The St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission churches can't be missed.
Whether it's in rural South Africa or in townships, the blue and white-painted structures tell anyone who has grown up in peri-urban SA that the church is here.
As SA battles with what seems a losing battle against nyaope addiction, members of this church in the Gauteng's West Rand have taken it upon themselves to do what they can to fight the scourge of drug use.
Whenever there is a drug-free march in Palm Ridge, the church sends out a powerfully symbolic message about its stance on drug use: chaining the legs of recovering drug addicts who are teenagers.
The chains are a sign that they are trying to break away from the prison that is drugs, a St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission member tells Drum.
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They say they have watched a lot of young talented kids drown in this dark hole of addiction and, instead of turning a blind eye, they came up with a strategy that will assist the addicts' fight.
"Pharas" or "Nyaopes" are some of the terms used to describe these addicted teens.
Truly Chere’s mother, a member of St John's Apostolic Faith Mission, is taking in drug addicts from Palm Ridge and surrounding areas. Truly explains why her mother sees this kind of work as being a calling.
“My mother woke one morning and told me that God told her to help young kids who are into drugs," says Truly.
"I remember the first time she took in two kids I was so furious! I asked her why she was bringing nyaopes in. I went back to my place. But, when I came to visit her, there were now 10 kids in the house and now, as I am speaking to you, there are more than 50.”
Speaking to Drum, Truly says they understand that they are not experts, which is why they work with health experts in drug addiction rehabilitation.
“When they (addicts) wake up, they go to church, pray, [regurgitate] because their bodies are getting used to the change," Truly explains.
"There is mentorship from church members, they embark on a journey of healing and transformation. They (addicts) attended counselling sessions and group therapy meetings and focus on their hobbies. The church organises activities, art classes, and music sessions to help them find joy and purpose in life once again.”
Truly says it's important that the chained teenagers attend their anti-drug marches, in order to send out the powerful message that they want to live in drug-free communities.
“This march can benefit the whole country and if we don’t show up, and don’t fight against drugs it will be a waste for us. We can help them get clean, but we can’t keep them at the church forever. They will go out and meet those drug dealers, that is why we must fight the drug dealers so that they do not relapse.”
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She says they chain users in recovery as part of their rehabilitation – not because they don’t want the young addicts to run away. If they wanted to run away, adds Truly, the chains wouldn’t stop them.
“I have never been directly affected by drugs, but I know that it has an impact on people because it breaks relationships. Seeing the guys recover fills my heart.
“I am so impressed because you can see that they want to quit this thing. Some of them are unchained, looking after the ones who are chained. They stay chained for months, depending on their recovery.”
