Sunday school children from Liwa Laphakade Gospel Church at Extension 3 in Mfuleni were showered with gifts on Sunday 1 May to show them love and encourage them to attend church services.
More than 50 children benefited during the special occasion. Some of the gifts the children were receiving included toys, books, pens and clothes depending on the age of the child. Speaking on behalf of the church Nosakhele Mpaku described the event as a special service. She said the aim is to integrate the children into the church.
“We wanted to entertain and make them feel special so they can love church. We want them to feel welcomed and stop chasing them outside during the service because some of them end up not wanting to come to church anymore,” said Mpaku. Speaking about the Sunday School, Mpaku said it is where the children were taught about the Bible and other activities of the church. She said part of their objective is to make the church fashionable to the children.
“The ages of the children were between two to 14 years old. But because Mfuleni is a one of the disadvantaged communities we also gave others to children in the community,” explained Mpaku.
One of the Sunday School children Athini Mbethe (13) thanked the congregants for their initiative. She described the church as a safe place for them.
“We are taught about the Bible and other church related activities. And being in church helps us to stay away from the streets,” said Mbethe adding that she received books.