Macedonian Ministries makes a COVID Christmas special
The beginnings of a Christmas celebration at a local Baptist Church in Phuthaditjhaba
During the festive season of 2020, the pandemic took a turn for the worse as a second wave of COVID-19 infection spread across South Africa. For those fortunate enough to celebrate Christmas with gift-giving and special meals, last December might have been unusual given that the coronavirus pandemic inhibited large gatherings. However, this pales in comparison to the hardships experienced by the financially vulnerable.
“As always, the knock-on effects of COVID-19 are more damaging for those living in remote or impoverished areas. Unemployment rates have been exacerbated by the pandemic and the need for basic commodities is greater than ever,” says Trevor Eayrs, Founder and President of Macedonian Ministries.
Macedonian Ministries, a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), were quick to respond to the felt needs of impoverished communities. Collecting food and clothes from willing donors, the PBO orchestrated parcel drop-offs to alleviate the pressures caused by the pandemic.
Trevor explained that with normal Christmas celebrations curtailed, Macedonian Ministries tried to make a difference by distributing resources to Baptist Churches with which they are affiliated in various regions. Although the PBO concentrates their efforts into providing humanitarian aid for those in need, they view this primarily as a means of reaching the nations and spreading the Good News of the Gospel.
“We recognise that we cannot only address the spiritual needs of a community when their physical needs have not been met. It’s not just a case of giving handouts – the feedback we receive is encouraging and indicates that our efforts truly bear fruit in the Kingdom of God,” says Trevor.
Some congregants from Smirna Baptist Church
Smirna Baptist Church, whose membership is comprised of French speaking refugees from Sub-Saharan Africa, saw five families come to salvation as a direct result of sharing food parcels supplied by Macedonian Ministries with their neighbours. They continue to grow in numbers and their affection for Christ is contagious.
Another account given by Pastor Fusi Mofokeng from a Baptist Church in Phuthaditjhaba demonstrates the extent of their gratitude. Some congregants confessed that the donations from Macedonian Ministries were the only tangible gifts they received for Christmas.
“And while I was busy giving out the parcels, our people told me that they have no money to buy clothes for Christmas for their children. So thank you Pastor Trevor and the people who gave to them. It was very touching – God bless you,” said Mofokeng.
Likewise, Solomon Leripa, a bi-vocational pastor and lecturer from the Qwaqwa Free State University campus, expressed his thanks to Macedonian Ministries, saying that the food parcels made a huge difference in the lives of his congregants.
“The missionary support from Macedonian Ministries was a real blessing to us in the Eastern Free State since it brought more unity among the church leaders in this region,” said Leripa. “We thank the Lord for giving Trevor the strength to risk his life during these difficult times, as he was among the frontline helpers that reached out to our poverty-stricken area.”
Acts 20:35 states that in everything Paul did he showed that by hard work, the church must help the weak, and he reminded the Ephesians of Jesus’ words: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Christmas is the ideal time to remember and display Christ’s love.
Now that festivities have ceased and we are well into the New Year, Macedonian Ministries remains faithful to serving these same communities because the PBO isn’t limited to the “season of giving.” They continue to come alongside churches who need their support throughout the year.
