Written by: Supplied
Article source: devotedmag.co.za
On 11 December 2022, the KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal celebrated Rev Erlo Stegen’s 70th year in ministry. More than 10 000 people attended the thanksgiving service in honour of 70 faithful years of ministry and the positive impact Rev Erlo Stegen made on the lives of so many people. Many dignitaries attended the occasion, including the Zulu and Swazi royal families, and shared special messages with the audience at the church service held at KwaSizabantu in Kranskop.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, MP, traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch relayed a heartfelt message of gratitude. He has a special bond with the reverend that spans his entire ministry years. He said he has been blessed to have the reverend walk so closely with him. He shared with the churchgoers a lifetime of experiences with Rev Stegen and acknowledged the impact he had on his personal life and the lives of members of especially the Zulu nation whom he loves so dearly. He was visibly emotional during the delivery of his speech when he told the audience, “The story of Erlo Stegen is an inspiration to millions of Christians all over the world. He is an example of what God can do through a man who is obedient to Him. He has expanded the work of KwaSizabantu to every continent on the globe.”
King Goodwill Zwelithini with Reverend EH Stegen
The former premier of KwaZulu-Natal. Sihle Zikalala said that what Rev Stegen and KwaSizabantu are doing for the community means a lot, because “KwaSizabantu is a mirror for South Africa of thāt what we want to get to. (This would be) the day we say South Africa has truly received freedom … These seventy years were a success but it is not the end. We’ve learned many things from Rev Stegen and the co-workers who have worked with him.”
Rev Dr Kenneth Meshoe, preacher and leader of the African Christian Democratic Party, also interrupted his full program to attend the event and deliver his special message in person to the man, he said, “has blessed millions of people over the world.” He said, “Thank you to Rev Stegen for the gospel he came to preach. He did not preach a gospel of salvation that only look at the soul of a person … the spirit of a person, he looked at the total gospel, the full gospel. The gospel that teaches Jesus loves your body, your soul, your spirit – the gospel of the whole person”.
Called to ministry, especially to the Zulu people, Rev Stegen, fondly known as “Baba Mfundisi” by the community he serves, has devoted his life to sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. His dedicated service, love and generosity have resulted in a powerful bond with the nation. Millions of lives have been touched and given new hope through Rev Stegen’s ministry, not only in South Africa but also worldwide.
Prince Buthelezi speaking at 70 years of ministry
In 1952, while South Africa was still under apartheid, Stegen started his ministry in Maphumulo. The lack of development in the rural area prompted him to uplift the local community. With limited resources, the preacher, workers, and early supporters started construction and agricultural projects to accommodate and feed the people who came to hear the gospel. In the more than 52 years since KwaSizabantu was established, the mission implemented numerous poverty alleviation and several job creation ministries and outreach projects across a broad spectrum that have grown out of the evangelism ministry.
Over time, the preacher has worked side-by-side with the community members and others to build the mission into a community-based organization aimed at improving the lives of the communities it serves while spreading the gospel. KwaSizabantu has become self-sustainable. Subsequently, numerous buildings and agricultural projects have been implemented to keep up with the ever-growing congregation. The mission has established, among others, vegetable gardens, pepper greenhouses, avocado and other fruit orchards, a yoghurt factory, water bottling plants, and honey bottling plants, and they are making their compost which they use back in the orchards. KwaSizabantu has become sustainable for the benefit of the community it serves.
KwaSizabantu Mission Choir Singing at 70 years of ministry
KwaSizabantu reaches out to people of all racial and cultural groups, bringing a message of repentance and hope and providing spiritual guidance, educational support and counselling. Millions of people have visited KwaSizabantu for more than 52 years since it was founded and many of those people have been impacted by the experience. The bi-annual youth conferences twice a year as well as the bi-annual conference for ministers across the globe have impacted many.
It is remarkable how one man can change a nation through his faith, vision and tireless dedication. There is work that God calls all of us to do, and it is laid out for us in the Bible. God calls us to love others, care for the poor, and live our lives in such a way that we inspire others. As you read about the exciting journey of Rev Stegen over the past 70 years, we hope you will also be encouraged and inspired to fulfil what God has called you to do.
Read more about the work of Rev Erlo Stegen and his ministry on the website www.kwasizabantu.org.za. A special publication has been put together in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the ministry of Reverend Erlo Stegen. Visit the following websites for access to the special publication: www.devotedmag.co.za and also www.devinepublishers.com
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Date published: 16/12/2022
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