| Waiting No More |
Waiting No More Driving through Greytown one is struck by the natural beauty of this region of the foothills of Kwa-Zulu Natal. In stark contrast are the many informal settlements which dot this otherwise picturesque landscape. One of these informal settlements is Lindelani, a squatter camp that is home to 3,000 homeless people. Lindelani in Zulu means “be in waiting”. It was founded by farm-workers displaced by rioting and escalating violence during a time of political unrest as different political parties vied for control of South Africa. This is not a place most would want to call “home” - windowless mud houses with discarded tin or plastic sheeting as roofs masks the poor sanitation, no running water, filth, and squalor which meet you upon closer inspection. In many “homes” bedridden individuals, young and old alike, lie hopelessly in the dark dying from unknown and undiagnosed illnesses. Undertakers, leading the dead to their final resting place, frequent the narrow dirt paths crisscrossing Lindelani. Among the many social ills is the haunting evidence of HIV-AIDS seen in the daunt and hollow eyes of the suffering. Many of Lindelani’s residents, without food or medical treatment are just “waiting to die”.  Crossroads International has been working in this area since 2005, taking in Medical Teams that have worked tirelessly to meet the medical needs of the people of Lindelani. As a result of these medical endeavors a church has been planted which now boasts a membership of 80 believers; a baby shelter, once housed in a dark windowless mud hut, has a new home in a clean mobile unit with its own playground. Ladies from the newly planted church provide childcare to many of the orphans roaming the dirt pathways of Lindelani. This past September Crossroads International joined forces with Shalom Ministries in sponsoring a Medical Outreach to Lindelani. Seven hundred and fifty-two people were given medical treatment, reading glasses, and free meals. Sixty-eight people gave their hearts to the Lord and over 200 were interested in hearing more about Jesus. Among them was an aging sangoma (witchdoctor) who admitted her powers were waning and wanted to know more about the Lord.  During the course of this Medical Outreach we not only met the physical and spiritual needs of this community but we also heard the desperation these people live with day after day. One volunteer we met especially touched our hearts. At 25 years old, married with 2 children, Princess never saw herself living in a place like Lindelani. But circumstances thrust her and her family into Lindelani 5 years ago. When asked why she volunteered to help in the Medical Outreach rather than seek help for herself or her children Princess remarked – “living here I see a lot of sick people around me. I’m worried because they do not believe in AIDS so when they are sick they think that someone has bewitched them with “muti”. Houses are crowded and it’s easy to get TB from someone. I am passionate about helping people because I know what it is to be poor. My mom used to steal food and feed me.” There are many stories etched upon the faces of the people of Lindelani. Our challenge here at Crossroads International is to help read these stories in the hope of bringing the Light of God to their otherwise darkened lives. Your monthly support is helping to do just that. Thank you!  |
