|
History:
Colonization by the Dutch in
South Africa beginning in the 1600’s began a long period of various
peoples living together. The need for workers drove them to import slaves
from Malaysia, West Africa and other places. Soldiers and settlers mixed
offspring with the slaves and Africans. The term “Coloured” developed to
apply to all mixed people.
Eventually the Coloureds
became a fairly distinctive group with typically light brown or yellow
skin and somewhat Negroid features. Because a dialect of Dutch formed,
called Afrikaans, during the same period, Coloureds shared the same
language as the whites. With a common language as the whites, a lighter
skin color and a shared religion, they often held positions of more
responsibility and trust than the native Africans. However, this did not
keep them from being strongly socially separated from the whites. Under
apartheid, 1948-1990, the Coloureds suffered many ways and were legally
limited in rights.
Present Day life:
Today, the Coloureds
are known for their sense of humor. They love singing and dancing. Their
variety of trades and skills are as varied as their ethnic backgrounds.
Typically they have traditional, conservative values and customs. 85% of
Afrikaans speakers are Coloured. As Coloureds enjoy more freedom
throughout the country, those in the Northern Cape live a simple life in
rural towns or on farms. This vast area is widely desert-like. Farms are
large and roads seem to go on forever. It is beautiful in many respects,
but the general lack of opportunity and hope dampens it. The Northern Cape
is known primarily for its wine and raisin production. This region
contributes much to the South African economy with sales to Europe and
North America.
[Click on map above for a larger view]
Religion:
The Coloureds developed as a
people with strong ties to the white, Dutch Christian church. Just as one
may join a club or become a member somewhere, most of the Coloureds in the
Northern Cape see association with a church as being a Christian. Many say
that they will go to heaven because they belong to a certain church. As
they traditionally gained pride and distinction through connections with
the whites, it was natural to choose the same religion. Passed on from
generation to generation was the right language, the right
connections, the right customs and the right religion. It
was a means of pride and survival. The rugged and rural Northern Cape of
South Africa lacks the opportunities to attend an evangelical church to
hear the Gospel.
  
[Click on any photo above for a larger
view]
Summary:
Evangelism
for the Coloured people in the Northern Cape of South Africa needs to
clearly communicate the true Gospel in their heart language.
Widespread dogmatic Christianity with no substance deceives many. Others
are desperately waiting to hear the truth. They need the Lord of the
Harvest to send workers. There are no Baptist churches among them and very
little evangelical influence.
They are a forgotten people.
Will you help them to know Jesus?
Go to the
CONTACT US
section to ask questions or to inform us of your decision to adopt a certain People Group.
|
