Humble beginnings….
In 2008 Raphah primarily started off as a shelter for homeless and destitute people in Newcastle and surrounding areas. Raphah was then known as “Raphah – Place of Healing”.
Meaning of “Haven”
Over the next few years, the Ministry grew into several extended divisions, of which the “shelter” became just one small aspect in the whole Ministry compilation. The word “shelter” was replaced by the word and concept of a “Safe/protective Haven” in the last few years.
- Oases – a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions
- a place of safety where you are protected from danger / trouble etc.
- A place of refuge or rest – a sanctuary
The general feeling amongst the founders was that the accommodation service provided was no longer just a sleep-and-eat facility, but has grown into a much needed protective haven with specialized services – protecting the identity of its occupants. The need was thus much greater than just addressing temporary accommodation, therefore Raphah expanded its services to cover a broader aspect of needs. Additional services to residents of the Haven included Life Skills, parenting courses/training/exposure, child care, budgeting, obtaining and securing social grants from the Government for pensioners, the disabled, children etc., assisting with school related issues, mental health issues, health in general, social and welfare matters/challenges etc.
Raphah reached out to other service providers to assist in the rising needs of the homeless, destitude and those less fortunate, forming a network and support system – not only locally but also with other towns and cities in South Africa.
Raphah Networking service providers in Newcastle includes:
- Social/welfare agencies
- Churches/religious organisations
- Protection services
- Government/state departments
- Hospital and health care services
- Various support groups
- Various Care Homes/Facilities
In 2017 Raphah changed its name from “Raphah / Raphah – Place of Healing” to “Raphah Ministries” dividing services into several divisions/sections to accommodate and streamlining its administration, services and products. The Ministry is now focused on 3 primary ministries, namely:
- Healing (incl deliverance and restoration) Ministry
- Missionary Ministry
- Outreach Ministry
To visit these divisions, click the “read more” button
More than 500 000 people were reached (since this Ministry was founded) through the various initiatives, outreach programmes, training and empowerment programmes, accommodation in the Haven and missionary work done by this Ministry. Target areas included: Newcastle, Madadeni Osizweni, Blaauwbush, Utrecht, Ladysmith, Bergville, Johannesburg
Raphah Ministries is constantly upgrading, changing and expanding its services as needs arise in the community. It is our wish to provide a comprehensive and one-stop service to our clients and community at large who need advice, guidance, help, referrals, training, empowerment etc on various levels.
Raphah Ministries wish to thank every sponsor, donor, supporter, friend, family and/or community members who have contributed (no matter how big or small) to the growth and establishment of this
Ministry over the years. We are here for Newcastle and Newcastle is here for us… what a win-win situation for all parties!! May we all grow stronger together.