Humanitarian Aid: A Tool for Evangelism
Pr Shadrack Kumalo (left) and Trevor Eayrs (right) unpacking clothing, linen and a half ton of food.
In the aftermath of the civil unrest, looting and violence in KwaZulu-Natal, it’s clear that many people have struggled with the far-reaching consequences, such as unemployment and desperation for food. While these physical needs must be met by organisations and churches alike, there is a window of opportunity to minister to those who seek lasting comfort from their Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Macedonian Ministries, a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), has the mandate to provide humanitarian aid in the form of compassionate ministry. This includes collecting and distributing food, clothing and other resources to pastors from churches who have minimal funding to support their congregants.
Shadrack Kumalo, pastor of Empangeni Baptist Church, is one local figure who receives food and clothing parcels from Macedonian Ministries to distribute among churches in his region. Shadrack firmly believes that when some members of the body are suffering, we cannot turn a blind eye. His stance is to mourn with those who mourn, looking to come alongside and make a difference where he can.
“It’s painful to see people suffering. As a result of the looting in our region, many were left without jobs, so those food parcels provided immediate relief. It doesn’t help to only speak about the love of Christ – people need a practical demonstration that will show how he cares for their needs. However, we can’t let these opportunities pass by without sharing the one who is the true Bread of Life,” said Shadrack.
Shadrack uses the resources that are donated to his church as a means to reach and evangelise to neighbouring rural regions. “Macedonian Ministries give us a tool for evangelism that really works. Once we have met physical needs, we use this opening to share the Gospel, and it’s been a wonderful experience to see lives changed.”
Empangeni Baptist Church has a theological training college which welcomes local pastors and trains them in church leadership. From here, Shadrack nurtures these relationships and walks closely with the pastors, reaching out when he has resources to distribute to their respective congregations.
As a short-term solution, the food parcels fulfil a need, but Shadrack remarks that in the long run, people need skills to become self-sustainable. He aims to equip locals with resources such as chickens that can be used to sell eggs, and sometimes his congregants offer up agricultural training where possible to facilitate this upskilling.
Expressing his gratitude for the humanitarian aid, Shadrack appreciates the essential resources that Macedonian Ministries provide. “Trevor Eayrs [Founder and President of the PBO] is always mindful of me and proactive in reaching out when he has resources to distribute.”
