Mission as ‘saving’ abandoned infants in Johannesburg inner city: An evaluation of the Door of Hope Mission

Lukwikilu C Mangayi

doi:10.4102/hts.v75i4.5534

Abstract

In this study, I position the Door of Hope (DoH), an organisation which attempts to work with abandoned and orphaned children, as a faith-based organisation and attempt to determine its effectiveness in relation to missio Dei [the mission of God]. This evaluation focussed on the four different ‘mission orientations’ that a religious community could have in society. Insights gained through this scrutiny of DoH highlight the notion that faith-based organisations in areas such as the inner city of Johannesburg in South Africa can genuinely embrace God’s mission as co-workers in God’s mission to realise a transformed reality symbolised by shalom or collective well-being of all of creation, in particular, for the most vulnerable citizens of Johannesburg inner city, such as infants and young women at risk.

Highlights

In Johannesburg,South Africa (Mosselson 2017): Life in the inner-city represents a [of] variety things – it is a site of possibilities, opportunities, social advancement and transformation, but is simultaneously a place of hardship, endurance, marginalisation and resignation
Door of Hope (DoH) is a faith-based organisation registered with the South African government as a non-profit organisation (NPO) and a public benefit organisation (PBO) working for the welfare of abandoned and orphaned children
DoH participates in God’s mission as co-workers to realise a transformed reality symbolised by shalom or collective well-being of all of creation, in particular for the most vulnerable citizens of Johannesburg inner city such as infants and young women at risk

Summary

Introduction

In Johannesburg,South Africa (Mosselson 2017): Life in the inner-city represents a [of] variety things – it is a site of possibilities, opportunities, social advancement and transformation, but is simultaneously a place of hardship, endurance, marginalisation and resignation. I take note of the following from this evaluation: (1) it is clear that the DoH goes against ‘privatised religion’ or the sanctuary orientation; (2) it affirms other social structures such as the Adoption Coalition networks and Welfare organisations as well as Home Affairs that work in the continuum of care for the children by forging partnerships with them in order to maximise the services offered to the children entrusted to them; (3) it goes the extra mile to mobilise assets and gifts within the church and outside in the society to the benefit of these most vulnerable children; and (4) it points the children to connect with Jesus for eternal security. This matter could be one of the issues for further evaluation and research

Conclusion

Data availability statement