South Africa is a nation of contrasts. It is steeped in a history of separation, hatred, war, poverty, Apartheid, townships, and now HIV/AIDS. Yet it is also a place of renowned hospitality, democracy, diversity, progress, development, and abundant untamed beauty. In the midst of it all, God is here… and so are we.

NieuCommunities South Africa is based in Pretoria North, a traditionally middle-class, white, Afrikaans-speaking suburb of the capital. This provides a unique environment for us to serve as a bridge between peoples. This is literally true, as we are geographically located between the different environments we tend to do ministry – the city, the township, and our own suburb. More importantly, God is using us to bridge the cultures of this nation that seldom come together.

It is no coincidence then that our site is known as Pangani – the Swahili word meaning “to come together.” It is just that. At this site is a hundred year-old guesthouse that serves as a place of rest and the center of shared life for our community. It is also a place where many others come to meet with God and be part of what He is doing.

And God is doing a lot that we get to be a part of. Our mission is to help the people of this nation experience the hope, healing, reconciliation, and total life-transformation provided by Jesus. We find ourselves involved in a number of relationships where this is taking place: discipling families in the township, caring for those with HIV/AIDS, helping at orphanages, teaching English to domestic workers and laborers, feeding the hungry on the streets of our neighborhood, mentoring university students, and partnering with local ministries working with abused women and abandoned children.

As we do all this, we are exploring what it means to follow Jesus together in our context. How can we be part of the vibrant life-giving people of God in South Africa? We are learning as we go and would love for you to discover this with us.