Greetings from Scotland,

I was sorry to hear of the deaths of some of my former colleagues in recent times.  Francis Moletsane was one of the first group of “Post Academic Training” ministers with us when we used to meet from 1971/2 at the offices of Martin Lund Snr and Harold Munro at Linden Presbyterian Church in 1^st Avenue.  Ed Perkins was the minister there at the time.  I can’t remember the names of all the first group, but people like Dennis van der Spuy, Lionel Lawson, Francis Moletsane, Namedi Mpahlele, Henry Tsoai, Harry Maghotloa, Heinrich Asch, Gus Hunter, Kingsley Dale, and other faces whose names have slipped from memory, come to mind.  Up to that point training for ministry was done in racially separate institutions  – mainly at Rhodes and Fedsem.  This was, therefore, the first time that ministers from these different backgrounds were exposed to each other on a regular weekly meeting for at least three to four hours.  The mutual learnings were of enormous value and we began in gain insights into the lives and ministries of our colleagues in the racially divided communities of South Africa.  It was also the time of the T-Group Training and we gained skills and insights into the “group dynamics”  of our work in the congregations, sessions and wider courts of the church.  Two advantages were gained at that time: One was that we were forming working relationships across the racial divides of Southern Africa at the time which was, of course, the right direction in those dark days of  the then still increasing oppression in the apartheid state.  The other was of a different nature.  We had noted that many senior ministers were very afraid of getting on the wrong side of Harold Munro in debates at Assembly, Synod or Presbytery.  However, we got used to Harold over those years and felt no such inhibitions about him!  Francis was a person who was always friendly and relaxed and had a good sense of humour.  In the after years it was always a pleasure to meet him – there was a bond from that first Post Academic Training group.

I was also sad to hear of the death of Brian Woods last year.  At a student for the ministry I went to work with Brian for the July holidays in 1966, and then I also worked at the Hill, St Martins and Gelvandale churches under his oversight for most of 1969.  Brian and Ed Perkins conducted our wedding in 1970, and Celia’s parents were very involved in the Hill Church for many years.  Once Brain, Ruth and Billy were retired in Bathurst we would see them every time we passed through on holiday.

I visited Brian last year about two weeks before his death and it was a privilege to pray with him in thanksgiving for all he and Ruth had been in their life in the ministry.

I realised that I would not see him again in this world as his health was clearly failing quite fast.  Brain was a man of strong faith and always witnessed to the many blessings that has come to them and their family through the years.

Looking back to the last Presbevents I noted that Dave Mather was talking about set of words for a hymn that I had written around 1973.  At the time I was Assistant Minister with Bob Orr at St Andrews, Pretoria, and we were doing “experimental worship” in the evenings – hence the attempt at writing sets of words for tunes that I knew.  Over the years I have produced a few more of – usually at the impetus of some need or other – and have now put them together into a file and if anyone would like a copy I will send it to you.   You might get it anyway if you are on my mailing list!   I also think that Bob Samson had written many fine words for various occasions over the years – over 100 pieces – so ask him for a copy of that file too.  I use his material quite a lot.

We have been in Scotland for near six years and the time for retirement from the ministry in the Church of Scotland will be coming at the end of 2012.  I would have reached my original “sell by” date of 68 by that time, and we will move down to England to be closer to our families.  I hope that I may still have some smaller role in the life of the Church wherever we shall live – and I don’t mind which label it falls under.

I hope that Presbevents will begin to function again so that we can hear news of each other.

Best wishes – Duncan Murray.

Presbevents in the future

Doug Crawford ably coordinated 27 Presbevents up to March 2010 when many emails were rejected as spam. He then decided to call it a day.

Due to pressures of getting the UPCSA website up and running this was placed on the back burner until now.
These postings of Doug gave a great insight into the lives of many of our ministers so I have included all those I had in my records for history sake.

This blog seems to be the best way of  possibly reviving the tradition.

Please send contributions to upcsawebmaster@gmail.com with Subject - Presbevents and I will publish fortnightly.
To place yourself on the mailing list, please insert your email address in the box on the right. You will then receive an email to confirm that you want to be placed on the mailing list. You will then receive a weekly email when a new article is posted.

You are obviously reading this page, but you might want to know that you can get here either by going to www.upcsa.org and clicking Presbevents on the right menu, or directly by entering http://presbevents.blogspot.com/

The UPCSA website keeps me well occupied. I would love it if someone would volunteer to receive the Emailed contributions during the week, edit them, then Email a consolidated posting to the blog once a week.

Please contact me if you are interested.

Ian

Presbevents 27

Wednesday 10 March 2010
David Mather (England): Duncan Murray's comment about a new hymn reminds me that one he wrote years ago, and which I used regularly, Duncan having given me permission several decades ago. is (Tune Bunessan RS 45)
New Age has Broken
Christ is now living
Death’s reign is shaken
Rules no more
New peace is coming
Old wars are fading
Christ’s way is winning
Shore to shore.
New love is moving,
Christ is the giver
Stone hearts are melting
In his love.
People are walking
Strong in the Spirit
People are talking
Of the dove.
New life is springing
Christ gives the power
His Body is rising
Hour by hour.
Mission is calling,
Go to the city
Neighbours are weeping
Lost in sin.
New hope is dawning,
In Christ we’re risen
Sad songs are turning
Into Joy.
Praise we are giving
Lord of creation
One with us living
Mary’s boy. (Duncan Murray)
Sad to hear of Steve de Gruchy's death, I didn't know him but John was at Bryanston United when I went on PAT in 1973. Am I getting old or do many of us remember Francis Horner and The Leader?
Gus and Clare Hunter (USA): I will be going to teach in Switzerland these next two weeks. Two YWAM schools back to back. Please pray that I will be able to hear God and do all He wants of me - have energy - and be full of Father's love. The two bases are in order... you can look see...http://www.ywamlausanne.com/ http://www.jemchatel.ch/
Phindile and Zodidi Nqakwana (Somerville, Tsolo): In our congregation (SOMERVILLE) we are busy with the renovation of the church hall. What makes this project difficult is the fact that 95% of our members are pensioners who are solely dependent on government Old Age Grant. We will be glad if any good Samaritan can come forward and assist us fulfil our desire of making God's house look good. (Contact details for Phindile: ------------------, 083.331.7818, PO
Box 53, Tsolo, 5170)
Les Dawson (Meyerton): Les Dawson lives in the Meyerton Old Aged Home - "Huis Meyerton" where he is one of just a handful of English-speaking residents. Les will turn 90 later this year DV, and is no longer as agile as he once was, but is still reasonably independent and "mobile", insisting that he only really uses his walking stick because Matron has told him he must! He spends a large part of his day at Huis Meyerton visiting and praying with the infirm residents, many of whom are much younger than he is (just as his mother used to do at the Ladies Christian Home in Cape Town many years ago!). He still reads, has a regular time for his devotions every morning, attends to his admin, and keeps himself busy all day.
Apart from some weakness in his legs, and a general frailty that seems to have crept up on him in the past few years, he remains in fairly good health.
He still worships regularly (= pretty well weekly!) at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Henley-on-Klip, where his daughter and son-in-law are also members, and participates in congregational activities, but has at least been excused from further involvement in Presbytery business, and no longer attends those meetings.
PRESBEVENTS is really hungry for your news! Do please take a moment to share it with your fellow-workers in the church! And may God bless
you in your ministry!
Doug

