The Pollards Hill Seventh-day Adventist group positively impacts the Mitcham/Pollards Hill environs.
The desire of the church leadership and members alike to be mission focused and relevant has resulted in the engagement of two community events within two months.
On Sunday, 25 June, the group set up a stall as an exhibitor at the Mitcham Carnival. This annual event has been significantly interrupted by Covid-19 resulting in a short break until its resumption this year. Sensing the window of opportunity the Lord provided, the board voted to participate in the event even though they had heard of it at short notice.
The group's presence provided an opportunity to offer health screening services and interaction with the community. However, WATER was the most significant pull to the group's stall. Visitors to the carnival were offered free bottles of water. By accepting this offer, they were encouraged to choose any book of their interest besides the water, and the results were amazing. The group gave out over 500 bottles of water, and the recipients took home approximately 400 books ranging from health, family, The Desire of Ages and The Great Controversy. The joy with which they accepted the books was so heartwarming. Surprisingly, some brought their friends and relations to grab their copies of the books, an unbelievable replay of the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well as recorded in John chapter 4.
In amazement, the senior pastor of Pollards Hill group, Pastor Wilfred Blake, could only remark, "This has been a success."
Early this year, on 22 April, the group held another community outreach programme dubbed – Community Tea Party. Residents within Pollards Hill were invited to share complimentary tea and snacks with the group on the Sabbath afternoon. Again, the community's participation was positive, with many turning up to spend time with each other and also getting to know who Seventh-day Adventists are. The day's highlight was when a Muslim lady shared a remarkable story. She narrated that her family had gathered at a nearby hall to commemorate the one-year passing of her dad. Still, when she got a copy of the flyer inviting everyone to the event, she decided to pass by to check what was being offered. She ended up calling many of her friends and relations from the commemoration event to come and experience the wonderful fellowship and the excellent meal. These were her parting words, "very friendly and supportive people. Very honoured and glad I came." Another community member said, "Great company, lovely and friendly group. So welcoming." The group prayed with those who accepted the offer to be prayed for. Some have subsequently expressed a desire to fellowship with the group soon.
The Pollards Hill group can sense Jesus is in ministry with them as they mingle with the community to address their needs, win their confidence, and eventually lead them to Christ.