By Everson Luhanga
The Apostolic Faith Mission in Tembisa had planned to kick off their mid-week prayer session on Wednesday in preparation for the upcoming Easter weekend prayers. But on Tuesday, the church was hit with a devastating tragedy that left its members in shock.
The church was completely destroyed by fire, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake. According to Pastor Mandlakayise Motseki, only the pulpit was saved by church members who broke down the door to get it out.
“The fire started when there was no one in the church. Residents around the area and some churchgoers tried to put out the fire without success,” said the pastor.
The fire was believed to have started when a paraffin stove was left unattended in a nearby shack. It quickly spread to all the other shacks in the area, including the church. Thankfully, no one was injured, but seven other shacks were destroyed in the process.
“The church was among shacks built of corrugated iron. When one shack caught fire, the fire quickly spread to all other shacks including our shack church that was housing over 40 congregants,” said Pastor Motseki.
The church lost all its divine assets, including Bibles, other church books, chairs, and other assets used during prayers. People also lost their valuables like identity documents and certificates.
Despite the tragedy, the church remains strong in their faith and is determined to hold their Easter prayers.
“Satan’s plans to stop us from having Easter prayers won’t work,” said Nophethenje Gqumayo, a member of the church.
They are now calling for help to rebuild their church and continue their prayers in Tembisa. “We will use the Germiston branch if needs be. But we are pleading for help to rebuild our church and have prayers in Tembisa,” said Gqumayo.
Pictured above: The Apostolic Faith Mission church in Tembisa was completely destroyed by fire
Image source: Everson Luhanga
