Tiny Masterton church gives big

HUGE DONATION: Koinonia Christian Fellowship pastor Louis Witbooi hands over a $500 cheque from the small church to Masterton Foodbank co-ordinator Lyn Tankersley.

One of Masterton's smallest churches has given big - Koinonia Christian Fellowship has given $500 to Masterton Foodbank.

Foodbank co-ordinator Lyn Tankersley says it's a massive gift from such a small church and challenges the bigger churches to follow the lead of the small congregation and give big also.

Koinonia Christian Fellowship is led by Pastor Louis Witbooi with only two families attending services at Douglas Park School. The church began a year ago.

The church collected the money through tithes and offerings from the Sunday services.

Mrs Tankersley said she was blown away by the donation. "It's absolutely awesome," she said.

"We get donations but not many like this; $500 from a very small church. It puts the bigger churches in Masterton to shame," she said.

"It's been the biggest donation from a business or organisation this size."

She challenges other Masterton churches to better or match the amount given by the small fellowship of believers.

"I challenge them to do better. People in our community do need help. People are struggling and we can't help them without that support," she said.

Meanwhile Mr Witbooi, who is also a social worker, said there was real need in the community for support.

"We see people struggling to make end's meet. We want to support our community and this is one way for us, as a church, to respond to that need. It's a real issue and there is real evidence of need," he said. "People just don't have the money to support themselves."

It was the children he worried most for.

"They shouldn't be going hungry but some are. Food shouldn't be an issue for people," he said.

"This shouldn't be happening in a first world country like New Zealand. Poverty is very real in this country and in Masterton."

His church was determined to support the community and Mr Witbooi said he hoped others would help the foodbank too.

"I challenge other community groups to see what they can do to help," he said.