PREACHING and teaching the Gospel may be for free, but building a place where a congregation can enjoy shelter from the elements is costly, especially in the current economic climate.
For the congregation of Emaswangeni Independent Baptist Church (IBC) and Pastor Elias Biyela, the dream of having their own church came true when they became the first Zululand recipients of the international ministry and non-profit organisation Judea Harvest’s revolutionary SNAP Church.
The concept, through extensive subsidies by donors, allows pastors, preachers and flocks to build places of worship for minimal amounts.
Judea Pastor and Zululand Regional Coordinator, Caroline Pitout, says those called to spread the Good News should not be prevented from doing their work in their communities because of lack of finances.
‘We have a heart and a passion for Africa and its people and want to empower all dedicated preachers to have a place of meeting.
Hunger for the Word
‘Many sit in the open air under the blazing sun, but they will endure anything because they hunger for the Word. We want to help,’ said Pitout.
‘Any person who wishes to erect a permanent church structure can apply to Judea Harvest to qualify for a SNAP church.
‘Because it is a permanent structure, the main requirement is that the church or person must have land registered in his or her name.
‘The 9 by 13 square metre structure is a prefabricated unit with its main components made of steel.
‘The walls can be made of cement if the church so desires, or it can be fitted with its own walls which are specially designed to keep out heat and cold.
‘The set-up time is about seven days.
‘With subsidies from Judea, the church can be erected for R120 000, which is then further subsidised so that the pastor or church can obtain it at R30 000 without floors and paint,or R60 000 with floors and paint.’
Any person interested in applying for a SNAP church can contact Pastor Pitout on 072 1255983.
