What began as a simple vision to create a space where local people could park their cars and pray together has developed into a growing movement of healing, and collective compassion during times of tragedy.
The Park and Pray initiative, founded by Grace Love Family Church in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, was launched in 2024 but gained significant momentum in 2025 following a tragic road accident in the Vaal area that claimed the lives of young people.
The accident shook communities across Gauteng and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief and renewed reflection on the role communities can play in supporting one another during moments of loss.
Led by Apostle Simon Mashigo and Pastor Lindiwe Mashigo, Park and Pray was established in response to repeated tragedies affecting local communities, including fatal accidents involving schoolchildren, youth violence, and crime. Organisers say their aim was not to host traditional church services, but to offer spiritual support in spaces where people already gather, especially during times of crisis.
“We wanted to take church outside the walls and bring it to where it is needed the most — the community,” said Mashigo.
Following the tragic Vanderbijlpark school transport accident on Monday January 19 which claimed the lives of 14 learners, the Park and Pray movement hosted a candlelight prayer service in Daveyton. Communities from different backgrounds, denominations, and belief systems gathered to mourn together, finding comfort in shared prayer and solidarity. They were joined virtually by grieving people across the nation who heeded a call to participate in the gathering via a livestream.
Unlike conventional church services, Park and Pray gatherings are held in open community spaces such as parking areas, open fields, and public meeting points. Residents arrive in their vehicles or on foot, and pray together. This model creates an environment that is accessible, inclusive, and non intimidating, allowing people who may not ordinarily attend church to participate.
Organisers emphasise that the initiative is open to everyone, regardless of faith, background, or denomination. The focus, they say, is on unity and healing rather than religious identity.
The initiative has gained traction in Ekurhuleni centres such as Daveyton and Benoni, where communities continue to grapple with youth violence, alcohol abuse, shootings, stabbings, and rising crime. Rather than responding with judgement or condemnation, organisers say Park and Pray was born out of a desire to respond with compassion.
“We started seeing our own brothers and sisters dying,” Mashigo said. “As a community, everyone has a role to play. Police, schools, churches, and organisations all have responsibilities. Our role as a church is to address the spiritual wellbeing of the community.”
According to organisers, many social challenges begin on a spiritual and emotional level before manifesting physically through violence, accidents, and loss of life. They believe that prayer and community presence can help restore hope and strengthen social bonds.
The January Vaal tragedy reopened emotional wounds from a similar transport-related accident in Benoni the previous year, where learners lost their lives. That incident prompted widespread community support, including counselling services, involvement from traditional leaders, and prayer vigils held at the crash site.
“This tragedy triggered painful memories,” Mashigo said. “It reminded us that grief is not confined to one community, but affects the entire nation.”
Park and Pray serves communities by bringing together grieving families, young people, faith leaders, and community members. These gatherings often include moments of silence, worship, and shared prayer, providing a safe space for emotional expression and mutual support.
Organisers say they hope to involve additional stakeholders, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), Arrive-Alive, road-safety organisations, and other community structures in future initiatives. They believe a collaborative approach is essential in addressing the root causes of tragedies and promoting lasting change.
“People come not just to pray for the families, but to pray with them,” Mashigo said. “There is a deep sense of compassion and shared grief. You can feel the pain, but also the support.”
Organisers stress that Park and Pray is not aligned to any single denomination, brand, or individual leadership. Instead, it is driven by the needs of the community and a shared desire to stand together during times of pain.
“This is not about one church or one leader,” Mashigo said. “It’s about communities standing together, united in hope and compassion.”
As South Africa continues to mourn the young lives lost during last month’s Vaal accident, the Park and Pray initiative stands as a reminder of the power of unity, compassion, and collective healing — demonstrating that in times of tragedy, communities are stronger when they come together.
Anybody who is interested in joining hands with this initiative is welcome to contact Mpho at +27 61 784 9182. See Daveyton Park and Pray Facebook page here.
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