Presbevents 26

Wednesday 03 March 2010
Theo and Brenda Groenevelt (Pretoria): I did a BA(Teologie) at TUKS in 1988- 1990 (who would have thought at the time that Tuks would become our place of study for the UPCSA?) Then I went to Rhodes to do a BD where I discovered the OT through Robin Wakely, a mentor in Glen Craig and a life-partner in Brenda. Brenda and I married in 1993 and I started probation at Trinity Grahamstown in the same year. We ran Matthews House Men's Hostel at Rhodes (sharing many interesting experiences with Rodney Brits and Mario van Zyl who were also Ministry Students and House Wardens) and was ordained as Assistant Minister to Glen Craig in 1995.
We served for another two years and were called to Emmanuel congregation in Pretoria in 1997.
God has been gracious to us. We enjoy serving a warm caring congregation and our son Caleb was born in 2000. I still try to do some cycling and enjoy playing with computer stuff on the side. We still have close contact with Glen and Jeanette and when we went on long leave last year, they came up and house-sat and did preaching and pastoral care at Emmanuel congregation and our newly planted Grace congregation.
I share William's trepidation at recording broadcasts - we recorded our broadcast this past Sunday and it will be broadcast on Easter Sunday - Please pray that God would use the broadcast and tell folk who are going on holiday over the Easter weekend that they can listen to an Easter service on SAFM if they can't find one to attend.
Doug and Avril Muller (New York): Last year Avril and Douglas were married 50 years, but did not celebrate their anniversary because their son Alan, had his wedding close to the date of their anniversary and they did not want to detract from that. They have waited for an opportune moment to celebrate which has now come.
They will set sail from New York on March 6th on a Norwegian liner visiting among other places, Bermuda and will be away for a week, four of the days being at sea.
They are presently experiencing one of the most severe winters in recent years, on the East Coast of the USA , close to New York City. A snow storm which lasted two days dropped an unusually heavy snowfall which has been slowly evaporating over the past week. The congregation they serve in Rahway, New Jersey is 74 in number having been 1000 in its heyday in the 60’s. It has become diverse in the past 8 years and has the reputation of being a congregation which cares beyond itself. In fact, few as the membership may be, one of the projects supported is Esther Ministries in Kwa Zulu/Natal. Douglas plans to retire in the next 12-15 months and return to South Africa. Avril is busy with the project in Umkomaas, Kwa Zulu/Natal and having been in the USA since early December, will return to South Africa on March 16th, to continue the project (running a hotel and developing a puppet theatre) until Douglas joins her. Greetings to all who remember us also to those who don’t know us.
Duncan and Celia Murray (Scotland): Today I enjoyed a creative day in the ministry – I wrote some words to an old hymn. In my youth in Bible Class with such  teachers as Dave Bothma and Douglas Birtill we used to sing the hymn, “Yield not to temptation” (I wonder if they would remember those days?). Well, I found that it still  exists in CH3 and used it last Sunday being the first Sunday in Lent. My congregations enjoying singing because they too knew it from their youth. I mentioned that it might a thought to write a different set of words for it – seeing that so many know the tune. Well, today, in between organizing the coming weekend services, doing some pastoral visits and conducting a Board meeting, I started writing some verses with a chorus to the tune: Fortitude (CH3 482). So here is the result:
Shine, shine God our Father
Shine, shine God our Father, light come from above.
So filled with your wisdom, peace, glory and love.
Let us always desire to follow your ways,
Come into your kingdom at the end of our days.
Pray our Father to bless us,
Send forth Jesus to save us,
Send the Spirit to guide us,
Bring his people back home.
Come, come O Lord Jesus, our Saviour and King
Help us to follow your ways in everything.
We follow you daily and take up our cross,
Through obedience growing, never suffering loss.
Pray our Father to bless us,
Send forth Jesus to save us,
Send the Spirit to guide us,
Bring his people back home.
Move, move Holy Spirit, God’s water of life,
Flow from within us, overcoming our strife.
Make us to be faithful, help people to know
Our Father’s great promise, life abundant bestow.
Pray our Father to bless us
Send forth Jesus to save us,
Send the Spirit to guide us,
Bring his people back home.
Words: Duncan Murray (b 1944)
Tune: Fortitude and refrain CH3 482
Written 23rd February 2010
Theme: Prayer.
I must say, too, that I frequently use hymns written by Bob Samson – and did so last Sunday too. There are 95 such gems in his collection.
There are others, too, who have produced such works. It might be an idea to put them all together as part of our Presbyterian heritage – as long as someone else does the editing!
Ndumiso Khalipa was ordained as a minister within the UPCSA and appointed to the Garden Route Presbyterian Church last Saturday.
Steve De Gruchy (Pietermaritzburg): of the United Congregational Church has died in a tubing accident in the Mooi River on Sunday 21 February 2010. His funeral was in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday 27th February at the Anglican Cathedral.
Steve was the head of the School of Theology at the University of Kwa Zulu-Natal’s, Pietermaritzburg campus and well known to many Presbyterians.
Do please keep Steve’s wife, Marion, the 3 children as well as his parents, John and Isabelle in your thoughts and prayers
(A very fine eulogy on Steve has been prepared by Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kwazulu-Natal. If you would like a copy of it please email me and I shall send it to you. Doug)
Gavin and Jocelyn Vaaltyn (Bridgetown): Bridgetown Presbyterian Church will be celebrating 50 years of existence later this year. Details will follow in due course.
More light will be shed presently as to what and when celebrations will be starting.
Ndumiso Khalipa (Central Cape): Ndumiso was ordained to the Ministry by the Central Cape Presbytery last Saturday, 27th February 2010.
Michael Craig (Kokstad): The Presbyterian flag is flying high in Kokstad these days.
We are being really blessed. I have been at St Columba's since December 2003 and the first few years were real slog but now we are experiencing the fruit of our labours!
Many thanks to all contributors. I recall that when Francis Horner used to edit the “Presbyterian Leader”, as each issue came out he muttered to himself: “the next one has GOT to be better”. So may it be.
God bless you all,
Doug

Presbevents 25

Wednesday 24 February 2010
Hi Everyone –
I think this is the smallest Presbevents that has gone out so far! Do PLEASE
take a moment to email in your news! Thanks a lot. Doug.
Edwin and Doreen Pons (Port Elizabeth): A few years ago Edwin and Doreen moved from Port Alfred to Walton Park, a Senior Citizen’s Complex in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. Unfortunately Edwin’s health has been declining lately and he has moved to its Frail Care Home, Munro Kirk. Edwin is alert mentally, and reads the daily paper plus an endless flow of books. Doreen has also not been well and it is hoped that with good rest she will soon be back to her busy self.
Murray and Marjorie Albertyn (Bloemfontein): Marjorie writes: Our email address
is: ---------------- Our new address is: P.O. Box 38080, Langenhoven
Park, Bloemfontein 9330. Smutshaven has been sold and all of us living there have been moved to houses in Langenhoven Park. We are both well in spite of our age.
That’s it for this week!
Doug

Presbevents 24

Wednesday 17 February 2010
Eric and Sheena Waugh (Scotland): (sent by Duncan Murray): Today I was able to have a visit with Eric Waugh, who lives in Scotland in a small village called Eildon. Some may remember him as the minister of Mowbray Presbyterian Church in Cape Town in the 70’s. He and Sheila are now retired and living in the Scottish Borders to be half-way between their families. Eric was the minister of City Temple, London, for around seven years which is under the auspices of the United Reformed Church in the UK. They have a lovely cottage with a large garden (to keep him busy) and live a quiet life in their small village. We enjoyed a discussion on where the Church is at in Scotland at the present time in its history and what has happened to the evangelical voice within the Church in the UK in general? Eric and Angus Bayne overlapped in their ministries in the Cape in those days.( While Eric was at Mowbray, Angus was at Wynberg).
I am now one year away from my by-pass surgery last year and “full of the joys of spring” as energy has returned and literally the spring bulbs and flowers are popping up in the manse garden.
Petson and Patricia Kabala )Lusaka, Zambia): Thank you so much for the letting us know about this important event in our church. Christopher: is transport included in the R800 and how about those of us from outside? God bless.
James and Gwen Elias (Durban): I thought while it is fresh in my mind I would send on to you the following piece of information.
About 14 years ago (after having worked some twenty odd years in Hamilton Memorial church in Johannesburg) Chris and Sheila Barnard settled in Umhlanga. Hardly having arrived he was asked by the Presbytery to assist in some “Indian” congregations on the north side of the city (Tongaat, Verulam, Phoenix) where he has now been for the last 14 years! On Sunday 28 February Chris will celebrate some 57 years of Ordination . He is presently 84 years old and still continuing in active ministry. Although he is not on e-mail I think this should be recorded with thanksgiving to the Lord for the faithful and consistent ministry of his servant. Their phone number is 031-5629919. .
Grateful thanks for the above news received.
Please, friends, do please send your news to share with others in the church.
If it’s good news we can celebrate with you and if it’s not good news we can pray for you!
God bless you in all you do for Him!
Doug

Presbevents 23

Wednesday 10 February 2010
Jan and Ellen Herbst (Adelaide): Douglas, I was quite surprised to see my heart story featuring in Presbevents. I would like to elaborate a little on the miracle that the Lord has worked through the hands of my cardiologist. I have indeed been weak since April 2009 with a dysfunctional heart - cascades of ectopic beats have made the heart a thoroughly incompetent blood pumping organ. This was due, to put it simply, to an extra nerve bundle discharging electrical impulses randomly to the ventricles. Medicines were thoroughly ineffective to regulate the heartbeat. Locating and ablating the offending nerve bundle inside the heart on the septum was considered a very great risk. Carried on the wings of prayer, this complicated procedure became a simple operation with immediate results: no recuperation time, no delay. Many people prayed for me and I thank them all. Our gracious God has granted me energy to continue the ministry to which he has called me. Thank you again for your Presbevents initiative - it serves an important communicative purpose to the blessing of many.
Derek Potgieter (Durban) and William Pool (Durban): These brothers have asked that I include the following letter which had been sent out last year to all churches in the UPCSA: It has the support of both the Moderator of General Secretary and the General Secretary. Doug
Our suggestion, as you will see by the title of this letter, is to try and get congregations from our church from the Cape to the Copperbelt to join in a concert of prayer to cover 50 weeks of the year 2010.
We are asking congregations to consider praying for a whole day (24 hours) or for a weekend, or for a whole week, with each day broken down into one hour slots and volunteers taking responsibility for each hour.
We believe that there must be at least 50 out of our 400 congregations who would be prepared to take up this challenge.
With this letter you will see an example of material to help you cover 24 hours, broken up into one hour slots, with prayer. You may then choose whether to do this for a day, one weekend, or even for one whole week. Just so as to encourage you, if you think this would be impossible, our three congregations covered the 10 days from Ascension Day to Pentecost day this year, 24 hours each day for 10 days.
What we are asking you to do is to volunteer to cover one day, or a weekend, or a week during the year 2010.
That time then gets broken up into one hour slots and you call for volunteers from your congregation to fill the one hour slots. You will be surprised at who even volunteers to come at 2.00 o’clock in the morning. As I have said, if you volunteer to take part you will see the material and guidelines which you can set up in your church or hall, which helps people to pray constructively for the hour that they have
volunteered for. They will all tell you afterwards that the hour was too short. Of course people can pray at home if they cannot get to the church for the hour that they have volunteered to pray for.
We think that if we manage to carry this off it will create a wonderful sense of unity for our church with the whole church sharing in one common activity. We also hope that this will be a time for the release of God’s Spirit to direct our church and your congregation, into new ventures and mission.
Unless you have a very specific time that you would like to hold the prayer vigil we are asking that you simply volunteer to cover either a day, or a weekend or a week, and allow us to allocate you a time during the year. The only reason for this is because we would like to try and cover as many of the 50 weeks of the year as possible. But obviously the time would need to be convenient to you and the actual prayer is more important than the time of year.
Accompanying this letter are two pages that give what we call 12 stations of prayer.
These are examples of areas of concern for prayer which you may set up in your hall, or church, for people to move around during the hour and pray for. Of course you may add to or subtract any of these stations and add any that may be of particular concern to your own congregations, or country’s needs.
You may also look up on Frere Roads web page at www.frereroad.co.za to get pictures of how the Frere Road hall was set up for the prayer stations. You may or may not be able to do all this but we found the young people were very creative in setting up the prayer stations.
We would like to encourage you to seriously consider this appeal. It had a big impact on our congregations and they are eagerly looking forward to doing it again in 2010.
You are also encouraged to weave any other activities that you would like around your own congregation’s time of prayer.
James and Gwen Elias (Durban): Our youngest, Lael, and her husband, Darren, have now been three weeks in the area of Los Angeles (very cold and very wet!), staying with some good friends of ours until they have established themselves, found jobs, and generally settled.
Modern technology does help a bit in overcoming the great distance, but it is still hard to have a daughter quite so far away. On the other hand we remember that this is what Gwen’s parents had to face when she came to this country some roughly 35 years ago on account of your (!) invitation to her to come and work with you out of the then Head office of the PCSA. (Although she was initially meant to return to
California after two years – which did not happen!) (James is referring to me of course, since it was I who invited her to come and be a Youth Worker with the PCSA.
But is was James who persuaded her to stay and become his wife! - Doug) In the meantime you might like to know that Gwen celebrates her 60th birthday on Sunday coming (Valentines day). Various “secret” events (that is, secret to her) have been planned by the family to celebrate this milestone.
This last weekend saw the ordination to the ministry of Jaco Bester in the congregation to which we belong (North Durban) and appointment as assistant minister. Being a mentor during his seven years in the Fellowship of Vocation the Presbytery appointed me to deliver the charge on this occasion. It was a great privilege to do this in what was a most celebratory, dignified, and colourful service supported also by representatives of the Methodist, Anglican, and Catholic clergy.
Peter and Charmaine Chapman (Somerset West): Peter has lost his father. The funeral took place on Friday in Durban.
William and Lisette Pool (Durban); Just to ask for prayers of my colleagues for a broadcast service that I am about to do. We will record the service at Berea on Sunday the 14th February and it will be broadcast on Sunday the 28th February at 11.00 am. That will be the 5th Sunday before Easter and the lectionary gives the theme and readings as The King and the Kingdom: Conflict. The readings are 2 Kings 6:8 -23, 1 John 4: 1 - 6, Luke 11:14 - 26.
I am sweating on the top line about this and somewhat anxious about what they have to say to our country at the moment. So I would be grateful of prayerful support for wisdom.
On the family front our middle son Samuel is engaged to be married on the 24th April here at Berea. So we shall have a great Highland Fling!
Thanks guys, for the above items. Lots more, please for the next PRESBEVENTS!!! Doug

