How Families Can Receive Returnees From South Africa with Love
Returning home after being forced to leave South Africa can be an emotional and difficult experience. For some returnees, coming home may bring relief because they are reunited with family. For others, it may bring embarrassment, disappointment, financial pressure and uncertainty about what comes next.
This is where family matters.
The first few days and weeks after returning can shape how a person begins to rebuild. Families can either make the returnee feel like a failure, or remind them that home is still a place where they are loved, valued and accepted.
The Bible gives us principles that can guide families in creating that kind of welcome.
1. Welcome Them Before You Question Them
When someone returns, the natural reaction may be to ask:
“What happened?”
“Why were you sent back?”
“Where is the money you made?”
“What happened to your belongings?”
But sometimes, the person first needs to hear:
“Welcome home. We are glad you are here.”
The story can come later.
Jesus’ story of the prodigal son gives us a powerful picture of a father who saw his son returning and ran to welcome him.
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” — Luke 15:20 (NIV)
The father did not begin by interrogating his son.
He welcomed him.
Families can learn from this. Before asking what happened in South Africa, make sure the returnee knows that they are wanted at home.
2. Listen Without Turning Their Story Into a Courtroom
Some returnees may want to talk immediately. Others may need time.
Their experiences may involve difficult memories, loss, discrimination, unemployment, separation from loved ones or the sudden disruption of their lives.
Don’t force them to explain everything.
Instead, create an environment where they know:
“When you are ready to talk, I am here to listen.”
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19 (NIV)
Listening does not mean agreeing with everything they say.
It means giving them enough space to tell their story without immediately judging, correcting or blaming them.
Sometimes what a returnee needs most is not advice, they simply need someone who will listen.
3. Don’t Make Them Feel Like They Failed
One of the most painful things for a returnee may be feeling that they have disappointed their family.
Perhaps they left expecting to send money home. Perhaps relatives expected them to return with a car, build a house or start a business.
Instead, they have returned with very little.
This can create enormous shame.
Families should resist statements such as:
“You were in South Africa all those years and came back with nothing?”
Instead, ask:
“What can we do to help you start again?”
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
A family should not add to someone’s burden.
4. Give Them a Safe Place to Rebuild
Coming home does not automatically mean that everything is okay.
A returnee may be wondering:
- Where will I work?
- How will I support my children?
- What can I do now?
- Will people respect me?
- Can I start a business?
- What will my friends say?
- Have I lost everything I worked for?
Family can become the safe environment from which the person begins rebuilding.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Encouragement is not pretending that everything is fine, it is helping someone believe that their current situation is not the end of their story.
5. Don’t Turn Their Return Into Family Gossip
A returnee’s story belongs to them.
Before sharing their situation with neighbours, church members, friends or extended family, consider how that might affect them.
Imagine returning home already feeling embarrassed, only to discover that everyone in the community knows what happened to you.
Families should protect the dignity of their returning loved ones.
“Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Love does not expose someone’s vulnerability for entertainment.
Love protects. Instead of discussing the returnee behind their back, create a culture where their dignity is respected.
6. Don’t Only Give Them Food—Help Them Find Their Future
Practical support is important.
A family may provide food, accommodation, clothing or transport. But long-term support also means helping the returnee think about what comes next.
Ask:
“What skills did you gain?”
“What kind of work would you like to do?”
“What can we help you start?”
“Who can we connect you with?”
The returnee may have skills and experiences that can be valuable back home.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Their journey may have been difficult, but it may also have given them skills, resilience and experience. Help them see what they still have, not only what they have lost.
7. Remind Them: They Still Belong
Perhaps the most important message a family can communicate is:
“You are still one of us.”
Circumstances may have changed.
Their finances may have changed.
Their plans may have changed.
But their value has not.
The Bible reminds us that our identity and worth ultimately come from God.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” — 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
A returnee should not be defined by deportation, unemployment, financial loss or what happened in South Africa. They are more than what happened to them. They are a person with dignity, gifts, relationships, dreams and a future.
