Field Focus

Economic and political instability is fueling restlessness in South Africa. One of the targets for “persecution” is the immigrant community. On the outskirts of Pretoria is a large refugee settlement. This community is made up of hundreds of “legal” immigrants who have been forced from their homes and businesses. Seeing this vast area filled with people who have lost everything and is severely overpopulated has driven Kevin and Sarah Zakariasen to action. They are extending a hand of Christ’s love and compassion to help some of the folks to meet the basic daily needs.

In Exodus 23:9, God commanded the Israelites, "Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt.”

The property where the Zakariasens live has several vacant back buildings which the Zakaraisens have opened up to a group of immigrants. There is a large group of people living in their back buildings. They have running water, outhouse toilets, six small rooms to divide among themselves, and electricity. They have gotten a little bit of money for their families to get food from the UN and another agency in Pretoria but it is not enough. They harvest plants in the back pasture and along the river that the Zakariasens did not know were edible, they fish in the river, they have also caught different birds to supplement their meals. They are all legal immigrants in South Africa and have papers to legally be in the country. Because of the unemployment of many South Africans, devalue of the Rand, inflation rates of basic food and petrol prices, this has led to desperation of many very poor people. It seems that the foreigners have been easy targets to blame.

Pastor Lotcha and his wife and children and Lotcha's son and daughter in law and baby are also living with the Zakariasens. They found them in front of the UN building seeking protection from being forced out of their home in Brazzaville. Lotcha was threatened that his home and family would be burned. He went to the police to ask for help and was told to sort out his own problems himself. He moved with only the items they could carry quickly. They were not able to return to their home. On Friday night of Easter weekend his home and all his belongings were burned to the ground. He is thankful they did not stay and defend their home. Other foreigners who stayed, have been beaten and burned to death. He is thankful that his family is alive.

Currently 33 people are living in the back of the Zakaraisens’ property. The refugees know that the property cannot be a permanent home for them. Kevin is working with the fathers of the families and setting a date for their departure. This is a time for the refugees to get back on their own feet again and also keeps the buildings available for new families with need. Until the agreed date of departure time, the Zakariasens are assisting the families with food and shelter so the refugees can have time to make a plan for their families. In addition to meeting physical needs, the missionaries have the opportunity to minister to the spiritual needs.

These are desperate days for the “alien” in South Africa. God has commanded that they are not to be mistreated. The love of Christ compels the Zakaraisens to not only help meet needs, but also to help the South African church to reach out with Christ’s love and compassion to these folks.

EBM has established a South African Relief Fund. Contributions can be sent by check or online to this fund to help the Zakariasens meet needs of these people.

To learn more about the ministry of the Zakariasens, email them at kzakariasen@ebm.org