IINDABA April 2001  The official gazette of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth  - Church of the Province of Southern Africa
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Previous issues Other Christian News More info about the C.P.S.A. Diocese of Port Elizabeth website	Source: Frankie Simpson (Mrs) Editor "Iindaba", Diocese of Port Elizabeth, P O Box 34992 Newton Park, 6055, South Africa Tel/fax: +27 41 360-6808 (home/office)

Page 1 He is risen ... He is risen indeed! The Editor, Iindaba Committee, Vicar-General and Diocesan staff wish all readers a blessed and joyous Eastertide.   Our new Bishop Nceba Bethlehem Nopece Bishop Nceba Bethlehem Nopece, who was elected as our new Bishop on 20 March 2001, with his wife Mazoe. Bishop Bethlehem is the much loved Suffragan Bishop of Grahamstown and the Liaison Bishop for CPSA organisations. Mazoe is the Diocesan President of Mothers' Union. They have three children, Lwazi (22), Viwe (19) and Unathi (16). Iindaba congratulates our Bishop Elect and looks forward to his arrival in the diocese.   What a wonderful reunion During the last week of the Christmas school holidays Yibi and his ‘brother’ Sini were reunited for a holiday together in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). When Yibi and Sini arrived at the House of Resurrection Haven within days of each other a little over five years ago, nobody expected either of them to live more than a few days. Both were terminally ill AIDS patients and both were very weak. However, with lots of love, the right diet, germ controlled environment and right lifestyle both are now ‘healthy’ youngsters. Last year, as reported in Iindaba, Yibi was adopted and moved to KZN. Sini missed his brother dreadfully, and the Christmas Cheer Fund gave him the wonderful opportunity of flying to KZN to visit Yibi. The reunion took place and a wonderful time was had as the two did all sorts of things together, including camping out in a tent. Yibi’s mother Joan, says, “It was a very successful exercise. They both gained from the experience and enjoyed each other’s company immensely. We hope to do it again later in the year.” She went on to say, “Yibi has passed into Grade 5 and seems to be blooming apart from his bad chest which keeps him from some of the more extreme forms of exercise. He has joined the Sea Scouts which he is enjoying enormously. In general he is just getting on with life as a normal happy thirteen year old boy.” The staff at the Haven have compared Yibi and Sini with photos and TV inserts of Nkosi Johnson, and cannot understand why he is so weak and why people are shouting for anti-retroviral drugs when their patients are so healthy on the right diet and lifestyle. The success of the Haven’s ‘wellness programme’ has meant that the Matron, the Revd Jean Underwood, is in demand as a speaker and trainer, not only in SA, but in many African and overseas countries. Two part-time trainers and a full time trainer are also employed to cater with the demand for training and counselling. Contact details for the Haven are: Tel - (041) 481 1515 or e-mail - havenpe@iafrica.com See article on page 4 on courses offered by the Haven.   Lost, found and installed, . . . at last The history of the four magnificent stained glass windows recently installed in St David’s Church, Bushman’s River, reads like a comedy of errors, writes Peter Bowen. Well over a hundred years old, the windows were originally built into the walls of St Michael and All Angels chapel, a family church on the farm Middleton, near Carlisle Bridge. Mrs Hessie Bowker had donated one window in memory of her husband William Monkhouse Bowker, and another in memory of Bourchier Bowker, who had supervised the erection of the church. Early in the 1950s the church began slowly to disintegrate, and the windows were removed and stored over the years in a variety of “places of safety”. Well-known Carlisle Bridge farmer, the late Beresford Manning, moved to Bushman’s River where he became, at various times, Chapel-warden and Lay Minister. Remembering the lovely windows and, judging the East Window at St David’s to be rather plain, he approached the Bowker family who were only too pleased to donate the windows to a “living church”. Time had not been kind to the windows and they were taken to a lady in PE who claimed to be an expert restorer of stained glass. The weeks went by, and the months went by, and the years went by, but still no sign of the windows. When churchwarden Tjaart Barnard, accompanied by Rector, Gary Griffith-Smith, drove to PE to present a “habeas corpus” demand, the lady proved more than they could handle, and eventually Diocesan Registrar Keith Cremer was called in to threaten with the long arm of the Law. Suddenly the artist lady left town, and a long search for the missing windows was instigated. At long last, they were traced and the Rector discovered that a former schoolmate from Selborne College East London, was in the restoration business. Thus it was that David Manning of Walmer (no relation of Beresford Manning), with great skill and patience restored the windows to their pristine glory. Installed at St David’s, they were protected on the outside by laminated safety glass, and it was on one of his last official visits to St David’s before retirement that Bishop Eric saw to their formal dedication. back to top

