A church becoming home
When Apostle Thapelo Ramphobole attended Sikunye’s “The Church & Early Life” training on WhatsApp in January 2025, he discovered something transformative – the profound significance of the first thousand days (FTD) in a child’s life. Deeply moved and inspired, he immediately committed his church, Word Restoration Church in Bloemfontein, to becoming an FTD-friendly environment.
What followed was a journey of incredible initiative, compassion, and community-driven solutions spearheaded by Apostle Thapelo himself. Recognising that true, lasting change occurs when communities lead from within, we believe deeply in the power of partnership – coming alongside passionate individuals who already understand their local context best.
“We plan to establish a dedicated FTD Ministry, form support groups, train volunteers, and intentionally surround families with practical help and heartfelt prayers. There is much to learn, but already we are seeing powerful change”.
Apostle Thapelo reflected on their journey saying, “Wow, what a learning journey we had, and what a journey lies ahead having been equipped.” His church quickly moved into action, creating meaningful support tailored to their community’s specific needs:
Baby Showers:
“To provide some much-needed essentials for when the baby arrives and pampering to the caregiver during the demanding period of FTD.”
Home Visits:
“We visit and learn more of the challenges and needs of caregivers so we can come together as the church to meet them at their point of need or refer them where need be.”
Welcoming Celebrations:
“We dedicate an offering on the first Sunday the child comes to church as our welcome gift.”
Safe, Supportive Spaces:
“We discovered our children’s section is the best space for caregivers to nurse their babies and handle nappy changes without interrupting the service. We put cushioned benches there which double as changing beds.”
This is why, as Sikunye, we are committed to strengthening and supporting leaders in their communities. We understand we cannot achieve lasting change alone. Our role is to stand alongside and support local leaders like Apostle Thapelo – amplifying their efforts, recognising their deep understanding of their context, and celebrating their invaluable contributions.
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