The Malekutu District experienced a double celebration on Sunday, 28 March 2010. The Makoko church was inaugurated by Apostle Mkhwanazi, and since it was Palm Sunday, a first ever Confirmation service in the area took place simultaneously.

The new Makoko church

Makoko church is situated about about 25 km north-east of White River, situated nearby Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga Province.

The members were overwhelmed with joy considering the hardships they experienced in the past.

Initially, one of our senior members, Sister Sophie Nsimbini,  relocated to Makoko but she had to travel every Sunday to Gutshwakop in order to attend services.

Her district leader at the time, District Evangelist David Sedibe, asked her to invite local residents to attend a service. The first guest service was conducted at her house in 1998. After some time, a nearby school was approached and a classroom was used.

Some people of the area, however, were not happy about the establishment of the new church. Nevertheless, Sister Nsimbini was so determined that even though the security guard who kept the key to the school "disappeared" on Sundays, she would look for him until she obtained the key in order to prepare the classroom.

Unfortunately, the few members were eventually told that they were no longer permitted to conduct services at the school. As a result they gathered under a nearby tree.

They then approached the chief of the area for assistance. A site was granted where a shack was erected, and where services were held until the completion of the new church.

The congregation is thankful to God for helping them to build such a beautiful church. The administration office also assisted by supplying furniture, a big water tank, a sound system and the  fencing.

The special day was further enhanced when 15 Confirmands made their vow in the presence of 274 members who attended.

Apostle Mkhwanazi with the Confirmands