
Local church blesses city with massive outreach
Hundreds of people from across the city were blessed with heart-warming donations as a local church displayed community spirit and unwavering faith through massive outreach.
Driven by their aim to make a lasting difference in the city, members of the Doxa Deo Wonderboom church donated food and clothes to over 850 people during their annual street store drive in Pretoria North on May 31.
Outreach organiser Yolanda Pelzer said the aim was to provide people with clothes for the winter ahead, blankets, a warm cup of soup, bread and a pack of vegetables to take home as well as prayer.
'This year's street store had over 12 tons of clothing distributed to people who are not so fortunate to be able to buy their own clothes this winter.
'We were able to give people the opportunity to walk through the street store themselves, and each person was able to take an average of 15 items home for the day.'
Pelzer said Doxa Deo believes people should be treated with dignity, and needy people often cannot choose what they want, but have to take what they get.
'Through the street store, people could not only take something home for free, but also take home something they chose themselves and loved.'
She said they also served over 350 litres of soup, 250 loaves of bread, as well as 1 400 water bags and 200 packets of sweets during the outreach.
'We also had a special area for the children, and each child was spoiled with a face paint of their choice as well as a packet of sweets,' she said.
She said the church aims to make a difference in the city by equipping people through various processes to know God, love others, and make a positive impact in their lives.
Lisa Weitz (33) from Onderstepoort shared how grateful she was to receive clothes and food for her seven children completely free of charge.
'We feel blessed to have been given the vegetables and clothes without hesitation, and from people who didn't even know us personally. Most of the stuff we received, we really needed but couldn't afford, so it's going to help a lot.'
Church member Helena Pretorius (54) shared how honoured she felt to have been there for people who really needed it.
'It was really heart-warming to see joy on the children's faces as we gave them sweets and painted their faces. It always makes them feel special.'
She believes God works with people's hearts and puts love in one's heart so they pour it out where it's needed.
'It feels great to share your love with other people. We didn't know them and their struggles, but just making their days better felt amazing,' she said.
Reinhardt Smit, lead pastor at Doxa Deo Wonderboom, shared that the street store was extremely successful and that the church plans to launch several outreach projects next year that will focus on making a lasting impact and change in our city.
ALSO READ: Learners enjoy action-filled day in the spirit of Child Protection Week
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