Q: What is InnerCHANGE?
A: InnerCHANGE is a Christian order among the poor, with teams in marginalized neighborhoods all over the world. IC is driven by the scriptural mandate of Micah 6:8-- He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. The desire in InnerCHANGE is to see communities of Christ-followers develop among the poor, in order to lead the transformation of their communities. Some more questions about InnerCHANGE are answered here.
InnerCHANGE is a division of Church Resource Ministries (CRM). The mission of CRM is to empower leaders to strengthen and start churches worldwide. InnerCHANGE is CRM's apostolic order among the poor.
A: Soshanguve is a township located 36 km (~22 mi) north of Pretoria, South Africa. Pretoria serves as the Executive/Administrative capital of South Africa, one of three capital cities in the country. To get to Soshanguve, I fly into Johannesburg, which is about 64 km (~40 mi) south of Pretoria. (As a reference: when I studied abroad in South Africa, I was in Capetown, which is 1,489 km (~925 mi) south of Soshanguve.) Click here for more background on the country of South Africa.
Q: So you were living out in the bush? What is a "township"?
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| Typical street scene in Soshanguve |
Q: What exactly is the InnerCHANGE team doing?
A: Instead of coming into an area with a set program in mind, InnerCHANGE teams seek to develop relationships with neighbors and respond to felt-needs with the leading of the Holy Spirit. From the IC website:
InnerCHANGE aims to catalyze authentic movements of God's kingdom among the poor, models holistic ministry for the mainstream Church, and recalls the broader body of Christ to God's tender heart for the marginalized. Our staff seek to exemplify a style of community life befitting an order, placing the well-being of people and the quality of their relationships before programs and purposefully providing for the lifelong formation of those called to share themselves with the needy.
The IC team in Soshanguve serves in various ways, including visiting sick & elderly neighbors, volunteering at a nearby orphanage, working alongside local pastors, and leading baking & bible study time for neighborhood kids. In addition, there is an emphasis not only on doing, but also on simply being among neighbors and the life of the community. I am sure this will be a difficult adjustment for me as my inclination is to dive in and do, do, do! But, it is a privilege and honor to share life among the poor, in hopes of catching a glimpse of God's Kingdom.Q: How can I join the work in Soshanguve?
A: All missionaries within CRM & InnerCHANGE are responsible for raising their full salaries.
3 John says that when we support those who are ministering on behalf of Christ, we become fellow workers for the Truth! If you would like to join the work of the InnerCHANGE team in Soshanguve, click here.
Q: How did you end up here?
A: Check out this page for an awesome map graphic designed by my friends DK and Sabrina.
Q: How did you decide to join InnerCHANGE?
A: Well, after doing Mission Year in Oakland, California, I knew I wanted to hold on to certain values--living in intentional and authentic community, living among the poor, loving my neighbors, sharing the holistic-ness of the Gospel. I also knew that this would be near impossible to do on my own. After a few years in New Orleans, I met a girl who was part of InnerCHANGE. I had actually heard of it before, but didn't remember that at the time. She told me about IC and suggested I check out the website. When I finally did, there was something very deep that responded in my heart with the words on the computer screen. It was like my heart awoke to things that I didn't even realize I had desired. I couldn't believe there were people out there actually living like this, how I wanted to live! My soul resonated with intentional communities doing life among the poor; the importance of relationships and holistic development over a programmatic approach; lifestyle commitments to simplicity, humility, prayer, service, purity; emphasis on evangelism, justice, and the upside-down nature of God's kingdom. I knew I had found something real, and it was one of those moments when you realize that everything is going to change....you're just not sure how or when. About a year later, I learned that the IC team in South Africa was accepting new team members and I jumped at the chance to apply, having wanted to return there after my study abroad experience in 2003. I visited Soshanguve in December 2009 and it's been a crazy, exciting ride ever since!
Got a question you don't see here? Don't be shy--email me and let me know!
