Compassion to Action

Cornerstone senior, Ruthie Smith, traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, this summer on a mission trip with Orchard: Africa. In the heart of Khayelitsha, she witnessed God’s love in action, from planting gardens to mentoring youth and supporting young mothers. Today, through her story, we’re reminded of the powerful ways God works through His people, even in the most challenging circumstances.
 

This June, my mom and I went on a mission trip to Cape Town, South Africa, with Lost Mountain Baptist Church in connection with Orchard: Africa. Orchard: Africa is a Christian organization that supports churches in impoverished communities in South Africa so that these churches can educate and feed the children in the community and support pastors and women through educational seminars and useful resources. Orchard: Africa primarily works in an area of Cape Town called Khayelitsha and in the North Western region of South Africa. They aim to help churches effectively care for their communities in a sustainable, lasting manner. 

Shining in the Darkness

In Cape Town, there is a large divide between the wealthy and the poor with very little in between. The poor mostly live in Khayelitsha, a shantytown area spanning five miles and housing over four million people. Khayelitsha was formed due to forced relocation under Apartheid rule. After the abolition of Apartheid rule, most people in Khayelitsha were unable to leave for monetary reasons. The people live in small houses, most of which are made entirely of corrugated metal sheets. The businesses and many churches there are also in these corrugated metal buildings or metal storage containers. We were able to meet so many brilliant, Christ-filled people during our ten days working in and around Khayelitsha.

Hands-On Hope from Teens to Young Mothers

Our team started a youth empowerment three-day camp where 32 teenagers were mentored in the Christian faith and Christian living. The teenagers came from two of the churches in Khayelitsha. Each day, there were lessons on different Biblical leaders as well as games, worship, small group time, and lessons on their physical, mental, and spiritual health. We provided them with breakfast, lunch, and a bag filled with a Bible, writing utensils, notebooks, and more which they could take home with them. Through the small group times, we got to know these incredible teenagers who had faced many hardships but were still striving to learn more about Christ. It was incredibly moving to sing with them and to hear their beautiful and joyful voices.  

It was so encouraging to me to see all these people coming out and praising God despite their struggles and hardships and welcoming anyone who came to join them.

Two of our days were dedicated to helping young mothers and preschoolers. We were blessed to assist one of the first preschools established in the area and which allows the children’s parents to work. The school opens from six in the morning to six at night and each class includes around 50 students with one teacher. We sang songs and played with the kids and observed these amazing teachers. They were so incredible at handling all those children and gaining their respect and obedience. 

Later, we went to another church where we started a young mothers' conference in which we taught eight young mothers how to care for their babies' needs while also ensuring the mothers meet their own emotional and spiritual needs. In addition to providing education, we gave each young mother a diaper bag filled with things they might need to help care for their babies. 

Planting Life

Our team spent one day working on one of Orchard: Africa’s garden project mission sites. As Khayelitsha is near the ocean, they have sand rather than soil which makes it difficult to grow nutritious food. Either soil must be put on top of the sand to support plant growth or plants must be grown in planters made of recycled material such as gas cans, liter bottles, and even jeans. At one of the churches, we helped dig out two areas and fill them with soil before planting vegetables. We are thankful to know that these vegetables will eventually be used to nourish children who come to the church every day for their meals. And we are thankful for the spiritual roots we were able to plant as well.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Lessons to Last a Lifetime    

This was an incredible experience. I learned so much about life in Khayelitsha. We encountered some of the most amazing people and saw God moving in such a powerful way. It was inspiring to play a part in serving our fellow Christians in need while in the company of the gifted local church leaders and the amazing people at Orchard: Africa.

Here at Cornerstone we give all students in 7th grade an opportunity to experience what it would be like to help people from different countries, cultures, and social classes understand each other and work together. If you have a 7th-grade student, be sure to attend the upcoming SIFAT parent information meeting on Wednesday, August 21, at 7:45. a.m. in the Den.