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.”

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — When he was just a 3-year-old toddler, Raldo was standing too close to a fire his uncle built. Not realizing his small nephew was nearby, the uncle turned around and doused the fire with paraffin.

“The fire came at me,” Raldo said.

Now 9 years old, Raldo is severely scarred on his face, arms and hands from the blaze. But that does not stop this youngster from living a life like any kid his age.

Raldo is just one of hundreds of children in the Capricorn township who received a new pair of shoes thanks to Samaritan’s Feet South Africa, a Christian non-profit organization that works through volunteers to share Bible stories and distribute shoes to children in need.

Ghana is Africa’s last team remaining in the contest to win the 2010 World Cup trophy, and hopes are high around the continent that The Black Stars will advance to the semifinals with a win over Uruguay. Television viewers and radio listeners around the world will probably hear the word hope used repeatedly before, during and after the match. Pray that this will open a door for Christians to tell friends and family members about Jesus, the Hope within them. Pray for receptive hearts and minds on the part of those who need Him in their lives. Pray that Jesus will be acknowledged as the real Hope of Africa – and the world.

During the World Cup, Central Baptist Church in Pretoria decided they want to do “one or two things and do them well.” They chose to focus on outreach and hospitality. The church, which is located close to a World Cup stadium, is working with partnering congregations to share the Gospel with fans on their way to the stadium and to provide meals during big screen showings of World Cup matches.

Africans from all over the continent are pinning their hopes on Ghana, the only African team still in the World Cup. In South Africa, Friday is “wear the colors of Ghana” day! Ghana face Uruguay in the second quarterfinal match.

Half of the teams in the quarterfinals are from South America, which can only increase excitement and anticipation over the fact that the 2014 World Cup will be in South America!

It’s not too early to begin praying for Christians in Brazil, site of the 2014 tournament. Having the nations come to you is both a blessing and a challenge. Intercede for followers of Jesus in Brazil, praying they will be joyful, creative, and unified as they plan outreaches for the next World Cup.