Lorraine Full Gospel Church: A church on fire!
Team Talk chatted to a few locals to try and pen what makes this church so very special. With a passion for Christ, Biblical teachings, hearts on fire, many can learn from ordinary people with an extraordinary love for God!
Pastor Kilian always mentions the 3 things that happens when someone visits his church. 1. You will think about it. 2. You will decide if you like it or not. 3. If you come back a 3rd time, you are hooked. That is an understatement, because it’s the truth! It happened to me.
The history behind the church is a humble one, yet one that warms your heart. The church was built by Pastor Upman in 1973, yet sadly he suffered a stroke and was never able to shepherd his church.
Over the years the church was supported by its members who raised funds by baking cakes and koeksisters. Determine to keep the church going, they persevered against all odds.
Rita Clarke, who is a member for 50 years, shared some of her memories with me. “The church is my home. I along with others, baked cakes and koeksisters to support the church and pastors.
I love the church, the community, but most of all, the truth being preached. We had difficult times, but we persevered to the Glory of God. When us as a family stepped over the threshold of The Full Gospel Church of Lorraine also called City Mission and became members, we became partakers to contribute in the building up of the church, along with all the precious souls in the past 50 years. Looking forward to the future, to God all the Glory and Honor. THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION. PSALMS 27v1.”
Eve Howard-Browne shared with us. “In 1994 when my husband and I came to P.E., L.F.G.C was the first church we visited with its membership of 17 people, and there we stayed and 5 years later he was buried from that little church on the corner. I loved the old time Pentecostal praise and worship we had. The power and anointing used to fall when people used their gifts in tongues and messages. In our prayer meetings the people would lie on their faces before God on the mat and pray for God to send us a pastor whom He chooses. Pastor Louwtjie and Renee was God's answer. I love my church because the truth is preached, no adding or taking away from God's Word. I have no family in P.E but my spiritual family is L.F.G.C, those hugs they give is very special. A family church, you cant wish for better.”
Toelie Wolaard joined the church in 2004. I asked Toelie why the church is so special. “Pastor Louwtjie teaches the truth. I am here for the truth, and he teaches God’s truth.”
Then of course, there is my favourite person, Rina Juszkiewics. She joined in 2013. I have never seen childlike faith like hers and a love for God and His Word. She is a woman filled with passion for the Lord. For her it’s all about hearing the truth and praising God. “What I love about our church is that it’s a family church and the truth is being preached.”
These are just some of the extraordinary people and stories you will find at Lorraine Full Gospel. Pastor Louwtjie and his wife, Renee Joy Kilian, joined the church in 2007 with a small congregation of about 17 people. They have built the church on the foundation of Jesus Christ, with a tremendous love for Israel that they share openly to everyone willing to listen. With God’s help, they grew into a large congregation, with the love, respect and support of their people.
We live in times where so many people teach other doctrines that is not of God. We live in times where people are seeking God and questioning so many things. We live in times where people want to understand the Word of God. We live in times where broken hearts and broken lives, needs to be mended. We live in times where the lost wants to come home.
I am a witness to great faith found at Lorraine Full Gospel Church. Lives are being changed, hearts are turning back to God and healings are taking place. God’s miracles are visible in the lives of ordinary people. More and more, are accepting the invitation of Jesus Christ who said: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
I can testify to these things because I was once lost in a world that did not understand the Word of God. The truth found me so that I can experience the fullness of God and pay it forward. I can only see Pastor Upman smiling from Heaven as he, along with a cloud of witnesses, see the faith and spirit filled ministry happening on the corner stone that he had built. As I walked the grounds of the church, looking to the past, the present and the future, I could feel Pastor Upman smiling, knowing he was preparing the way for Pastor Kilian for such a time as this.
I encourage you to visit this humble church in the heart of Lorraine, Port Elizabeth and be touch in a new way. There you will find teachings that will set you free!
By Stella Ashworth for Team Talk.
Full Article in September edition of Team Talk.
Special Acknowledgement: Pastor Louwtjie Kilian, Renee Joy Kilian, Toelie Wolaard, Rita Clarke, Eve Howard-Browne, Rina Juszkiewics and the wonderful congregation of Lorraine Full Gospel Church in Port Elizabeth.
Picture Above: From left to right: Eve Howard-Browne, Toelie Wolaard. Below left: Eve Howard-Browne, RinaJuszkiewics, Rita Clare. The picture Rita keeps in her purse of Ps Louwtjie and Renee.
