Posted July 3, 2010

By Adrian Freeman

JOHANNESBURG — Desperate areas. These are the focus of Impact Africa, a mission organization operating under the belief that people in desperate situations are searching for something that leads to hope and a better life.

The organization, which launched in 2003, ministers among the poorest of the poor, who live in settlements often called squatter camps surrounding South Africa’s large cities. Impact Africa has a vision to be an agent of change in the nation through Christian outreach events, children’s education, teaching, discipleship and facilitation of short-term mission teams.

During the World Cup, a seven-member team representing Impact Africa are sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in Diepsloot, a community in northern Johannesburg. The volunteers are from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada and the United States.

The people of South Africa are passionate about sports, which gives teams from Impact Africa great opportunities to use soccer as a platform for reaching people for Christ.

“The people here love sports,” said Andrew Bailey from Canada, “allowing us to use sports terms, such as ‘spreading the net’ or ‘the perfect goal,’ to help people better understand the Gospel.”

The Impact Africa team is using a ministry program called “Super League,” created by Eastside Community Church in Pretoria. Though mainly focused on soccer clinics, the curriculum also incorporates arts and crafts, drama, music and dance.

Zimbabwean Joseph Sheroni says, “We want to use this opportunity to reach the children and let them know that God loves them and that in God’s eyes they have worth no matter where they come from.”

Doors into the adult community of Diepsloot are also opening as parents watch and hear about their children’s experiences. The community comes to watch World Cup matches at events hosted by Impact Africa as well.

“We have a big screen to show the games, but we preach the [Gospel] message before the start of the matches,” says Solly Emmanuel Mabona from Soweto, South Africa.

David Shaw, a team member from the U.S., says: “Because of the big screen, people are coming to see the games, but [they] also get to hear the message. I think people will have an opportunity to have an eternity mindset.”

South African C.J Heyman’s mindset is changing as well. “The whole experience has broadened my horizons and tested my faith,” he shares. “I am very excited about the opportunity to share Christ with these children.”

Rachel Bondner, a team member from the U.S., says: “For the World Cup to be in Africa is such a huge, huge step for the whole continent. The people are so proud of what they have accomplished. I know that God is opening the eyes of the world as they see what is happening in South Africa.”