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.