Abstract
Informal settlements are mushrooming in Mangaung. The essential questions are what the implications of the Christian Gospel in this situation facing inhabitants of informal settlements in Mangaung are, and how the Gospel can inspire people living in dire circumstances to strive for the fullness of life. The needs of people should be determined first. Listening to people living in informal settlements is essential. Settlements in Mangaung were approached and qualitative research was conducted. The Gospel gives an encompassing and holistic answer to people’s needs. All aspects, from the basic need for daily bread to the expectation of a new future, are relevant. Evangelism and humble service should be part of those bringing the Gospel to people living in informal settlements. A relation with Christ is all-important in inspiring a person to experience the fullness of life. The total person should, however, be brought to Christ to experience a full relationship with Him. In order to inspire, the Gospel should be brought by emphasising the glory of Christ so that the person can indeed hear and experience it, and be redeemed of and by Christ.
Highlights
Informal settlements are mushrooming in Mangaung
The essential questions are what the implications of the Christian Gospel in this situation facing inhabitants of informal settlements in Mangaung are, and how the Gospel can inspire people living in dire circumstances to strive for the fullness of life
New life in Christ brings about hope for a future where one can live with Christ
Summary
Informal settlements are mushrooming in Mangaung (around Bloemfontein). Many people arrive at the informal settlements from the farms, the mines and other parts of the rural areas of the Free State, and from other parts of Southern Africa, Africa and even from countries such as Bangladesh. The central research questions asked are what are the implications of the Christian Gospel in the situation facing inhabitants of informal settlements and how can the Gospel inspire people living in dire circumstances to strive for a new life. Aspects such as conversion, evangelism, and church membership still receive much attention, the emphasis in missiology is presently on a comprehensive approach where the total person in his or her community is regarded to be included in the kingdom of God with all the benefits of the kingdom This approach is of importance for the evaluation of the research question. The responses established by the interviews with some inhabitants of the informal areas by the qualitative research have implications for the realisation of the role of the Gospel in such situations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
