Latest news with #WOFC
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Durban pastor launches innovative app to enhance community engagement
Durban pastor Carlin Govender is merging spirituality with technology through the launch of the WOFC App. During these challenging times, when conflicts are rife, tensions are high, unemployment continues to skyrocket and hope is often far from reach, a Durban pastor is using her unique skills to improve the lives of those around him. Carlin Govender, the senior pastor and the founder of Word of Faith Churches (WOFC) in Chatsworth and Phoenix is launching a new groundbreaking WOFC App which is aimed at spreading the gospel and revolutionising the experience of church. The family man and father of two also aspires to spread positivity by transforming faith through technology. The 42-year-old, who was born and raised in Park Rynie, Govender has always had a passion for technology and this endeavour underlies his unwavering commitment to empowering his community and to empower people of all ages and from all walks of life to be a confident participant in the digital pastor also wants to use the app to increase their outreach through modern technology. With the use of Govender's support and his new app, his congregants and community members will be able to access spiritual content and to use this as a guiding force during challenging times. This move is also a unification of Govender's two passions - spirituality and technology. This is as prior to becoming a pastor, he intended to venture into the corporate world after pursuing diplomas in Information Technology (IT). At the time, he was just a youngster and Govender had no idea that this was preparing him for a career that seemed destined for the tech realm. However, at the age of 21, his life took an unexpected turn when he underwent a profound spiritual encounter that led him to pursue a career in the church and to commit his life to his faith and the service of his community. This pivotal moment transformed his career trajectory, shifting his focus from the corporate world to full-time ministry. With a renewed purpose, Govender then began his journey in ministry at Word of Faith Umkomaas in 2005. This move proved to be so successful that a decade later, he was ordained in 2015 by Apostle Kelson Lochenberg. But it has always been his passion for technology which has given him the edge. Armed with his desire to uplift his community, Govender's background in IT provided him with unique insights into communication and digital engagement, which is now proving to be invaluable in his role as a spiritual leader. And with this visionary approach, Govender founded the Word of Faith School of Ministry in 2018. This has become a space where he not only imparts spiritual wisdom but the pastor also embraces innovative methods to reach believers. 'My life verse is Ephesians 1:3, and my ministry is driven by humility and a relentless commitment to the Great Commission,' Govender explained, highlighting the foundation of his ministry's ethos. Meanwhile, the launch of the WOFC App aims to not only facilitate member engagement at the organisation but it also aspires to open unprecedented doors for online discipleship and community building. Govender said that it is designed as both a ministry and a tool, equipping followers to engage with their faith on a deeper level. 'This app is a manifestation of my mandate to take the gospel further and faster,' Govender said, blending his technological expertise with his spiritual mission. 'We aim to disciple nations, beginning right here in my hometown.' As the app begins to roll out, its impact is poised to change the landscape of church as we know it - transforming how congregants connect, empowering believers in their spiritual journeys, and enhancing accessibility to church resources. This initiative not only reflects Pastor Govender's passion for ministry but also sets a precedent for churches nationwide to leverage digital platforms for spiritual outreach. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Oyster farm tours available in Whitstable
A Kent firm is offering people the opportunity to discover more about a seaside town's famous product that has been popular since Roman Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company's (WOFC) tours allow people to visit its oyster farm and preparation centre before enjoying a dish at one of its manager Renny Hall, who runs the tours, said they could only take place at certain times of day due to the tides."We grow Pacific Rock Oysters on lines of metal trestle tables about a quarter of a mile off the coast," he said. "We have about an hour and a half window at low tide to get on our wellies and check on them at low tide." As well as following the oysters' journey from sea to plate, the tours also cover the WOFC's history. In 1574 the right to fish in Whitstable was granted by Royal Patent and in 1793 the Company of Free Fishers and Dredgers of Whitstable was incorporated as the WOFC by a Private Act of the company's peak in the 1850s it was sending about 80 million oysters to Billingsgate Fish Market in London every 10.5 million oysters are grown at the farm each year now and supplied all over the country to private customers, fishmongers and restaurants. Pacific rock oysters thrive in intertidal waters, where they spend a significant part of the day out of the water. To adapt to this environment, they have developed thick, strong shells that protect them from natural predators and extreme weather conditions. Whitstable Bay is an ideal location for oyster farming due to its nutrient-rich waters, which promote healthy growth and WOFC also produces Whitstable native oysters which are grown further out to sea and only accessible by dredger."We hope this adds to our town's tourism offer," added Mr Hall. "We run the tours all year round and it's a lovely way to see how we make the product we are famous for."
