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World Cup fever is reaching fever-pitch in South Africa, writes USPG volunteer Hannah Silcock, based with St John’s Church, in Walmer, Port Elizabeth.
We are being urged to dress up for Football Friday and learn the steps for the World Cup Diski Dance.
Everyone has been affected: by the countless road repairs and at the prospect of charging quadruple rent on accommodation; guys on street corners sell national flags, while Coke Cola has erected bottle-shaped ‘Welcome to Walmer’ signs everywhere. [Walmer is close to The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, a World Cup venue in Port Elizabeth.]
Children and varsity students are particularly excited: the government has re-arranged the term-times so that everyone is off for the entire period of the tournament.
St John’s Church is seeing the World Cup as an opportunity to get involved in the lives of children in our local area. We have teamed up with three other churches in Port Elizabeth to run a programme for around 200 children spanning three weeks.
The first week will provide training for teen volunteers. This will be followed by a creative arts week for the children, with crafts, dance and other activities. The final week is a holiday club programme (World Cup-themed, of course), with the title ‘The Ultimate Goal’. This is our chance to really share the gospel.
Up to 500 children expected
We are currently finalising all these programmes. This is a bit tricky as we have no idea how many children will turn up. We’re predicting anything from 100 to 500. We are trusting that God will provide us with the capability to cater for however many children arrive, and are covering the whole venture in prayer.
In the run up, we have been hosting a soccer-themed programme for children and youth. For example, we have been talking about teamwork to illustrate our different roles in the body of Christ. We are trying to show young people that we can have the same amount of passion for Christ as we have for our favourite football team.
As well as being a huge opportunity for South Africa to prove itself on the world stage, the World Cup is also a chance for Christians to take a stand for God.
We pray that God will use our excitement and enthusiasm to have a huge impact on the thousands congregating in South Africa. We are anticipating an amazing atmosphere – and the work of the Holy Spirit. I think we can expect incredible things.
Posted on 04.06.2010
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