Abstract:
This article was written from the perspective of a black African who has been unfairly
subjected to colonialism, apartheid and neo-colonialism. This African is learning to
simultaneously blame others for mistakes committed against him and interrogate his own
agency in being an answer to his own prayers. He has observed that communities of poverty
are usually seen as undesirable. As a consequence of this, most of its residents prefer to
move away, if they have the option of doing so. This article explored the concept of thin
places as a vehicle to nurture agency amongst people living in communities of poverty such
as Soshanguve. It uses the narrative approach of storytelling to recount particular past
events and present ones as a tool to cultivate a ‘can-do attitude’ in ordinary people. The goal
is to raise agents of hope who will bring good news to their neighbours and anybody else,
using biblical principles as a critical tool in their toolkit. Communities of poverty are usually
seen as undesirable. As a consequence, most of its residents prefer to move out, if they have
the choice to do so. This article reflects on the efforts of a missional team, InnerCHANGE, to
help residents of the township of Soshanguve migrate from a victim mentality to become
agents of their own hope. It uses a theology of place that alludes to concepts of thin places
which challenges ordinary people to become participants in the flourishing of lives around
them. A reflection on agency influenced by the Black Consciousness Movement and other
African scholars gave context, meaning and relevance to such a theology of place. Stories of
agency from Africa are remembered and retold to inspire ordinary people. Some of the latter
have taken to heart these inspirational stories and have been transformed into agents. This
article calls such people transformation agents. A conclusion was made that the Church
needs to continue playing its prophetic role in society. Such a role could entail reminding
people of existing assets they may have such as stories told around them of people who
defied the normal victim mentality seen in poor communities and actively built thin places
around them.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article was based on the field of
missiology. It engaged historical facts (history) in a way that could nurture and develop agency
in ordinary people. It challenges a general apathy towards community involvement found
within the body of Christ located in South African communities of poverty.
