In light of the United States Supreme Court’s decision to uphold gay marriage, the question arises how does a Christian function in a country where same-sex marriage is legal? Imagine, if the country you call home also recognizes polygamy? My family has lived in these realities in South Africa for several years. To hear a polygamist defend his practice using the Bible is a unique experience, he usually begins by saying, “King David had more than one wife…”
The majority of the country comes from African traditionalist backgrounds, and compare same-sex marriage to placing older relatives in nursing homes as an “evil” Western cultural practice that needs to be shunned. As more young adults pass through the hallowed halls of the liberal institutions of academia, hostile ideologies against traditional religious values are taking a foothold in South Africa. Shortly after the US Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in all states, the student government president at University of Cape Town (UCT) was removed from the position when posting this comment, “We are institutionalizing and normalizing sin. May God have mercy on us…”
This is an unfortunate intolerant action by an institution that professes tolerance of dissenting opinions. However, in this atmosphere the gospel is being proclaimed! When I share the gospel on campus, students usually ask me questions. They are amazed at how I answer the question, “Where is your wife?” My usual response, “She’s here with me in Cape Town.” Most are surprised she would leave the US to be with me in South Africa. It’s a blessing to tell students my wife and children have settled in this country to tell people about Jesus Christ. My marriage has become an invaluable witness to the gospel of Christ. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful wife. I can’t see how I could do ministry without her by my side. Continue to pray for our marriage. In June, Melanie and I celebrated fifteen years of marriage.
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