Church!

This morning we were graciously welcomed to JL Zwane Memorial Presbyterian church in the township of Gugulethu. This church, through the leadership of Pastor Spiwu Xapile, is a pillar in its community. Gugulethu, like other townships, is a place where forced relocation and years of apartheid have isolated the residents from the resources and connections that were (and still are, in many ways) the privilege of only the white community. Together with Pastor Xaplie, the congregation has shifted from a traditional 'top down' understanding of ministry ("It took us years to in-learn the idea that God is white.") to recognizing that in the kingdom of God, everyone has a role to play. Each of the congregation's 16 Zone groups is responsible for the mission and ministry in their geographic area - determining with their neighbors what needs are greatest and what gifts they have to offer. Rather than focusing on a "tour of the township" highlighting the difficulties and needs of the community, Pastor Xapile convened for conversation an extensive group of community organizations with which the congregation partners. Rather than beginning new ministries "so that we can put our name on them," JL Zwane seeks out those who are already doing things, who are passionate and skilled, and works to further equip them for the work they do - AIDS and HIV work, combating drugs and gangs, strengthening educational opportunity, etc. Rather than sitting within the walls of the church, "we invest in making sure the dreams of others are taken to the next level."

In a community that understood itself as having NOTHING - no jobs, no opportunity, no resources, no hope - this church has rooted itself in faith in "the God who created something out of nothing - so we know God can create something out of OUR nothing." All through its community, through this country, and even beyond national borders, the faithfulness and leadership of this community is visible as a sign of the power of God and the calling of each person.

And worship. Church, we are going to have to step it up in our singing. Nothing about travel is better than finding brothers and sisters of faith with whom to praise God. Even if it is in Xhosa, and all I can successfully join is the "Amen" - the connection, the communion of saints is a piece of heaven on earth, a foretaste of the feast to come. And there was a feast, too - tremendously generous hospitality and a Cape Malay curry!