Our History
CHARITY BAPTIST CHURCH: A LEGACY OF FAITH AND TRANSFORMATION
Nestled within the heart of its community, Charity Baptist Church stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and divine guidance. Established on the auspicious day of May 4, 1986, by the esteemed missionary from the USA, Pastor O’Neil Kenneth Eubanks, the roots of this spiritual sanctuary dig deep into the soil of dedication and service.
In its infancy, the church flourished under the leadership of Pastor Eubanks, boasting a congregation of over a hundred devoted charter members. However, the journey was not without its trials. Approximately four years into its existence, subtle discord began to brew between the Pastor and the assistant Pastor, culminating in a split that marked the first phase in 1991. The subsequent year witnessed the completion of this division, a phase marred by political entanglements that forced Pastor Eubanks into a confrontation with authorities. Despite these challenges, Pastor Eubanks, displaying profound humility, chose to resign, paving the way for the appointment of Brother Dan Makhoba as the new spiritual shepherd.
The transition was not without its share of tribulations. The once robust Church found itself navigating through turbulent waters, facing challenges ranging from the widespread dissemination of negative narratives about the Church within the village to the appointment of an untrained Pastor. The wounds inflicted on the spiritual well-being of the members, coupled with relentless external attacks, sought to test the very fabric of Charity Baptist Church. However, guided by unwavering faith, the congregation persisted, and against all odds, the Church not only survived but began working towards its revival.
The origins of Charity Baptist Church were rooted in the ideology of dispensationalism, a theological perspective under which Pastor MD Makhoba received his training from the esteemed Charity Baptist Institute in the USA, earning a Diploma. However, the divine journey of the Church took an intriguing turn as Pastor Makhoba, initially aligned with dispensationalism, underwent a profound transformation in his theological viewpoint. God, in His infinite wisdom, led Pastor Makhoba to a deeper understanding of the doctrine of God’s grace, prompting a shift towards a Reformed theological perspective.
In a defining moment of theological evolution, Charity Baptist Church, under the guidance of Pastor Makhoba, embraced the London Baptist Confession of 1689 as its statement of faith. This pivotal decision not only solidified the Church’s doctrinal foundation but also positioned it as a beacon of theological enlightenment within its community.
As Charity Baptist Church continues its journey, it does so not only as a physical structure but as a living testament to the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and divine guidance. The road ahead may be challenging, but with a renewed commitment to its values and purpose, the Church is working towards fixing itself and becoming an even stronger force for good in its community.
Our Goals: Rebuilding, Protecting, and Impacting Lives
At Charity Baptist Church, our vision extends beyond the walls of our sanctuary to encompass the well-being of our congregation and the Magogoe village community. Our current goals focus on key areas that will allow us to better serve and protect both our church and our neighbors.
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Church Restoration Fund: Rebuilding What Was Broken
In the wake of challenges posed by COVID-19 and its aftermath, our beloved church structure has faced significant damage. We embark on a mission to restore our place of worship to its former glory, ensuring it remains a haven of solace, hope, and prayer.
How You Can Help: Contribute to the Church Restoration Fund. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to the full restoration of our church.
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Protective Wall Project: Building a Barrier of Safety
To safeguard our church from unforeseen circumstances and to provide a secure environment for worship, we are initiating the construction of a protective wall. This physical barrier will not only shield our church but also symbolize the strength and unity of our congregation.
How You Can Help: Support the Protective Wall Project. Your contributions contribute directly to the safety and longevity of Charity Baptist Church.
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Church Security Initiative: Ensuring Continuous Vigilance
Our commitment to the safety of our church goes beyond physical structures. Implementing a church security initiative will allow us to afford dedicated security personnel who will watch over our church premises during times of worship and in our absence.
How You Can Help: Support Our Vision with Your Generosity
At Charity Baptist Church, we believe in the power of collective action and the generosity of those who share our commitment to faith, community, and service. Your support is instrumental in realizing our goals, and there are various ways you can contribute.