Presbevents 22

Wednesday 03 February 2010
Jan and Ellen Herbst (Adelaide): Jan has been having trouble with his heart for some weeks. It has resulted in his being weak (most unlike Jan!) and short of breath.
Last Wednesday he went to Johannesburg for Laser Treatment to his heart. The operation was successful and Jan is now recuperating well.
Ian and Jean Bernhardi (Darling, Western Cape): It has been good to hear of fellow ministers especially when in a small out of the way place like Darling! Ian retired from the SANDF in 2003 after an eventful active ministry and we are now ministering as Stated Supply to the Presbyterian Church in Darling. For those who have never heard of it, Darling is a small village on the West coast mainly farming community and has a wonder of wild flowers in the Spring. For this it is famous and attracts many visitors. The Presbyterian Church has been serving the community since 1915 and we are celebrating our 95th birthday this year. The Presbyterians are a very active busy bunch and at present one of our projects is 'Adopt our Cops" a project we have felt led to undertake together with the local V.G.KERK. We pray regularly for them as a congregation as their names are published weekly in the bulletin, hold devotions at the police station for those on duty and thank them with a
special tea once a quarter. We feel that, as they are at the forefront of the crime fight we should seek to encourage and support them. The next big event in Darling is the Darling Music experience and our members together with those from the VGK and San people form a choir which will sing at the opening concert and combined Church service. The Church and village involvement keep us busy... there is no sitting around thinking you are retired here!!
Hugh and Mita Grant (Carletonville): We spent 20 years in Phalaborwa, 8 of them church planting and then 12 years seconded to the Anglican church. At St Francisby- the-Gate (founded as St Francis Anglican and Presbyterian Church), Hugh worked mainly in the traditional communities and served in the Kruger Park.]
Regarding our family:
Liz (41) is not married and is an active member of a large congregation in Pretoria and a member of a small group. Liz is a computer software specialist and is contracted to a media group doing software development and training end-users of the systems. Based in Randburg, Liz often does training the Cape, Ghana and Uganda.
James (39) is married to Elanie (Weber) and their children are Chara (daughter aged 11), and JD, (son aged 7). They live in Vaal Park where they are doing church planting with NCI. By training he is a software and systems developer. Andrew (36) is not married and lives in Fochville. He is a certified computer engineer and specialises in network management. He works for a mining group.
Ministry.
We were called to St Matthews, Carletonville, five years ago. Hugh became Minister Emeritus in July 2008 but has been asked to remain as Stated Supply. He is convener of Church Growth and Planning in Lekoa Presbytery and Interim Moderator of two congregations. He is chaplain of Mustard Seed Christian Academy, Fochville (an ACE school).
Mita is an elder and lay preacher and heads up the ladies ministry. She is district elder for Fochville and works at Mustard Seed Christian Academy, where she runs the Futurekids department.
Prayer needs
We have been blessed until recently with good health. Mita went stone deaf in one ear on Christmas day. The prognosis is that the loss of hearing is permanent but we are praying for a healing. Hugh has recently had a parathyroidal gland removed. It was diagnosed as the cause of his frequent kidney stones.
Please pray for St Matthew’s. We had two new small groups start in 2009 and we were blessed with strong financial growth. We have lost many of our longstanding members who have gone to be with the Lord and others who have moved elsewhere.
Our organist is one who moved so we need a permanent solution for music at worship. We are being blessed with an influx of Malawians who are playing an increasing role in the life of St Matthew’s. There are prospects of church planting in our area as well as elsewhere in Lekoa Presbytery.
News from Martin Lund: I have little detail but Ralph Bricknell died yesterday (Monday). I believe the memorial service is on Thursday from the George church.
Grateful thanks to this week’s contributors!
Doug

Presbevents 21

Wednesday 27 January 2010
Items appear in the order in which I receive them. That seems to me to be the best way.
John and Bronwyn McKane (Linden, Johannesburg): I thought it would be good to let you know that on Friday, the 8th of January 2010
Bronwyn and my 2nd child - a son - was born to us at the Bedford Gardens Hospital. We have chosen to name him Jared Ross.
To John and Bronwyn: Hearty congratulations on the birth of Jared Roos. May you all be blessed, all four of you, as a family of God.
Stephen Jonker (DRC Minister) (Australia): I'm an ex-Dutch Reformed minister turned Presbyterian after emigrating to Australia. I came here (8 years ago) with the idea to help South African migrants find an evangelical-reformed denomination where they could feel at home and serve the Lord Jesus. For the last 6 years I ministered a Presbyterian Church in South Grafton. Now I'm re-located to Sydney where I could
really (hopefully) live my vision. The Roseville Presbyterian Church appointed me as assistant to their minister with purpose outreach towards South African migrants.
I would like this to be known among people already in Sydney and those in process of coming here
Christo and Edwina de Wet (Harrismith): Christo and I are entering a significant time in our lives. A little late, but come at the best of times. Christo has had Alzheimers for the past 5 years. It started with a small stroke in the Anglican Church pulpit in Harrismith, while he was preaching during a vacancy caused by the death of our Priest. Another stroke followed in the Harrismith Methodist church, while Christo
was delivering the childrens' address. At first it was thought to be Vascular Dementia but later after all the tests, Alzheimers was diagnosed. In the beginning we floundered around not really knowing how to deal with something we would not have chosen for ourselves. Five years on, we are doing exceptionally well. We are positive, work as a team, keep things simple and have discovered that our relationship has deepened and grown into something quite beautiful. Obviously, Christo is on all the right medication, cannot drive outside Harrismith, checks his White Board everyday and cannot be left alone overnight. It is a privilege for me to partner him through this time in his life and with the right support we believe that the disease can be kept at bay.
I am writing this at the Anglican Retreat Centre at Modderpoort. All the priests of the Free State diocese are here and Revd Trevor Hudson of the Methodist Church in Benoni is leading the Retreat. On Saturday 23 January 2010 we will all move to the Cathedral in Bloemfontein, where 5 Deacons and 5 Priests will be ordained into the ministry. Both Christo and I are thrilled that after so long the calling that I have had throughout my life is being fulfilled. Peter and Lynne Coetzee from Strubensvalley Presbyterian Church will be at my Ordination into the Priesthood (nonstipendiary).
All our children will attend except for Mark and Melanie who are in Australia. Christo is with me at the Retreat and is sharing my joy. As I look back over the years and reflect on life's experiences I can only marvel that the Grace of God has brought us to this point. I have a new e-mail address: ------------- Love Christo and Edwina de Wet
Well done Edwina. May God’s blessing be upon you in this new ministry, and upon you both in you life together in Harrismith.
Gus and Clare Hunter (USA): I am off to Los Angeles this weekend to teach in a training school in the Epicenter church in Pasadena. .Please pray that I will hear and do all God wants of me.
I’ve had lots of appreciative comments on Presbevents, but not nearly enough news items.
There just HAS to be something newsy going on around you that other folk would love to hear about.
PLEASE send me your news. I appeal on behalf of all the readers! Thanks you so much.
Doug.

