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I had just received the news – there was violence in Alexandra...  It was the 18^th of May 2008, while I was overseas, and I had just left for a meeting. This was before it was classified as xenophobic attacks.

In my mind, it was happening in the small parts of the northern suburbs in South Africa - little did I know that it was happening in the larger parts of our country, as well. Yes, to my shame, my overseas hosts went on to show me things I least expected to happen in my own, ‘rainbow nation’, country.

The final blow was given to me when a pastor-friend from Zambia sent me a power point presentation with the ‘gory and gothic’ photo’s of a man being set alight.

In the news they were flashing the most devastating highlights from...

• 2008-04-02 … South Africa needs to address the issue of xenophobia, President Thabo Mbeki said the first report of the commission had been finalised…
  
  
• 2008-05-17 … Nqakula: xenophobic attacks to be severely dealt with...
  
  
• 2008-05-20 … The first thing that needs to be understood from what is happening here is..... Sandile Memela in his blog Xenophobia: coveting another's…
  
  
• 2008-05-22 … Xenophobia third force claims…
  
  
• 2008-05-23 … Xenophobia – why they blew it…
  
  
• 2008-06-12 … The first victim was stabbed 49 times with a sharp object ... McBride’s report on Xenophobia
  
  
• When I came back I visited two areas also affected by this violence; Olivenhoutbosch and Diepsloot. I also went to a the xenophobic victim’s camp in Midrand.

On my way back from Midrand, I meet with a group of around thirty women. They have been doing an amazing work. Amid all the recent events this group of women are still wrestling with the biggest problem in the country – HIV/AIDS. They tirelessly wake up every weekday to serve the victims and help them take medicine, wash and feed them. They explain to me the challenges they face daily with these victims and showed me the little resources they have access to. Far too little for the work they have to accomplish.

They went on to share the discouragement they are sometimes facing and having to deal with but did not fail to express their appreciation for the little stipend they get for the work they are involved with. One of the ladies said, “Pastor, it is not getting any better, the victims are increasing every week. Some of the victims get help and feel better, but don’t even come back to say ‘thank you’”. She added, “some of them even tell you not to come to their houses, once they start feeling better”.

Then, one of the ladies in the room stood up and shared her story. “I am grateful to these ladies. I am also one of the people they have helped, that is why I have decided to get involved in this home base care for the victims of HIV and AIDS. I was also diagnosed with HIV. I got very sick - to the point of death. These women are my heroes, they came to my house washed, fed and gave me some medicine every single day". As she told her story she specifically stood up to hug one of the ladies standing close by, saying "thank you for giving me a second chance".

She also testified of the grace of God in her life. HIV/AIDS is still rife and still destroys lives. The violence comes and goes but we’re still left with this ‘giant’ to deal with. We must continue to remember the AIDS victims, but most of all, let us remember the heroes and heroines who are still serving the sick patients in their communities. I praise God for the local church, as this project I was visiting is run by one of the local churches in the area. 

I came back, my heart warmed and inspired by this consistent intervention in the OlivenhoutBosch  and Diepsloot informal settlements. These ordinary people are doing extra-ordinary things. Of course we certainly condemn the attacks – on all people whether foreigners or nationals. We condemn all forms of violence, poverty and any form of attacks against children, women and men. We also condemn crime in all its forms, whether corruption in leadership or statements that perpetrate or accelerate violence, including the bombing of ATM’s and threats to our county’s justice system. Let us stay focused though and not be distracted from the fight against HIV/AIDS.

We strongly believe that the local church is God's primary instrument chosen to bring transformation in our communities and is the solution to these social ills. The High Impact Network exists to serve and equip the churches to make a real difference - local churches making an impact in their communities. One of the pastors, who is part of the High Impact Network, recently shared with me how they have been serving all these victims - both nationals and foreigners. We want to say thank you to all the pastors who are part of the network, who took it upon themselves to serve their immediate communities. To God alone be all the glory!

What does God have to say about HIV/ADS?

God’s Answer to AIDS is relevant and life-changing and will help break the silence and hearts of the church in Africa. This course can indeed transform the behaviour and attitudes of people, bring hope to those already infected and help bring an end to further HIV infections. Topics covered in this course are: Truth, Forgiveness, Marriage, Protection, Hope and Compassion. For more information or to order this course click here