South Africa

The "convergence of diverse elements within South African society taking the road ahead in unity:" this is the symbolism behind the Y on the South African flag. Yet, anyone remotely familiar with South African history knows convergence and unity have not been the case. No one can tell how man waves of immigrants have swept inland from the Cape of Good Hope since it was first discovered by Bartholomew Dias. This Portuguese explorer first set foot on South Africa in the late 1400’s. Since that time, Dutch, British, and French explorers and settlers flocked to South Africa, each vying for power. In addition to the immigrants, South Africa was already home to multiple people groups. Some worked together with their new neighbors; others violently opposed them. Over succeeding centuries, wars, uprisings, and bloodshed were carried on among these various factions, both national and foreign, each opposing, struggling, and ruling in their turn.

At one time parts of this region were broken into several countries called the Boer Republics. England was the longest-surviving colonial power, and it eventually controlled even the Boer Republics. After multiple generations of living in Africa, the descendants of the European immigrants considered themselves fully South African instead of European. Both they and the national ethnicities pursued freedom from colonization, which they obtained in 1910. Unfortunately, freedom did not bring unity, which is something the South Africans are still seeking.

Yet, this is only part of the story. Secular history forgets that South Africa was among the first modern African nations to receive the Gospel at the hands of missionaries such as Robert Moffat, David Livingston, and a host of others. These brave pioneers were not there to seek political power or personal profit, but gave their lives for the souls of mankind, pushing inland and laying the foundation of modern missions in Africa. Yet, much work remains for the missionaries of this generation who follow in the footsteps of these great men and women of God.

Today, South Africa is prosperous. It is a significant player in the international stage, and it is the third-largest African economy. Rich in diamonds, platinum, gold, and chromium, it leads the world in the production of these metals. Yet its greater wealth lies in the nearly fifty-seven million souls who call South Africa their home and in the many refugees who seek to start a new life in this great country. The multiple ethnicities are represented in over eleven official languages, one of which is English. Most already have a complete Bible translation. While the majority of South Africans claim the name of Christianity, many are still waiting to hear their first clear presentation of the Gospel.

Missionaries in South Africa: