Missionary  "Kristy"  Assignment

I have been assigned to a position in Rustenburg, South Africa called Project HIV: He Is Victorious.  I have spoken with my field supervisors, John and Jennifer Putman, and I have also spoken with Jullianne Kramer from the CESA office and both have informed me that South Africa is a Level 1 security by IMB standards.  As such, I am free to share any information regarding my mission assignment with my prayer partners.  As with most major cities throughout the world, Rustenburg has a high level of crime, especially vehicle theft, and a high rate of rape.  I have been informed to simply be cautious as I would be in the States, regarding these issues.  I also understand that part of my protection from these issues will be from forming relationships within my area of work.

There are nearly 2.4 million Tswana people living in South Africa.  The Tswana people are usually associated with Botswana, translated "Land of the Tswana", however most of the Tswana people reside in the northeastern part of South Africa.  This region is called Bophuthatswana, translated "The Place of Gathering of the Tswana".  The religion of the Tswana is mainly a form of tribal animism, or ancestor worship.  Approximately 60% of the Tswana population profess Christianity, however only about 18%  of those actually practice Christianity, of which females outnumber males by 2:1.  When Christianity was first introduced to the Tswana, missionaries lacked knowledge of culture and ignored certain Tswana religious practices, and as such, many Tswana accepted Christianity, but only superficially.  Today the Tswana are indifferent to religion, or insincere about those they profess.