GEORGE NEWS - About 70 Georgians from different sectors attended a one-day workshop hosted by the initiative, Love in Action, to talk about ways to create unity among citizens of George by applying biblical principles. The workshop followed on a gathering last year where they aired concerns about the future of the city.

Mistrust was identified as one of the main obstacles to cohesion due to lack of contact and communication between different racial and socio-economic groups.

Rev Floors Meyer said the motto of the church is love and that is what people should see when they look at the church. "What then is our calling in this moment? It is building relationships of trust that empower and give hope."

Dr Braam Hanekom of the Centre for Public Witness, who acted as a facilitator, said, "If we don't interact, engage and listen to one another, we won't be able to move forward. This will require time and energy that Christians have to devote."

He said there should be willingness to debate the "tough stuff".

"If love is your stuff, how do you say it? Love is a sacrifice, not a feeling.

"How do you build trust? One obvious way would be to challenge, say, the people of Fancourt to go to Thembalethu and do something so that those people will know you love them. And also to say to the people of Pacaltsdorp, 'Go to Bergsig and show your love'."

A suggestion from the floor for another practical way to reach out was to get involved with and contribute to faith-based projects in the community. This will make a difference to the well-being of others. 

Love in Action wants to see a united George where colour and cultural differences do not form barriers between people. From left are role players Herman Pienaar, Nellie Moodley, Dr Braam Hanekom, Sydney Opperman and Santie von Below. Photo: Alida de Beer

Another said that Christians need to be more robust when the authorities make poor decisions that negatively affect lives. 

"Christians should not just be praying, but at the same time also go out and show by their deeds that they care."

Hanekom proposed that the existing strategic planning committee of Love in Action continues with its work and that strategic projects should be identified that can be moved forward.

For information visit www.loveinaction.org.za or contact Herman Pienaar on 082 829 6428 or Floors Meyer on 082 684 2735.

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