A Final Word to Families
If someone you love has returned from South Africa, don’t make their homecoming another source of pain.
They may already be grieving a lost job, lost possessions, lost opportunities or a dream that did not work out as planned.
Let home be different.
Let it be the place where they can breathe.
Let it be the place where they are heard without judgment, supported without shame and encouraged to begin again.
They may have returned without everything they hoped for, but they have not returned without hope.
And sometimes, the first step toward rebuilding someone’s life is simply making sure they know:
“You are home. You are loved. You still belong.”
Starting a new year is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. School, work, social media, and responsibilities can easily take priority over our spiritual lives. The good news? Growing closer to God doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about small, consistent habits that transform your heart, mind, and daily life.
Here are 7 daily habits for 2026, backed by Scripture, to help you stay connected with God in a way that actually sticks.
1. Start Your Day With Prayer
Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6
Starting your day with God sets the tone. A simple 5–10 minute prayer in the morning, even while getting ready, can help you approach the day with peace instead of stress.
Youth Tip: Send a “good morning” text to God, share your plans, hopes, or worries. It’s like opening a direct line with the One who really listens.
2. Read the Bible, Even If It’s Just a Verse
Verse: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
You don’t need to read a whole chapter to feel close to God. Even one verse can guide your decisions, inspire you, and give clarity during the day.
Youth Tip: Use a Bible app with daily verse notifications or highlight a verse on your phone wallpaper, it’s a reminder God is with you everywhere.
3. Practice Gratitude Daily
Verse: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude keeps your heart focused on God, not just what’s going wrong. Taking a moment each day to thank God, even for small things, changes your perspective and mood.
Youth Tip: Keep a “Gratitude Reel” or a digital journal. Snap a photo of one thing you’re thankful for daily and reflect on it at night.
4. Serve Others in Small Ways
Verse: “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4
Serving doesn’t have to be big. Holding a door, checking on a friend, or helping a classmate is faith in action. Every small act reflects God’s love.
Youth Tip: Set a daily “service challenge”: one small act of kindness each day, online or offline.
5. Speak Words That Build Up
Verse: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” — Ephesians 4:29
Your words, texts, posts and comments have power. Choosing to encourage, compliment, or lift someone up daily is a habit that draws you closer to God.
Youth Tip: Before posting or texting, ask: “Will this reflect God’s love?”
6. Reflect & Journal
Verse: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” — Psalm 1:2
Taking 5–10 minutes at the end of the day to reflect on what went well, what challenged you, or where God showed up helps you see His work in your life.
Youth Tip: Use a digital journal, notes app, or even voice memos. Reflection is key to growth.
7. Surround Yourself With Your Faith Tribe
Verse: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
Faith grows in community. Spending time with friends who encourage your relationship with God, even through texts or online calls, helps you stay accountable and inspired.
Youth Tip: Start a group chat or weekly Zoom/Bible hangout to share encouragement, prayer requests, or favorite verses.
Final Reflection for 2026
Getting closer to God doesn’t require big gestures or a perfect schedule. It’s about small, consistent habits that shape your thoughts, words, and actions.Challenge for 2026: Pick one habit this week. Start small. Add another next week. Watch your connection with God grow in real life, not just in theory.
December is almost here, a month filled with excitement, celebrations, travelling, family gatherings, and sometimes a little chaos. As we close November, it’s the perfect moment to pause and prepare our hearts for the month ahead.
Here are some simple, practical Scripture Hacks, short, memorable, easy-to-use ways to keep God’s Word at the centre of your December. Each “hack” is paired with a Bible verse.
1. The “Morning Boost” Hack
Start your day with one verse before checking your phone.
Verse: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
It resets your mood and anchors your day in gratitude before the busyness kicks in.
2. The “Peace in My Pocket” Hack
Screenshot a calming verse and save it as your lock screen.
