In Depth:  South Africa

letter from South

Jordan Brown

This letter marks the last one I will write while still actually in South Africa. Our stay is coming to a close and my final letter in November will serve as a reflection on our time here.

This month, I will provide a few thoughts on how we have found our winding-down time – and on a recent trip.

letter from South

Jordan Brown

Anyone who has been to Africa or even visited an African-heavy congregation will know that worship is a lot different than your average Sunday morning.

Where I currently serve (Dihlabeng Church, South Africa), joyous praise and worship is central to who we are. We worship on a Sunday in up to five languages and often dance our way through songs - see the photo!

letter from South

Jordan Brown

Over the last nearly year and a half, we have experienced somewhat of a mini-revival amongst young people in our town.

Now I realise that the term revival is probably thrown around too loosely in Christian circles. But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding.

letter from South

It was a strange Advent and Christmastime in South Africa. These seasons are always marked by mild cognitive dissonance in the southern hemisphere. Remembering the cold darkness of Advent is difficult during the long, warm days of summer. But Christmas ‘21 was even stranger than usual.

South Africans tend to travel to visit friends and relatives over the summer holidays. Sadly, the fourth wave of COVID infections that started in late November meant that many, if not most, of these plans were cancelled.