On 13 July, The New Damascus Christian Apostolic Church (Ikhayelitsha) in Drieziek 1, hosted a heartfelt event titled “Bring What You Want, Take What You Need.”
Led by Bishop Mandla and Mam Bishop Zoliswa Tshabalala, the initiative encouraged church members to bring items in good condition and freely take what they needed from clothes and shoes to books and household essentials.
The event aimed to strengthen relationships within the church and teach the value of giving from the heart. Mam Bishop Zoliswa Tshabalala, said: “It wasn’t about money it was about love in action. We encouraged everyone to look at what they had and ask, ‘Who might need this more than I do?”
Proposed by the youth of The New DCAC, the initiative addressed an often-overlooked issue in churches maintaining the same love and care shown when welcoming new members.
“We recruit with love, but sometimes fail to sustain that love. This reminded us that love must be a daily act,” added Bishop Mandla Tshabalala
“Our society is full of takers. This was about creating a generation of givers, people who give without expecting anything in return,” said a youth leader.
Inspired by Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive” – the event turned a simple exchange into a moment of healing, sharing and community building. More than items changed hands that day, kindness, compassion and the true spirit of faith were passed along too.
