Mamelodi, South Africa is a black township that was setup in 1953 by the then apartheid government in Pretoria.  Initially, Mamelodi was 16 homes built on the Vlakfontein farm and has grow into a community of a million people.  Poverty and HIV plague the township and it is estimated that 30-40% of the community is infected with the HIV virus.  To further complicate the township’s troubles 60% of Mamelodi is unemployed. 

In 2007 my wife and I experienced Mamelodi first hand.  We were part of a group of 600 people that Crossroads Community Church in Cincinnati organized.  Our group, GO Mamelodi 07, was a blessing to the people of Mamelodi through a partner church in the township, Charity and Faith Mission.  Together we built homes, planted gardens, provided free medical care and generally loved on people, especially the kids.  This trip was a HUGE turning point in my life and from that point forward I have felt compelled to make a difference.  Since 2007 I have returned to Mamelodi three more times and with each returning visit I feel more and more drawn to the township.  I feel that I can make a difference and this is where I am supposed to start.  So for 18-24 months starting in June 2009 my family and I will be committed to this township in another part of the world, far from the comforts of our American life.  I am not sure what our experiences will bring but one thing I am certain of is that we will forever be changed...and I hope that we can begin to bring change to this corner of the world by touching one person at a time.

wS