The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood – John 1:14 (MSG).
5 MINUTE READ
The community of Sophia (formally Liliendaal) is home to over 3,600 residents based on the 2012 census and is composed of over 60% of residents under the age of thirty (30). Sophia has transitioned from a squatter settlement and now accommodates low- and middle-income families who capitalised on government housing programmes for its citizens.
As this community flourishes, the process of formalising social infrastructures such as schools, health centres, community centres, and play fields is ongoing. First Assembly of God Wortmanville, has sought to contribute to transformation in this community by constructing a church to provide faith-based support. Judah Assembly has been under the leadership of Pastor Evlyn Gulliver since 2007 and its annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one programme that seeks to build community bridges.
VBS this year is being held under the theme “Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb” with children ages 3 to 6 hosted virtually, and those 7 to 20 years attending in-person. This year’s programme has captured over forty (40) students, with activities delivered by dedicated teachers from the FAOG Sophia Outstation: Minister Lorraine Johnson, Minister Safoora Halley, Brother Alexander Haywood, Sister Ashanti Ince, Sister Denise Jones, Sister Samantha Ince and Sister Jada Jacobis.
VBS has traditionally been a platform for the church to reach out to the community and introduce children to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through fun and age-appropriate activities. Today, the purpose is more defined and enhanced: to draw the congregation and community together (children, parents, volunteers) and incorporate a life-changing message into the lives of children.
The programme provides both recreation and life skills to children. It also teaches discipline, morals and integrity of conduct, sometimes in spaces where there are parental gaps. Children even make new friends and younger volunteers gain an opportunity to explore leadership roles as they teach the younger ones. Attendance is free and open to anyone in the community (no membership required), so parents also enjoy some relief in keeping children engaged during the school holiday period.
Under the leadership of Pastor Evlyn Gulliver, the role of the church in the community continues to deliver transformation through mentorship, prayers, Women’s Ministry, distribution of food hampers, and other social relief.
