A Visit to Kgodisong Centre

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

I recently had the opportunity of visiting Kgodisong Centre which was founded in 2001 by a local congregation of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in the village of Kanye. Concerned by an escalating number of orphans in the community as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, a preschool/daycare for orphans and vulnerable children aged between 2 to 6 years was established.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

Many of these children find themselves in difficult and stressful circumstances, due to the long term decline in their parent’s health, reduced family income, isolation from the wider community because of the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS as well as other issues. Today the center has more than 50 children, who are transported on a daily basis to the center and returned to their respective home environment. While there, they are given opportunities for learning, given nutritious meals, and provided with encouragement and spiritual support. Global Ministries has supported this work in a variety of ways. Being there reminded me that through Christ Jesus we are given the necessary peace to do God’s work, i.e. “Peace, I leave with you.”

There is hope that later this year, Kgolagano College will be able to unveil a new certificate and diploma program. Developing the syllabus, writing course outlines, and securing resources has been an arduous task, especially when operating under financial and personnel constraints. Nonetheless, we are reminded not to let our hearts be troubled, for God, through Jesus Christ is with us.

God willing, by the end of this year we will have returned to North America and will be available for deputation during the first half of 2009. We always find it a real blessing to reconnect with the individuals, churches and friends who have enriched our lives over the last 19 years we have served with Global Ministries. It’s also a time to make new connections; to worship and lift up praises to God; to be encouraged by the many ways the Church in North America is engaged in doing God’s work (locally, regionally and nationally); to share about God’s work in Africa and the witness of the Church there; preaching, visiting Sunday School classes, fellowship gatherings and…….

In terms of our children, both are doing well. Our younger daughter, Priya completed her undergraduate studies at William Woods in Fulton, Missouri in May. She will begin a Masters program in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in August of this year. Shanthi works for Pepsi and live in Fargo, North Dakota. During her month long visit with us in April this year, she developed some Power Point presentations as well as some illustrations for Kgolagano College.

We continue to give thanks for the encouragement we receive from churches across North America, for doing the work we are engaged in here. God bless.

Jim & Jayanthi Wilson
James & Jayanthi Wilson are missionaries with the Kgolagano Theological College in Gaborone, Botswana. Jim serves as a teacher of theology at Kgolagana Theological College. Jayanthi serves as seconded staff to the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre in Gaborone, Botswana. She works in community development at the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre.