Cleanup initiative and prayer circle unite.

As in Heaven, so in South Africa.

Written by Lynelle Clark

Part of finding an open space also involves cleaning of said space. Both can be equally challenging.  

In South Africa, especially here in Brakpan, open spaces are synonymous with crime, litter, and homelessness. It has become a very tender topic that raises the ire of many of its citizens.

Some is of the belief that they pay their rates, therefore, expect service from the municipality. This has brought division into the very fabric of our society. However, a new norm has been born; rather complain about the lack of service, a group of people said, lets do something about it.

This small band is fueled by one goal; to clean Brakpan.

When I met up with them on 3 January 2024, I was truly astonished.

With a burning desire to change the culture within this town and limited resources, I didn’t know where to begin, who to ask, or who to connect with. But… there is always a but when it comes to God’s business. I know a friend. I think everybody must have a friend on speed dial who knows someone. This is exactly what happened.

When I contacted Loraine du Plessis about petrol lawnmowers, she referred me to Riaan van Zyl, which I did. This man’s value is equal to a 100 men. I left a voice message and about ten to fifteen minutes later he called, and we met up at the park. Riaan, and Lisa and Tinus Jordaan agreed to clean up the area I had in mind in Ebertson Park, Brenthurst, the following morning. For those that don’t know, the park with the burned down tennis courts opposite Spar.

Lisa and Tinus are a dynamic couple in the community. Their passion makes them highly valued.

Before I continue, I must interrupt myself by including Leon Kruger, part of the Lester Neighbourhood watch who immediately agreed to handle the security. An added value factor for those who are concerned about their safety. His team pitched up during the day and were on their post during the prayer circle.

We all pitched up at 8 am on 4 January, the day of the prayer circle with some extra hands to boot. Within hours, an area of the park transformed from an ugly eyesore to an attractive landmark. Already donations have come in and the next phase of the cleanup will continue on 6 January 2024, at 8am. Do support this dedicated team. Even a thank you or wave to acknowledge their efforts means a lot.

The very heart of the #Time2Rise initiative, an inter-denominational movement, is to connect the communities, to pray for a righteous government and to become a problem solver. The aim is for each ward in the country to have a prayer circle, which will bring unity into a divided community.

End of last year, the Lord gave me a word about mandates, and that we should take hands to do the work. No one can do it alone. No one-man-band-shows will work. Unity is the key, and in two days I have seen it happen when #CleanBrakpan #CPFBrakpan #VFParty #SafeCitiesForum #LesterBuurtwag and #SAPrayerCircles #T2R came together.

Invitation to join in prayer at Ebertson Park, Brenthurst, Brakpan.

In front of the tennis court, cnr. Lester and Heyns road.

Every Thursday evening.

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm

#Time2RiseSA #Time2Rise #PrayerCircle #prayers #prayforourcity #Brakpan

The only question that remains is: are you part of the solution?

Important contact information

To become part of the prayer circle join the WhatsApp group for more information. 

To become involved with the cleanup initiative, contact Tinus and Lisa Jordaan at 073 335 3947 and like their page. Funding and donations are welcome. 

To become part of the Lester Neighbourhood watch, contact Leon Kruger at 072 022 2500

To know more about Time 2 Rise SA, visit the website or join the Facebook group.

To know more about the Safe Cities Forum and how you can help with funding, visit the website or contact Lynelle Clark 072 188 9124.

To connect with Loraine Du Plessis: Worthy Ministry Brakpan contact 072 180 0478.