Dear friends,
As the year limps to a close, our world continues to drift along in a COVID haze. We are united across borders and oceans by the truth of an altered rhythm of life. We are breathing through fabric and living life through Perspex barricades. ‘Social distancing’ and ‘community transmission’ are phrases occurring as part of our everyday parlance. The alterations are somewhat jarring to the freedoms and peace we have known in our country.
We have navigated the same jarring alterations in Africa. However, the context in which they exist is strikingly different. Our team in South Africa has emerged from lockdown with a clear sense of purpose, passion and vision to reach more vulnerable people who are struggling under the triple layer of HIV, AIDS and COVID-19. The last major aid agency departed our region, so AAF is standing tall and strong in shouldering the responsibility for reaching those who have been hit hard by the pandemic and increasing poverty.
Here in Sydney, the COVID-19 pandemic followed a horrendous summer of bushfires. As providence would have it, in late August while South Africa was in strict lockdown, a fire erupted in the hills surrounding our remote mountainous campsite – the Zamimpilo Training Centre.
By way of background, Zamimpilo is a beacon of light for youth development. The Centre exists to create an enabling environment for youth to discover who they are, including their strengths and their leadership potential, in order that they may acquire the knowledge and practical skills to develop their strengths and live those strengths out in the world around them. The Centre has taught countless children the foundational pillars of faith, hope and love.
The August fire swept down through the valley across the dry riverbeds and through broken mud huts. It was fuelled by tall yellow grass and emboldened by fierce August winds. The fire hit the compound, incinerated the thatched rooves, melted the bunk beds and anything else within the huts. Our pipes for water melted and tore. The glass on our windows imploded. We praise our God that we had no loss of life.
The reality of fire in Africa is different to Australia. To be sure, the destruction caused by fire is no different, and the reality of loss through fire is the same. That is, we are presently contemplating 45 years’ work in this corner and amongst this rubble. However, there was no fire brigade to assist us during the fire, and there is no access to insurance to cover the damage to Zamimpilo.
We do know, however, that from ashes new dreams can take shape, hold and grow.
Despite the fire and the lingering haze of COVID, we are determined to support and raise up a generation of young men and women who are purposeful and productive. Fearless and faithful. Servant-hearted and strong. Our team and board in South Africa are keen to clean the debris and make Zamimpilo better than ever.
2020 has been tough on us all, but through the commonality of drought, fire and pestilence, we remain united.
I urge you to remember those in need and consider making a tax-deductible donation early this Christmas to help us rebuild Zamimpilo and the countless lives that it serves.
As always, we can assure you that every dollar donated goes to Africa with no overheads or Australian staff, as we continue to function with the help of our kind volunteers.
Warm regards,
Jane Gray.