Micah Global conference

At the end of September last year, over 230 people gathered in Cape Town for the Micah Consultation. Each day began with vibrant ululations of worship in Zulu and Xhosa – an amazing expression of faith that set the tone for the days ahead. It was a privilege to witness how faith brings together people from diverse cultures and organizations: those providing relief, running toward crisis, caring for vulnerable communities, and protecting creation. The four days were deeply rooted in shared knowledge, reflection, and prayer for every person present. 

For the first time, the Micah Consultation included a Creation Care track, led by A Rocha’s Dave Bookless and Kuki Rokhum, alongside Laura Yoder from Wheaton College. 

With the magnificent Table Mountain as our backdrop, the creation care team set out to experience God’s beauty firsthand, sitting on the rocks at Kalk Bay as waves crashed against the shore, and enjoying a surprise visit from a friendly seal at the harbour. We also heard powerful local stories of resilience, including efforts to protect green spaces such as Princess Vlei Park, where communities stood firm against plans to convert the land into shopping malls or residential developments. 

Throughout the consultation, conversations revealed the deep pain many carry from the work they do. Dave offered a reflective presentation on lament that brought a fresh and transformative perspective to many.  

‘Tears are the seeds on which hope can grow,’ he said. It was a powerful reminder of what can emerge from brokenness, drawing us back to hope and faith. 

The women of Micah also spent a full day at Intaka Island, engaging with one another. They spoke honestly about the gender-specific challenges they face and explored ways to navigate and mitigate them. Women in leadership encouraged those just beginning their journeys not to give up, even when the path feels lonely. 

Renowned Filipina writer Melba Maggay left us inspired with these words: ‘Do not think of your empty spaces as a place of deprivation, but as a place of consecration.’