Church partners with health sector

“It is about time the church partners with health-care officials to support those in need of treatment, hence, we invited doctors and nurses to provide us with their services today,” said Gumede.

ACORNHOEK – Churches should not only be concerned about the spiritual well-being of its members, but also their physical health.

These were the sentiments of Past Ezekiel Gumede from Ebenezer Gospel Church
during a recent health-awareness campaign at the church.
The elders and youth came out in their numbers and were tested for diabetes, HIV/Aids as well as other ailments.

“It is about time the church partners with health-care officials to support those in need of treatment, hence, we invited doctors and nurses to provide us with their services today,” said Gumede.
He also urged pastors to stop telling congregants to leave their medication after having been
prayed for. “We must also encourage the youth to abstain from sexual activities and urge young adults to use protection whenever they engage in sexual activities,” he added.

This initiative was also supported by Matron Miriam Moyimane, the nursing service manager from
Tintswalo Government Hospital and Dr Josephina Buthelezi who is also a member of the Medical Women Association of South Africa (MWASA), among other health-care workers.

“It is of great importance that people know their HIV/Aids status so that they can start taking
treatment as soon as possible before any complications arise. We also checked for signs of tuberculosis and other related diseases.

This is not the first church to partner with us. As a health institution in Acornhoek, we are
accessible to the community who are welcome to invite us for similar campaigns,” Moyimane said.
She added that their next project would be to educate the public about breast and cervical cancer, as well as Pap smears, as a means of showing their commitment and support to the
community.