The bush church has been dispersed
The government has decided to do away with squatters around Ghanzi Township. The squatters were given up to the 30th November to vacate the land or face demolition of shacks. The move has sent shockwaves among our church members who have packed and left, courtesy of free transport from the government. Sadly there is no record of where the families were sent. We are busy tracing their destinations and the task is enormous. However, we are hopeful that God has a purpose about this government action.
While the move may not have been well calculated as there is a likelihood that squatters may resurface in the near future, there is security for the children. Some were born in the bush and have never been exposed to structured community. Water may not be a serious challenge now that people live within water points in their community. Social workers have been involved and we are hopeful this has created an awareness of the magnitude of the need that exist in the community. We trust that these destitute families will access social welfare services as they mix and mingle with the community.
Once we locate our clients, our task is to ensure that children enrol in schools and that they are supported in this new venture in life. The relocation of squatters will present us with an opportunity to reach various communities with the gospel of the Kingdom of God. We are hopeful that our church members will carry the message of hope through Jesus Christ in even in their distress. While we acknowledge the emotional upheaval among the church, we are encouraged in Christ. We will stand with the church to provide counselling, guidance and love as the Spirit leads us. We trust God for increased wisdom and love to manage the situation well and serve the church diligently. We invite you to join us in prayer as we seek the will of the Spirit.
We are trusting for material support especially as we approach the rain season for many families who depend on plastic for shelter. It has been confirmed through reliable sources that the government will not provide shelter assistance wherever these people settle. Not all families will receive food baskets. The need for food will be multiplied given that some breadwinners who survived on piece jobs around Ghanzi have moved elsewhere, where such opportunities are zero. Transport to settlements is not readily available as people depend on government vehicles which carry staff on duty in those areas, travelling in and out of Ghanzi will pose a serious challenge for many people. We can only hope that God will increase wisdom in our church to find means to survive in their new environment.
Please pray and trust with us that the kingdom message will trickle down into whatsoever community the church has been planted through displacement.
