“The story of Reverend Erlo Stegen is an inspiration to millions of Christians all over the world. He is an example of what God can do through a man who is obedient to Him. He has expanded the work of KwaSizabantu to every continent on the globe.”
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (09 January 2023) – The KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal recently celebrated Rev Erlo Stegen’s 70th year in ministry.
More than 10,000 people attended the thanksgiving service in honour of 70 faithful years of service and the positive impact of Rev Erlo Stegen on the lives of so many people. Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, MP, traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch, relayed a heartfelt message of gratitude at the special service held at KwaSizabantu in Kranskop.
Called to ministry, especially to the Zulu people, Reverend Stegen, fondly known as “Baba Mfundisi” by the community he serves, has devoted his life to sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. His dedicated service, love and generosity have resulted in a powerful bond with the nation. Through Reverend Stegen’s ministry in South Africa and worldwide, millions of lives have been touched and given new hope.
Prince Buthelezi has a special bond with the reverend that spans his ministry years.
He said he has been blessed to have the reverend walk so closely with him. He shared with the churchgoers a lifetime of experiences with Reverend Stegen and acknowledged the impact he had on his personal life and the lives of members of especially the Zulu nation whom he loves so dearly. He was visibly emotional during the delivery of his speech when he told the audience, “The story of Erlo Stegen is an inspiration to millions of Christians all over the world. He is an example of what God can do through a man who is obedient to Him. He has expanded the work of KwaSizabantu to every continent on the globe.”
The work established by Reverend Erlo Stegen at KwaSizabantu Mission (meaning “the place where people are helped”) continues to grow. His life purpose of uplifting communities through the gospel extends to helping them with their everyday needs. Reverend Stegen has been working amongst previously disadvantaged rural groups in agricultural, education and commercial sectors. The facilities established to support the ministry of the mission provide skills training and employment. It is remarkable how one man can change a nation through his faith, vision and tireless dedication.
Reverend Stegen started his ministry in Maphumulo in 1952, while South Africa was still under apartheid. The lack of development in the rural area prompted him to uplift the local community. With limited resources, the preacher, workers, and early supporters started construction and agricultural projects to accommodate and feed the people who came to hear the gospel. In the more than 52 years since KwaSizabantu was established, the mission implemented numerous poverty alleviation and several job creation ministries and outreach projects across a broad spectrum that have grown out of the evangelism ministry.
Over time, the preacher has worked side-by-side with the community members and others to build the mission into a community-based organization aimed at improving the lives of the communities it serves while spreading the gospel. KwaSizabantu has become completely self-sustainable. Subsequently, numerous buildings and agricultural projects have been implemented to keep up with the ever-growing congregation. The mission has established, among others, vegetable gardens, pepper greenhouses, avocado and other fruit orchards, a yoghurt factory, water bottling plants, and honey bottling plants, and they are making their compost which they use back in the orchards. KwaSizabantu has become sustainable for the benefit of the community it serves.
KwaSizabantu reaches out to people of all racial and cultural groups, bringing a message of repentance and hope and providing spiritual guidance, educational support and counselling. Millions of people have visited KwaSizabantu for more than 52 years since it was founded and many of those people have been impacted by the experience. The bi-annual youth conferences twice a year as well as the bi-annual conference for ministers across the globe have impacted many.
There is work that God calls all of us to do, and it is laid out for us in the Bible. God calls us to love others, care for the poor, and live our lives in such a way that we inspire others. As you read about the exciting journey of Rev Stegen over the past 70 years, we hope you will also be encouraged and inspired to fulfil what God has called you to do.
Read more about the work of Rev Erlo Stegen and his ministry on the website www.kwasizabantu.org.za. A special publication has been put together in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the ministry of Reverend Erlo Stegen. Visit the following websites for access to the special publication: www.devotedmag.co.za and also www.devinepublishers.com
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