As we reported last week, many of our URCSA Cape Region Synod’s congregations must function without a minister; a huge challenge for any congregation.
Fortunately, within this dark picture, there is a golden edge – the joint URCSA and DRC ministry group, Witness Ministry, in the light of this challenge, has since 2018 along with the other URCSA ministries, began to support congregations in order to call proponents. For the past two years, for example, in the former Transkei four new ministers have been ordained. They are Wiseman Calvary (Mthatha), Thanduxolo Mountain (Canzibe), Thembinkosi Mene (Rietvlei) and Zukile Bloro (Lusiksiki and Bambisana).
Last week we told you more about Rev. Calvary and Rev. Mountain, and this week we hear more about Rev. Bloro.
Shortly after accepting his call in 2018 he let us know, “Starting my ministry in rural areas has given meaning to it. God has really called me to a place that I have dreamed about, but I could never have imagined how my life would change. In this new venture, I had to understand the culture, the new concepts, and vocabulary. It is now that I begin to realize that God has called me to this area for a reason. I have noticed God’s work is more outside the church hence I have joined the community to alleviate poverty and give out to the needy.”
If you ask him two years later how he is dealing with his challenges as a minister in the current COVID-19 pandemic, the WhatsApp answer comes quickly, “In this time of COVID-19, it has been a sad time for the congregants – as if their gold has been grabbed off their hands,” explains Rev. Bloro. “Even though they are staying away from the church buildings some are not staying far from God’s word.“During this time I keep myself busy by doing all sorts of house chores like painting and fixing the house. This has been a good time for me and others to find a space to have time for the family.
“The church building is looking so lonely but when you get close it seems like there is a voice that is coming from the inside.
“I also advise people to STAY AT HOME, but not to stay far from God!”
We pray that the Lord’s voice will be heard in new and fresh ways in this challenging time.
Contact
Stephen Pedro
stephen@kaapkerk.co.za