Making an Impact

Well yesterday was our last day of ministry for the whole year. These past three weeks we have been working with our final ministry host, Impact Africa. Impact is located in Johannesburg, South Africa and we have had the privilege of doing a variety of different types of ministry with them. Impact Africa has four main departments that we have worked with: Impact Students, Impact Kids, Impact Outreach, and Impact Baby Rescue.

First, Impact students works in local schools doing a variety of different classes and programs. We had the opportunity to go to multiple high schools and teach a life class. We taught on topics such as: reaching your potential, respect, big dreams, and finding worth in the midst of brokenness. It was so cool to be able to invest in and encourage these kids who might not have a lot of people in their lives who do that. We also got to help with after school Bible Exposure groups which is where kids can come to learn about and discuss the Bible. It blew me away how hungry these kids were for the Word and how their curiosity and questions led to such good discussion.

Next, Impact kids has started five preschools throughout the city for under resourced kids. We got to visit three of the five schools in the area and help out in the classrooms reading stories, playing games, and singing songs. However, my favorite part of working with Impact Kids was the Jubilani kids ministry. On Fridays we got to put on a kids program in two rural communities, complete with dancing, games, learning a memory verse, and sharing a Bible story. The word “Jubilani” means happy and those days were indeed just that.

Impact Baby Rescue is a really important and unique ministry that addresses a serious problem found in Johannesburg. Baby abandonment or “dumping” is very prevalent here, as it is estimated that 3 babies are dumped each day in Johannesburg. Impact Baby Rescue has several services that they provide to help including: counseling for mothers or expecting mothers who are considering abandoning their baby, providing food, clothes, diapers etc. for parents who are struggling to provide for their baby, and three baby homes that provide a safe place for rescued babies. Most of the work we did with this ministry was about raising awareness in the communities about these services. As we handed out flyers and engaged people in conversation it was evident how prevalent this problem is and that the prevention and rescue work that this ministry is doing is so important. We also had the opportunity to visit all three baby homes. It was heartbreaking to know that those babies that we met there had been abandoned, but also so hopeful to actually see the lives that are being saved. For me, this was one of the most impactful ministries that we have gotten to be a part of all year.

Finally, Impact Outreach days were some of my favorites and we saw the Lord move in such powerful ways. We would go into the squatter camps around the city and get to talk to, encourage, and pray with people. I was so touched by how many of the people we met shared their stories so openly and vulnerably with us. Not only that, but many times I felt like I was being encouraged and ministered to when we got to have conversations with fellow believers who so faithfully held onto their faith despite the struggles that they had faced. One of my favorite stories from our outreach days was a conversation we had with two women. We were talking with them and all sharing a little bit about ourselves. The one lady shared that she had been having a really hard time finding work since moving to Johannesburg and that this was putting a lot of stress on her, as she had to find a way to provide for her and her one year old daughter. It was easy to see the weight of this burden and the worry and fear that she lived in. However, when we asked if we could pray with her, she was reluctant and said that she needed to just pray for herself instead of having other people pray for her. We told her that we really believe in the power of prayer and even though she didn’t want us to pray with her right then, that we would still remember her and keep her in our prayers. As soon as we left we took a moment to pray that she would be able to find a job and that she would come to know the power of prayer, especially the power of partnering together in prayer. And I thought that would be it. But then, about a week later my whole squad and I were at a restaurant for dinner and I hear a voice from behind me ask, “Do you remember me?” When I turned around I saw that it was the same woman from that day of outreach. I said, “Yes! Of course I remember you. How are you?” To which she replied, “Your prayers worked. I just got a job here two days ago!” It was such a beautiful moment to be able to rejoice together in the faithfulness of God and the power of prayer. I was just so touched by the provision of the Lord in her life, and His kindness to allow us to meet again and see this answered prayer.

There are so many more stories like this one that have marked our three weeks serving in Johannesburg with Impact Africa. It was incredible to see how the Lord is working in that city. As our time doing ministry on the field has come to an end I am just so full of gratitude for the opportunity we’ve had to meet so many people, partner with so many organizations, and see the Lord move in such powerful ways. It has truly been the most amazing gift and privilege.

B🤍