1 Corinthians 12 speaks of the body of Christ, how there is one body and many members with different functions. This passage has particularly stuck out to me as I have reflected on our adventure in South Africa so far. The Christians here have different strengths and weaknesses than those in the United States, yet they all reflect Christ as members of His body.

As a nation, South Africa faces many challenges. Although Apartheid has ended, the spirit of Apartheid remains, as one of our partners once said. There is vast division and discrimination based on race despite the law’s claim that all have equal rights. The ideal of unity is present yet not fully realized in the least. So much poverty and brokenness has continued as a result. We visited the township of Langa, where those who were promised housing are living in unhealthy conditions as large families are cramped in flimsy shacks. I talked to a teenager on the street as our teams were handing out food, and he described how he begs on the beaches to hopefully provide enough money and food for his family and friends, while the gang ruling his neighborhood steals whatever money he does have.

But God is doing something unique through Christians in Cape Town. As they show others the truth, they especially emphasize the image of God in all human beings, both rich and poor. Benson, one of our partners at the Muizenburg Community Garden, stressed that everyone who enters the gates of the garden should be treated as angels, whether they are living on the streets or addicted to drugs or wealthy and privileged. The Christian community of South Africa has a culture of sharing stories and knowing people as they truly are. Everyone is seen as a brother and sister. All belong to Christ and find their identity in him, not in riches and not in race.

Being in South Africa has challenged me to think about our unity as Christians. So often my temptation is to isolate myself and live inside my own bubble, ignoring those in both literal and spiritual need because it better suits my own convenience. I have been challenged to change my thinking and look with different eyes at the world around me.

If all are made in the image of God and have just as much worth as me, why should I only be thinking of myself? I belong not to myself but to Christ as a member of his body.

Lucy Basie
Team GAS
Class XIX Fellow