Hope for the Hopeless in South Africa

The Children’s Ministry That Could Change the Rainbow Nation

It is the best of times and the worst of times for representatives of Gospel Light Worldwide (GLW) in South Africa. Political upheaval and civil unrest there have cast a dark shadow upon the diverse population of the “Rainbow Nation.” But, as conditions there grow increasingly more dangerous, the GLW mission to bring “One Million Children” into relationship with Jesus remains stalwart.

Debbie Sourgen a native South African who has successfully managed GLW’s “iVangeli” curriculum project there for five years, is beginning preparations to hand her responsibilities over to a qualified leader so she may join the GLW team at our Ventura, California headquarters. Debbie has been working closely with her successor and is very encouraged by their time together, remarking, “She’s so enthusiastic about learning from me.”

With more than five years spent building relationships and creating curriculum that’s appealing to teachers and young learners, iVangeli has, against many odds, secured a strong foothold in the region. In a recent dispatch to GLW President Marc Stein, Debbie shared the good news that due to the curriculum’s tremendous popularity among Methodist educators in her district, iVangelli has been awarded exclusivity at an upcoming workshop where more than 60 churches will be represented.

Debbie also told the story of “Jacobeth,” a church consultant from a very poor settlement, who dreams of purchasing a tent for her Sunday School which currently operates without benefit of a building. According to Debbie, the faithful South African woman has, “made it her ministry to help the churches in her area.” A banner on Jacobeth’s dream tent will display the bold announcement; “iVangeli Curriculum: God’s Word for a South African Kid’s World.”

Stories like these are testament to the relevance of the mission, Debbie’s hard work and the strength of the curriculum, which has been completed for South Africa in all four common languages (Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, English.) “Kids love the hope they find in the knowledge and stories of Jesus,” says Stein.

While circumstances remain challenging despite a call for sanctions on its leaders by the international community, GLW is committed to bringing light to South Africa with the ultimate goal of affecting long-term societal change via a “hope for the hopeless,” generation of South African children.

To receive our updated 2009 Partner Briefing for South Africa, contact us today.