In the misty hills of Rakwana, where tea plantations stretch across the slopes and life is woven with the rhythm of estate work, a small but enduring story of faith began to take shape. The Christian Reformed Church in Rakwana traces its roots to the pioneering efforts carried out under the guidance of the Kohuwela Leadership Council, with the faithful involvement of Pastor Papchal Rickson. What started as a simple prayer gathering soon grew into a ministry that continues to bear fruit today.
The first steps were humble. A prayer meeting was held at the home of a family member of Deacon Charlie Anthony from the Kohuwela church. It was in that living room that voices of prayer rose, and seeds of faith were sown among the people of Rakwana. Though modest, these early gatherings carried the warmth and sincerity of a community seeking God’s presence in their midst.
Over time, the ministry began to take root in the surrounding villages. In the community of Palankotte, where tea workers labored from dawn to dusk, a church was formed. It was a modest building, yet it carried immense significance—a gathering point where faith was renewed, and burdens were shared. For many, it stood as proof that the message of Christ was not reserved for the powerful or the privileged but reached deep into the villages nestled among the hills.
The ministry also expanded to Kahawatte, where a faithful house meeting continues every Sunday evening. Week after week, families gather in fellowship, praying, sharing Scripture, and encouraging one another. These meetings carry the same spirit of the earliest prayer gatherings—a reminder that the church is wherever God’s people come together in His name.
In time, the oversight of the Rakwana work was entrusted to the Wolvendaal Leadership Council, ensuring that the ministry would continue to be supported and guided. Under their care, the congregation has been nurtured, and its outreach strengthened.
The story of the Christian Reformed Church in Rakwana is one of perseverance and quiet faithfulness. From a single prayer meeting in a family home to a church among tea workers and ongoing house gatherings in Kahawatte, the ministry has grown step by step. It is a story that reflects the heart of the Reformed tradition: that God’s kingdom is built not through power or grandeur, but through the faithful prayers of His people and the steady work of His servants.
Today, as prayers continue to rise from Palankotte and Kahawatte, the church in Rakwana stands as a testament to the truth that even the smallest beginnings, when entrusted to God, can blossom into enduring witness.
