In the beginning…

Pastor H. Nel arrived in Cape Town from the Full Gospel Church of God, Springs to start a work in Bellville.  The few who knew him said with one accord, Why Bellville of all places?  But God has His own way of doing things… “My thoughts are not your thoughts…”

Commencing in the old Council Chambers we were forced to move into a basement as the present building was to be demolished.

Quite an experience!  Thank God for everyone’s tenacity – those were hard times.  The basement was like a fridge (ice cold), each person brought their own carpet (a piece of cardboard) to keep the cold from their feet.

The time came when we had to find new premises.

A great decision

Looking here and there, searching and praying, we heard of a small coloured school room which also served as a church at times.  The late Pastor Phillips, Pastor Nel and myself went to inspect the derelict building.

We stood gazing through the broken windows looking into a dark and gloomy interior.  The challenge rang out – is it possible?

We turned to each other, not voicing aloud what we thought, but the good Lord reminded us, Can I furnish a table in the wilderness?  Yes, more that that, He supplied the meat and bread along with a wonderful shepherd.  Amen!

We purchased the property and rebuilt the church in 1960.

This church soon became too small and a new Tabernacle was planned, a building fund was started and once again the need was miraculously supplied.  Our present tabernacle was built and was opened on the 28th October 1978.

God’s milestones

When admiring this beautiful tabernacle, we remember with gratitude, those who have passed on to Glory, equally thanking the Lord for the present Brethren who are abounding in the work and pressing on to greater things.

May we grasp with tighter grip, the Sword of the Spirit, while at the same time, as individuals, put down our foot with a vigorous God-given determination and resolve to “STAND” by the grace of God “HOLDING FAST” and “CONTENDING” for the “FAITH”.

Let us clearly understand the challenge that awaits us.

Paul said, “Not as though I had already attained, rather I press on”.

That is the challenge…

“PRESSING ON”.

Having a new, tabernacle does not mean we have attained or we can sit back and take it easy, hoping that God’s work will propel itself.  Men must “DO” God’s work.  The tabernacle and its facilities were built for people.

We must gather the people

The greatest danger is that of contentment.  God help us ever to guard against it.

Brethren, LET US PRESS ON.

“This is the Lord’s doing, and it’s marvelous in our eye”.  Psalm 118:23

Brother E. May