The other week, I made a trip to the local police station to get an affidavit. In South Africa, this is the venue you head to make a document “official”.
The officer who helped me chatted with me a bit. He inquired how long I’d been in the nation and where I stayed.
Finally he asked what I do.
“I teach the Bible and train missionaries”, I responded.
The officer nodded, raising his eyebrows. He smiled shyly and glanced around. Leaning close to me he says, “I too follow the God of the Bible.”
“Oh wonderful!”, I replied.
As the conversation progressed you could see him gaining boldness.
Finally, as I was about to leave, he waved me closer, wanting to tell me something not all could hear
“I am a born-again Christian.”
I must confess as I left, my first thoughts were not rejoicing or excitement.
Instead I found myself thinking,
- “He will never last.”
- “He is going to get chewed up and spit out.”
- “I don’t think he will stand up to the corruption and laziness.”
I caught myself in these thoughts and had to ask a tough question.
Do I believe Christians can change nations by being in places of influence?
Do we practice what we preach?
To see the end of this story and hear about an incredible success story of Christians influencing “corrupt” institutions, head over to A Life Overseas, where I am posting today. Click HERE!
This story is also being shared on our local ministry blog at Youth With a Missions Muizenberg. Take a look at more stories of what is happening in Cape Town, South Africa!