What started as a response to the growing needs of the community in April 2023 has developed into a weekly outreach initiative providing food, health services and social support to vulnerable residents. The Emmanuel’s Christian Fellowship Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa Church, based in Lenasia South Extension 4, hosted its weekly Wednesday outreach programme on 11 November, bringing together various stakeholders to address challenges affecting individuals and families across surrounding communities.
The initiative, led by Pastor Jairus Silas and his wife, Carol Silas, reaches residents from Lenasia South, Lenasia, Lawley, Finetown, Vlakfontein,Enerdale and other surrounding areas. Through the programme, community members receive meals while also accessing essential services and information from organisations working within the community. Speaking to Globe Post, Pastor Silas said the initiative was established after the church recognised the need to support people facing food insecurity and other social challenges.
“We started this three years ago,because we saw the need in the community. So we decided that the church should be able to invest in our community,” he said. He explained that the programme is funded through the church’s welfare department and contributions from sponsors and members, with volunteers assisting in preparing meals, cleaning, serving and coordinating activities. “God has been faithful every week,we have never seen anybody who comes to our churchc go hungry. We have provided enough meals for everyone,” said Silas.
Beyond feeding the community at large, the church also conducts weekly basic health screenings, including blood pressure and blood checks, referring individuals to healthcare facilities when concerns are identified. The Wednesday programme also provides an opportunity for people to access medical assistance and receive support.
During this week’s outreach, several stakeholders joined the initiative to provide health education, safety awareness and social services. Sister Veronica from the Lenasia South Civic Centre Clinic addressed residents on breast cancer, diabetes, HIV and Aids, including how to use HIV self-testing kits. The clinic team also conducted blood pressure checks, HIV and TB testing and distributed sanitary pads to women in need. Yolanda from FAMSA outlined the organisation’s support services for individuals, couples and families experiencing social and relationship challenges.
Representatives from SANCA, Nomthandazo Nkosi and Refiloe Sibakeng, educated attendees about the effects of substance abuse and explained how individuals struggling with addiction can access rehabilitation services. Queens of Courage, a community forum represented by spokesperson Zoleka, highlighted its work in supporting individuals facing social challenges. Dinah from Lifeline also explained the organisation’s services, including its work with social workers at the police station and assistance to individuals, couples and families.
The Youth Crime Prevention Desk’s public relations officer, Lindiwe Mthethwa, appealed to parents to remain involved in their children’s lives, particularly during the festive season and the period surrounding pens-down celebrations. CPF secretary Mandla Sibanyoni shared festive-season safety tips, encouraging residents to maintain communication with neighbours when travelling and to look out for one another to help prevent housebreakings. Warren Shirley addressed gender-based violence (GBV), highlighting the seriousness with which such cases are handled and the importance of working with organisations such as Lifeline to support affected individuals.
Meanwhile, Warren Mokoena shared personal safety advice, including sharing Uber and Bolt trip details with trusted people, maintaining a safe following distance at stop streets and keeping vehicle windows closed. He also provided police station contact details for residents requiring assistance. Pastor Silas said the church hopes to continue bringing different stakeholders on board to ensure residents are aware of the services available to them.
“We just love the community. We are glad we could partner with these different stakeholders that are working in the community, just to uplift our community,” he said. He emphasised that the outreach is not a once-off event but part of the church’s ongoing commitment to serving people beyond its congregation. The church, which has been part of the Lenasia South community since 1991, also runs other initiatives, including food assistance for children and families. Pastor Silas said the church has more than 400 people fellowshipping on Sunday mornings, with volunteers playing an important role in its community work. “Our idea is to be able to make a difference in the community,” he said.
As the programme continues, the church has expressed appreciation to the sponsors, volunteers and organisations that contribute to making the weekly outreach possible. Through the continued efforts of Pastor Jairus and Carol Silas, the church and its partners, the Wednesday initiative remains a source of practical support for residents who need a meal, health assistance, guidance or simply an opportunity to connect with people willing to help.
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