Hatfield Christian Church – Spreading the Christian love to poor Children

This is part of a series of articles, here at African Christian, that profile African Churches that are working to fight poverty in Africa. We believe the hope of Africa is the local church and prayer for more leaders and churches to be raised up who will lead the way in Africa and world in showcasing how local churches and care for and alleviate local poverty.

Hatfield Christian Church

The church in has played a significant role in fighting poverty in South Africa. A visit to Hatfield Christian church would give any visitor a feeling of home coming. The love poured out by this Christian community can overwhelm even the most cynical of beings.  With several ongoing ministries including the youth ministry, the women ministry, the hope ministry and the children ministry, the Hatfield Christian church tries to cater for all in need spiritually and materially. The most striking of this works, is the two children ministries under the Hatfield children’s homes for abandoned children, the little Angels’ heaven and the Naledi Children home. These initiatives were started to assist abused and neglected children have an opportunity to grow in a home setting and get the basics of life that would empower them become economically independent adults in future.

Naledi Children home

The Naledi children home was started in the year 2007 under the belief that if any child is given an opportunity despite their background, they can do great things in the society. What is needed for the children to achieve this is being put in the right environment and being provided with life’s necessities and they will really live out their potential. Naledi has a capacity of 10 children who are offered the basic needs of food clothes shelter, health care, and education. The home is managed in conjunction with the Apostolic Faith Mission Executive Welfare Council, as part of their uMephi program. The day to day running of the home is overseen by a committee of volunteers from the church. The committee consists of the Project manager, Operations leader, Prayer Coordinator, Treasurer, the House Parents and Marketing Coordinator. The children housed in Naledi children home were neglected, rescued from abusive families or abandoned by their families. At Naledi there are children of different cultural background brought together by a common fate of poverty, neglect and abuse. The children have now found a home, love and have a hope for making their lives better. This ministry has been instrumental in reducing poverty in south Africa by giving opportunity to the less fortunate children without social support for empowerment.

Little Angels Haven

The little angels’ Haven was founded under the Hatfield children homes in the years 2008 to cater for abandoned orphans and other neglected infants. Currently the foster home houses six children aged below eight years old. Audrey Atherton, with her husband Ron dedicated their time nurturing these little children since their infancy. They are committed to making their lives happier and more fulfilling by offering them a place in their hearts and lives.

Both this homes are supported by volunteers who assist in the care of the children, preparation of meals, and giving them a sense of belonging. More volunteers are however required to provide care for these children. Apart from support in terms of hours, there is also need to support this initiative by providing materials for learning, beddings, furniture, clothing and food.

Hatfield Christian church is a good example of how the church is dealing with poverty in Africa, one person at a time.

We’d love to hear the story of how your church is working to end poverty in your community – Make a comment below or email us your thoughts.

More information or to contact the church – CLICK HERE