Hearts That Impact Nations

One of the best parts about our immersion trip has been seeing how the Lord has used His people for His glory. Over the past week, our team has met many fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It has been amazing to see how Christians in South Africa are living their lives for the advancement of God’s kingdom!

My team has the honor of working with Living Hope for both of our weeks here, and we have met countless Christians who truly serve the Lord with their heart, soul, and mind. The healthcare workers in both Capricorn and Ocean View visit their clients every day to ensure that they are staying healthy. Even in areas where crime is present with safety risks, these people are persistent in fulfilling their role that supports their communities. We were able to pray over the clients, and we’ve witnessed how truly the Living Hope staff cares for them.

Living Hope also has a life skills program, which consists of teaching kids and teens valuable lessons, as well as reminding them of the gospel. Two of the leaders, Rafik and Cassidy, have made a significant impact on my team. We have been able to work with them multiple times over the past week as we have joined in on their after-school club. It has been so refreshing to see these two young adults care so well for the children in their community. Not only do they provide them a time of fun and games, but they also take the time to minister to them. Even after this trip, Cassidy and Rafik will remain in my memories as some of the most genuinely kind and loving individuals who have such a heart for young people.

Lastly, I want to share the story of a man, whom we will call “Isaac”. I, as well as three other members of my team, met Isaac on our second day working with Living Hope. It was a day when we followed the healthcare workers around Capricorn and prayed for the clients once they checked their blood pressure. Originally, we had stopped by Isaac’s home to visit a group of older women who would meet there. Isaac’s wife, “Karen”, answered the door and told us that the group wasn’t meeting until a week later, since school was starting back. We stayed around and chatted with Karen for a few minutes before Isaac came outside. He invited us in, saying he wanted to pray for us, which was a surprise since we had yet to mention the fact that we were Christians. We went inside, and he ended up sharing his story with us.

Isaac explained that he was an ex-gang member and that he miraculously came to Christ while committing a crime. He now works as a trauma counselor, helping people who have had similar experiences to his own. Isaac then prayed for us and encouraged us as young people to pursue a life for the Lord and to continue to live a life of prayer. This is a wonderful example of how God’s redeeming love can impact hearts and lives across the nations, for the nations.

It is so encouraging to see the Christians in South Africa live out the gospel despite the darkest of circumstances.

We can find comfort in the fact that we are not alone in various hardships and trials in our walks with the Lord and that we have family in Christ all over the world, who we will one day get to meet, glorifying God for all eternity.

Emma Goodson
Current Fellow, Class XX