Download the PDF-version here (e-mail and printer-friendly):
RESOURCES
1. GBM Online Registration Form
https://afm.easychurch.co.za/?page_id=413
2. Pastoral Letter: 1st Quarter
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-1st-quarter-2021/
3. The Possible Adoption of a Single Marriage Statute: AFM Response
https://afm-ags.org/friday-7-may-2021-funeral-guidelines-updated-afm-response-to-salrc/
4. Funeral Guidelines (Updated March 2021 – Attendance 100)
https://afm-ags.org/friday-7-may-2021-funeral-guidelines-updated-afm-response-to-salrc/
AFM Colleagues,
I wish to bring to your attention that Child Protection Week is celebrated in South Africa from Sunday, 31 May 2021 to Sunday, 6 June 2021. Today I bring you two messages in this regard – one from our National Children’s Ministry (NCM) and the other from our Welfare Department.
Child Protection Week is commemorated annually to raise awareness about the protection of children and their rights. This is a chance to bring issues of child abuse and neglect into the spotlight. It is an opportunity to see the church and its local community working together to reflect on the different roles that can be played to protect our children in our respective areas and country as a whole.
As the Children’s Ministry of the AFM of SA, we can take the lead in our respective Assemblies and Regions to champion the rights of our children in totality – including their spirituality. I therefore request every Educator and Children’s Ministry Worker to be active there wherever you are and cooperate with other structures that are also commemorating this event.
GET HELP:
– Toll-free number for GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE 0800 428 428
– Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
God Bless!
Past. Sam Tshabalala
(Director: NCM of the AFM of SA)
The Bible is very clear about the fact that children are part of God’s creation, that children are gifts from God to families, that children need nurturing and guidance and that children need discipline. The Bible also says that orphans, displaced- and refugee children and those living in poverty need special care. Children need protection and are blessed by God.
Within the context of the church’s missional strategy (the One AFM Game Plan), children ought to be one of the focus areas within every AFM Assembly’s Community Involvement driver.
National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness on (i) the protection of children as articulated in the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005) and (ii) the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. AFM Welfare calls on all AFM Assemblies to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse. It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children.
I encourage AFM Pastors to equip themselves to make a difference in their communities on the social issue of child protection. Practical guidelines for Pastors are included in a comprehensive online article that focuses on:
- What the Bible says about children.
- Types of child abuse.
- Practical steps a Pastor or Assembly Leader can follow to report abuse or suspected abuse.
- Important contact numbers.
To view and download this comprehensive article, visit the link below:
https://afm-ags.org/community-involvement-understanding-child-abuse-pastoral-letter-3rd-quarter/
Ashley Theron
(Acting CEO of AFM Welfare)
Blessings!
MG Mahlobo
