Missionaries are special people with extraordinary qualities. They selflessly help those in need without expecting anything back in return. Most missions are dependent on others to support their work. Still, South Africa boasts a mission station that has grown extraordinarily over the years and expanded by creating several branches nationwide and abroad. The KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal continued to grow after the tragic death of its founder, Rev Erlo Stegen, a year ago. For November, we honour the work of this extraordinary missionary who dedicated his entire life to helping others by sharing a few of his achievements.
At the heart of a Christian mission’s work lies the profound commitment to teaching, healing, helping, and spreading the gospel. This dedication inherently involves reaching out to those who are broken and marginalised, serving individuals and communities in desperate need of support. To fulfil the divine calling set before him, Erlo Stegen has, with the help of a few co-workers, tirelessly orchestrated a wide array of projects over the years—from building initiatives to agricultural endeavours—all aimed at creating diverse income streams that directly uplift the community. These efforts addressed immediate needs and cultivated long-term sustainability for various outreach programs that empower and enhance lives.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of KwaZulu-Natal, the KwaSizabantu Mission stands as a unique beacon of hope and resilience. This self-sustaining mission station has been meticulously developed and devoted to profoundly serving the community. The auditorium, a central hub for worship and community gatherings, is especially significant within the mission’s vibrant history. The original auditorium, completed in 1990, was an architectural marvel capable of accommodating approximately 10,000 worshippers. Its construction stretched over an arduous decade, representing the collective spirit and commitment of the community. Tragically, this beautiful structure was lost to a devastating fire in June 2008, a calamity that could have derailed the mission’s work. Instead, it ignited a wave of support as churches and organisations from around the globe rushed to extend their assistance. Volunteers and skilled experts, locally and internationally, united with purpose and compassion to help rebuild. Remarkably, in less than a year, a stunning new 10,000-seater auditorium was completed, symbolising the resilience and unwavering faith of the KwaSizabantu Mission.
The Mission is a learning centre, and during the rebuilding of the auditorium, Rev Erlo identified a need for adult learning. He started an adult learning program to help the workers better communicate. Later, the Domino Servite School was founded, an independent English-medium Christian school that also provides schooling for workers and co-workers. The school has grown from humble beginnings in 1986 into a private school, now also catering to children from across the globe. The Mission has a tremendous positive impact on the children's development, and the school encourages young adults to hold onto the good Christian values they have learned. Grade 12 learners write the IEB Senior Certificate Examination, and the school has achieved a 100% Matric pass rate since it registered as an examination centre in 1988. In addition, the Mission’s Cedar International Academy NPC, has recently celebrated 30 years of service excellence.
(Learn more about the work of Rev Erlo Stegen by following the link: https://online.pubhtml5.com/asxvv/xzrv)
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