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