PATA INC. "Pointing  America Toward Africa"

Pata-A South African Xhosa word spelled "Phata". The word means to "touch, or "to hold on to."

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counteth the cost whether he have sufficient to finish.

Who is PATA?

PATA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to aid in the development and construction of a South African church, community center and rectory. 

At the dawn of the 20th century, Christian churches in South Africa promoted racial separation. The largest

supporter of Apartheid was the Dutch Reformed Church. They were considered the "official religion" of the leading National Party. Black Africans and people of mixed race were cast out of their houses of worship, and forced to move repeatedly far from their religious social and civic centers. Many Black Africans were restricted and forced to live in areas without housing, water, and many of the neccessities for basic living.

 Apartheid crumbled under the weight of global pressure in 1994, but the legacy of apartheid has not been totally obliterated. Today Black African communities are attempting to rebuild within a changing social and economic climate.  A part of that renaissance is resurrecting what held the people together during the darkest of times----FAITH! The Dutch Reformed Mission Church has morphed into the  Uniting Reformed Church of South Africa, which is bringing Blacks and Indian Africans together, uniting them under the banner of belief.  The parishioners are working to bring all the members of the Dutch Reformed Church living in the area, back to the church family under a single Christian banner.  In the meantime, the people of Booyston Park are in need of a church building.  They feel the construction of a community center will uplift the entire area. The three edifices will be built over a ten year period in the tiny village of Booyston Park, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Members of the Uniting Reformed Church of South Africa