Bambalela

In "Sharing the Blessing" (SPCK, 2008), Kathy Galloway writes about visiting a church in the township of Guguletu outside Cape Town in South Africa. It is a church with a huge community programme, particularly focused on people with HIV. Above the door of the sanctuary, placed so that people see them as they leave worship are the words 'Never give up' - and the congregation have a song: 'Bambalena, never give up.' Such sentiments are especially pointed in such a situation of great need - but are they not something that ought to be part of the life of every church, whatever the situation in which we find ourselves. It is all too easy to give up - but very different from that to which God calls us. We all have tasks. We all have roles. Don't give up. Sometimes it might be right to move on. Some things do need to go - to make way for other things. But don't give up! BAMBALELA!