Members of the High Impact Family Church in Ezibeleni braved the gloomy weather and occasional drizzle on Sunday and attended church, following a “miniature” hailstorm and wind that peeled off the church roof and ceiling.
The church leader, pastor Joe Yaka, said the incident took place last Sunday when he and his wife were preparing to travel out of town and they received a call telling them about the roof having been blown off.
“The mini storm did not even last 30 minutes but it managed to blow off most of the roof and ceiling in that short period. For me this indicates the sub-standard work done when the this structure was built. This was such bad timing because the church was preparing to host a funeral. We were assisted by a resident who helped put up tarpaulin because it had been raining. The carpet is completely drenched and we had to move our musical instruments and other essentials to a place where they would not be damaged by water.”
Yaka said during this Sunday’s service congregants were worried it would rain again so they had to rush things as a preventative measure.
The pastor said their short-term goal was to have the roof repaired before this Sunday and sought all the help they could get.
“There are people preparing quotations but we do not know how we are going to get everything fixed. However, we are positive. This is a really devastating time for the church because most members are elderly women who do not have money.”
Yaka said he estimated an amount of R50 000 would be required because labour alone cost R8 000, and they still needed to purchase roof sheeting and other expensive material.
“We will ask the residents of this area to help us, not necessarily with money. We would appreciate a spare iron sheet or time in assisting the labourers. We will accept anything from anyone. However, we also appeal to local businesses and individuals to assist us to get our church fixed.”
The pastor thanked the people of Ezibeleni for not vandalising the church since it was easily accessible to thugs through the roof.
“We also invite everyone who helps to later visit the church to check if their contribution was used for what it was intended. I know a lot of people ask for assistance from people but end up using what they receive for something else. We are a very straightforward group and we challenge would-be contributors to see that the church is correctly repaired.”