In the face of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis and impending danger that looms over our communities, we as leaders in the broader church in George are sending out this call to action.
Our God is not intimidated by the COVID-19 virus. He is still on the throne and will turn this dark time into good (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28). He has however, also given us a responsibility to partner with Him in fighting this very real public enemy. Therefore, we ask all our members to continue to:
- Persist in prayer (Luke 18:1-8).
- Heed the government regulations with regards to the lockdown, precautionary measures and social distancing, remembering that God placed this authority over us (Romans 13:1).
- Make every effort within our local congregations to assist people in and outside the congregations, through the many wonderful vehicles (discipleship structures, NPO’s, programmes etc.) that have already been established in the local church.
We also see the need for a further concerted effort beyond the boundaries of our respective churches, especially into communities where people literally do not have enough food and hygiene products to see them through to 17 April.
We therefore want to encourage the church in George to come alongside Love George (Love Garden Route NPC*), that will act as a centralised vehicle through which donations, both financially and in other forms, can be channelled to the different needs in our community. Love George will be working closely with government at local and district level, as well as with the churches and other organisations in George, to identify and address the pressing basic needs of our communities.
An operational plan will soon be published, which will include how communities can seek assistance and how donations will be processed. Financial donations may be made to the following account:
Love Garden Route NPC (2018/544129/08);
Account number: 10110225528;
Standard Bank;
Branch: George
Branch code: 051001
Reference COVID19.
Please also heed further communications within each church’s internal structures and externally through the Georgiete Staan Saam Facebook Group and LoveGeorge Facebook page.
We call on every church in George to become part of this initiative, so that we may join hands towards sustainable improvement of life in our communities at all levels. We are called to be salt and light in George!
Churches and members of the public that want to get more involved with this effort, please contact Herman Pienaar on 082 829 6428 or at info@lovegeorge.co.za.
Signatories:
Pete Veysie (George Methodist Church), Jannie Horne (Eagles Nest Ministries), Paul van Coller (Hope Church), Andre Olivier (Cremhog), Floors Meyer (NG George Suid), Amo O’Kennedy (Shofar Church), Allen Spies (AGS Pacaltsdorp), Herman Pienaar (LoveGeorge/ENMI), Koos van der Merwe (Eden Gemeente), Gerhard de Jager (Eden Gemeente), Bonganjalo Mbenenge (Uniting Reformed Church) Paul Williams (Bikers Church), Philip and Maryna de Vries (Life Community Services), Boyce Saleni (Thembalethu Baptist), Richard Murphy (His Heart), Walter and Ena Richards (Work4aliving), Pieter Niemand (Keep the Dreaam), Amos Moyikwa (House of Grace), Jackson Moyikwa (Word of Faith temple), Basson Nel (Liberty Church), Keith Elliot (Victory Church), Vusi Selani (River Church), Charlie Williams (New Life in Christ Ministries), George Methodist Church, NG George Suid, NG Bergsig, NG Moedergemeente, NG Tuinedal, NG Blanco, NG Herold, NG Outeniqualand, NG Denneoord, Pacaltsdorp Fraternal, Martin de Klerk (Volle Evangelie Kerk), Derek Flannigan (Vineyard George), Kobus Smith (Ekklesia), Mike Burnard (In Context Ministries)