When people see pictures of or hear about Cape Town, they think or see money or beauty. I’ve even heard people say that it’s one of the nicest places in the world. While that may be true…it’s actually a very tough place.
The need is very great.
Each and every person we’ve come in contact with tells us that Cape Town is one of the most dangerous places in the world. They say that it’s not uncommon for people to turn on the news and hear of girls being raped and left on the side of the road to die…babies are being raped because they’re taught that if they have sex with a baby, it will take away their AIDS. Women don’t go out alone and it’s also not wise to be out past dark. In certain areas, they said if you ride or walk by twice, they’ll take advantage of you because they study your routine.
That’s only the beginning..it gets worse.
Going to the squatter camps is a huge eye opener. There is a law here in South Africa that if you build a foundation or a “house” and it stays for at least 24 hours without anyone knocking it down, the land is yours where you have built on.These people can’t afford to pay for rent, so they “squat”. It’s probably one of the most dirtiest and hurting places that I’ve ever seen in my entire life, but it’s also a huge ministry opportunity. Robberies happen almost everyday and everyone is so caught up in drugs, sex and alcohol that they could care less about the young children running around. They don’t realize that this is what they’re teaching the children.
The people are lost..lots have given up hope and others have been through so much in their life that they have given up on God as well. The need is real, spiritually.
We get to visit these people 3 times a week. That’s a total of about 12 chances to show them love and to show them that He brings hope, that He hasn’t forgotten them and that He is EVERYTHING they need.