Verse: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.” — Isaiah 26:3
Every time you unlock your phone, you remind your heart to breathe and stay centred.
3. The “Speak Life” Hack
Choose one person every day to encourage with Scripture.
Verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
December can be overwhelming, a simple verse shared can lift someone’s whole day.
4. The “Stress Reset” Hack
When you feel overwhelmed, step away for 30 seconds and whisper one calming verse.
Verse: “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
It shifts your focus from pressure to peace.
5. The “Budget Wisdom” Hack
Before spending impulsively, read one verse on wisdom or self-control.
Verse: “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” — Proverbs 21:20
December spending can get wild, Scripture brings balance.
6. The “Hold Your Tongue” Hack
If someone tests your patience this festive season, remember this verse before responding.
Verse: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19
Drama is avoided. Peace is preserved.
7. The “God’s Got This” Hack
Write one verse of trust on a sticky note and place it somewhere you see often.
Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
December can bring decisions and uncertainties, this keeps you grounded.
8. The “Joy Check” Hack
Before you end each day, list one moment where God showed up for you — big or small.
Verse: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
It shifts your mind from stress to gratitude, ending your day with joy.
A Better December Starts Today
As November ends, these simple hacks help us enter December with calm hearts, wise decisions, and spiritually rooted habits. The Word isn’t just for Sunday, it’s a daily tool, a guide, a comfort, and a steady voice in every season.
What is prayer?
Just as how we communicate in order to keep our relations intact, we should also be in constant touch with our Father in Heaven. One way of doing that is through prayer. Prayer is the communication between us and God. We can boldly go to Him in prayer and tell him how we feel, what we desire, seek guidance etc. Prayer is giving our attention to God in a two-way spiritual relationship where we talk to God and also listen to Him. Prayer is like a child’s conversation with their father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things they need, or to ask for advice or guidance.
Who should pray?
Prayer is an open invitation extended to everyone, regardless of their circumstances, background, or status. The Bible is explicit in its encouragement for all people to engage in prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV), the Apostle Paul encourages believers by saying, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This passage conveys that prayer is not limited to a select few but is a continuous and open invitation for all believers.
So to answer the question, “YOU” should pray.
Why should you pray?
When you receive Christ into your heart, you become a child of God and have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer at any time about anything. The Christian life is a personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. And best of all, it is a relationship that will last for all eternity.
There are many promises in God’s Word to encourage us to pray, such as: “He shall call upon me and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him” (Psalm 91:15); “And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24); “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). These Scriptures assure us that God hears and answers prayer.
When should you pray?
You should pray at all times.
1 Thessalonians 5 v 17 “Pray without ceasing”.
The Bible is clear that we should pray always–And we should. However, there are some circumstances in our lives that should trigger immediate prayer. Here are examples of circumstances that should trigger prayer.
1. When you are happy.
“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 1:13
2. When you are tempted. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13).
“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
3. When you are worried. The Bible teaches us to cast their burdens on the Lord.
Paul wrote, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6).
4. When you have a great decision to make or problem to solve: The Bible teaches that,” If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James. 1:5).
5. When you are discouraged: In living the Christian life, you should not quit. You need to turn to God in prayer. Jesus said,“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Lk. 18:1).Paul said, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians. 6:18). When you are discouraged, ask God to send you some help in the form of other Christians.
6. When you have sinned.: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John: 1:7-9).
Where should you pray?
This question has a lot of different answers, and thank goodness it does. God hears your prayers no matter where you’re praying. In the Bible, people prayed in houses, in closets, on mountaintops, in deserts, late at night, early in the morning, before meals, and after battles. So maybe it doesn’t really matter where your body is during prayer and at what time you pray. Instead, it’s about where your heart is when you pray. Any time you want or need to talk with God, that’s when you should pray. Any place you need to feel the influence of His love, that’s where you should pray. You don’t have to wait for the perfect time or place (or the perfect you). Just pray. God will hear you.