The unique loud sound of shofars being blown from Cannon Hill will in the days to follow, fill the air in Kariega as an urgent message across distances for residents to spiritually “take up the battle” to help turn-around the town for the good.
Pastor Derek Stanley, a founder member of Shofar Mighty Warriors said, “It is our vision with our initiative called Taking Kariega Back, to rescue the town from its negative strongholds. There are too many out-of-control situations in all spheres of town. We as residents need to act. We can no longer depend on the same authorities which have allowed this decay to happen.
“The blowing of the shofars will be a symbolised declaration and message for people to turn inward spiritually, repent, wake-up, reflect and contribute in a positive way to celebrate changing Kariega and our country for the better.”
According to Stanley, these difficult-to-blow shofars which will be used in Kariega are crafted from kudu horns.
As part of their initiatives, the Shofar Mighty Warriors want to revive the historic Cannon Hill monument by painting it, cleaning the surrounding indigenous garden, and safeguarding the park.
“We want, in conjunction with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, to take on a caretaker role for Cannon Hill, so that this strategic park can once again be the place to go for friends and families to meet, enjoy the sunset or picnic in peace,” said Stanley.
The Shofar Mighty Warriors invite all interested individuals as well as businesses to join them in their efforts to revive the town.
‘Stand together, act and rebuild’
Councillor Roelf Basson applauded this initiative. “The situation in Kariega with regard to lack of maintenance, illegal activities, crime, vandalism, and destruction are out of control. For too long the municipality allowed these issues to reign. It is time for communities to stand together, to act, to rebuild and protect in favour of the future of all.
“Cannon Hill is strategically ideal for this project. Ironically it was established in the early 1800’s as an ideal look-out point for the safety of the town. Sadly, it now has become known for the opposite. It is unsafe and a place of various criminal activities as well as a pick-up point for drugs and prostitutes.
“Hopefully the project will assist in claiming back this historic site as the popular place of interest it was in the past.
“These kind of initiatives from residents or the private sector are exactly what are needed to help turn around Kariega for the good. I will support them and wish them well,” said Basson.
Easter weekend activities
As part of Easter celebration initiatives, the group will be planting six large crosses in the various high lying suburbs across town like Mountain View, Rooihoogte and Van Riebeeckhoogte. On Easter Saturday twelve intercessors will blow their shofars from Cannon Hill with more blowers on the ground. On Easter Sunday an interdenominational service will be held at Market Square in front of the Kariega Town Hall.
- For more information about Shofar Mighty Warriors’ activities or to get involved call Pastor Derek Stanley on 067 254 2811; Pastor Gerald Malgas 061 002 6650 and Pastor Romio Dolf 072 706 8180.