Presbevents 20

Wednesday 20 January 2010
Michael and Myra Moore (Krugersdorp):
After a wonderful ministry together, Michael and Myra retired to Krugersdorp, where Michael first served the Krugersdorp congregation as Stated Supply before turning his attention to the Rocky Valley Conference Centre. Myra had been a wonderful support to him right through his ministry.
Latterly, Myra’s health had suffered through to onset of Parkinson’s Disease and then, I understand quite suddenly and unexpectedly she passed away last Thursday night, January 14th. Her Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving took place in Krugersdorp yesterday, January 20th. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael and with their three children (all now grown with families of their own), Frances, Michael
and Beth. Michael is at  Phone: 011.945.1245.
Michael has sent this tribute: She was the loveliest of sweethearts a young man could have. (Quite undeserved). She was the best of helpmeets a minister could desire - honest, loyal and caring. (Chosen by the angels). She was a wonderful companion in our retirement, intelligent, probing, full of Christian faith, and game for anything despite her disabilities.
May light perpetual shine upon her.
Murray and Shirley Smith (Port Elizabeth): In response to Jesus' instruction to "Go and make disciples of all nations". (Matt 28:19), we would share the following: A few years ago we started a small outreach among under-privileged folk in the Walmer Township. Over the years it has developed, until at present we make bricks, grow vegetables, provide soup and bread, teach crafts and encourage generally. Always we include praise, prayer and preaching by whatever form is most appropriate. Just recently we have started a school for handicapped children. We are held back a bit because we do not yet have municipal services (electricity, water and a sewerage connection).
Then we started a similar outreach in a probably more impoverished area called Kleinskool. It is a place of high unemployment and great need.
In each place we have been able to obtain a container and at Kleinskool we are actually in the process of taking transfer of our land from the municipality.
A further outreach is to students (from all over the world) at the NMMU University (formerly UPE). Both weekday activities and Sunday services see many students involved, with spiritual growth shown by an increasing desire to involve in serving.
Two brothers just out of school are going into Christian service. The one is "giving a year of his life" to serving under the Hillcrest Presbyterian Church and the other is going to serve with Hillsong in Australia.
Brian Woods (Port Alfred) (through Glen Craig): I preached at Port Alfred this morning, but Brian Woods was not there. Billy, who was, said his Dad was no longer coming to Church and that he had been transferred to No 2 Frail Care, Damant Lodge, Port Alfred. He, Billy, had been given a room just below Brian's and they were no longer living in their flat. I popped in to see him and he seemed well, but frail. He still has his computer and old phone No: 046.624.5936.
Dave and Lilian Bothma (Tokai, Cape Town): The year 2009 was a reasonably good one for us, except for some health hiccoughs in September and October.
It was good to see Doug and Joan Birtill in East London in early December as we all joined in the festivities of the 125th anniversary at St. George’s Church in Oxford Street. . We were also able to be with Doug for his 80th birthday. (He is 3 years older than Dave.) Doug and Dave go back many years, having been together in the congregation at St. George’s before, firstly, Doug went into the ministry and then Dave three years after him.
Family news: our eldest son Peter lives and works in London whilst our daughter Noeleen, husband John and their three sons have now been in Ireland for seven years. Our second son, Lindsay, works here in Cape Town.
Matt and Jill du Preez (Thornton, Cape Town): Matt and Jill retired recently from the Pinelands congregation. They have supplied the following particulars as to how to contact them now:
ill and I still live at 31 Matopo Road, Thornton, but our new telephone number is 021 531 5770 and our POSTAL address is P O BOX 301, HOWARD PLACE 7450.
Please do not use street address for post.

Presbevents has an insatiable appetite for news. Your church news, your family news, your dreams and visions for the future, whatever. Please do take a minute to send me your email, for inclusion in Presbevents Number 21.
God bless you!
Doug

Presbevents 19

Wednesday 13 January 2010
Boet and Linda van Schalkwyk (Durban): Boet is ministering to the needs of the Greyville congregation on a part-timer Presbytery basis and is at the same time involved in leadership of the Sailors’ Society. The Sailors' Society is our outreach to seafarers visiting the ports of Southern Africa. We have approximately 285,000 sailors in our harbours per annum and try to have every ship visited by our chaplains.
To keep our ministry relevant and to care for seafarers (who suffer in disasters, abuse situations, ship arrests, piracy hi-jacking [trauma counselling] and injury/illness [on board and hospitalised folk]) we constantly research and develop models of ministry applicable to their 'post modern' context .
Our area of operation is from Somalia down the East coast and around southern Africa up to Angola.
Extract from the ISS Newsletter: Rev Van Schalkwyk has visited various centres to encourage and assist with developments, to check progress on projects and to establish whether they are experiencing – let’s not call them problems, but challenges. He is happy with ISS ministries and mentions that Christmas gifts have been collected and prepared for distribution to all seafarers in Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town on Christmas Day. Christmas services will also be held.
Our annual dedication service will once again take place in the Frere Road Presbyterian Church on 24 January 2010. At this service, tribute will be paid to the interpreters which the ISS can call upon to assist with translation when visiting seafarers experience language difficulties. This is especially vital during illness when medical staff have difficulties in understanding the information given by foreign seafarers. The interpretation has in several cases saved lives.
David and Sylvia Mather (United Kingdom): Having ministered to the UPCSA congregations of Milnerton and St John’s (Parkmore), David has now retired from the 30 years serving with the URC in UK
We served in Ashington, Northumberland; Workington, Cumbria; Chatham, Kent; Congleton, Cheshire ( a short term trouble shooting period); Blackburn in Lancashire ( our home County) when, after a Mini Stroke ( TIA) we moved to our final pastorate in Cobham, Surrey, where I was also Mission Enabler for the District Council ( the URC version of Presbytery). We now live in New Romney Kent, where I am desirous of developing my ministry to children, I got into the Fellowship Of Christian Magicians a few years ago, and indulge my passion for Steam railways.
Our love to all we remember and who remember us. Africa is constantly in our prayers.
Sibusiso Gwala (East London): Thank you so much for all the hard work of putting Presbevents together. I know how much work goes into producing this kind of work, I was editor of Presbyterian Link for two years. What a mission it was. I have enjoyed all the weekly articles! Thank you for the simplicity of presentation. A special thanks goes to my colleague and sister Michelle Black for her inspiring message
about why people come to church. A great year to all of you!
Ian Wilson, Webmaster (Johannesburg): New UPCSA Website www.upcsa.org.za
This site has been redesigned with the aim of being a useful tool to Ministers and Members.
Features:
·  Information on the Assembly Office Staff and their functions.
·  Mission Vision and Priorities of our Church
·  Current and past news of the UPCSA
·  Information on the various ministries, departments and commissions
·  Searchable information on Congregations, Presbyteries and Ministers.
·  Documents such as the Confession of Faith, and the General Assembly and
Executive decisions
·  Resources such as the latest revision of the Manual of Faith and Order, and
Service Books.
·  Various standard forms such as Calls, Edicts and Commissions extracted from the Manual which can be downloaded, filled in and printed.
·  Annual Return of Income and other reports required by the Assembly Office.
There are several empty pages waiting for information from the relevant people which will be updated in the future.
Please visit the site and tell the webmaster what you like, what you think could be improved, what is missing and any corrections.
Also forward any article you feel should be included.
Do please share with over 200 other Presbyterian Ministers what is happening in your neck of the woods!
Doug

Presbevents 18

Wednesday 06 January 2010
Presbevents is waking up to a new year. It trusts that for you it will be a year filled with blessing!
Three items have come in during the break.
I do hope that by next week our postbag will be quite full.
The basic aim of Presbevents is to share NEWS, not interesting articles. News of your Church, your family, your ministry, whatever.
Do please take a couple of minutes to email something of your experience to me for Presbevents. Maybe you are starting in a different church? Starting a new programme?
Leaping out into a new expansion opportunity for the Church? Whatever. Please??
Brian Woods (Port Alfred): (from his Christmas Newsletter): I am not very well these days having had hearty failure, and not knowing what I can, or cannot, do. I spend a lot of time in the cottage but try to go for a walk most days. Brian is at PO Box 22, Port Alfred, 6170.
Zola Matutu (Donhill, Limpopo): Thank you very much Douglas with the Presbevents it made me to look forward to hear about the news around the entire Church and at times you feel being drowned in the work that God has sent us to do. Some did not know that Ministry
is a lonely employment with your work it makes us to know we are not alone Thank you Very much may the Good Lord bless you all the time.
Christo and Edwina de Wet (Harrismith): Over a period of time Edwina has been undergoing preparation for admission to the Priesthood of the Church of the Province. Her Service of Ordination will take place in the Cathedral in Bloemfontein on Saturday 24th January. She will then serve as a Non-stipendiary Priest in the Harrismith area.
Have a blessed 2010
!
Doug

Presbevents 17

Wednesday 16th December 2009
I had thought to put Presbevents out to graze till mid-January, but it didn’t like the idea!  So here is the next one. In fact I’ll mail out a Presbevents every week, unless I receive nothing in any week.
Doug
Robin and Linda Jacobson: It is so good to hear from you, and I am delighted to have this on-going link with my Presbyterian ‘family’. Linda and I have been at the North Lonsdale United Church www.nluc.org in North Vancouver now for almost 9 years – staggering isn’t
it? The United Church of Canada is a great deal more liberal than what we know and, as a result, I have found that I am now theologically both more ‘open’ as well as more ‘orthodox’ in my basic evangelical faith! I have stretched wider and I have consolidated deeper than I could
possibly have imagined. I have needed to be very clear about who and what I understand Our Lord Jesus to be and have found that that process has lost me ever deeper into His beautiful and wonder-full Gospel-grace.
Our 3 girls are all grown: Andrea (22) is at a local university, Amy (19) is taking some time out and working as our Youth Worker, and Meggan (17) is completing her schooling. Linda works in the church office as our ministry co-ordinator/administrator. It is such a joy being in team ministry with her.
Denis and Shirley Bolton (Canada): I don't know how I'd survive without the internet.... emails keep me in touch with so many people from "my past" including some very dear fellow believers who are still on their farm in Zimbabwe against unbelievable odds...
I also use my iPod as an aid to living by faith - sometimes so hard! I have dozens of sermons and teachings on my iPod and tonight I found that I can download many of Derek Prince's teachings... when I can't sleep too good I get up quietly and listen to teachings and Scripture
and music via earphones so as not to disturb Shirley in her sleep.
Roy and Tanya Wilson (Krugersdorp) (from Jerry Pillay, General Secretary): We ask you to uphold the Rev Roy Wilson and his family in your prayers as we received the sad news that his sister-in law and nephew died tragically in a motorcar accident.
The funeral will take place at St Andrew’s, Benoni on 15th December 2009, at 11h00.
We send our condolences to the Wilson family and friends and pray that they will look to God our Father, for the support and strength they will need to overcome this difficult time of grief and mourning.
Len Maart (Elsies’ River): I remember Rev Poho along with Robbie Robertson who were amongst the first representatives from the PCSA to the former BPC/ RPC General Assemblies during the 60s to late 80s. Thank God their efforts in the Unity Talks were not in vain.
From Elsies River to you and all your readers a Wonder Christmas and a Happy New Year Michelle Black (Durban): If you feel at all uninspired, consider these unique opportunities that come with proclaiming the Word of God in this special time of year:
·  Some people come to church as a blank slate with great curiosity, for in our biblically illiterate culture they were never taught the story of Christmas. They want to know what this is all about. From your lips they will hear the story of Jesus Christ for the first time.
·  Many come to church with heightened hope, excitement, anticipation. They are ready to celebrate. They are ready to remember and rejoice in the mystery of God with us.
They yearn to hear the old truths retold in the presence of God and his people.
·  Some come to church with a great longing. The world has lost its lustre. They are empty, and the season is increasing their emptiness. They want joy and are willing to consider that God may be able to provide it. From your lips they will hear—and for the first time take seriously—that Jesus Christ truly is the hope of the world. And some will believe.
·  Many will come who need you to correct their misunderstandings of God and the Bible.
·  Some are coming to church for all the wrong reasons, but God is at work and is about to take them by surprise. Their eyes and hearts will be opened through the preaching of the gospel and the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit, and they will see beyond the ceremony, sentimentality, ritual, and tradition to the reality of the Saviour. They will "get it." They will understand what the incarnation is about and truly believe the gospel. And the angels in heaven will rejoice before the God who came to seek and save what was lost.
People will be glad to hear you preach this Christmas.
Terry and Marcia Scholes (East London): Terry retired in April 2008 from St. Michael's in Springs, after his first ministry at Stutterheim and District which started in 1987. Strangely enough, the interim moderator at Stutterheim was Carl Morris Ashton, and we now find ourselves living quite close to him on the East Coast of East London, Carl and Dee at Sunrise on Sea and Terry and I at Yellow Sands.
It has been a very interesting retirement. We visited a number of churches around East London and were made to feel very welcome at Cambridge who were at that time without a full time minister. They used Terry frequently as pulpit supply during 2008 until Presbytery
appointed him as Status Supply in June until a full time minister could be called. This has now happened and their new minister will arrive, at the present moment, at the end of February.
Terry was also appointed interim moderator at Stirling Presbyterian Church who are seeking a colleague minister to Dave Templeton. So first retirement and then a very full life! But a very enjoyable one. Terry has always said that when he retired he "wanted to give something back" for the many blessings God has poured into our lives - He is faithful and just!

