The iconic Naval Hill Planetarium played host to a sold-out event in support of the Champions Club at Reign Church on Sunday, 1 June.
Drawing together families, advocates, and community members passionate about inclusion for children and adults with special needs, an event was held that included a movie screening of Max Goes To The Moon, a puppet show, and various prizes sponsored by local restaurants Black Sheep and Bossa.
The event was the vision of senior pastor Cindy Postman’s in 2024, when families with special needes children began visiting Reign Church prior to its official launch in September that year.
“I realised we could not simply offer babysitting,” said Postman. “These children deserve an intentional space where they can be ministered to and developed in ways that honour their unique design.”
This heartcry found direction when Postman attended an Alliance for REsponsible Citzenship (ARC) Conference in Johannesburg, where she was introduced to the Champions Club Curriculum – a 19-year-old programme developed in collaboration with doctors, occupational therapists, professors, and churches worldwide. The curriculum is designed to help people with special needs learn, grow, and actively participate in church life.
The event on Naval Hill was graced by Beulah van Aswegen of Beudene, a local centre known for its work with individuals with disabilities. In her address, Beulah emphasised the importance of creating communities that do not just include people with special needs, but truly foster their development and dignity.
Adding a powerful and personal voice was Karabelo Senatle, a 21-year-old graduate of the University of the Free State (UFS) and a Champions Club ambassador at the church.
Living with albinism, Karabelo passionately shared: “It is not enough to include people with special needs – we must integrate them into the fabric of our society, value their presence, and celebrate their contribution.”
As the church continues to grow, it brings hope to families navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs, and reminds all that every person has a purpose.
