Local church rooted in the heart of the community

By: Rob Small

Jubilee Community Church in Nelson Road, Obs, is a local Christian church with a strong proclivity towards social justice.

Their various social ministries, geared towards assisting the needs of the community, are clearly rooted in the desire to see transformation and restoration, not only in physical circumstances but also in the hearts of people.

Stephen van Rhyn, a pastor at the church, explains their motivation: "We're a Christian church centred on the Bible and working out our faith in the context of community.

"Our experience of a kind and loving God who rescued us is at the core of every endeavour.

It is out of the overflow of His love for each of us that church members and volunteers give time and skills to assist people who are in the midst of difficult circumstances."

The busiest social ministry is the Jubilee Health Centre.

The vision is to provide accessible basic healthcare to those most in need. Its services include: The use of a clinic, open three days a week. A pregnancy help centre offering free counselling to women or girls facing unplanned pregnancy.

The counselling is non-directive and the final decision on how to move forward is made by the woman.

They also offer counselling after abortion, for those who make that choice. Voluntary counselling and testing for HIV, which takes place in a compassionate and confidential environment.

GROW is a project of the church that transforms barren soil into vegetable patches.

The produce harvested is donated to those in need, and also sold to church members, with proceeds being planted back into the project.

People are also educated to cultivate their own vegetable patches, thereby improving their food security and developing their skills.

Jubilee has numerous other social initiatives, including a legal clinic, an education restitution initiative and several ministries that focus on helping women in our community.

For more information visit jubilee.org.za or call 0214473630.