The city of Norwich is home to a vibrant and diverse community, where people from all walks of life come together to worship, socialize, and support one another. At the heart of this community is the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), a Pentecostal church that has been serving the local population for many years. Tragedy struck on Sunday, April 27, when a devastating fire broke out during an afternoon service, destroying the church building and leaving the congregation in a state of shock and grief. The church, which is led by Pastor Jonathan Onyeme, was more than just a place of worship – it was a community hub where people came together to celebrate, learn, and grow. The fire, which started in the storage gallery, spread quickly, leaving nothing but rubble and ashes in its wake.
The loss of the church building has been a significant blow to the community, and Pastor Jonathan Onyeme has described the scene as “an eerie silence, like the silence of the night.” However, in the face of adversity, the church is determined to rebuild and come back stronger than ever. To achieve this, the RCCG is launching an appeal fund to raise £1 million towards the total cost of £2.5 million to rebuild the facility. The church is counting on the support of the local community, and is asking 1000 people to donate £1000 each over the next year. This ambitious fundraising effort will not only help to rebuild the church but also establish a community center that will serve the local population. The new center will be a vital hub for the community, providing a space for social events, educational programs, and other activities that will bring people together and foster a sense of belonging.
The appeal launch will take place on Sunday, July 27, at the Redemption Centre, and will be accompanied by a 12-month prayer walk through all the streets of Norwich. Supporters will be invited to participate in the prayer walk, which will involve praying and reflecting on the community’s needs and aspirations. This initiative will not only help to raise funds for the rebuilding project but also bring the community closer together, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. The church is also encouraging people to gift aid their donations, which will enable the church to claim back tax on the donations, thereby increasing the overall amount raised. Donations can be made by direct bank transfer, and more information can be found on the church’s website or by contacting Pastor Jonathan Onyeme directly.
The RCCG is a global church with over 800 parishes in the UK, and the Norwich branch is just one of many communities that are part of this vibrant and dynamic network. The church was founded in Nigeria in 1952 and has since grown into a global movement, with a presence in many countries around the world. The church’s mission is to spread the message of Jesus Christ and to serve the community, and the Norwich branch is committed to carrying out this mission with passion and dedication. Despite the challenges posed by the fire, the church remains optimistic and is looking forward to a bright future. As Pastor Jonathan Onyeme has said, “We want you to help us bring back the sound to the house. We need your help. We need 1000 people to stand with us, each donating £1000 and gift aiding their donation over the next 12 months.”
The church’s appeal is not just about raising funds; it’s about rebuilding a community and creating a space where people can come together to worship, learn, and grow. The new church building will be designed to serve the needs of the local population, providing a modern and accessible space for worship, education, and community activities. The church is committed to being a good neighbor and a responsible member of the community, and is working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that the new building meets the needs of everyone. The church’s vision is to create a vibrant and inclusive community, where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate, learn, and grow. By supporting the appeal, donors will be helping to make this vision a reality and contributing to the well-being and prosperity of the local community.
The RCCG’s appeal is a testament to the power of community and the human spirit. In the face of adversity, the church is coming together to rebuild and recover, and is reaching out to the wider community for support. The appeal launch on July 27 will be an important milestone in this journey, and will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the church. As the church looks to the future, it is filled with hope and optimism, knowing that with the support of the community, it can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things. The church’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that together, we can achieve anything. By supporting the RCCG’s appeal, you will be helping to bring back the sound to the house, and contributing to the creation of a vibrant and inclusive community that will thrive for generations to come.
