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Post by philiprosenthal on Jun 17, 2006 8:54:45 GMT
His People Johannesburg was founded at Wits University by Dorian Wrigley, an engineering graduate who had formerly been with the Cape Town church. Initially it operated as the student wing of another Johannesburg church. Later Bruce Weyers, a young pastor from Rhema provided leadership. At the same time a Maranatha church existed on Wits campus under the leadership of Bill Bennot (an American Maranatha Missionary). The two churches got on well and when Maranatha dispanded, decided to merge. Bill Bennot became the senior pastor and Bruce Weyers the junior pastor. Bill also became vice president of His People Ministries and the new merged church took on the name 'His People'. Eventually, Bruce left the Jo-burg church to join the staff of the Cape Town church. A few years ago, Bill left to go back to the USA, where he has been performing some kind of oversight function to the African churches - although his exact status is unclear. The church is now in the care of Roger Pearce, the senior pastor.
In the early years, I heard reports of revival work of God through the church, especially on Wits campus, but in recent years, some sad stories that are much similar to those posted elsewhere on this website about Marantha. I am close personal friends with many of the leaders of this church so it is sad for me to say this, but I hope the church will steer back more towards its original true revival heritage.
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Post by Jason_Coates on Jul 21, 2006 13:05:27 GMT
Philip
As always great insight and commentary. I must say that both Bill and Roger are great guys and good leaders. Bill Bennot is one of the more experienced of all the leaders in Africa and I suppose has played the greatest role in sorting out the mess pre-EN stepping up to the plate to get rid of PD. I can only imagine how hard it was for Bill to deal with PD all those years and wonder why it could not have been sorted out earlier. I suppose only Bill and those in the know understood the whole story, but had I known . . . . ?? Hindsight has twenty twenty vision I suppose.
It took them to have to dismiss PD for me to suddenly realize that the story was much bigger than I thought and subsequently I relies why all those years of frustration and waste happened in Africa Missions as well as relationships with the other churches, especially CT. His People and his shame!
Wits never experienced the revival that CT did although I agree that Dorian laid a solid platform for future ministry there (mind you not foundations as that is soley the Lord's perogative and the prophets and apostles ghave lain the foundations of the church already)
Seeing the unpublished time-line makes me think that there is even more to the story. As long as guys like you continue to keep a prophetic eye and present an alternative viewpoint of reality then I suppose that EN leaders will be a little more careful with the souls of people.
I am gladdened to read that Steve Murrell is showing more leadership as the result of both internal and external pressure and the realization that it is too high a price to pay to continue with any further spiritual compromise.
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Post by mallory on Oct 19, 2007 11:09:27 GMT
I joined the Maranatha church in 88 / 89 when Roger came in as a young christian. He really was a great guy back then. Sure he still is.
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andes
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by andes on Jan 29, 2008 11:08:10 GMT
Very Scary reading up on a Church I have recently joined. I have been saved since August 2006 and feel led to His People. Yet reading up on the church and it's leaders is very daunting. I have in my short time here had a bad experience in a cell group (been forced to speak in tongues - very scary). Had a Pastor who I like resigned then told the reasons given for his departure are not the real reason he left. Is this another cover up. Attended the Membership Course, did everything neccassary to become a member. When I asked a leader what the next step was he said " I suppose we should announce it or something". Attended church and witnessed an entire group of people been called up prayed for and given certificates. Seems some leaders do not know the protocol or procedures. There doesn't seem to be an interest in the members. I like the way the apostolics work - doing house calls - listing all their members and having leaders or a responsible person calling on the other members. Following up and making sure that new christians are setting a good foundation helping thm stay with God. Maybe I joined at a post PD and the church is still recovering and we new interested christians should just fumble about and hopefully we will be welcomed into the church. Nice greetings at the door and a lot of lip service and clicky. Will see where this all ends. Perhaps time to find a church that is interested in it's members and helping them remain with God. Leadership ? - I am disillusioned, in man but not God. Love HIM to much. Well I will remain and see what the future holds. It does take a lot to get me to put my tail between my legs and run.
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