History of FAJS Chaplaincy

(The Christian Ministry At O R Tambo Int. Airport)

1995

Mr John Cowan, a journalist living in Kempton Park, published an article in the “Southern Cross” challenging why the Johannesburg International Airport did not have a Chapel as was the case in major international airports around the world. The “Southern Cross” is the newspaper of the Roman Catholic Church in South Africa.

This was picked up by Bishop Reginald Orsmond, Fr Lionel Sham (former priest of Our Lady of Loreto, Kempton Park) and Fr Brian van Ziel (the current priest). They approached A.C.S.A. and were allocated a room on the mezanine floor of the Domestic Arrivals. The Chapel was established and the Ministry grew and became an Interdenominational Christian Ministry. 

1997

Fr Andre Fillion was then appointed as a full-time priest at the Chapel. Daily services were held.

1998

In conjunction with Father Adrian Henning (St Edmund’s Anglican) and Ds Hennie van Niekerk (Kempton Kruin) the following  services came into operation:

  • Qualified counseling
  • Volunteers to support in the Chapel
  • Weddings, Baptisms, Confirmations, Funerals, Memorial Services, Opening & Closing services for Pilgrims
  • Scheduled Church Services
  • Association with A.C.S.A. Employee Assistance Programme
  • Association with the Emergency Services.

This was recorded in A.C.S.A. Stakeholders Meeting Minutes 13th May, 1998.

The Ministry operated internationally in co-operation with chaplaincies around the world through the International Civil Aviation Chaplains Assoc.

(IACAC).

2003

Due to reconstruction of the Terminals the original Chapel was demolished and the Chapel was relocated to Terminal “B” and demarcated as a “Prayer Facility”.

2006

Ds Hennie van Niekerk relocated

2007

Fr Andre Fillion was transferred by the Vatican

2008

Fr Adrian Henning sadly passed on. At the time of his death he was the International President of the IACAC.

The Ministry then basically became dormant but did achieve registration as a Section 21 Company (Non Profit Organisation).

2010

In May the call was given to revive Christian Ministry for the “Soccer World Cup 2010” and this was confirmed. The Chapel was found to be filthy and desecrated. It was cleaned, repaired and restored by Christians who had answered the call. During a 6 week period Christians from 21 Churches,  near and far, “showed the love of Jesus” to many who were either working at or passing through the Airport. A “new Chapel” area was revealed, 500 Bibles were donated and distributed and Christian fellowship in the Terminals escalated.

This informal Christian Ministry has continued after the “Soccer World Cup 2010” and is growing in numbers. Negotiations with A.C.S.A. have been instituted regarding the new “Chapel” area, inadequate signage and the availability of  possible facilities at all airports in South Africa.

The challenge for the future is for the Body of Christ to join together in this Ministry and under God protect the “Gateway” into our country and into the continent of Africa and to build and maintain a meaningful Christian Ministry at OR Tambo and beyond. A Christian Ministry at OR Tambo which proudly honours its status as an International Airport.