CAPE TOWN, South Africa — It is known to be one of the most dangerous townships in South Africa. More children are murdered here than anywhere else in the country.

The Nyanga township near Cape Town International Airport may have a reputation of violence, but volunteers from Forest Hills Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, are not letting that stop them from shining the light of Christ in an otherwise dark place.

In Cape Town, many children are coming to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior when they hear about Him at soccer clinics and Holiday Bible Clubs. Pray that these children will become strong disciples of Christ.

From Pam Lynch: We ended the week with a wonderful “Celebration” service at New Crossroads Baptist Church near Andile and Mzamomhle schools. All of the children were invited to attend the service. They commenced with very enthusiastic singing of the theme song, “Life Champs,” based on Joshua 1:9 and written by the seminary students who had helped lead the Holiday Bible Schools and Soccer Camps. A skit was presented by one of the classes of girls, also based on the Scripture verse for the week. After some of the seminary students presented a skit of the Prodigal Son, centering around forgiveness and acceptance, Bibles were given to all of the childrens who had accepted Christ as their Savior this week. Although not all of the kids who made this important decision were able to attend the service, 103 Bibles were presented to these new believers! This was an exciting time for them. Their “coaches” (teachers) did the presentations which made it all the more special for the kids. Praise the Lord for these camps and kids who are now part of the Lord’s family. The church was given the admonition to accept and nurture these children. Missionaries who work in these schools will be doing follow-up with them as well.

So many decisions today! Here’s the story: Balls bouncing, laughter ringing, voices singing, feet stamping, hands clapping. What do all of these have to do with sports camp? When you get 134 African teens together, fun occurs. When you bring the Lord into it, lives are saved. Today 134 teens came to the Mzamomhle World Cup Holiday Bible School and Sports Camp in the Phillipi township in Cape Town. Each of them had their own lives and agenda for the day. At the end of the day, 54 of these young people had new lives and new agendas; our Lord had entered their hearts and lives. As they leave the camp, questions come from them – Will you pray for my safety, my friends are druggies and I’m afraid? Will my parents be in heaven with me? Each of the leaders of this camp have been praying for these children. The Lord heard those prayers and felt compassion and called them to be His children. Continue to pray for these kids and for the leaders who will rise up and disciple them.

Gail Davis writes: Even amidst poverty, rain, freezing temperatures and no breakfast, 81 children came to the Andile School Holiday Bible School and Sports Camp in New Crossroads Township, Cape Town, Tuesday, June 15th. There were 8 stations but most importantly, today was THE day to present the Gospel to all these children. At the end of the day, 14 children professed saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord knows who needs to hear and He encourages them to come even in the midst of so many reasons not to attend.

Near to many of the World Cup stadiums people live in wretched conditions. The effects of poverty and unemployment are evident all around. Individuals who are suffering from acute physical needs simply don’t have time to think about their spiritual state. Christians wanting to reach out and help these needy communities require godly wisdom. Intercede for followers of Christ in South Africa who have a heart to share their possessions and their faith with those who are less fortunate. Remember especially members of Eastside Community Church in Pretoria and King of Kings Baptist Church near Cape Town. Pray that people who receive assistance from Christians will acknowledge that the followers of Jesus are representatives of God and His great love for all people.