New horizons for Living Waters Church
Renovations as well as dozens of new projects are underway at the Living Waters Church and Durban North, under the watchful eye of the new pastor, Christian Kisten and his wife, Cynthia.
“WE are a strong family ministry and we want to make this a family church, with family-based values. We want to build a church that makes everyone feel welcome,” said pastor, Christian Kisten, during a recent meetinging with the Northglen News.
The former school principal was inducted as the new pastor at the Living Waters Church in Durban North in August. In a short while, he and his wife, Cynthia, have already begun to grow the church. Not only have they doubled the attendance, but they have also begun renovating the old church building and have initiated various community-based programmes.
“I have been a principal for 34 years and my wife was also a teacher. As educators, we are passionate about guiding and impacting people. We have both also grown up as Christians and therefore love teaching others the word of God. We have a vision to build a church that does not condemn, a place of healing, a church that embraces people from all walks of life,” he said.
Supporting the duo’s efforts are their three children, son-in-laws and two grandchildren. One of Cynthia’s first projects involved a monthly ladies’ fellowship tea.
“As a woman, I feel strongly about impacting and empowering other women. The tea provides an opportunity for women in the community to come together and chat, meet new people and share advice,” she said. Similarly, Christian also runs a men’s fellowship every month.
Weekly youth meetings are also organised for the teens and young adults in the community. “The event provides the perfect opportunity to meet other young people in the community in a safe environment. Currently there are 40 members who participate in the socialising and games,” said Christian.
On Thursdays, the duo runs a feeding scheme at the church, providing warm meals to anyone in need. The Kistens are both qualified marriage counsellors and also offer sessions free of charge. However, the duo have plans for two additional programmes; the compassionate friends evening, which will cater for members of the community who have lost a loved one, and the monthly craft class.
“I also wish to develop skills within the community and hope to do so through a craft class. I am skilled in bead work, mosaic tiling, embroidery and knitting. I plan to teach these skills and also encourage people to take them up as hobbies. Eventually I hope to encourage our members to help knit blankets and beanies for the less fortunate,” added Cynthia.
The duo have also made an appeal to the community for assistance in upgrading the church. People are welcome to donate funds or skills towards the project.
Contact 084 706 1033 or 031 502 3080.
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