On Wednesday, 04 February, Pastor Jairus Silas of Emmanuel’s Christian Fellowship church based in Lenasia South, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and other stakeholders donated close to 200 eye glasses to the community.
The programme, which began on 9 October to coincide with World Sight Day, resulted in 190 pairs of prescription glasses being distributed free of charge to community members who do not have the ability to afford them. “UJ came on board to partner with us and chose our church because of the facilities we have and our work in the community. We conducted eye screenings, and after that we fed about 900 people on the day,” said Silas.
Pst Silas explained to GLOBE POST: “Not every on can afford the process of getting new glasses. A consultation starts from around R600, and a pair of glasses can cost about R2 000. Many people simply don’t have that kind of money, which is why we provide glasses for free,” he said.
The pastor added that the project forms part of the church’s broader commitment to uplifting the community. Emmanuel’s Christian Fellowship also runs a feeding scheme every Wednesday. “We are making a difference. Some people thanked me for giving them an opportunity to see clearly again. We are a community service and a community church. We believe that people are hungry spiritually and physically,” Silas said.
Lenasia South East resident, Sydney Tommy, expressed heartfelt gratitude after receiving his glasses: “I can see clearly now. I had eyesight problems for a very long time. When the opportunity came along to have my eyes tested at the church, I got excited.”
Ext 4 resident, Mandla Sibanyoni, told GLOBE POST: “I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time. It is a good feeling because we didn’t pay anything. Sibanyoni added that he has struggled with poor vision since 2009. “My right eye does not see completely; the left eye is the one that is fine,” he said.
Another grateful resident, Julia Jacobs, from Ext 4, said: “I am very happy. I will be able to read again and see my Bible. Thank you, Pastor Silas. I started having eyesight problems from 50 years.”
