Kristo iNkosi Church in Springs hosts revival with Fr Thembelani Ngcobo

by Kati Dijane · October 31, 2024

By Kati Dijane – Over 700 people, including Catholics, Anglicans and Methodists, among others, clad in bright, colourful traditional attire, gathered at Kristo iNkosi Church, Springs, in the Far East Rand deanery, for a revival with renowned Durban-based priest Fr Thembelani Ngcobo.

Themed “Enter his gates with thanksgiving”, the event was a powerful encounter with God through Fr Ngcobo’s preaching. The day started with praise and worship, invoking the Holy Spirit through church hymns.

Fr Chaka Motanyane OP, parish priest and dean of the far east rand, gave a warm welcome to the visiting priest, who began his talk with the topic “Who am I?” where he highlighted the importance and uniqueness of humanity in God’s creation. He continued, “God says in Jeremiah 1:5, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.’ Therefore, you are not a mistake, neither an afterthought nor a by-the-way, no matter the circumstances surrounding your birth.”

The Durban-based priest, prominent on social media, with a following of over 73 000 on TikTok, added that God had a plan, purpose and vision for each person he created, referencing St Augustine of Hippo, who said one has always been in the mind of God before they were born. “You are far greater than what life has done to you and the failures and challenges you have experienced. Therefore, nothing will change the plans God has for you.”

Introducing another topic, “What sin has done to me”, Fr Ngcobo, referencing Adam and Eve playing hide and seek from God after eating the forbidden fruit, asked people what they were hiding from and why. “Most people fear being by themselves and silence; they go through pain and have no one to confide in.” He continued, “How many people are suicidal, and nobody knows? How many people are facing battles, and nobody knows? Therefore, God says (not only to Adam and Eve) ‘I didn’t say you are naked, done with or useless. Neither have I told you to give up or throw in the towel’.”

The first session concluded with attendees being requested to write down challenges and issues they wanted to let go of, while the choir continued the atmosphere of worship through music.

The second session included a healing and thanksgiving service and a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The revival concluded with Holy Mass, concelebrated with Fr Motanyane.