The Evengelical Fellowship of Chrisitian Churches South Africa recently hosted an inauguration service at the Rapha Pentecostal Church Elsies River where Reverend Isaac Harvey was ordained as the new bishop.
According to Reverend Ivor Erasmus the church was started by Reverend Dr Michael Sodigal in 1990. “Under his see the organisation grew to 32 churches across the country. Sadly, he passed away on 4 February 2020. We had a very high bar to pass and a great need of planning went into selecting the new man for the job,” says Erasmus.
Minister’s son
Harley comes from a rich back ground as his father was a Methodist minister for more than 50 years.
“Harley is a senior pastor in Elsies River. He has been involved in ministry since the age of 21, starting off at the Methodist Church then spending 19 years with the Baptists. He is truly a God-send. Harley holds a diploma in theology,” says Erasmus.
The minister in charge of the ordaining was Chris Nissen from the Presbyterian Church, with other guests including ministers from the Moravian, Methodist and other Baptist churches.
“We also made use of the opportunity to retire Bishop John Beukes. He was very involved in missionary work and planting new churches, overseeing churches in the Knysna area. Beukes will be 90 years old in November,” says Erasmus.
The Evengelical Fellowship Christian churches wishes to thank everyone for their support over the years and from the national board they would like to convey a word of thanks to all who participated.
