The city of Johannesburg is also known as the City of Gold, and it has always been a city of hope promising a better life. In reality, however, it is a city of  hopelessness for many who call it home. 

In 1996, the late Mike Sunker became the pastor of Christ Church in Hillbrow, a church situated in the inner city of Johannesburg, where crime, overcrowding and poverty were a daily reality. In response to the great need around him, Pastor Mike began a Special Sunday service followed with a lunchtime soup kitchen for those living on the streets.  Mike’s passion was to share the love and compassion of Jesus in practical ways to the destitute while at the same time challenging them to find hope in Jesus. His heart was also moved by the large number of homeless children living nearby, and in July 2000 - through providence and a leap of faith - a loan was arranged for a large property in the Hillbrow section of Berea to be purchased that provided a safe place for children to live and be cared for.  This was the beginning of the 5 Cees (Christ Church Christian Care Center).

 The Christ Church Christian Care Center (5 Cees) began reaching out to communities in the informal (unincorporated) townships of Johannesburg and social workers began referring children in need to them.  During the HIV/Aids pandemic, many of the children in these townships were left orphaned, giving rise to the modern phenomenon of child-headed families.   

  Although South Africa has come a long way since the birth of its democracy in 1994, those living in abject poverty have been left behind. In 2023, it was estimated that there are over 3 million orphans living in South Africa, due in large part to socio-economic realities, as well as to the HIV/Aids pandemic and then the recent Covid Pandemic that ripped through the lives of thousands of families. Those living in poverty-stricken conditions in the informal townships on the outskirts of Johannesburg were especially affected. 

 The Bible in James 3:27 reminds us that true religion is to care for orphans and widows. In light of this, the Christ Church Christian Care Center has made the foundation of our ministry meeting the needs of the destitute and orphaned by meeting their physical, educational, psychological as well as spiritual needs. Where possible, every effort is made to re-unite children with their family relatives and we are thankful that for some that this has become a reality. 

 Over the years, hundreds of children have called the 5 Cees their home and by the grace of God many have come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Many children graduated from high school and some went on to university. We are proud of all our children who have grown up, become productive citizens. and many have married and begun their own families. 

 While we strive to support the children at the Center, we also understand that so much of growing up is knowing and understanding one's roots. Where possible, every effort is made to re-unite children with their family relatives and we are thankful that for some that this has become a reality. Even though many children in our care are orphaned, we (through our social worker) are able to reach out to their extended families (Aunts, Uncles, etc.) to encourage regular contact. At least once a year during the long December school break, arrangements are made for the children to visit their extended families.

In order to support the families and the children while they are away, the center provides a generous food hamper for each child to take with them so that they may have sufficient food while away.  Providing for the families and hometowns of the children at the center, and future children who will join us, has become an outflow of our ministry. As a Christian Organization, our children grow up with Christian values and are encouraged to fellowship at a local Bible Church; however, the Care Center is committed to providing care for all children at risk without any form of discrimination based on religion, race or gender.

After prayerful consideration, in November 2023, the Care Center board voted to relocate the 5 Cees ministry away from the concrete jungle/inner city of Johannesburg to a more semi-rural, agricultural setting where the children could experience a safer and quieter life away from the busyness of the downtown. 

A large 6 Acre plot of land in the quiet suburb of Centurion consisting of 4 separate dwellings with a total of 14 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, was identified and purchased. Over time, all the students were moved from the Christ church campus to Centurion. New Schools were identified for each of the children, and the 5 Cees social worker worked with all of the students to ensure they were reestablished in their new settings.   

Throughout 2023 we were caring for 55 children; however, towards the end of 2023 we were able to reunite 8 children with their families who are now in a better position to care for them. Going forward into 2024, we will be caring for 46 children who will attend 8 different schools. As more financial resources become available, and with the help of local social workers, our plan is to grow that number to 60 over the next year.