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Community Impact and Outreach: Spreading God’s Word to Magogoe Village
At the heart of our mission is a deep desire to impact lives beyond our congregation. Through community outreach programs and initiatives, we aim to share the life-changing message of the Gospel with the people of Magogoe Village, fostering a community of faith, love, and compassion.
How You Can Help: Get involved in our Community Impact programs. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to make a positive difference in the lives of those in Magogoe Village.
Who Are We: A Family of Faith, Love, and Service
Welcome to Charity Baptist Church, a vibrant and welcoming community rooted in the unchanging truths of the Gospel. We are more than just a place of worship; we are a family bound by faith, love, and a shared commitment to serving others.
Our Identity: A Beacon of Hope
Established in May 1986, Charity Baptist Church has grown from humble beginnings to become a beacon of hope in Magogoe and beyond. Our identity is shaped by a deep and abiding faith in the one true God, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. We stand firm in the teachings of Jesus Christ, guided by the transformative power of prayer and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Our Values: Love, Charity, and Service
At the core of who we are are values that define our character. Love is the cornerstone of our community, where every individual is embraced with open arms, and compassion knows no bounds. We believe in charity, not just as a financial act but as a way of life—extending kindness, understanding, and support to those in need. Service is our response to the call of Christ, as we actively engage in making a positive impact within our congregation and the broader community.
Our Mission:
Our mission is twofold. First, we strive to rebuild our church, a sanctuary that faced challenges during and after COVID-19, into a place of renewed strength and vitality. Second, we are committed to protecting this sacred space through the construction of a physical barrier and the implementation of a church security initiative.
But our mission extends beyond our church walls. We aspire to impact the lives of the people in Magogoe Village. Through community outreach and the sharing of the Gospel, we seek to create a community of faith, love, and hope.
Join Us on the Journey:
As you explore our virtual home, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Whether you are seeking a place to deepen your faith, a community to belong to, or an opportunity to make a positive difference, Charity Baptist Church is here for you.
We are a family that believes in the power of unity, the strength of diversity, and the joy of shared worship. Come, be a part of our fellowship, and together, let’s continue to grow in faith, love, and service.
Welcome to Charity Baptist Church—Where Faith Flourishes, Love Abounds, and Service Transforms Lives.
Our belief and what we stand for at Charity Baptist Church
The London Baptist Confession of Faith, also known as the Second London Baptist Confession, was first published in 1677 and later finalized in 1689. It is a doctrinal statement that outlines the beliefs and teachings of Particular Baptists, a group of Reformed Baptists in England. Here is a summary of its key points:
1. **Theology**: The confession is firmly rooted in Reformed theology, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in salvation. It follows the tradition of the Westminster Confession of Faith but reflects Baptist distinctives.
2. **Scripture**: It affirms the authority, sufficiency, and clarity of the Bible as the ultimate source of Christian doctrine and practice.
3. **God’s Decrees**: The confession discusses God’s eternal decrees, highlighting the divine predestination of individuals to salvation.
4. **Creation and Providence**: It affirms God’s creation of the world and His ongoing providential care over all things.
5. **The Fall of Man**: The confession teaches the doctrine of the Fall, emphasizing the sinfulness and depravity of human nature.
6. **Covenant Theology**: It presents a Covenant Theology framework, outlining God’s covenants with humanity throughout history.
7. **The Person and Work of Christ**: It affirms the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, as well as the substitutionary atonement for sin through His death and resurrection.
8. **Salvation**: The confession describes the process of salvation, emphasizing the doctrines of justification by faith alone and the perseverance of the saints.
9. **The Church**: It defines the nature and purpose of the church, including the importance of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
10. **Civil Government**: The confession addresses the relationship between the church and the civil government, advocating for religious liberty and the separation of church and state.
11. **The Last Things**: It includes statements on the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, and the eternal destiny of the righteous and the wicked.
The London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) is a significant document in Baptist history, articulating the theological convictions of a particular strand of Reformed Baptists in the late 17th century.
