Response to the Xenophobia driven violence - Calvary Methodist Church

Here is a practical way in which we can show our Christian love and witness in this difficult time in our country's young democracy. I can personally vouch for the incredible work that Alan Storey and the Calvary Methodist Church do! I would wholeheartedly support their work! Please do spread this appeal as widely as you can via email or your blog.

Rich blessing from Cape Town!

Dion

Hi everyone,

You are surely aware of the Xenophobic attacks that have spread through many of our communities in Gauteng over the last 10 days. One area close to Calvary is Ivory Park – Kanana section, where violence has left 5 people killed and many more beaten, traumatised and hundreds fleeing from their homes – many of which have been burnt to the ground.

We have also had volunteers of one of the soup kitchens connected to Calvary threatened to stop feeding foreigners - - - we continue to do so but people are very angry and truth be told most of the foreigners are chased away before we even arrive to feed.

We have direct contact with around 400 displaced people staying at the Rabi Ridge police station. With others we are helping to provide food and clothing and blankets etc. If you are willing and able to assist with a donation – please bring whatever you have to Calvary in Midrand or make a financial donation straight into our account using the reference REFUGEE. I guarantee you that every cent will go to where it is supposed to go and all donations will be accounted for.

If you have clothing to donate please bring it to the church where it is sorted into types and sizes and on the basis of interviews handed out to the relevant people in need. If you have time to help sort clothing at the Church – this would also be appreciated. Other necessities needed:

Toilet Paper
Soap
Baby food / formula
Blankets
Fresh Vegetables for soups
Mielie meal

The situation on the ground is frighteningly desperate.

Bank: Standard Bank
Account Name: Calvary Methodist Church
Account Number: 202 539 962
Branch: Midrand (00 11 55) Reference: REFUGEE

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to phone me. 083 654 8568.

Thank you,
Alan


Alan Storey
Calvary Methodist Church – Midrand
011 805 3375
083 654 8568

Comments

[Michael]

That's great to hear. May many praise God on that day because of the good that he does through his people.

Enjoy Grace.

Michael

[Trevor Turton]

Thank heavens there are churches and Christians ready to help the afflicted! There are an estimated 4 to 5 million refugees in South Africa, most of them illegally so; a bigger number than in any other country in the world. We are woefully unprepared for this. There are no refugee camps, no foreign aid programs focused on the needs of refugees. Our government has allowed refugees to flow in and to compete for resources with the poorest in our land, those who already struggle to find enough food, shelter and clothing to survive. Charity and hospitality are wonderful virtues, but not if they are given at someone else's expense (2 Samuel 24:18-24) — then they're theft. The poor have grumbled and been ignored, now they are taking matters into their own hands. Those who have plenty wring their hands in regret at this, and label it "xenophobia". It has been said that Sigmund Freud made sex a 17 letter word without shedding any light on it. Let us not repeat his mistake.

Having allowed so many refuge in our land, we cannot simply bus them out — they will come back in just as quickly through our porous borders. We really need international aid to help address the situation in a formal and structured way.

15 years ago when South Africa was moving towards its first democratic elections there were many who feared the results of that election and fought to prevent it from happening by fomenting violence. Christians across our land were challenged by 2 Chronicles 7:14

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

We repented of the evils done in our land and prayed earnestly to our Lord, and he miraculousy blessed us with a peaceful election and our first representative government. Perhaps it is time that we united again in repentance and prayer, not just for our own country, but for all countries in Southern Africa, since an injury to one is an injury to all.

Trevor Turton

[Janet]

last night, we had 250-300 refugees @ Coronation Ave, possibly more tonight. To see these people arriving in trucks, bakkie cars, on foot. Some with belongings, some with nothing.We fed them, hugged them, chatted with them.
I watch the news, read the papers, listen to the radio. And think to myself; "Those poor people." But I am removed from the situation. My day to day life doesn't afford me the opportunity to see what it's like for them. Last night was different. When I saw a husband hugging his wife, as she held their baby, sobbing & saying to her "I'm sorry, I'm sorry", I felt their suffering too. I left church last night feeling so much richer for the experience but at the same time so, so very sad for those dads, mums,children, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters.
The support from church members and the community has been FANTASTIC! Even in the dark times, the light still shines! Praise God for that!!!! :)
Love & blessings
Janet