Local church changes lives

The Changed Lives Church in Philips Avenue is well-known for, among other things, its extensive feeding scheme, with members regularly seen driving around on Fridays to deliver their packages filled with home-cooked, nutritious meals.

According to Joy Gasser, one of the co-ordinators of the church’s feeding initiative, Fridays were chosen specifically because they target work seekers and recyclers.

“Friday is garbage day in Discovery and surrounding areas. The recyclers are out in force in our neighbourhoods and work seekers man their corners in anticipation of possible weekend painting or garden work,” Joy says.

“We are currently about 20 people who cook on a Thursday and meet at the church early on Friday mornings to package and from there, distribute the food.”

She adds that they currently feed on average between 300 and 350 people every Friday.

“The aim is to change lives, as the name of our church suggests. During our distribution of food, we get to know the regular characters that seek work or recycle in the area each week, and we try to bring positive change to their lives with a healthy, delicious meal, and even a prayer if they are interested. Sometimes that is all that it takes.”

She adds that they are called to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and, even though it is generally difficult to get their message through to people, seeing the change that it can bring to someone’s life is worth it.

“That moment that you get through to someone is priceless,” she says. “You can see life returning to their eyes and hope blooming in them.”

Her husband Fernando affirms this, adding that one of their key distribution spots is the grassy island at Eeufees Avenue and Westlake Road, where job seekers gather en masse daily in the hope of securing a bit of work for the day.

“We have over time built up a rapport with them. They trust us and more and more of them are interested in the message that we have.”

The church members have now embarked on their annual winter blanket drive and call on the community to assist with warm blankets for them to distribute to those in dire need.

For more information, contact Joy on 084 213 2213.