ITMI partner, Charl van Wyk, has given his life to this cause. He teaches and preaches the Gospel all over Africa, evangelizing and discipling God's people and those who haven't yet joined the family of God.
He's published books. He's done exegesis on his culture. He's lectured. He's preached. He's gotten his hands dirty. His life has been threatened.
Charl has dedicated his life to preaching the gospel in Africa.
Here are three incredible opportunities to partner with Charl to see the good news reach Africans with the life-changing message.
1. Give Thanks, Build a Roof
In 2013, Charl, John Jere and a friend and co-missionary, Reverend Ron Kronz traveled to the Chongwe District in Zambia, an 8,669 square kilometer area opening up to the east of Zambia's capital, Lusaka. (Thomas Brinkhoff)
Ron and Charl set up an open air crusade in a soccer field. The melodic notes wafted through the open air to the nearby local pub, drowning out the raucous laughter and loud voices. The music attracted many who then heard the Good News that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life and died a sinner's death to save sinners.
To - like a roof - shield us from the wrath of God - which we fully deserved.
Many came to faith that day, including a fortune-telling young girl and a local sangoma, (woman who practices divination).
Pastor William Manda of Great Grace Ministries was the local pastor hosting the crusade. As he followed up with the new believers, the local tribe donated some land where he could build a structure where God's people in Chongwe could gather and be equipped to continue the spreading of the gospel.
The church has persevered through opposition to get their gathering place built up to roof height. Its has taken great sacrifice to get this far over the last two years. Now this body of believers could use the help of the rest of God's people around the world to raise the $1670 USD required to finish the roof.
Once the roof is finished, this place of worship still has no doors, windows, ablution facilities, electricity, water supply, no plaster or carpeted floors, so the potential to overwhelm this little body of believers with generosity beyond providing the roof is available!
Charl says, "These are the kind of people we work with and stand-by – serious Christians who will not let political, or (evil) spiritual leaders hold them back from discipling the people of Chongwe District, Zambia."
For more background on this project, check out this post on Charl's blog.
Charl and Sonia have committed to helping this body of believers out of their own missionary income as a Thanksgiving gesture of gratitude for all God has given them.
Would you like to be a part of demonstrating the Gospel to this faithful body of believers and their community by providing a roof for their meeting place?
Photo via Charl van Wyk, Mission Liberty Blog
If you'd like to be a part of something great this Thanksgiving, its as easy as clicking here.
2. Bibles and Bikes Fund
Pastor William Manda was previously a recipient of a bicycle from Charl's ‘Bibles and Bikes’ fund. This has increased the area that he can evangelize and the speed at which he can get there!
The Bikes and Bibles Fund is such a great way to empower faithful, local pastors to reach more of their own people in their own area with the Gospel, for such a comparatively small investment.
I can't think of a much better way to help spread the Good News farther and wider!
This would also make a great family Christmas project, if you are looking for a giving opportunity this Christmas.
Charl van Wyk with bicycle recipients.
You can find more information and history of the impact made by the Bibles and Bikes Fund here.
You can partner with Charl on this project here.
Stone Hill
Charl and his family are part of a group of believers who began to reach to the youth of a local squatter's camp outside Cape Town, South Africa, called "Stone Hill." Over the years, the Stone Hill ministry has grown, attracting more and more workers and resources.
Recently, they were able to erect a ministry facility made of shipping containers, allowing them to continue their outreach activities year-round. Now the outreaches there include activities for girls, weight training, a wrestling/grappling team for young boys, food distribution and repairs and rebuilds on the shacks the locals dwell in.
The need in Stone Hill is incredible. Poverty, the complete dissemination of family structures, violence and rape are the norm for those living in Stone Hill.
This is a 3 minute video with incredible scenes from Stone Hill. Charl's wife, Sonia, shares about the world girls in Stone Hill face, as well as the ways they've been able to reach and build relationships with many of them.
You can also hear Charl talk about the ministry to the boys of Stone Hill here.
Find out more about Stone Hill and how you can be a part of the change in Stone Hill here!
Resources:
Thomas Brinkhoff: City Population, http://www.citypopulation.de/php/zambia-admin.php?adm2id=0501
Summer Kelley is a writer living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. She’s a homeschooling mom and a T-shirt and jeans aficionado who likes all things simple. When she’s not writing or homeschooling, you can find her honing her skills as what some might call a "suburban survivalist" as she learns to thrive in the suburbs with 3 kids. As a productivity and organizing enthusiast, she may or may not spend hours attempting to use technology to "save time.” Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic from the fountain.