During a recent mission in the northern South African town of Ulundi, African Enterprise South Africa (AE SA) was presented with a rare opportunity: the chance to minister at every single police station in the area.
Operating in a region characterised by high crime rates, Ulundi’s police officers face daily pressure. Recognising these challenges, police station commanders welcomed the AE SA team with gratitude, eager for the spiritual encouragement the team brought to their precincts.
A highlight of the outreach took place on 30 July, when AE SA Team Leader Theuns Pauw had the privilege of ministering to the officers and staff at the South Africa Police Service Ulundi Main Station. A crowd of sixty people gathered in the station’s boardroom to hear the message, including the area’s Major General Khumalo, a dedicated leader who is a strong follower of Jesus and a firm opponent of corruption. “The Major General was seated next to me when I ministered, so that was a little nerve-racking!” says Theuns.
Theuns began his address by building a personal connection with the gathered officers. He shared how he and his wife enjoy watching police and fire-fighting television shows because they admire the courage of real-life first responders. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the dangerous work they perform daily to protect the public.
Turning to Scripture, Theuns spoke from the book of Joshua, focusing on the events preceding the fall of Jericho and referencing Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Theuns noted that just as today’s police officers require immense bravery, Joshua also needed courage, and the Lord was faithful to encourage him.
Theuns highlighted several lessons from Joshua chapters 5 and 6 that apply directly to policing, including the need for unique strategies tailored to our cities and the necessity of obedience to commanders – both to local Station Commanders and, ultimately, to Jesus.
When Theuns extended an invitation to turn to Jesus at the end of his message, four police officers made personal decisions for Christ, bringing immense joy to the ministry team.
Following this, Major General Khumalo addressed his precinct, delivering a powerful message of his own. He emphasised the critical role of prayer within SAPS, stating that prayer is absolutely essential to the wellbeing and operational effectiveness of the service. Taking an uncompromising stance, the Major General asserted that anyone who does not support or accept this prayer initiative should seriously examine their lives.
Through this outreach, African Enterprise South Africa was able to stand on the frontlines alongside Ulundi’s protectors, offering them the ultimate spiritual armour needed to face the battles of their profession.