Macedonian Ministries’ Heart for Humanitarian Aid
The pastors of Phuthaditjwaba received gifts of clothing, food and books.
Macedonian Ministries joyfully sharing resources for the growth and development of the Kingdom of God.
In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, it can be tempting to close the doors on our hearts and to live in isolation out of fear. There is a move towards individualism and keeping our lives separate from the outside world, but this can have detrimental effects on the Great Commission set out for believers by Christ Jesus.
Macedonian Ministries, a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), has not ignored the call to share the Good News even in the face of Covid-19. On the frontlines, their teams have continued to minister and give humanitarian aid to those who find themselves in desperate need.
One of their mission goals as a PBO is to fulfil the requirements of the Gospel of Christ by taking care of those who are in need. Covid-19 is only one of many human adversities which currently provides endless opportunity for Christians to assist needy people word and deed. Closer to home in a third world country such as South Africa, the opportunities to use humanitarian aid as a vehicle to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ are immeasurable.
Mark Wilby engaging with pastors in the Phuthaditjwaba region, training them in church leadership.
Macedonian Ministries’ Director of Humanitarian Aid, Mark Wilby, shared that the hope of the Gospel gives him great motivation portray the love of Christ in practical ministries. He is inspired by the manner in which God can use simple solutions such as giving food or medicine to change the lives and hearts of people.
Mark started out his journey in ministry at Central Baptist Church in Durban where he was excited and challenged by its missions ministry. Fuelled by a sense of the Lord’s calling to make missions a significant part of their lives, Mark and his wife Tanya decided to attend Bible College to equip themselves further.
“The Lord paved the way for us to study overseas in North Carolina, USA at South Eastern Baptist Seminary. A visiting team from the seminary who were in partnership with Macedonian Ministries offered to pay our tuition and accommodation. It was really a door the Lord opened for us that we couldn’t close,” said Mark.
After studying a BA in Biblical Studies for three years, Mark was stirred to return and be part of the pastoral ministry team at Durban North Baptist Church. Currently the family resides in the Midlands with their three sons and Mark has now been serving on Macedonian Ministries’ Board for the last ten years together with his wife.
“We believe that it’s still important to invest in humanitarian care and be practical in our ministry. It’s not just about sharing the Gospel verbally, although this is high on our agenda – sometimes we need to feed people and satisfy their physical needs before we address their spiritual needs,” Mark explained.
For Macedonian Ministries, humanitarian aid includes taking care of the ill and those who find themselves in desperate situations. Especially during the current coronavirus pandemic, the PBO is committed to delivering food parcels to impoverished communities and helping families who are struggling with loss of life.
“Christ is the answer to life, and as Christians, we have the opportunity to share that hope with people and encourage them to look to Christ in their situation. It’s a real privilege to come alongside people and point them to the one who really satisfies their greatest need.”