Page 2 A mission on our doorstep We have a Mission right on our doorstep here in Port Elizabeth, The Mission to Seafarers, which needs your help, writes Eric Kleb. Situated at the harbour and manned essentially by voluntary staff, the Mission ministers to seafarers from all over the world who visit our ports. Many are Christians. To the Christians we try to offer spiritual counsel and fellowship when they are away from their ‘home’ church, and to the non-Christians we endeavour to offer the Gospel and Christian compassion and service in a homely atmosphere.The economy of our country, among other things, is dependent upon ‘those who go down to the seas in ships and occupy their business in the great waters”, bringing to our shores and taking from this land vital supplies and products for our well-being, and they often face storm and danger at sea. Since the introduction of ‘containerisation’, seafarers now spend less and less time in port and far more time at sea which creates its own problems and frustrations, and the Mission is challenged to meet the needs created by loneliness and many long spells away from home. Please pray for the needs of the international Missions-to-Seafarers (we have a South African priest, Bill Christianson, as General Secretary) and be aware of the local Seafarers' Centre, which is part of an ecumenical venture with the Roman Catholic “Apostolate of the Sea” and the Methodist “Sailors’ Society”. We also need financial support. Eric can be contacted at: Tel (041) 373 7288 or e-mail: cuthbert@intekom.co.za   Winning bird Recently, Dr Gavin Rous, a Churchwarden of Christ Church Colesberg, in the parish of the Karoo, won South Africa’s most prestigious pigeon race of all time, against top class birds from all over the world. Actually, his pigeon won it, not Dr Rous himself. His was the only South African bird with the first bunch, the others being from overseas countries including the USA. Iindaba has it on good report that Gavin’s loft was visited by another well known pigeon fancier, retired priest Peter Bowen, about a year ago. Had he indeed visited the lofts? Had he handled the birds? Had he blessed the candidates for the big race? - these were the questions that Iindaba wanted to know! “Yes”, came the reply, “I most certainly went into the lofts when I stayed with Dr Rous, and yes, I did handle his leading breeders and racers, but as to whether I actually prayed for Dr Rous to wipe the noses of the world’s top fanciers - I would prefer to say, ‘No comment!’” Iindaba congratulates Gavin on breeding a top class bird.   St Paul's does it again As reported in “The View from Pulpit and Pew” last month, Arthur, affectionately known as ‘Bunny’ from childhood, and Mary Cullis celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary recently. Genny Walthew supplied Iindaba with the photograph and a little more news about this wonderful couple. They were married on 16 January 1941 by Father Harrison in the old St Paul’s church in Albany Road, where both had been long standing members. When the church moved to Parsons Hill 40 years ago, they moved with it and still remain active members. This popular couple has three children, Maureen, Dawn and Tommy. All three were baptised at St Paul's, where Maureen is Parish Secretary. Bunny and Mary also have nine grandchildren and a five year old great grandson.They attribute their happy marriage to the fact that they have always kept God in the forefront of their lives, and have shown love and respect to one another   Tristan da Cunha arrival Ambrose and Doreen van der Merwe write of their dreadful voyage and safe arrival in Tristan da Cunha. We left Port Elizabeth in a flurry four days late because of a mix up with the removal of our furniture. We arrived in Cape Town and went to live with a new friend by the name of Dawn Rhynes who kindly took us in "unseen" as it were. None of us was sure how long it would be until a berth was available and we expected to wait from three weeks to three months. We had been in Cape Town for less than a day, when we were summoned to the Diocesan office and told that we would be leaving in a week. Panic stations, no passport, business not wound up, a mother upset by the news of an imminent departure. The ship actually sailed ten days later with all our business done. Calamity struck half a day out. We were both as sick as dogs and had a dreadful journey. We have been told that this was the calmest trip in living memory, but my stomach would contest that with a vengeance. We arrived in Tristan da Cunha at five in the afternoon, delighted to be on shore and me swearing never to set foot on a ship again. This could be awkward for it is the only way to get off the Island. Our reception has been truly wonderful, I think overwhelming is probably more accurate. We find the Island to have truly caught up with the 21st century - with a TV service, available from the British Forces Broadcasting Services via Satellite, where in the past there was only BBC short wave, so we are visually connected to the world. We don’t think much of some of the programmes, but have seen good news coverage and some wonderful live soccer.No keys to lock doors with, no telephone, no crime to speak of, and very friendly Islanders it is hard to believe. As we have little access to SA news please write and keep us informed. e-mail address is: hmg@cunha.demon.co.uk and put ‘ambrose & doreen’ in the subject box. Snail mail should be addressed to us at Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean, via Cape Town. God Bless you all.   