Why is IPC engaged in Africa?

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Jesus told his disciples, “ . . . just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matt 25:40

Feed the hungry and thirsty. Clothe the ragged. Visit the sick and incarcerated. To the extent that we do these things for the broken, bereft men, women, and children in our world, we also do for Christ!

Africa is a continent that in many ways is broken & hurting.

Africa by the millions:

• Over 300 million people in Africa live on less than $1 per day.
• Over 30 million people in Africa are HIV positive. This represents 70% of global infections.
• Over 11 million African children have lost one or both parents to HIV /AIDS.

God calls us to be the hands and feet of Christ – to respond with compassion to His children who are suffering in the world. We can look at God’s people in Africa with stolen dreams, at an entire continent whose future hangs in the balance, and question God. Or we can look at these problems and realize this is God’s question to us; Who cares about the people of Africa? We do!!

New Life School, Swaziland, Africa

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IPC Contact: David Boyd, davidtboyd@cox.net

Over 40% of all adults in Swaziland are infected with HIV. As a result, thousands of children have lost one or both parents, and are either living on the streets or with very little support. The New Life School is a beacon of hope for many of these children. The school is a Christian primary school that provides an education, food, and shelter for orphaned and poverty-stricken children. Pastor Solomon Fasanmade is the Director (and founder) of the school. IPC has developed a child sponsorship program that currently provides for 56 needy children. IPC also commissions short-term missions teams to serve with the children and staff at New Life.

 

Paul Siaki & Family, Missionaries with OC International, South Africa

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IPC Contact: David Boyd, davidtboyd@cox.net

Paul Siaki is a tireless missionary who plants and nurtures new churches in Africa. He also trains pastors to serve and lead these churches to further God’s kingdom. The hearts and lives of people in Africa can only be transformed through God’s love and grace. Paul’s work in Africa is spreading the Gospel to a continent that is yearning for God’s healing transformation. IPC provides ongoing prayer and financial support to Paul Siaki and OC International.

Ministry Update - Aug 2008
Ministry Update - Oct 2008

Thembe & Buhle Bhembe, Moroka Church, Soweto, South Africa

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IPC Contact: David Boyd, davidtboyd@cox.net

After decades of oppression, Soweto township is burdened with 60% unemployment, a high crime rate, and poverty. The Moroka Church is playing a central and mission critical role in transforming the lives of God’s people in Soweto. The church ministers to the needs of the community, and also has a food program. Thembe and Buhle serve as pastors of the Moroka Church. In addition to their ministry at the Moroka Church, Buhle & Thembe have recently planted a new church at an abandoned mining site known as Bottom. The new church meets outside, and they minister to the poorest of the poor: those living with poverty, unemployment, HIV, and lack of educational opportunities. IPC provides ongoing prayer and financial support to the Moroka Church and its pastors, Thembe & Buhle. IPC also commissions short-term missions teams to serve with this ministry.

Bongani Dlomo, Missionary – African Enterprises, South Africa

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IPC Contact: David Boyd, davidtboyd@cox.net

Bongani, is part of an exciting youth leadership development movement. Bongani “has the privilege of working with God and gifted evangelists in preaching the gospel of Jesus in a country that is so hungry for the word.” Bongani must sometimes turn down speaking engagements in rural neighborhoods due to lack of transportation. IPC provides ongoing prayer and financial support.

 

Ministry Update - July 2008
Ministry Update - Dec 2008

Christ Church Christian Care Centre, Hillbrow, South Africa

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IPC Contact: David Boyd, davidtboyd@cox.net

Hillbrow is an inner-city section of Johannesburg where there are many homeless children, struggling to cope and survive in an environment that seems hopeless. The Christ Church Christian Care Centre (aka the Five Cs) is a church that is primarily focused on serving the needs of the homeless, hurting, and hungry children of Hillbrow. The ministry includes: worship services and feeding program for homeless children; an orphanage for children; and education and spiritual counseling for young children and troubled teens. The Rev. Mike Sunker is the Director of the Five Cs, and heads a staff of 14. IPC provides ongoing prayer support, and routinely commissions short-term mission teams to serve with this ministry.

South Africa and Swaziland Mission Trip - 2008

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IPC Contact: Rev. Kirk Winslow, kwinslow@irvinepres.org

A team of IPC members went on a mission trip to South Africa and Swaziland in July. Read all about their daily activities on Pastor Kirk Winslow's official travel blog at http://www.kirkwinslow.com/SouthAfrica.