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Related stories: Baptist collegians disperse worldwide for the summer |
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Sophomore Morgan Springer, a pre-med major at Georgia Southern University, may have been in his perfect, oh-God-please-let-me-serve-here-someday location.
Rob Eakins/GSO
Georgia Southern student Ben Phillips takes a time out with some playmates from a game of soccer in South Africa. Phillips was part of a group from Southern’s BCM on a mission trip during the World Cup.
A soccer player at GSU, Springer and others from that school’s BCM traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa in early June to take part in street evangelism. Oh, and since the world’s largest sporting event was taking place, why not host a soccer camp?
Springer didn’t mind, though he kept focus on the trip’s goal.
“The main purpose was to spread God’s love and show them what Christ is like,” he said. “I was really glad I got to go.”
Members were enamored during the Brazil vs. North Korea World Cup match, but it was time spent on the streets that left the larger impact. Perhaps the greatest challenge was explaining Christianity to people whose custom was to worship their ancestors alongside Christ.
“Many of the people would tell us they were Christian, but they would also worship their ancestors or other family members,” BCM council member Ben Phillips said. “We would explain to them that there was only one way through Christ. We would try to clear up their understanding of what they understood Christianity to be.”
The contrast in African wealth and poverty left its mark, at one moment troubling students while also providing a backdrop for being grateful.
“There were well-off communities right next to poverty stricken ones. It really hurt my heart,” said Josh Salmon.
“Every little moment was unforgettable,” added Springer. “Every day seeing how grateful and excited they were that we were there, and experiencing the joy in their life inspired me.”
Christina Riley from the George-Anne Daily contributed to this story. See photo on page 12.