Spiritual Fathers in a Fatherless Nation
In South Africa there are many orphaned children as a result of widespread HIV/AIDS, and many reside in abusive homes or with absent parents. Our nation’s children have harsh upbringings and are often left to fend for themselves.
Macedonian Ministries, a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), exists to extend the Kingdom of God on the earth by seeking out and introducing the lost, orphaned and hopeless to their Heavenly Father. Through evangelism, church planting and humanitarian ministries, Macedonian Ministries is bringing people into spiritual family.
Aleko Nkonkwane, now Pastor of Peelton Baptist Church in the Eastern Cape, became acquainted with Macedonian Ministries from the age of eight after meeting Trevor Eayrs, Founder and President of the PBO. Orphaned in his youth, Aleko had a tumultuous upbringing but found refuge when he met Jesus Christ and joined fellowship with Trevor and other members of the team.
“I had always known about Jesus Christ, but never accepted him. In 2001, Light of the World Mission in partnership with Macedonian Ministries came to evangelise in my village, Cebe, and that’s when I was saved. I came from a background of ancestorial teaching, but I felt God tell me that He had more for me. I found true freedom in Him,” said Aleko.
Growing up in a family of traditional healers, Aleko’s conversion was met with persecution and mocking from those in his community as he was the first boy in his village to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord. When Aleko’s mother passed away, he and his siblings were often chased from the house, not welcome to stay with his father. During these years, Trevor continued to reach out and encourage him.
“Ever since I met Trevor in my childhood, he walked with me through life. We were never separated for too long, so we built a strong relationship. Especially in my youth, Trevor was fathering me and after my schooling, he mentored me and led me in the ministry.”
After completing his matric, Aleko’s heart was burning for ministry. He enquired after this passion, seeking counsel from Trevor and Mr. Ashley Hessel. “I felt the calling to ministry, and they encouraged me and raised the means to pursue further studies.”
During his studies at Union Bible Institute, Trevor mentored Aleko, opening up his home to him and the two bonded over fishing trips. Aleko became an assistant pastor at Cebe Baptist Church in 2009 and soon led his own congregation in 2011. In 2013, Trevor preached at his wedding. Aleko and his wife, and now the family live in Peelton where he leads his own congregation. In 2021, the South African Baptist Union granted him fully accredited status and placed name on their ministerial list.
“Even though my wife and I have been blessed with a child, I have been adopting young children since my single years. My dream is to be a father to those without fathers, as people like Trevor are to me, but I struggle with this as I don’t always have enough resources. Yet, money alone is not enough – the greatest of all is love and prayer. At the end of the day, it’s all to bring glory to God,” said Rev. Nkonkwane.
Aleko has a heart for evangelism and a passion to show people in his village that Jesus Christ brings freedom in Christ and liberation from evil bondage. His life is evidence that a traditional healer’s son can become a servant of Jesus Christ. “The hand of God is better than any other thing. It’s possible, by the Grace of God, to make such a turn-around, but it’s not always easy. I would not be where I am today without the support of spiritual parents, brothers and sisters.”
