Two churches have collaborated to acquire an electric wheelchair worth R22 000 for 23-year-old congregant Sphiwe Masangu.

The New Assembly Church in Zion, located in TV Trust near Ngodini, partnered with Eswatini’s New Assemblies of Christ to improve Sphiwe’s quality of life.

Sphiwe suffers from cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that permanently affects movement, muscle tone and posture. He was diagnosed at birth. According to his mother, Cynthia, he is unable to carry out even basic tasks by himself.

“I am able to physically take care of Sphiwe because I am always at home as I am jobless. However, he has special needs that are quite expensive such as this electric wheelchair,” she said. “I am so grateful to our church for answering a prayer I made to God in private. I am happy that the Lord touched their hearts to give us this gift. My son will be able to navigate around without much assistance.”

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Sphiwe loves going to church, but he would often miss services due to his mom not being able to push him in a normal wheelchair as he grew older.

Cynthia said raising Sphiwe was a challenge but she is grateful for her community and especially her church.