Presbevents 16

Wednesday 11th December 1009
A big  weakness with Presbevents is that it only goes to folk who are on email. The thought has come to me that we can maybe help a little to overcome this by printing copies and delivering them to non-emailers around us. For example, Edwin and Doreen Pons live in the same suburb as me and are no longer on email. From now on I’m going to deliver a copy to them each week. Duncan Murray has been doing this for a while in Scotland and gave me the idea (see below). Do please think about it. Doug.
Duncan and Celia Murray (Scotland): Since Presbevents has been coming out I have been printing them to send to Bob Donaldson who is living in Crieff, Scotland. He has asked me to convey to you and others how much he has enjoyed reading about people who are familiar to
him from the years that he was in Southern Africa. He sends love and greetings to all who will remember him.
Bob has not joined the modern computer age and so if anyone would like to write to him directly you will find him as follows:
Rev RB Donaldson
11 Strathearn Court
Crief
PH7 3DS
Scotland
Or phone at + 1764 654976
I am now into my fifth year in the Church of Scotland in Chirnside and will continue at least another two years. I am currently doing a second year as Moderator of the Duns Presbytery.
We love the Borders as a area in which to live and also visits to Edinburgh for the “cultural” side of life! We will have our family with over the Christmas period – especially delighting in our two granddaughters who, without yet being in existence, were one of the “reasons” for the
move to this part of the world.
Geoff and Rosemary Probert (Grahamstown): Please keep Geoff Probert and his family in your thoughts and prayers as we received the sad news that his father passed away on Wednesday morning (December 2nd). Geoff's parents are retired and reside in Kwa Zulu Natal in Underberg.
Doug and Joan Birtill (Port Elizabeth): Congratulations to Doug, who turned 80 last Sunday (6th).
The Christmas season is upon us!
Presbevents will reappear early in January.
Meantrme, should there be an urgent message then a special Presbevents will appear.
Otherwise, have a blessed Christmas and we’ll be in touch early in 2010.
Doug

Presbevents 15

Wednesday 2nd December 2009
Presbyterian Website: The Presbyterian Church can be found on the web at:
www.upcsa.org.za. Among other items of interest the weekly issue of Presbevents appears, and back numbers are available. Thanks to Ian Wilson.
Angus and Dorothy Bayne (Edinburgh, Scotland): Thanks for all the news from SA.
I appreciate reading about so many people I know, and value. At aged sixty nine, one tends to reminisce at times, but they are mainly fond recollections of great times in a great country, when God was doing great things in the world, and especially in SA. So I am ever indebted to
the fellowship of the saints who welcomed me into the midst during my almost twelve years in the Cape, at Wynberg and Plumstead. For Dorothy and me, they were wonderful years and we owe such a lot to the Christians of SA.
I have been retired for four years now. I retired at age sixty five, and looking back from my heart attack two years ago I can see that towards the end, I was finding it difficult to cope. Nevertheless, I am well recovered, and Dorothy and I are happily retired together, and
both our children, their spouses and our five grandchildren, reside in the UK; Susan about twenty miles away, and Mark in London. We live in a small town called Bonnyrigg, which is just outside Edinburgh, so we are truly home again after twenty years abroad.
I do the occasional pulpit supply, and am part -time lecturer at Faith Mission Bible College. Also, I have taken up painting again after decades of layoff. I am enjoying oil painting, and still- lifes as subject matter. I even get to play drums on occasion at the church we have joined in Penicuik. Our minister is a fine evangelical /charismatic man, but the Church of Scotland in general is very, very depressing. We are home, in familiar settings, but Scotland is not a place to be proud of. However, the Kingdom of God is still present in places, and there are things happening that are encouraging.
Eddie and Lauren Germiquet (Johannesburg): A report (with photos) on the Ministers’ Spirituality Conference held in September is now available on the UPCSA website. See website: www.upcsa.org.za under “Ministry”.
Maake and Pauline Masango (Johannesburg): (re the Poho Story): You will recall that the Christian Education department arranged a tour to the Holy land in 1983, and Namedi and I led them. Among the delegation was Abner, R Kgopong, Ramafikeng, Legodi, Ramalibane, Naidoo, V Pillay Mangena etc. While touring this great country, we came to Gethsemane. I asked Old man POHO to pray, we sang "When I survey" He knelt down slowly and said: "I had thought Lord that this place was in heaven, now that I am here, let thy servant depart in peace.” Before he could continue, Legodi interrupted and said "God don't Amen”, he turned to Abner and said, “God will take you serious and you will die, and we will not see the rest of this country”. Then he reached out and lifted him up. This was in 1983 March before his death.
Great Memories. I have always treasure these great memories. We also thank white congregations that contributed.
James and Gwen Elias (Durban): Hello there. The arrival of your most recent communication jolted me to put down a few items of news again.
Concerning myself. At the Presbytery meeting last week I “officially” resigned as convener of the Fellowship of Vocation after having served in that position since its inception here some 24 years ago. It has been a great privilege being involved with the formation and mentoring
of so many men ( we have one lady this year!) preparing for our ministry. At the same time they have kept me alert and on my toes in respect of the challenges of our contemporary time and the world that they will be ministering in. At the moment we have some 14 members
who meet on a regular basis, while I also tutor two students on an individual basis each week. I am glad to announce that the Revd Derek Potgieter of the Frere Road congregation will be my successor. As a former police officer his emphasis is sure to be fresh and different!
Then for the past 18 years I have been responsible for arranging the “Retired Ministers and wives Christmas luncheon” which serves as a time of great reunion for those who do not see each other on a regular basis anymore. This year there were some notable gaps as in the past year Esme and Brian Stumbles, Jean Carr, Doreen Mallinson, and Steve Simpkins had passed to higher service. A further number (8) who have attended faithfully in the past were absent this year because of frailty and ill-health. Those 15 people present enjoyed a lovely spread at Sica’s Guesthouse ( the family who own it are members in the Frere Road congregation) as they recalled former days in the life of the Church, with much laughter!
Those present were: Millen and Muriel Adams; Chris and Sheila Barnard; John and Sheila Cruikshank ; June Hall ; Clive and Lorna Jacobson; Shadreck and Agnes Masuku; Patrick Montgomery; and David and Sibongile Tyaliti
Gus and Clare Hunter (USA): Off to Brazil :I am about to go to Curitiba in Brazil for a weeks teaching. YWAM Pray for me to hear God and that He will do all He desires! I appreciate that a whole bunch! Clare will stay home.
Your news will always be most welcome, news of your Church life and also of your family life. Many thanks to this week’s contributors!
Doug

