For the last seven years, Zarephath Ministries in Newclare have been putting smiles on many children’s faces. They held their annual Christmas in the park on December 10.
Sharon Buis said that they have been handing out Christmas presents to the children of Newclare, Westbury, Claremont, Waterval, Bosmont and the surrounding areas.
The church committee hired jumping castles and games for the children to play and enjoy for the day. For the last few years, the event was held at the small park in Hamilton Street, Newclare.
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After the church service, the Ebenezer Church and the Newclare Primary drummies had a march around the community with Father Christmas in a bakkie to collect little boys and girls.
This is said to be the biggest event for the church and all members work year-round to get enough gifts for the children in the community.
This year the church did not receive corporate sponsors, but they were blessed with people who donated to the church in order for them to purchase the gifts, hire the jumping castles and to buy food for the children. The remaining costs were covered by the church.
“The gifts that we buy aren’t expensive but the children are so grateful and you can see it on their faces as their eyes light up. The parents are also so supportive of this day. It is not just for Christians, we give to all children,” said Buis.
The march started at the church and proceeded to Croesus, Kretzschmar, into Dowling Street and into the golf course.
In previous years, the congregation handed out the gifts in the street, but last year as they handed out the gifts, there was a drive-by shooting in which seven people were shot.
Since then, the church has been more careful and have considered the dangers of having other people’s children in the streets.
“We have decided to move the event to the golf course in Westbury. It is an enclosed area which is safe and the children can have fun in a safe environment,” said Buis. The whole event started at 12 pm after the march.
“Last year we had 1500 to 2000 children, so every year we just add more. It’s a day away from home and a place where the little ones can have fun and eat. We are not doing this for ourselves, its all for the children of our community,” said Buis.
