Shigamani
Project
Our goal is to help Shigamani Village in South Africa become strong, spiritually healthy, and self-sustainable.
Through the power of entrepreneurship, spiritual formation of future generations, resources, opportunities, community outreach, and authentic relationships.
Project highlights:
11 years of the project.
24 mission teams sent to South Africa (construction, ministry, medical, etc.)
More than 180 individuals contributed to the project by participating in a team.
In addition to constructing the multipurpose building used as a church and community center, we have sent several mission teams to the area. Our efforts included building the pastor's house, drilling a water well, conducting teaching sessions, distributing Bibles in Tsonga (the local language), providing various biblical materials such as books and CDs, feeding numerous people, conducting outreach with children and teenagers, supplying materials and uniforms for the children, doing events of growth for the women, men and couples, offering support to single mothers, equipping the village leadership, and much more.
Our vision for the project
As we move forward, we are focusing on these specific areas:
Entrepreneurship
We are in the process of constructing a new building that will house a bakery, butchery, a restaurant, and a grocery store. In the meantime, we are empowering local people by providing them with guidance to establish their own businesses. Our goal is to help them generate income so that they can achieve self-sustainability.
Spiritual Formation of Future Generation
We are working on empowering individuals to change their mindset following the Kingdom of God's patterns. We are concentrating our efforts on project leaders, children's ministry, youth development, and the healthy growth of couples. Our aim is for families to be strong, youth to grow in Christ, and children to know God.
Opportunities to get involved
We will keep sending valuable resources and teams to support the community and project leadership so they can reach their potential. Future generations will be impacted, and countless lives will be touched by our connections and initiatives. Here is how you can get involved:
Be part of a team: Visit our Mission Trips page to view the scheduled trips.
Assemble a team: Gather individuals from your church, company, family, friends, or small group. Your involvement in any of the following areas would be a tremendous blessing for the project: business, ministry, construction, painting, landscaping, agriculture, medical, dentistry, and technology. Contact us to customize your experience.
Donate: Visit our donation page to contribute to our ongoing efforts.
Sponsor a new business: Once the building is completed, we will need equipment and initial supplies to get started. See the costs below and consider sponsoring any one of them or a part of it. Contact us for more information.
The History
In 2012, Henry Fisher was introduced to Vusi Masinga from Shigamani Village. Bishop Masinga had initiated a church under a tree on the land given to him by the village chief to serve his community. Bishop was a great visionary, and an immediate connection formed between them. They began making plans for the church and future developments for the village.
As per local culture, a house was required for marriage, and since Bishop was not married yet, we assisted him in achieving this goal by constructing a house. In December 2015, Bishop Masinga married Gertrude. Concurrently, the construction of a multipurpose building was underway. This structure would serve as both a church and a community center, empowering the locals.
In July 2016, Bishop Masinga passed away, leaving a void in project leadership. Shortly after his passing, a tornado damaged two of the building's walls. We encouraged the community to rebuild the walls. After completion, and with new leadership established, we assisted in putting on a roof, making it ready for use.
In June 2019, we dedicated the multipurpose building. During the dedication celebration, an ordination ceremony was held for Pastor Gertrude Mathebula and the elders of the church. Since then, we have been working closely with Pastor Gertrude to empower her and the other local leaders, aiming to transform Shigamani into a spiritually healthy and self-sustained community.
Before the construction project
Tornado destroyed the walls
During the construction project
Community rebuilt the walls
Before the tornado
The building is ready!
About Shigamani village
Shigamani Village is located in the northern part of South Africa within the country's poorest province, Limpopo, approximately 6 hours from Johannesburg airport. The village is home to approximately 15,000 people, predominantly Tsonga. Established during the apartheid era, the village reflects the historical challenges of forced segregation.
Facing a high HIV/AIDS rate of 20% to 30% and a staggering 90% early pregnancy rate among girls under 18, Shigamani grapples with poverty and a lack of hope. The presence of over 200 orphans highlights the urgent need for community support.
Our ongoing initiatives aim to address these challenges. In collaboration with the resilient community of Shigamani, we strive to create positive and sustainable change, empowering its residents and fostering a brighter future.