South Africa Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

What Happens When You Tell God No?

Kwenzo had a mom and nine siblings to support. So when God called him to ministry, he thought it was impossible.

Aug 07 2018

Kwenzo’s father was dead. His mother had eight other children to support. And as the oldest son, Kwenzo couldn’t just watch his family struggle. Ever since high school, he’d wanted to be an electrical engineer. It wasn’t just interesting. It could provide for his family! So when God called Kwenzo to a livelihood of ministry, he resisted. What about school? Kwenzo thought. How can I take care of my family on a minister’s salary? But then came the dreams. A Savior He Had to Follow Kwenzo was in high school when he met Jesus. A friend invited him to church,…

Will you pray with us for communities around the world that need clean water and the hope that Living Water brings? Photo by TEAM

Mar 01 2018

There’s a reason Jesus used water as a metaphor to describe salvation in John 4:14. Simply put, we can’t survive without it. Yet, in many parts of the world, clean, life-giving water is difficult — or impossible — to come by. That’s why so many missionaries strive to meet this physical need — and use it as a tool to share the Gospel. Through water-based ministries, missionaries are finding ways to build relationships with those they are trying to reach. They also have the chance to show God’s love and mercy in a very real, tangible way. This March, will…

When Liyana enrolled in Bible college, her mom kicked her out of the house. But that didn't stop her from pursuing her missionary calling. Photo by TEAM

Feb 22 2018

When Liyana* decided to go to Bible college, she knew her ancestor-worshipping father probably wouldn’t take it well. But she didn’t expect her Christian mother to disapprove. She certainly didn’t expect to be kicked out of the house! In a flash, she went from living in a nice neighborhood to worrying about having bus money — or running water. All that, just because she wanted to share the Gospel with her fellow South Africans. Raised in Two Religions Liyana grew up between two different spiritual worlds. Her mother came from a strong Christian background. Her father came from Zionism —…

When Elina told her religious leader she was going to kill herself, he said: I don't have time for you. Photo by TEAM

Feb 15 2018

As the phone rang on the other end, Elina* didn’t know what to expect. How would her Hindu priest react when she told him she was planning to take her own life? That she was at the end of her rope? That even the thought of her three kids wasn’t enough to stop her? She longed for words of comfort and direction. Instead, the priest promptly told her he was too busy to deal with her. So when her friend had suggested Elina call their Christian pastor before doing anything, she had nothing to lose. But Simon Kumaresal is no…

Superrose wanted to share the Gospel in her native country of Swaziland, but she couldn't afford Bible college and ministry training... without friends like you. Photo by TEAM

Feb 06 2018

In a remote Swaziland community, kids openly skip school, drink alcohol and ask each other for sex — by the age of 8 years old. Their parents are no better off. Jobs are scarce, and adults are desperate to escape the hopelessness they feel. But that only compounds the problem. Many parents can’t provide for their families because they’ve spent their money buying sex and marijuana. It’s no wonder that by the time Ayize turned 16, she was already a mother and a dropout. She was hopeless . . . until she met a woman named Superrose. Training Swazis to Reach Swazis…

Spiritual deprivation and corruption run rampant in southern Africa. Keep reading to see how you can help fight this deprivation by praying for Gospel-centered discipleship among southern African nationals. Photo by TEAM

Feb 01 2018

“The greatest need in Africa is for good leaders,” says Eric Binion, a TEAM missionary to South Africa. Many southern Africans claim to be Christians but if you look closer, their faith is often mixed with traditional animistic religion. Others fall into churches that preach nothing but the prosperity gospel. As a result, spiritual deprivation and corruption run rampant. That’s why Bible colleges and institutes in Swaziland, South Africa and Lesotho are so vital — and why prayers for their success are so important. This month, will you pray with us for the success of healthy, true biblical teachings in…

Read a TEAM missionary's top three spiritual secrets for maintaining physical fitness for off — and on — the mission field.

Jan 11 2018

On my first visit to a southern African country, I started praying that God would send a missionary there. But I knew it couldn’t be me. For starters, I was in terrible physical shape. I was more than 110 pounds overweight and took several medications to mitigate the effects of my obesity. I joked that my blood type was butter! But I also fell far short in education, church leadership, financial readiness and spiritual discipline. How could I go with so little to give? Physical fitness seemed like the least of my worries. It turns out, however, that exercising self-control (a…

Nandi was orphaned by AIDS at a young age, but thanks to the support of friends like you, she now has more opportunities than she ever dreamed possible. Photo by TEAM

Dec 14 2017

Most AIDS orphans couldn’t dream of becoming military doctors or getting into politics. Most don’t get to lead Bible studies or vacation Bible school classes. But because of friends like you, 17-year-old Nandi is dreaming big and using her gifts for God! Read on to find out how you changed Nandi’s life! Orphaned at 3 Nandi lost her mom and brother when she was just 3 years old. And though she was young, she treasures her memories of them. Her mom was an elementary school teacher. Her brother was smart and a good friend. And tuberculosis and HIV killed them…

Missions work isn't always safe. But TEAM missionary Beth Barthelemy uses the Psalms to remember that no matter what we do in life, there is true safety in God's sovereignty. Photo by TEAM

Sep 21 2017

In the summer of 2008, I spent two months in the Middle East. My time was focused on discipling Christian women by training local teachers in English and leading Bible studies among nurses at a local hospital. My first day there, I accompanied my hosts to a local wedding reception. Upon arrival, we saw a group of men celebrating by shooting guns straight up into the air. My hosts explained that this was a cultural celebratory tradition, regretfully sharing about the unfortunate deaths that occur from falling bullets. I lay in bed that night, listening to gunshots in the distance,…

From their 20-plus years of missionary work in Africa to their continued service in the States, David and Marjory Patrick have been trailblazers for promoting diversity in missions. | Photo courtesy of David Patrick

Aug 22 2017

As she listened to African-American missionaries from her home church tell their stories in front of the congregation, 14-year-old Marjory heard a voice — small at first, but distinct. She was completely enthralled with these brave men and women who put their lives on the line for the sake of the Gospel. Could she ever be like them? Then, she heard the voice again. Louder this time, and clearer: “You are looking at your future.” Several years later, a visiting pastor offered David Patrick a pamphlet called “Hearing the Call of God.” David flipped through it as the author, David…

Tag - South Africa

What Happens When You Tell God No?

When Water Brings Eternal Hope [March Prayer Focus]

She Gave Up Her Parents — and She’s Not Sorry

A Suicidal Mom and the Bully Who Reached Her

Children Freed from Sex and Alcohol

Combating Spiritual Corruption in Africa [February Prayer Focus]

How Getting Fit Prepared Me for Missions

From AIDS Orphan to Aspiring Doctor

What the Psalms Taught Me About Safety in Missions

Building a Kingdom of Diversity