Winter outreach advances Durban-rural church partnership

The Tugela outreach toy drive team. from the left, Roanne Padayachie, Pearl Naidoo, Hannah Govender, Seelan Govender, May Govender, Jabu Hlubi, Sthe Hlubi, Ginger Hlubi, Allison Hlubi, Jennifer Hlubi, Jesse Hlubi and Marece Simon.

A growing partnership between a Durban church and a church in the rural community of Tugela off the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal took another big step forward on Saturday as they held their second, consecutive, annual winter outreach in Tugela.

Durban-based Harvest Time Family Church and Ekklesia Christian Fellowship in Tugela worked side by side to reach out to underprivileged people in the community by providing them with basic necessities which so many of us take for granted.

Prophet Josh Soobramoney.

Founder and senior pastor of Harvest Time, Prophet Josh Soobramoney said: “Our aim was firstly to do it in winter for the people and to provide them with warm clothes, blankets and meals that could help them.

- Advertisement -

“We also distributed toys and party packs to the children. It gives us great joy to see the smiles on the faces of the kids” he said.

- Advertisement -

The event was envisioned to contribute holistically into the lives of the people of Tugela.

The day kicked off with a morning service to minister to the people spiritually, followed by an outreach programme aimed at meeting physical needs.

The place was abuzz with enthusiastic adults and excited children who eagerly lined up in designated areas  to receive their share of the spoils. It was a moment to revere.

- Advertisement -

A total of 300 people were fed a meal, and 250 blankets, clothes, toys and party packs were distributed.

The collaboration is a step towards a greater vision to partner in the development of educational, health and lifestyle facilities in the impoverished rural area.

Pastor Garon Govender.

Humanitarian and senior pastor at Ekklesia Christian Fellowship, Garon Govender said: “Sometimes rural areas are not the focus areas. They can be forgotten in terms of funding, jobs and education – people are generally overlooked.

“For some it may be a struggle to buy bread and for Harvest Time to reach out to the community shows there is a care for the people and where the seed is sown is important” he said.

After speaking with Govender, it was clear that the plight of the people in this community was more than just the lack of basic resources. Most of the children are orphans, fending for themselves with little or no chance of an education as they struggle to survive from day to day.

One of the ways in which the church is uplifting the community is through skills development. Community members are taught to plant and grow their own vegetables as a viable and sustainable source of food.

Eager children and community members awaiting the morning service which was mainly conducted in isiZulu.,

“In days to come our vision is to see the community of Tugela empowered and established and their lifestyles upgraded and to see that all in need of medical attention and education receive it as quickly as possible” said Soobramoney.

Govender said the partnership with a church that has a more influential base opens up opportunities. He also stated that it’s not all just about receiving but about having a relationship to give back as well. He pointed out that as a community they also had so much to give and that there’ was a wealth of knowledge. There must be an exchange, he said.

“The impact it [the outreach] had been was relevant to the people and was a good testimony. The impact on their lives was very important,” said Govender.

“One lady in my church had her child receive a teddy-bear at last year’s outreach. Her child had not gotten a teddy-bear before and now the child sleeps with the teddy-bear everyday .

“The church has to impact social change. We also become the light of Christ through the church,” he said.

13 Comments

  1. Wow this is so Amazing Harvest Time family Church are truly touching the lives of many in need.. May God continue to Bless this Amazing Ministry.

  2. Awesome and amazing it’s good to be relevant. Continue the good work. God bless

  3. A great initiative from Harvest Time Family Church. Great to see this ministry going out and impacting lives. Well done to all involved. Be blessed in Jesus name!

  4. We blessed to be a Blessing..

  5. Awsome Work harvest time

  6. Well done Harvest Time!!!
    From Mauritius

  7. I am humbled and proud to be associated with Harvest Time Family Church(HTFC), may God bless the ministry of HTFC to become a blessings to to nations of this world. All praise, glory and honour to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen

  8. Impacting the nations and making a difference in the lives of people are what we are called to do. So blessed to be a part of this! We praise God!

  9. Harvest Time Family Church is all about ” Contagious Generosity ” , not just by giving in the church but also reaching out to various communities . Bless you Prophet Josh and your entire team for the selfless service.

  10. Fifi Edwin Yorke

    I want say God bless you to the Prophet of God Josh and his team for fulfill the scripture. When I was naked you clothed me . God will honor you and the team.

  11. Awesome,Great to see the great work n life touching with love n caring.GOD IS LOVE
    proud n bless to connect with HARVEST TIME FAMILY .KEEP THE GREAT WORK MAN OF GOD ,PROPHET JOSH N PS SUE N THE BEST TEAMS ,standing together to serve,kingdom advancements.
    surely will join the team one day -Rehoboth ministries
    Mauritius

  12. It is encouraging to know that there are still people who go the extra mile for those that are in need. What an amazing initiative from the team at Harvest Time Family Church. God Bless and honour your faithfulness and serve.

  13. Karine Julie from paris - France

    It’s amazing what you are doing for all these children Harvest Time family church.It’s a great blessing to have such a visioner as Prophet Josh my lovely papa to srt things and make it happen.God bless you all and that you continue the good works.