A BLESSING ON WHEELS

A Cape Town pastor recently courted controversy when he gave cars to three needy congregants

- COLIN HENDRICKS

THE church is her haven, her happy place, her escape – especially when she’s having a tough time. And Cathy Rightford of Cape Town has been through the wringer recently. Her car, which she used to get to and from her job when she was a social worker and to ferry her two adopted children around, was stolen.

With no money to buy another car and no insurance to claim from, she took taxis to get around – but then she was robbed of her handbag.

So the River Word Church in Plumstead in the Mother City’s southern suburbs is just what she needs to lift her mood, hear the Word of God and forget about her troubles for a while.

The church is plain and unassuming, with office chairs instead of pews and no fancy flowers or extravagant embellishments. But the space fills with sound as a blast of pop music erupts from the speakers, heralding the arrival of pastor Kyle Driver who delivers his vibrant message in a flurry of rhythm and praise.

The service is over far too soon for Cathy (66) but the good tidings aren’t over for her yet. As she moves towards the back of the church, pastor Kyle catches up with her. “Open the door,” he tells her. She obliges – and outside the church is a white hatchback car.

“We’re giving you a car,” he announces to an incredulous Cathy.

“I just burst into tears,” she tells YOU later. “Kyle is a wonderful pastor. I’ve been in his church for five years and he has always looked after me and my children.”