South African Partnership

Our South African Partnership Resumes in 2024!

Who will be traveling?

Lisa Chase and Randall Chase

Rev. Lisa Chase is the associate pastor of Silver Spring Presbyterian Church. Pastor Lisa loves Bible Study, teaching Art and Crafts, and working with youth. Randall Chase is a wonderful photographer and writer, and an excellent traveler. Pastor Lisa spent three weeks in Kenya in 2017, and three weeks in Tamil Nadu and Southern India in 2008.

Susan and Sarah Neville

This mother-daughter team will take their Christian Education, VBS, and leadership experience, as well as a love of animals, to share with the congregation.

What will they do in New Castle? They will be housed with families of the church and eat at their tables. They will tour the region and the other outpost churches. They will attend and participate in two worship services. They will work with the children of the church – maybe in an after-school program. They could help them with their homework. Pastor Lisa could do a Bible Study for adult women, and teach an art class. They will volunteer in the soup kitchen and assist with any needs of the congregation. They hope to bring materials over that were used for our 2023 Vacation Bible School and work with the youth on a modified version.

What is next? In August/September of this year, SSPC will host a delegation of South African Travelers in our homes and church! Start thinking now about hosting a visitor or two, providing rides, meals or companionship during their visit. If you would like to participate, let us know and we’ll keep you updated as we learn more. Please pray for our travelers and for the ongoing ministry that we nourish with our brothers and sisters in South Africa.

The South African Task Force - Karen Karkuff, Stefan Karkuff, BJ Lopez, Nancy Kauhl, Dan Henderson, Nancy Gawlas, Mike Gawlas, Lisa Janson, Russ Janson.

Silver Spring Presbyterian Church's History with South Africa

In 1993, moved by the struggles of Black South Africans trying to navigate post-Apartheid life, the Session of SSPC initiated a partnership with the Newcastle congregation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church of South Africa. This congregation is located in the township of Madadeni, a few hours south east of Johannesburg. The purpose of the partnership is to strenghten one another's ministry and disicpleship by walking hand-in-hand in our faith journey.

In 1995 Rev. Cleopas Ngbane, pastor of Uniting Presbyterian Church of South Africa, Newcastle Congregation and Elder Gugu Mabaso visited SSPC to discuss a possible partnership. With the support of members like Margaret Wentz, Bill Morgan, Gil Longwell and interim minister Rev. Roger Shoup, the covenant document was written and the South Africa Partnership was formally established.

Fall 2020 Update

When we refer to Covid-19 as a “Global Pandemic”, we are very seriously reminded that our sister congregation in Madedeni, South Africa battles the same disease we do. The South African Partnership Task force has been keeping in touch with our brothers and sisters in the Newcastle Congregation over the past several months and we want to share updates with you. Following is a recent report from Thembi regarding life and their congregation:

“We give thanks to the Almighty who have protected us as church members up to this far. There were few people who were tested positive but fortunately they have recovered. There are also changes regarding regulations in South Africa. As from today 21 September, we have now moved to level one. That brought many changes which may also boost economy. SA Tourism sector has been impacted negatively since international boarders have been closed. From 01 October 2020, international boarders will be opened. Traveling to or from countries with low rate of Covid-19 infection will resume. There are still strict rules regarding traveling and issuing of visas. There are separate rules regarding traveling to or from areas with high rate of Covid-19 infection and transmission. All commercial sea ports will be re-opened.

Teachers older than 60 years of age, who applied for concessions and those with comorbidities who have been working from home, returned to work as from today. Due to the change of season there is also a change in climate. We now experience warm temperatures. We hope that there will be a lower risk of infection. Though that does not mean that the virus is no longer a threat. We hope that the death rate will continue to decrease.

Yesterday, 20 September the church leaders attended the church service. More than 30 members attended. After the service we attended a meeting, preparing for the re-opening of the church. We are now ready to re-open but considering the rules set by the South African Council of Churches, UPCSA and other relevant structures. Our official re-opening service will be held on 04 October 2020. We may have 2 sessions depending on the number of attendees. The duration of the service will be one and a half hours."

Note: They did resume in-person church on October 4 and Thembi wrote: “ Last Sunday we officially re-opened our church. The attendance was satisfactory. We still wear masks. Precautions are still taken to protect members. We thank God that all NPC members were saved from the pandemic. Even those who were infected, ultimately, they recovered. That was great! We also commend our minister Rev. Masikane who have been encouraging congregants to adhere to the state regulations in order to safeguard themselves.”

We continue to pray for the Newcastle Congregation and work on ways that we can help them over the next year. If you are interested in becoming part of the South African Partnership Task Force, please contact Karen Karkuff at kkarkuff@comcast.net or 717-802-2067.