PREACHING the word of the Lord to every man and his dog, Empangeni Coastal Assembly of God Church Pastor (Ps) Mike Geel is ready to rock and roll.
Born in Zimbabwe but later raised in Zambia, Ps Geel has been in ministry for more 30 years nationally and internationally.
The dynamic husband and wife duo have moved nine times in 20 years and have finally made Empangeni their home.
Ps Mike and his wife Norma have not officially announced their inauguration until recently.
‘We decided not to make it known right away because we thought we might run away from the heat,’ he said.
‘We deal with marriage and youth counselling based on the word of God and also share in home groups and services,’
‘We are looking for opportunities to share and spread the Word especially at schools, homes and orphanages and create a respectable spirit of camaraderie with ministers of other Empangeni churches,’ said Geel.
Passionately involved in ministry and youth camps, Ps Geel prides himself in his mission work in Africa for almost 15 years and makes trips to other African countries twice a year.
‘We share in Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. We make 14-day trips at a time and we work on donations,’ said Geel.
‘We focus on rural evangelism and the formation of churches in the African villages we visit with the aim of establishing and training congregants to care for the fellowships.
‘People walk for two days to attend ministries, they are so involved. It is such a humbling experience time after time,’
‘Life is so different everywhere you go, the people in central Africa are so simple, and there’s a profound sense of unity and appreciation among the villagers toward each other. There is that human element and to be within the heart of the people is an incredible experience,’ said Geel.
Consisting of more than 100 fellowships and registered with the Central African Assemblies of God, the size of mission work done is awe-inspiring.
‘You come back on such a high after these trips. It is such an amazing experience,’ he said.
Leaving for mission work in April, Geel looks forward to his all time favourite Zambian meal. ‘A Central African dish of pap, salty gravy, roasted goat meat and rep. Rep is young pumpkin leaves, which are like spinach, that are braised with tomato. It is divine,’ he said.