Presbevents 14

Wednesday 25th November 2009
Mpho and Sindiswe Khetsi (Port Elizabeth): The 1st of December is World AIDS Day. The international theme: ”Universal access and the Human rights”. This builds on that profound statement by former President Nelson Mandela that HIV is a human rights issue. This theme asserts that universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support is not a privilege but a human rights issue. The Department of Health (SA) will be promoting our new approach: “I am responsible. We are responsible. South Africa is taking responsibility”. I just wonder what is the UPCSA saying and doing this World AIDS Day?
Rob and Pam Calder (Scottsville): It is understood that Rob has accepted a Call issued by the Pinelands congregation in Cape Town. Pinelands fell vacant with the recent retirement of Matt du Preez, who had been their Minister for many years.
Martin and Jenny Lund (Somerset West): The Elgin United Church celebrated its 10th anniversary last weekend. Neil Meyer is the minister.
William and Lisette Pool (Durban): To continue the saga of long service awards to ministers serving congregations I may report on a lovely experience I have just had.
As immediate past Moderator I was asked to deputize for the Moderator at a service on Sunday 8th November 2009, at Petrus Stein congregation in the Free State Presbytery. For those who remember the Poho dynasty of Heilbron you will remember that son succeeded father there. Both had served for about 50 years each at Heilbron. Heilbron is now known as the Abner Poho Memorial congregation, in memory of the son's 50 years ministry. I went to lay a memorial stone and rename the congregation at Petrus Stein the Tsoane Abraham Poho Memorial congregation, in memory of the father's 50 year ministry. As I mentioned, we had a lovely day there and a great service, and it is a lovely part of our history as well I think.
On a lighter note to those who follow rugby:-
Our son Andrew, playing for the Berg Barbarians, in a touch rugby tournament defeated a side containing Gary Teichmann, Henry Honiball and Wayne Fyvie! The closest we will get to Springboks I suppose.
Coral Surtees: Just a little news from me. During a routine mammogram(both my grandmother and mother died of breast cancer) a small cancer lump was detected. Had the op to remove it and am now having radium therapy - all going very well.
Keep up the good work - love hearing of old friends but the strangest thing is that we are all the old toppies now, when not so long ago we were the new pots on the block as it were! Lots of love - Coral Waite
Michael and Myra Moore (Panorama Estate, (Krugersdorp)): Michael pays this tribute to Brian Stumbles:
For close on 20 years Myra and I have holidayed far down the Natal south coast. Always we have visited Brian and Esme Stumbles in retirement at Palm Beach and the Trafalgar church. Brian died on 9 August this year aged 93.
He started adult life as an underground miner. Because of his mining experience, when he joined up during W.W.II he was placed in the S.A. Engineering Corps as a "sapper" in charge of explosives. In North Africa he was involved in an accident that brought him to Christ and eventually to the ordained ministry. He was down a hole setting charges of gelignite to blast away rock when the explosion went off. He was blown out of the hole "as a clown at a circus is hurled out of a canon." He landed completely naked except for his belt to which were attached a tin opener and a knife. Severely burned he was taken to hospital where he was sedated and left to die. That night he had a vision of the Lord Jesus asking him when he would return to Him and promising him he would not die. Next day his body was bandaged from head to foot. After three weeks when the bandages were removed every trace of the burns had disappeared. Later this experience, of course, became the basis for his faithful healing ministry.
He shared this wonderful testimony with us, and last week we read it again in a booklet printed by his family as a tribute to him.
The part of his story that I particularly want to share with you is the pioneering role he played in our church's opposition to apartheid. In this respect he first came into prominence when he supported the Rev. R. Maja after the Sharpeville shootings in 1960. Coming from a mining background he knew the kind of reaction this would bring about. Shots were fired through the Vereeniging church windows.
I read newspaper cuttings (from the Presbyterian Leader and the Argus) of the proceedings of the 1971 General Assembly held in Bulawayo when he was both Moderator and Convener of the Church and Nation Committee. This was during the period when I was out of the ministry teaching at Pretoria Boys High, so I was not fully aware of how bold Brian had been then, and how he had been mauled by no less an opponent than the Rev Harold Munro. I was sad to read this. But it did confirm an impression I had that many of our Scots ministers lacked the urgency to condemn apartheid that motivated many of our black and white South African clergy. During the debate Alasdair Patterson warned that a "showdown" was inevitable between church and government. I was delighted to read that my old university mate, Charles Gordon, twice stood up during the debate to say that the church could not be silent.
Brian was a nuggety little fighter for the Lord. We should not forget him.
One final comment. We really do need a denominational newspaper. I believe it should be an essential tool to keep our unity, identity and "ethos" (a word I will always associate with Jack Dalziel) as Presbyterians.
Doug and Joan Birtill (Port Elizabeth): St George’s EL is celebrating 125 years on Dec. 6th (incidentally also my 80th!) and only 10 ministers, including the present incumbent, have served during that time. They are:
The Rev. John Ferguson 22 years (1884-1906)
The Rev. Geo. Blair (later Dr) 8 years (1907-1915)
The Rev. Dr RB Douglas 16 years (1916-1932)
The Rev. Hugh Agnew 6 years (1933-1939)
The Rev. Alfred McRobert 18 years (1939-1957)
The Rev. WD Campbell 18 Years (1957-1975)
The Rev. Brian Goble 2 years (1976-1978)
The Rev. Douglas Birtill 19 years (1978-1997)
The Rev. Rodney Brits 4 years (1998-2001) Jan 1998 – Nov 2001
The Rev. Cliff Leeuw present incumbent (2003 - ?)
Can any other congregation better that for the same period?
Rod and Mandy Botsis (Bellville): Rod writes: “This is an instruction or at least a strong request for DC to print Rod’s praise and thanks for Douglas’ book.”
Doug, I have sped-read your book, “Unlocking Your Spiritual Potential” in one go and I could hear your voice, see you hand gestures and even the sparkle in your eyes. It is quintessential “Douglas Crawford”: devoid of claptrap, jargon, convoluted equivocations and to its core evangelistic. I am almost certain to use it for next year’s Confirmation course and so want to purchase 12 copies asap
Now a few other musings:
a) On the home front Mandy had a very sudden 3 day visit to hospital a week ago after not feeling good. The discovery of a blood sugar level of over 30 and the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. (Her mother was a Type 1). All is currently being well managed, Mandy being very disciplined by nature. In fact the only known moment of total lack of self discipline in her life was marrying me!
b) As Christ brings work to us this last week I’ve had dealing with 6 congregations. I’m constantly amazed at how little most church members want from their ministers – they forgive us easily and are more ready with excuses for our non-performance than we are. Conversely I have to be reminded often of how deeply the Spirit invests in the person and work of the “pastor/teacher”. Simple, regular, basic ministry is the cure of souls. And so again let me say: “I love my job!”
c) I went to the whisky festival in JHB with George Marchinkowski, Christopher Judelsohn, Peter Langermann, Chunky Young and his son Matthew, Stephen van Schalkwyk and John McKane. The very 1st tasting we attended was led by Chief Distiller and Manager of Glenlivet who we discovered is Session Clerk in his local Church! More to the point: I loved being with these colleagues for an evening of fun, relaxation
and clean enjoyment of shared hobbies: the pursuit of excellence in fellowship, food and beverage.
d) Earlier in the same day I had spent time with Kingsley Dale and received a letter from William Pool. I have been the spoiled recipient of their formative grace in my life for over 40 years in Kingley’s case and 36 in William’s.
e) As we come to Advent let me wish all on this net a blessed Christmas. Enjoy your preaching on the Incarnation. This year I’ve preached in 14 churches outside of Bellville: No parish model is better than another but I am convinced the good news is the power of God to save us. CS Lewis drummed into me: We preach the gospel of Christ because it is true, not because it is helpful.
Alastair and Carolyn Rodger (Port Elizabeth): Thanks for including me on your list for "Presbevents". I've appreciated the opportunity to catch up on news of colleagues.
Some information on the Poho dynasty: according to the tribute printed in the Assembly Papers in 1983 Abner was born on 30/6/1900, ordained on 25/12/32 and retired on 31/12/83 from the Heilbron congregation - 51 years in one congregation! I cannot find any reference to his death, though I also remember it was not very long after his retirement. It was his father who died in the pulpit at the age of 104, shortly before Abner was ordained, according to the same article.
As I was told the story some time ago, Poho senior was originally a minister of the D.R.C. and was in Heilbron during the Boer War. As there was no white minister in the town he was asked to minister to the white congregation as well, which he did. After the war however that congregation was able to get a permanent minister again, but Mr Poho apparently felt they had dropped him rather unceremoniously, or without due appreciation for what he had done. At any rate he was said to have left the DRC for that reason and come over to us. I haven't been able to check on this, but a quick run through the
Assembly Proceedings I have brings up several mentions of "Native Mission" work in the Free State, but no mention of Heilbron and Abraham Poho until 1911, when he is said to be an Ordained Evangelist in charge of Heilbron and a number of other stations. The number of outstations grew to 26, if I remember correctly from my time in the Transvaal Presbytery of the former PCSA in the late 1970's and early 80's.
Incidentally all the long ministries mentioned so far were in the PCSA. I wonder if there were not similar ones in the RPCSA. Can anyone tell us?
Rob and Pam Calder (Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg): After 28 years of ministry at Scottsville Presbyterian church, Rob and Pam Calder will be moving to the Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Cape Town and will begin ministry there in February 2010.
Rob writes: “We are excited about the challenges and opportunities that await us and we carry many special memories of the years spent at SPC. Some of these were relived at the end of October when Scottsville Presbyterian Church (Pietermaritzburg) celebrated:
•Sixty years of Witness. (On the 30th October 1949, the foundation stone of the Hall at Scottsville Presbyterian Church was laid by the Rev Gordon Wiles).
•Forty years of Worship. (On the 12th October 1969, the foundation stone of the sanctuary was laid by the Rev John Johnston).
•Twenty Eight years of Ministry. (Rob and Pam Calder have ministered at SPC since January 1982)
At the Thanksgiving dinner, 150 people, (members, former members, family and friends) gathered at Jabulani Centre, African Enterprise - an apt venue for a time of rejoicing. Situated as the church is, in the heart of UKZN ( Pmb Campus), the Scottsville congregation has become home to people from many countries in Africa and beyond. From its early beginnings in an exclusively white suburb, it is now a multiracial and multi-cultural congregation with a predominance of African members.
In the late 1990’s the front entrance of the congregation was remodelled and given the name “A Gateway to the Nations”( Psalm 96:1-3)
We were privileged to have one of the founding members at Scottsville present at the dinner. Gwen Drennan remembers the day on which the foundation stone was laid and will celebrate her 91st birthday in February,
2010. She is still active in the life of the congregation. We were delighted to have Calvin and Patricia Cook as our special guests on the evening. Calvin was a student at the college that was later to become the university and his call to ministry was forged while he was a student in Pietermaritzburg. As many of you know, he was later an assistant to the Rev Gordon Wiles and when Scottsville was developing as a preaching station “near the university” Calvin was called as the minister of the Presbyterian Church of Pietermaritzburg. In more recent years having retired from Rhodes University and while residing in Hilton Calvin and Pat have been special friends and so he was able to share many delightful insights as we met to celebrate 60 years of witness to the Scottsville community.
Sunday Morning saw the congregation gather to worship, celebrate communion and bring their Thanksgiving Gifts – some in Song, others in Dance and Testimony. Toward the end of the service, the whole congregation came forward (many dancing as they did so) to offer their gifts and most significantly – their lives to the Lord.
This wonderful weekend of Thanksgiving and Celebration has been the start of our goodbyes as we prepare to take our leave of the congregation. Christmas Day will be our last service at SPC.
Eddie and Lauren Germiquet: Eddie Germiquet (Ministry Secretary) recently attended the graduation ceremony of the UPCSA ministry students studying at the Justo Mwale Theological University College in Lusaka. The three UPCSA students all obtained their BTh with Distinction. At the same graduation one of our Evangelists (Peter Mwale) graduated with a Certificate in Theology at the age of 75 years. He is still very much at work in the rural congregation of Kasenga some 30 km from Lusaka.
This is by far the biggest Presbevents so far. Many thanks to the various contributors.
Doug

