The Sunday News
Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
THE Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Mahatshula West Church brought smiles to more than 30 individuals with disabilities last week when it donated an assortment of goods meant to uplift and empower them.
The donation was made to Mustard Seed Communities, a non-profit making organisation dedicated to caring for the most vulnerable populations in society.
The donations included wheelchairs, blankets, rice, potatoes, bottles of cooking oil, drinks, bathing and washing soap, flour, tissues and sanitary pads among other things.
National of Assembly member for Bulawayo North, Mrs Minenhle Gumede together with Ward Three Councillor, Mxolisi Mahlangu, and Mahatshula West SDA pastor, Khonzile Khumalo handed over the donations to the beneficiaries.
Mustard Seed Communities fundraiser, Ms Mirriam Nkambule said they were grateful to the Mahatshula West SDA Church for such a good gesture which she described as a display of compassion and empowerment.
“To us, this donation means a lot. It shows us that the network of caring is expanding, it means that everyone is taking part and understanding the life that we are living. We know there are different stereotypes in communities concerning disabilities, but the SDA church is breaking that stigma. We are happy that they came, spent time with our children and helped with what they have so that the kids have smiles on their faces,” she said.
Ms Nkambule also encouraged other churches to do the same and help the children with the little that they have as that could go a long way in showing the children that they are not alone.
“You are welcome to come to Mustard Seed Communities and spend time with the children. If you want to celebrate an anniversary or come as a church group to serve the children in different ways with gifts and talents, you are welcome to do so. The aim is to uphold human dignity and show the children that they matter,” she said.
Mr Isaac Donga, the residents’ association chairperson for Mahatshula expressed his gratitude to SDA and applauded the good gesture saying he was happy and blessed to be a part of a community that helps and empowers others.
“I am happy to be a part of a community that helps and assists others. We are living in tough times, but to see someone standing up and giving the little they have to please another person is exceptional. May the Lord bless the hands of their work so that they extend their love and compassion to others also,” he said.
Pastor Khumalo said their mandate was to show the love of God through actions and as a church they were committed to helping vulnerable groups in their community and other communities.
“A church is an extension of the work of God. God taught us to love and help others and we want the children of Mustard Seed Communities to experience the love of God through us and that is why we chose to come here and worship with them,” he said.
Mrs Gumede applauded the philanthropic gesture by the SDA Church and urged others to follow suit.
“With the community’s support, we can thrive and continue to flourish. We thank the spirit of giving because this donation will go a long way and will be put to good use.”
