to watch World Cup matches at events hosted by Impact Africa.
David Shaw, a team member from the U.S., says: “Because of the big screen, people are coming to see the games, but [they] also get to hear the [Gospel] message. I think people will have an opportunity to have an eternity mindset.”