Presbevents 13

Wednesday 18th November 2009
The circulation of this issue is 226, of whom 214 are ministers of the UPCSA
Greg and Shona van der Lingen (Vryheid): This week I will be taking part in training for Emergency Services Chaplaincy, Northern Natal division. ESC gives emotional and spiritual support to Emergency Services personnel, as well as the general public, in any traumatic or crisis situations.
Shona has qualified to be set apart to administer the Sacraments and we are looking at early February for this service. We are visiting my Dad (Ian van der Lingen) in December, with other family from Zimbabwe and UK, to celebrate his 80th, and soon after we return to George briefly to celebrate Shona's mum's 80th birthday.
Alan and Margie Maker (Hermanus): In answer to your question as to whether Heinrich's length of service at Goodwood is a record for the denomination, the answer is not even close. I served St. Columba's for 36 years; Peter Gordon was at St. Mark's for something like 40 as was Hugh Yule at Greyville, but I am sure the record would be held by Abner Poho who died in pulpit at the age of 103. I am sure he was at Heilbron (I think) for over 50 years.
Bob and Lesley Samson (Benoni): Bob enlarges on Alan’s observation: I'm afraid it's actually quite far from the record. The Rev. Abner Poho served at Heilbron in the Free State from the date of his ordination until he retired not long before he died at the age of something like 81 years of age. I no longer have my Assembly Papers to check how long he served there but I think it was over 50 years.
Then there was the ministry of the Rev. John Smith (first Moderator of the PCSA) at St John's Church in Pietermaritzburg. He served for 50 years in the congregation between 1870 and 1920.
If memory serves me right (and it's not as good as it used to be!) the Rev. Hugh Yule was at Greyville for over 40 years.
St Mark's, Yeoville, I believe, had two or maybe even three ministries which lasted over 30 years.
We should note, though, that all these ministries were served at a time when there was no compulsory retirement age. 35 years in one congregation with an enforced retirement age of 68 remains a remarkable period of service.
Calvin and Pat Cook (Howick): How many of us are de facto members of the Ephesian church: sound on doctrine, morally above reproach (at least from a wicked and corrupt generation) but having lost the love we had at the start? The igneous rock has cooled to granite - see Presby cemeteries! Heinrich's contribution suggests the reverse: From Asches to open flame.
As to a congregational record, no one comes close to 'that schismatic ' John Smith the PCSA's first moderator of the Assembly. He was called to the Presbyterian Church of Pietermaritzburg in 1865 as William Campbell's colleague and successor, resigned after 5 years because Campbell gave no indication of wanting to be succeeded, founded a second congregation, St John's, and retired in 1920, after celebrating his and the congregation's jubilee 1920. He returned as the congregation’s interim moderator after the unexpected death in 1927 of his successor Vickers Taylor!
Pieter and Rhona Smit (Port Elizabeth): (This from Rhona): Our big news is that we have become grandparents! Robyn, our eldest daughter, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on the 9th October, named Jennifer Grace Doughty. She and hubby Steve are very proud parents. We join them at the end of the month for a month’s holiday. There will be a Christening on the 6th Dec and then we all (our other daughter Diane and her husband Deon) go to Wales for the week around Christmas. We can’t wait!!!
Pete has had a good year health wise. Praise the Lord! We even took up ballroom dancing!
(And this from Pieter): Hi. Our other big news relates to the non Hodgekins lymphoma and bipolar disorder that I have. Both are under the best possible management that I could hope for. As far as the cancer is concerned, which is to be found both above and below the diaphragm, blood tests have recently
come back which are the best ever since starting treatment. A major review of treatment takes place next year. As for the bipolar disorder, I am now better able to discern for myself when I am swinging high or low and therefore what treatment to seek. I enjoy a wonderful quality of life in spite of everything. I would be willing to chat to anyone who might be afflicted with serious illness. There is life and life in abundance in our on going walk with the Lord.
Charmaine (Port Elizabeth Presbytery Secretary): The Rev Errol Theophilus is going in for a quadruple by-pass operation today (13th Nov). Errol’s wife is Audrey and his son is Ian.
Do please send word of what is happening around you. It may all seem routine to you, but it is so good for the Body when its members share with one another!
God bless you!
Doug

Presbevents 12

11th November 2009
David and Val Hutt: Thank you for keeping all of us up-to-date. My wife Val and I are now living at Linga Longa doing mission and evangelism work for the Christ Healing Foundation. The work is hard and difficult, running the Retreat Centre as well as going out to churches, teaching and preaching about the healing work of the Gospel.
On the weekend of 4 to 6 December I will be conducting a retreat, the theme being: “Finding the Peace of Christ in Christmas”. We thank God for all His blessings and help, especially answered prayer. Please keep us in your prayers as we keep you in ours.
Douglas Crawford (Summerstrand): What does one do after in retirement? About a year ago Murray Smith said to me: “Doug, why don’t you write a book?” I pondered the idea, then began to write down some thoughts. The idea became a project and culminated in “UNLOCKING YOUR SPIRITUAL POTENTIAL”, with a sub-title: “through Inspired Leadership”.
The thought behind it is this. Many, many people receive Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. This is wonderful. Then, just at this point, when their spiritual potential is enormous, they say to themselves something like: “That was nice, now what else will I do?” And they regard their spiritual experience as complete. All their spiritual potential is lost. This book aims to remedy that situation.
It is 158 pages long, inexpensively bound, clearly printed with wide margins for your notes, and sells for the low price of R40,00. My objective is to get my thoughts into circulation and not to make money! It is illustrated with experiences from my own ministry, and I believe it to be highly readable. It will make an excellent Christmas gift.
To obtain a copy of “Unlocking Your Spiritual Potential”, please send me your cheque or postal order for R40.00, addressed to Douglas Crawford, PO Box 13161, Humewood, 6013.. Do be sure also to also let me have your postal address!
Gus Hunter (USA): Gus has just had a book published and has sent the following information about it:
FROM VENUS TO MARS AND BACK
The book I wrote is now on sale. I am very pleased with the final result - bar a few bad editorial blunders
For those in South Africa I think it is available from the following web site...
http://www.kalahari.net/christian/From-Venus-to-Mars-and-Back/35657/33990625.aspx
It is available all over most of the world.
I should like to know what you think of it?
Here is an endorsement by Calvin Cook of the book that will help you know what it is about:
”What I find so fascinating about the book is its combination of biblical metaphors with your sure therapeutic touch. The combination of metaphors constitutes the mystery, your own willingness to listen to the Spirit and do as instructed, the healing. We all long to know as we are known, but the order is crucial: until we are willing to be known, which means the exposure of the truth about ourselves, we cannot know the grace which is inseparable from it. As we realize the limitlessness of grace, we realize also that nothing less would have been sufficient. As I read I felt as the disciples must have felt when Jesus said to them that kings and prophets had longed to hear what you are hearing - the revelation of the mystery of the Kingdom: a power and its use that freed and healed and ultimately perfected rather than one that dominated and destroyed. Are we ready for either that physical or spiritual intimacy?”
Gus Hunter (USA): I am in Smith town - on Long Island (close to New York) to teach a YWAM DTS this week! Please pray for me and my students as you feel led by God.
Heinrich and Denise Asch (Goodwood): My wife, Denise and I have now ministered at Goodwood Presbyterian church for 34 years commencing our ministry in November, 1975. I am due to retire (68 years) at the end of November, 2010 when, if I make it, I will have served at Goodwood for 35 years. Denise is the church organist and pianist and also the pastoral assistant active in visitation, leading Bible fellowships etc. Last year, 2008, was the Centenary of the Goodwood Presbyterian church. The following events were among the highlights.
1. 22 February, Gala Launch – Down Memory Lane – Welsh Men’s Choir and historical exhibition.
2. 7-9 March – Centenary Camp with Costa Mitchell, Director of Vineyard Churches.
3. 17-19 March – Pre-Easter services with Rod Botsis (Minister, Bellville)
4. 6-11 May – Pre-Pentecost services with Costa Mitchell
5. 15-17 August – Missions’ Weekend with various missionaries and mission societies participating
6. 11 September – Sunday School Anniversary service with past and present Sunday School members participating
7. 1-5 October – Evangelistic Mission with Bishop Frank Retief (Presiding Bishop of CESA)
8. 10-12 October – Centenary Flower Festival
9. 1 November – Centenary Fete
10. 28 November – Centenary Banquet – main speaker William Pool (Recent past Moderator of General Assembly of UPCSA)
11. 30 November – Centenary Thanksgiving service with William Pool
In addition the brochure “Goodwood Presbyterian church – Celebrating 100 years of service” was published as well as a Centenary recipe book “100 Years and Still Cookin’ “
Our elder son, Brendon, is serving as Youth Pastor at Randparkridge United church on the Reef, having previously served as Youth Pastor at Somerset West United church in the Western Cape.
His wife, Petro, works and they have two children, Nina (5) and Ethan (1 year).
Our daughter, Charlene, is married to Barry who is the director of S.C.O (Students’ Christian Organisation) an amalgamation of S.C.A (Students’ Christian Association) and S.C.M (Students’ Christian Movement). They now live in Monte Vista, Cape Town, having previously lived in Port Elizabeth. Charlene, a qualified Primary School teacher, gives guitar lessons after school at Edgemead Primary. Barry and Charlene have two children, Caitlin (4) and Daniel (nearly 3).
Our younger son, Gareth, is teaching at Elkanah Private school, a school with a Christian orientation in Parklands, Cape Town. He plays in a band called K, Ray and the Bird, he being “The Bird”. He has been the worship leader at our congregation for a number of years apart from his other involvements in the congregation but will be moving to a flat in Table View. He will be leaving our congregation and joining one in that area. Gareth is still single.

