As I wrote some time before, one of the delights of doing mission working here in Cape Town is the chance I get to meet like-minded people whose ministry is such an encouragement to what I do. One such ministry is African Renewal led by Bruce Retief. I first met Bruce at the church I attend, the Muizenberg Community Church where he leads the music superbly. then I learned he is a composer and arranger whose work is heard in commercials, ads, movies and on records. That was impressive enough. What to me is as impressive is that God has called him to work, not only to carve out an international musical career but to help African refugees who stream into Cape Town by the thousands, looking for economic relief from countries battered by war and other man-made disasters. At church Bruce works with the refugees to help them find shelter, food and access necessary social services but God called him to do more. Now in a new office down town fish Hoek, which also has an electrical key board, Bruce offers them a chance to develop their skills in English proficiency, computer and graphics classes. They also get food parcels with goods given by nearby stores. "A year ago, I would never have believed I wold be doing this or this was possible," Bruce told me as I marvelled at the bank pf new computers just installed. I can understand how he feels. As a journalist I run sewing classes. God does not care what the qualification is. He just wants us to follow His lead.
African Renewal is about Living Christ, something Bruce is passionate about. The gospel of Jesus Christ colors all this ministry does. He is equally passionate about Giving Christ in this practical form of Christian love. We share both those commitments and are looking at ways we can even work together.
No comments:
Post a Comment