Story and photos by Warren Ubisi
In his key sermon at the opening of a new (ELCSA) church in the Central Diocese of the Eastern circuit, east of Jozi, DR Bishop WM Rakuba said, “The construction of this church was a collective effort drawn from many different church members who needs to be thanked.”
Quoting from 1st Kings 8:14-53 he said in the bible King Solomon’s mission was only to finish a task given to his father King David by God. “So did I, my job was only to complete what was started by others. Some of them are no longer here today. However, it’s selfish if I accept any credits towards the completion of this church.
“It’s unwise for me to forget those who came up with the idea long back, that’s why Solomon said, ‘don’t thank me for this temple because it was my father’s idea.’
“I’m the one who get it finished but there are others who starved for it to get started.
“Let this place be a church were you come to pray and ask for forgiveness from God. When life becomes difficult or you have been defeated, in whatever you were doing, come to church and kneel to God. Altruistic
“When there is no food and life becomes difficult, come to this worship house because God is always here for you.”
Rakuba added, “According to Solomon, we are all sinners and no one is perfect, now come to church and be perfected. If we use this church as a turning point and start doing good, God will heal our broken hearts.
Currently under the leadership of Rev Mkhatshwa this massive face brick church has a mission house, a bell tower, new toilets, fenced with brick and palisade. Inside its fully tiled, clergymen’s rooms, nursery rooms for mothers with infants and a balcony for Sunday school. Two permanently mounted projectors from the ceiling says it all about this state of the art worship house.