Letter from Africa: Johannesburg's Methodist homeless mission

The biblical image of homecoming and forgiveness lies against a wall in Bishop Paul Verryn's office at the Central Methodist church in Johannesburg. The church has an "open-door policy" to thousands of homeless people, mostly desperate Zimbabweans who have fled their homeland with nothing. It attracts the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free, but it is hardly a comfortable refuge.

Verryn reckons there are between 3,000 and 3,500 people living in the building, about 85% from Zimbabwe. During the day he encourages them to go out, ideally in search of work, but at night they cram in wherever they can, sleeping on the floors, stairs and pews. Some used to squat on the street outside, but an aggressive police raid last month, following complaints from local businesses, has forced the church's worship areas to take in a further 300.

There are about 100 babies and 50 toddlers enduring these cramped conditions, with 25 to 30 in a creche. About 110 children are here without parents but spend their days at school, learning everything from catering and computing to karate and ballroom dancing from teachers who are themselves seeking sanctuary.  The bishop estimates there is one death every two weeks at the church, with winter months especially harsh. There were six diagnoses of cholera last year but no fatalities thanks to the work of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Screenings for HIV and tuberculosis have also gone some way to staving off disaster. But alcoholism, gang crime and violent feuds are persistent scourges.

Verryn, 57, said: "Every conceivable social problem that you could imagine is here, from child abuse to stealing to sex on the steps. It happens. It can be testing, but on the other hand there's a huge possibility. To begin organising and garrisoning the potential of people in this place can be exceedingly rewarding. There is huge hope looking for a home."

story & photo courtesy of - The Guardian