Worship at JL Zwane

Today was a memorable combination of intense and personal connections with people in great need, along with joyous song and gratitude.
Spiwo's JL Zwane Memorial Presbyterian Church is an island of hope and relative prosperity in the midst of Guguletu's crushing poverty. With some assistance from our own church, Spiwo has made impressive in roads in the this desparate community. He and his congregation have taken a stand for human sexuality education and HIV prevention. Everyday they minister to those who have been touched by the disease. The Pastor commented that he had baptised over 1000 children; today many are orphans. Members of our choir visited several homes where children headed households, where over 10 people lived in one small shack, where a young mother lay near death. In the midst of all of this, Spiwo and JL Zwane are a beacon of encouragement and strength. Spiwo spoke with us about his challenges; his personal resolve was palpable.
When we sang, once again boundaries seemed to melt away. Our music was embraced with cheers, applause and dance (WE can't dance to our music, but THEY dance to our music!)
Spiwo called the day to a close by urging everyone, every singer, every listener, into a large circle. We held hands- brown and white hands clasped - and sang the JL Zwane song, "Be Bright In The Corner, Where You Are."