Justice Revival

The reality

History shows us that the great revivals of our Christian faith were linked closely to social reform. When people were touched by truth of Christ, it automatically translated into activism against the current sins of society. In times past, Christian activism has targeted and impacted issues such as slavery, oppression of women and abuse of alcohol.

Today our society faces similar social evils, but they have become so ingrained in our lives that they have ceased to even appear as injustices, or imbalances, or sin. Just as the abolition of slavery became an issue of faith for new followers of Christ in the nineteenth century, so too must poverty, modern-day slavery and inequality become matters of faith for Christians in Cape Town today. The good news that Jesus came to live out and die for, was a message of personal salvation for every individual, but it was also about the hope of a kingdom – a kingdom that is near. So near, that in part it is already here. So near, that if we choose to live the way Jesus lived, we can be part of bringing that kingdom in; on earth as it is in heaven.

Justice Revival’s message is geared towards anyone with a heart to know more about justice; those who desire to see God break into history and bring a revival! We believe the two go hand-in-hand.

The intervention

The Justice Revival Advocacy Team is a group of people with a heart for justice who want to see change in their circles of influence. The team meets together once a week to share stories, learn more about issues of injustice, pray, and encourage each other. We also host a movie night each month at the Warehouse, when anybody is welcome to come and join us to watch a film that reflects on a particular issue. After the film there is a led discussion that helps us to think deeper about what we have just watched, and gives us the space to talk about how we and our communities can become advocates and agents for change.

We are also closely connected with Micah Challenge in South Africa. This is a moment in history of unique potential when the stated intentions of world leaders echo something of the heart of the Biblical prophets and the teachings of Jesus concerning the poor, and when we have the means to dramatically reduce poverty. The United Nations (UN) has challenged governments to work towards the attaining of the Millennium Development Goals in their own nations and globally. The eight MDGs are:

- End poverty and hunger - Maternal health
- Universal education - Combat HIV/Aids
- Gender Equality - Environmental sustainability
- Child health - Global Partnership

Micah Challenge is a call to Christians everywhere to support and actively work towards the attaining of these goals, and to use their voice to demand that their governments do the same.

The prayer

We know that social transformation happens when the gospel is preached in its fullness. Our prayer is that the church in Cape Town, in South Africa, and in the whole world would preach as Christ did; through words, through healing, through food for the hungry, and through denouncing injustice and breaking the bonds of oppression.