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| Challenges in relating to South Africa The language was more of a problem than we thought it would be. English was not emphasized in schools until Apartheid ended in 1994. Many older people do not speak English. Worship and any dialog with a larger group require translation from Tswana to English for us and vice versa for them. It is important to understand and appreciate the relationship with the German church. That has been a wonderful experience since it was from the Germans that the Tswana people received the Christian faith. The Germans helped them understand the implications of faith for their culture. Added to that are their written languages; their first song, buildings, and seminary teaching; as well as many of their organizations and the political structure they received from the Germans. This missionary work with the Tswana people began around the 1850s and the Germans urged that they become an independent church in the 1950s. Expectations of companionship are impacted by this “partnership” relationship with the German church. This relationship continues to be very strong. However, it is called a partnership; the partnership is primarily on the circuit level; the relationship continues to include German financial support of projects in South Africa; there are regular exchange of visits on a yearly or every other year basis (Germans to South Africa then South Africans to Germany); and the visits, at least in South Africa, are primarily to the Deanery and in meetings; and there is little interaction with people or involvement in the life and worship of the parishes. There is a long history with “Whites” in South Africa. The experience under Apartheid was horrific. That experience included two separate worlds and languages. Thus, on occasion people were eager to meet us and to introduce us but with a sense of “look at OUR Americans”, and people frequently would speak in Tswana in front of us without translating and without including us. We needed to work through this by not taking offense, initiating conversation, asking questions, emphasizing our reason for being there, deepening the friendship with the few with whom we spent much time, and, where appropriate, explaining that such practice is offensive in our culture. We constantly needed to be alert in clarifying our relationship especially in three areas – friendship , companionship , and purpose . In the area of friendship we were regularly introduced as being on a “fact-finding” tour, which we interrupted by explaining we were on a “friend-finding” tour. Once that was clear their nervousness quickly vanished and was replaced with laughter and visiting and songs more than we had ever experienced and we formed deep friendships. Instead of companionship they call this relationship partnership. “Partnership” carries a strong notion of financial support. We were often confused and received mixed messages on their understanding of the purpose of this relationship.They wanted a “covenanted” relationship calling it a “marriage”, but with themselves as the bride and we as the groom. We clarified that it may well be the other way around and that marriage may be a good illustration but only if it is understood as truly mutual. Many groups pointed out that they had no funds, little funds, or funding from the Germans was ending soon. As Americans, it is very hard to see the need and not want to jump in. We needed to keep focusing on listening, seeking to understand their struggles and celebrating their hope. We were there to get to know them, not to save them. That was hard to remember in the face of so much need, and to be patient that developing the relationship is the first and most important step and any future projects will naturally develop from that relationship. South Africa is an amazing land of contrast! A shack will stand next to a beautiful brick home. A cell phone will go off while cooking outdoors over a fire with large metal pots. Everyone may walk to church on dusty paths but with high heels and dress shoes. There may be no plumbing in the house but they may have a computer and be internet and email savvy. The Apartheid system was incredibly abusive so that abilities we take for granted were never allowed or taught to them. Yet where education and opportunity is given development can soar overnight. At the same time their respect for elders can prevent someone who knows well from being able to act or speak up. All of the above make for a fascinating, important, challenging, and greatly rewarding process in growing this relationship. Representatives of Grace Lutheran Church, Tomahawk - back - |