Cape Town recently hosted the Micah Global Consultation under the inspiring theme “Walking Together in Hope.” The global network brings together Christians passionate about mission, justice, mercy, advocacy, and development — and this year, one of the most powerful tracks focused on Creation Care.
Lament for a Wounded World.
The Creation Care track led by Dave Bookless, Kuki Rokhum and Laura Yoder explored what it means to love God and our neighbours in a world facing droughts, floods, and ecological collapse. The goal was clear: to see creation care not as a side issue but as a core part of the Gospel — woven into our faith, our work, and our daily choices.
Day one opened with a powerful message from Dave Bookless of A Rocha International, reminding everyone that caring for the planet is integral to Christian mission. He challenged participants to rethink development that ignores the environment.
Stories of pain and hope followed. Levi Jona shared how conflict in South Sudan is fuelled by competition for water. A moving video from Kwada Matiwane in Mthatha, South Africa, showed the devastation caused by floods that claimed over 100 lives. Rev. Rachel Mash spoke of the droughts and floods gripping Southern Africa and led a collective moment of lament — using the Hebrew word “Ashamnu” meaning “we are all guilty.”
Watch the moving reflection here: https://drive.google.com/…/1tDjCz6Kkuz4fzX5GMqf…/view…
Learning from the Land
The next day, participants took to the field — literally. Led by Colleen Saunders and Rev. Rachel, the team explored three Cape Town communities where environmental justice meets everyday life.
First stop: Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA) — a green lifeline that supplies about 60% of Cape Town’s vegetables. This precious farmland sits on a vital aquifer but is under threat from development and sand mining. The group met local activists and young farmers fighting in court to protect both the land and the city’s food future.
Next came Princess Vlei, where participants heard stories from locals who were once banned from beaches under apartheid. The community’s long fight to save the vlei from a shopping mall is now a story of hope — schools, volunteers, and eco-warriors are restoring the area’s biodiversity and healing both land and people.
The journey ended at Kalk Bay, where the fishing community shared their struggles. Once threatened by apartheid removals, they now face new challenges — pollution, dwindling fish stocks, and unfair corporate fishing rights. Their resilience is a reminder that justice for people and for creation are deeply connected.
Walking Forward in Hope
Over 30 people from around the world, from Pakistan to Peru, UK to Uganda took part in the track – different contexts and challenges but with one heart.
The Creation Care track didn’t just tell stories — it built connections, inspired action, and called for a renewed sense of shalom: peace that includes both people and planet. As Christians today, we are invited to keep walking together in hope — protecting creation, speaking for justice, and embodying love for our shared home.
Creation care must be the foundation for our development work, not an added extra.
As we walk forward in hope, we will treasure the words from a sign board at Princess Vlei
Let us listen to the wisdom of first nations; cherish the waterways, Tread these paths with kindness . Leave only footprints. Take only memories
#micahglobal #arocha