What a magnificent contribution to Presbevents from Heinrich and Denise! And what an incredible ministry: 34 years! Is this a record for our Church? Doug

Presbevents 11

4th November 2009
Many thanks for contributions received, and an encouragement to everyone to send in news that would be of interest to others, be it family news, church news or whatever. It will all help the church to know where the church is at and what the church is doing. Doug Moshe Rajuili (Johannesburg): There are times in Christian ministry when it seems as though nothing significant is happening or even likely to happen. Weeks and months go by with one week not different from the next. All of a sudden the Lord breaks forth, as it were, and surprises us with tangible evidence of His grace as he nudges His church forward into new growth.
In August three elders were ordained at St Giles’. All three are outstanding personalities who have been used by the Lord over many years. A month later, eight new elders were added to Session at St Marks, where I am Interim Moderator. This was followed by four University of Johannesburg students who made a public profession of faith. And then this weekend (25 October) St Giles’ witnessed four baptisms of believers following 13 months of teaching basic Christian doctrines. At the same service there were six confirmations. Is this what Rick Warrren terms Surfing Spiritual Waves?
Doug and Avril Muller (USA): One gets very out of touch being so far away and when visiting South Africa the time is generally taken up with family matters. It is good to get to know what others in the UPCSA are about.
Christo and Edwina de Wet (Harrismith): tel: 058622290  After coming back from a working holiday in London, July 2004 we settled in Harrismith and believe it or not we are still here. Christo is 75 years old and loves working in his garden. He has 23 fruit trees.
Unfortunately the Mouse birds love his fruit and much to his consternation constantly demolish his vegetable patch. Since there is no Presbyterian Church in Harrismith we attend St John's Anglican Church together. I will be ordained into the Priesthood on 23 January 2010 in the Bloemfontein Cathedral. The process of Ordination has been a long road, having worked through being a Lay minister, a Deacon and now finally a non-stipendiary Priest. For two years I attended the Fellowship of Vocation and this year, Post Ordination Training as well as lecturing full time at Maluti FET College.
Christo remains the wind under my wings and is ever supportive. We celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary (Golden) on Saturday 7 November 2009. We will be at the Anglican Retreat Centre at Modderpoort (10 k's outside Lady Brand) on that very special day. We have 8 grandchildren ranging from 25 years to 7 years. Christopher has been married for the last 18 months and is presently doing a show in Holland and then on to the Caribbean. Ashleigh his wife. a Shakespearean actress has just done a stint at the Globe Theatre in London. Mark and family have emigrated to Australia. Fran and family continue to do well in Cape Town and Mandy has moved to Pretoria. We are very grateful for the Lord's constant, unfailing love in our lives.
Eddie and Val Perkins (Australia): I tried to open the URL that Greg van der Lingen suggested but got an error message. But when I chopped of the details after http://www.oikoumene.org I got the WCC home-page and then used the Google slot with Masango and found a whole page of references to Maake and the WCC, including, at the top of the list his address on 10/9/2009. I thought some of our colleagues might be trying to solve the same puzzle as I am.

Presbevents10

28th October 2009
Edwin and Doreen Pons: Port Elizabeth: Last week Calvin Cook commented that with the death of Brian Stumbles, Edwin Pons has become the senior Ex-Moderator of the UPCSA.
Edwin has been frail for some time and has been wonderfully cared for by Doreen. However the strain has become more than Doreen can manage and last Wednesday (22nd) Edwin moved into the Sick Bay of the Frail Care Unit. The latest news is that Edwin will probably be returning home, where he will have 24-hour attention by Nurse-Aids. Her phone number is 041.583.3020
Greg and Shona van der Lingen : (Vryheid): Shona was appointed Probationer to the Vryheid congregation as from August. Their two daughters are studying at the NMMU University (Port Elizabeth). Greg writes: “I was surfing and found this on the WCC website and found this from the WCC Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, 7-13 October 2009 - An article by Prof. Maake J. Masango. you might like to share the link on Presbevents.”
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/wcc-commissions/faith-and-order-commission/xother-
documents-from-conferences-and-meetings/plenary-commission-meeting-crete-2009/called-tobe-
the-one-church-presentation-by-prof-maake-masango.html
Alan and Margie Maker (Hermanus): Breaking news - the young man, Stephen Cook, who yesterday broke the record for the most runs scored in a first class match by a South African, namely 390, is a Presbyterian. His mother is an elder at St. Columba's.
Garry and Peggy van der Tang (Australia): (Peggy writing): Wanted to share with you that the article sent in by Calvin and Pat Cook in “Presbevents No. 9” regarding the recent interviews with the late Brian Stumbles brought back a host of memories for me. I grew up in Vereeniging and remember vividly the day of the tragic Sharpeville massacre. At that time aged 14 I was attending the Holy
Rosary Convent in Three Rivers and whilst our class were engaged in doing eurhythmics out on the quadrangle saw aircraft flying over being unaware of the drama unfolding and that these were being used in an attempt to discourage those who were demonstrating. My late Mother’s family owned a bakery business and as I would go with Mum to the bakery shop in Market Ave. (at the crack of dawn) each morning prior to catching the school bus observed for a number of days after the event large numbers of police reinforcements passing the shop from the old Town Hall where they were accommodated en route to the two local cafes where breakfast was provided.
I remember Brian Stumbles being the minister at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church as my parents and myself knew of many who attended there - our family were Anglicans and we worshipped at the church of St. Mary and St. John in Livingstone Ave. where the vicar at that time was Norman Luyt - Bishop Ambrose Reeves also mentioned in the article confirmed me in 1957 - those days girls dressed in white dresses and wore white veils - an occasion never to be forgotten
Robin Palmer who also features in “Presbevents no. 9” spent a few hours with Garry and myself when he visited Melbourne some time ago - it was really good to meet with him.
Rully and Thembisa Notshe: We ask you to uphold the Rev Rully Notshe and his family in your prayers as we received the sad news that his eldest brother Niven Vakele Notshe, passed away last Monday. He was residing in the Eastern Cape and was a member of the Semple Memorial Congregation. The funeral will take place on Saturday, the 31st October 2009.
Many thanks to those who have shared. Doug

Presbevents 9

21st October 2009
Robin and Sheilah Palmer (Australia): Some news from the Palmers: Robin and Sheilagh moved to New Zealand in 2006 with their family. Robin works as a School Chaplain at Scots College, a Presbyterian College for boys in Wellington, the capital. The school community consists of 850 boys from the age 5 to 18 and their families. The school has a Religious Education department which has expanded to cover all year levels. Robin has a Pastoral Counselling ministry in the school. Chapel services are on a Friday for the Prep and Secondary schools, and family services are held through the year at St Christopher's Presbyterian Church in Seatoun. The school was founded in 1916 by the Rev
James Gibb and elder John Aitken who served at St Johns in the city Presbyterian in the city.
Contact details for the Palmers: Robin Palmer Chaplain Scots College P O Box 15 064 Miramar Wellington 6243
Henry and Chileya Mbambo (New Zealand): We are now in New Zealand in Dunedin where I am minister of a parish. We arrived a year ago and are settling in quite well. The people are welcoming and it is a joy to serve among them. The newsletter is a good idea because for some of us, we are starved of news from the UPCSA. The website is not updated and very limited news there. I am working in a PCANZ parish and it is interesting to see a lot of similarities with Churches in Zambia regarding the Presbyterian ethos.. People can visit our church website www.dspc.org.nz
Contact details for the Mbambos: REV. HENRY KONDWANI MBAMBO, 17 A NORMANBY STREET,
ST. KILDA, DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND.
Phone +64-3-455-2837–Home +64-3-455-4077-Office
Calvin and Pat Cook (Howick): Before he died, Brian Stumbles had a number of talks with one of the members of his congregation. She typed up two chapters of their interviews. The first called 'Beginnings', the second 'Vereeniging'. Both have important recollections of a remarkable ministry in the PCSA. I know of no other instance of a person deciding to enter the ministry after spending
months in hospital with third degree burns that resulted from his being blown out a hole because the fuse was too short - though I know of many whose fuses were too short and burned others rather than themselves. He was our first student at the brand new Department at Rhodes in 1946, which is where our paths first crossed. At the time of his death (in his 90s) he was senior ex-moderator. Now its
Edwin Pons, and I'm next after that!
The second chapter deals with his ministry in Vereeniging and has quite a bit about how he and the Session challenged the police cordon to hold a communion service in Sharpsville. R. S.M. Maja's courage has been well documented but the work of other 'whites' involved like Bishop Reeves employing the Lang brothers to collect evidence is forgotten.
Angus Hunter (USA): “I am teaching a counselling school in Kona Hawaii this week. 25 students and 7 staff. Translation into Korean - The Father Heart of God and Identity in Christ.
Clare is home in Waco.”
Martin and Jenny Lund (Somerset West): (Tuesday 20th October): About an hour ago I had a call from a former member of St. Barnabas’ United Church, Florida, to say that Stephen Simpkins died this morning in Durban. He was diagnosed with gastro malignancy and “seedlings” in the lungs about 6 weeks ago. He trained as a student for the PCSA ministry, but his health during his final year left much to be desired and he was not able to be ordained then. He was ordained later by the UCCSA and served with real integrity ably supported by his wife, Joy. He retired from St. Barnabas’ United Church but retirement was short-lived; he began ministering in the Durban and South Coast area until his
illness.
Thank you once again for friends who have sent in news. Do please send your news to me to be shared with over 200 other Ministers. It is so good to know what is happening in our lives for we really ARE members of the one Body.
God bless you!
Doug