The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) has called on financial institutions to show leniency and empathy to mineworkers and their families who are facing extreme financial pressure due to the protracted strike in the platinum belt.
“The tragedy currently playing-out in Rustenburg and surrounds is not a natural disaster but a man-made one. Unfortunately human beings are suffering – many who are totally innocent,” says the AFM in a media statement released yesterday (Thursday, June 5).
The statement continues: “While a number of organizations and churches are doing their best to lessen the negative consequence of this crisis, the reality thereof is worse than anyone could have imagined.
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“It is a tragedy that innocent people are losing their homes and vehicles for reasons that are outside their control. One realizes that banks and other financial institutions are profit-driven and that sentiments and consideration of human suffering are mostly not part of their policies.
“Many cases have been reported of people losing their homes. It is not unusual to hear of 6 to 8 families sharing one home! Many were forced to return their vehicles because they cannot afford the monthly installments.
“The AFM, who has several assemblies and many members in the afflicted areas, appeal to the financial institutions to show more leniency and empathy – especially to those who are innocent victims of the strike.
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“We also appeal to the different mine-houses to mediate as far as possible to assist in alleviating the disastrous effect of the strike on the lives of employees who have been loyal over many years.
“The AFM this weekend called for a time of special prayer and practical assistance in all its churches. We do however make this special plea to all relevant institutions to take extraordinary steps to mitigate the sorrow and disruption of family life caused by this tragic situation.”
Is daar nie n rekeningnr waarin finansiele bydraes inbetaal kan word om hierdie mense te help nie? Baie dankie, Alta Smit
Any denomination making an appeal like this needs to be clear on what its so called call is based. The Word of God is very clear with regards to our relationship towards our employer, our government, etc. As Christians we regard the Word of God as our supreme authority and Paul addresses this challenge very clearly in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Anything we do in contradiction to the Word, though it may appear to be good, is disobedience to the Word of God, it is sinful and prevent God’s blessing from making a difference to our lives. Cornelius