In 1994 Pastor Christo Walters, then chairman of the Pastors Association of the city of Witbank in the northeastern region of South Africa, read Ed Silvoso's book, That None Should Perish during an annual time of fasting and solitude. As he read, God began to speak to him about his city, and he became increasingly convinced that the message of this book was God's plan for reaching his city of Witbank. So convinced was he that he bought a copy of the book for each of the ministers in the city and then went to see each of them personally. Together they embarked on a journey to see their city changed. The weekly fraternal meetings became much more focused and energized. Many united events were birthed out of that unity.
In 2000, Werner Swart (a missionary with Harvest Evangelism) and his family came back to South Africa from their assignment in Argentina. Pastor Walters asked Werner to share with the Fraternal. As Werner shared from his heart and experience in Argentina, the presence of the Lord broke into the meeting and repentance and forgiveness flowed. The measure of unity among the ministers went to a new level, and the Pastors Fraternal made the decision to ask Harvest Evangelism to assist in the process of reaching their city. As a result, Werner and his family settled in Witbank.
Forty years of apartheid doctrine had changed divided South Africa's cities not only racially, but geographically. Reaching a city meant reaching two cities-the politically-established predominantly white city centre-and the townships where the black and the colored lived. Reconciliation between the white city fraternal and the other fraternals from the townships and races became an immediate priority. It was clear that the process of reaching the city could not begin without this being addressed.
The first few meetings were very formal and problematic, with divisive and demanding agendas being put on the table. However, tenacious patience over the next two years resulted in God moving powerfully in the hearts of the leaders. The divides were broken down to such an extent that today there are no longer three fraternals, but one. Led by a small group of leaders from each racial group and geographical area, the fraternal meets in three different venues and comes together once every week.
During this time, prayer became a very essential component. During 2001 and 2002, more than 500 lighthouses of prayer were established to pray in the city, for the city and with the city. One of the areas of concern was the downtown area where crime was rampant. The ministers' wives decided to pray for every business in that area every week and this immediately began to change the spiritual climate over the city centre.
Today, nearly 50 ministers meet together weekly for prayer, worship and ministry to each other and to the city. Marketplace leaders are also meeting weekly to take responsibility in seeing the marketplace change. This once incredibly divided city is now an example of unity that is providing a model for other cities, including the Nelson Mandela Metroplex (Port Elizabeth) and the Helderberg (Cape Town).
According to Louis Cloete, the Fraternal Chairman, the goal is for greater ownership for the city on the part of the Church. Intercessors are active and families are practicing prayer evangelism in increasing numbers. The focus is now on the marketplace in order to see the spiritual climate change to the point where sinners are forcing their way into the Kingdom (Luke 16:16).
Werner Swart
Director, Harvest Evangelism-South Africa