Heart for South Africa.

I'm writing a paper about South Africa (facts on the country as well as what I experienced). While I was typing it up, some things were so heavy on my heart that I felt like I should share them with you. So, this post is dedicated to a country that's near and dear to my heart... South Africa.

There are many strongholds in South Africa. I believe that one of the reason for this is because the enemy sees the potential of the South African people and he's terrified. Satan is a liar, and a manipulator. Rape and HIV/AIDS are just a couple strongholds that are holding back South Africans. I hate to just mention negative things in this post, because there are wonderful things going on too, but these statistics are not just statistics to South Africans, this is their reality. Please fight the urge get sad and feel discouraged by this post... I pray that instead of feeling sorry for them, you'd get angry at what Satan is doing to them. Ask God for HIS heart for South Africa. Please be praying for this country.

Ephesians 10:12- "We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world." (Contemporary English Version)


HIV/AIDS.

South Africa is currently experiencing one of the most severe AIDS epidemics in the world. At the end of 2007, there were approximately 5.7 million people living with HIV in South Africa, and almost 1,000 AIDS deaths occurring every day.

The median income for Blacks and mixed race can be as low as $300/year, and the cost for AIDS drugs average $40 to $50 per month, clearly out of reach for a large majority of the population.

Almost 25% of all South African children under age 15 had lost at least one parent to AIDS. (in 2005)

In 2005, there were 240, 000 children living with HIV in South Africa and as a result of the disease, there were 1, 200, 000 AIDS orphans.



Rape.

"It is a fact that a woman born in South Africa has a greater chance of being raped, than learning how to read." If that statement doesn't break the heart of God, then I don't know what does.


Rape, including child rape, is increasing at shocking rates in South Africa. Sexual violence against children, including the raping of infants, has increased 400% over the past decade.

The raping of infants and/or children may also be due to the belief that sex with a child or baby will cure AIDS. A number of high profile baby rapes since 2001 (including the fact that they required extensive reconstructive surgery to rebuild urinary, genital, abdominal, or tracheal systems) increased the need to address the problem socially and legally. In 2001, a 9-month-old baby was raped by six men, aged between 24 and 66, after the infant had been left unattended by her teenage mother. A 4-year-old girl died after being raped by her father. A 14-month-old girl was raped by her two uncles. In February 2002, an 8-month-old infant was reportedly gang raped by four men. One has been charged (McGreal, 2001). The infant has required extensive reconstructive surgery. The 8-month-old infant's injuries were so extensive, increased attention on prosecution has occurred.

Various cultural beliefs in South Africa regarding rape hinder the problem of decreasing and reporting rape. It is difficult to impossible for a woman to say no to sex. Many girls and women believe that if they know the boy or it is a boyfriend who rapes them, they cannot say no to sex, even forcible sex. Many men believe they are entitled to sex or even believe that women enjoy being raped.

Isaiah 58:6-I'll tell you what it really means to worship the LORD. Remove the chains of prisoners who are chained unjustly. Free those who are abused!

Psalm 140:12- Our LORD, I know that you defend the homeless and see that the poor are given justice.