A story of the JiA Movement
“I remember Gabriel preaching with us under the tree, outside of the big church buildings, but amidst the very busy CBD at Brackenfell Train Station, Western Cape, South Africa. This is where homeless brother, late David De Jager, asked us to first share the Word, then Pray, and then serve a meal for those who were hungry. A “Fresh Expression” some called it. For us it was just imitating Christ, Jesus in Action since 2010. For the world, a “No-go Zone”!
I remember the day when I baptized young Glory and his younger brother Mercy in the river, and , later came the elder brother, John. Eldest, Gaby and youngest twins, Andre & Christine make up a family of 8 with Dad, Gabriel and Mom, Illunga. The Gospel was faithfully carried for generations by a Grandpa, who loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart. This foundation guided the parents from their country of birth as refugees to South Africa. A God fearing family with godly values and a love for one another that is impenetrable.
From the “Church under the Tree”, God opened a door to the local Goods Shed where kids learned to dance for the Lord. Glory learned to play Guitar, and now Mercy is on base and John on drums. Homeless brother Thabo finally said “This is our church” when he walked in for Sunday service! The traditional church never really welcomed / suited them.
I saw Glory befriending Dominic, who also put his trust in the Lord Jesus and who was baptized with a whole group of young ones who came to love the Lord and impact their peers for Christ.
Kids, grew into Youth at school, who are now Young Adults, ready to take the baton for the next generation. It was the Youth who ushered the Church into action, after Covid.
I saw homeless friends reunite with families, delivered from addiction, or managing to navigate the harsh trials of life on the street with the love of Jesus. Life is short on the streets…
Now, from the Church under the Tree, I see Our Garden, Nathan’s Car Wash, Journey’s End, the Missionaries abroad and the relief to +- 41 ministries and churches across the Cape Peninsula that addresses the brokenness of the world, and the lostness of the soul.
I now see Glory as Youth Pastor leading teams of leaders for Young Adults, Youth and Kidz ministries. I see Dominic leading peers to Christ and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I see gatherings of disciple makers who make disciple makers from all nations across manmade barriers.
I stand in awe of how God used a cup of soup, outside of the church walls, to touch generations of families, friends and different affinities to carry the Gospel in to Win the City. We have not arrived, but He – to whom all authority has been given in heaven and on earth – is certainly with us as He promised. Praise the Lord“
2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”
