Many of you are aware that I traveled to Southern Africa this past summer. Our group focused on the work of RISA (Reinvest South Africa). As a part of this trip we spent time with some Presbyterian clergy and parishioners. I'd like to share some of these experiences with you.

In Guguletu, a township about 12 miles from Cape Town, SA, I had the opportunity to attend a Sunday worship service at JL Zwane Memorial Presbyterian Church. The pastor, Rev. Spiwo Xapile has been instrumental in improving the lives of the local villagers through the construction of a community center which is attached to the church. This center is a lifeline to the poverty and AIDS-stricken adults and children who live close by. Most of these persons reside in shacks made of scrap metal and wood, with no running water or electricity.

On that Sunday morning, we were told that the service would be a short one and would probably only last for two hours because of three funerals of AIDS victims on Saturday. People began arriving at 10am and gradually filled in the 450-500-seat capacity. The parishioners welcomed us warmly. Most white persons seldom venture into the townships. Rev. Xapile's English is impeccable and he graciously translated from Xhosa throughout the service. Singing in an African church is a joyful occasion! All a cappella. The last hymn, although in Xhosa, I say in English - "Abide With Me." During the service several persons gave testimonials about HIV/AIDS impact on their lives. Rev. Xapile is trying to encourage more open communication about this disease since most Africans are very guarded to speak about it.

The next day we visited the Brown's Farm Health Clinic where we were witness to the AIDS tragedy in SA. Nurses and health care providers work in crowded conditions with meager funds and resources to help villagers cope with AIDS and other health-related problems stemming from poor nutrition and living conditions.

Another "Presbyterian" experience occurred when we traveled along the Eastern Coast to the Stutterheim area. About 25 miles from Stutterheim, we visited a traditional Xhosa village, Mgwali. Also there is the first Presbyterian church built in South Africa in 1857, started by the first ordained ministration in SA, Rev. Tiyo Sogo. A banner on the wall of this modest church reads, translated, "Praise God All the Nations."

On the last day of our stay in SA, we visited the Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, one of the oldest and poorest townships in SA, just outside of Johannesburg. The pastor, Rev. Dr. Maake Masango, also professor of Practical Theology at Pretoria Seminary, invited seven pastors from Soweto township to dialogue with us for the morning. They were interested in our opinions of SA, urged more visitors, especially youth, and spoke of the ever-slow changes in bringing about multi-racial communities. Since the end of the apartheid and the 1994 elections, much is happening to improve the lives of black South Africans. However, there are monumental challenges ahead. We are hopeful that the worldwide church will continue to lend a hand along the way.

- Lynn Corbin