Your letters Diocese doesn't have a crest Hunter Nesbit’s glass window on one of the gifts given to Bishop Eric, is – I’m sure – most attractive. But it can’t possibly be of the diocesan crest, since the diocesan coat of arms doesn’t include one. Regards, Mike Oettle Sponsorship needed Greetings from Northern Ireland in the name of Jesus. At the moment I’m in a spot of bother with my support and I would appreciate your help. This is the situation I’m in. Mike Oman, the director of the YWAM base here in Northern Ireland, has purchased a return airfare to South Africa for me, the cost of which is £515. £180 has already been paid, so I still need to come up with the balance of my airfare before I leave Ireland at the end of March. I also require my monthly staff fees of £150 which works out to be £485. I trust the Lord will provide. I know He always does. Could you please hold this issue up in prayer, and if the Lord lays it on your heart to give to my need, could you send a cheque made payable to Youth With A Mission. The address is Youth With A Mission 45 Closkelt Road, Closkelt, Ballyward, Co Down, BT31 9QF Northern Ireland. Your prayers and support are, and will be, much appreciated.Thank you. God bless. Yours in Christ, Quentin Foster   Retirement accommodation available Braehead House, a CPSA retirement home for single Anglican clergy in Kenilworth, Cape Town, has vacancies for residence. Residents pay for board and lodging by arrangement with the Council of Braehead House. Enquiries to: The Warden, Braehead House, Auburn Road, Kenilworth, 7708. Tel: (021) 761 6251 back to top

Page 3 A letter from the Vicar-General Holy Week Pilgrimage Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Many of you would have had the wonderful and deeply moving experience of having been on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Equally there are many who will never be fortunate to visit the Holy Land. All of us, however, can go on a pilgrimage. Every year during Holy Week the church invites all the faithful to join Jesus on His journey to the Cross. What a wonderful opportunity for all of us to retrace the journey of Jesus’ passion in heart and spirit. Holy Week affords us the opportunity to deepen our adoration and thanksgiving for the salvation Jesus brought us by His passion, death and resurrection. In the Anglican Prayer Book (pages 172-230) a liturgy is provided to encourage and assist us to make that pilgrimage from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. Although no detailed liturgical provision is made for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week it was always the church’s intention that the journey we start on Palm Sunday will continue throughout the week, hence Holy Week. What a powerful witness it would be if there were services in every church for every day of Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. It would give us the opportunity to walk symbolically with Jesus from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. In our spirit we will have the opportunity to experience the faithfulness of being at His side all the way and not forsaking or deserting Him. It is never too late to make arrangements to have a worship service for every day of Holy Week. To do so will restore more nourishment to our spirituality. Holy Week is your week, it is my week, it is your journey, it is my journey to Jerusalem. How will we journey, alone with our pain, or in the company of Jesus? As we make our journey through Holy Week, we can however clutch our individual personal cross to our bosoms or our arms can be outstretched like that of Jesus, opening ourselves to our brothers and sisters. The purpose of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land or the journey of Holy Week is to recall the past events of Jesus’ life and death and to make it sacramentally present with the hope that it will become a permanent presence in our lives. Due to the constraints of space I humbly request that we prayerfully focus and meditate briefly on some of the events of Holy Week. Palm Sunday: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest Heaven!” The disciples were sent to a man whose name is not given. We know that he gave a donkey for Jesus to ride on into Jerusalem. “Sir, how did you know that Jesus needed a donkey? Was it difficult to give the donkey for Jesus to use? Did you have any idea that the Lord would use your generosity to make a prophecy come true? Do you and I know when the Lord needs something from us? The donkey had never been ridden on. The Lord requires us to offer Him what is pure and unsoiled. Holy Week is a time when gifts are offered to Christ. Mary offered expensive ointment. Joseph of Aramathea offered a burial place. Simon of Cyrene helped to carry the Cross. What the Lord asks most from all of us is our hearts, that we be faithful to Him. Monday - Holy Week: (John 12:1-8). Mary anoints Jesus' feet. Her critics imply that less than the best was good enough for Jesus. If you want a gift to show your love, then it surely must be costly in more ways than one. If we love someone we must show it now not wait till after they are dead. “Jesus I kneel before you, I offer you my heart, in your loving mercy receive my offering and add the fragrance of your love, that it may be a sweet smelling sacrifice acceptable to you.” Tuesday - Holy Week: (Luke 23:26-32). “They seized the man, Simon of Cyrene, ..... and laid the Cross on him.” God’s people have made many journeys since Abram had left Ur. This short journey of Jesus will be the most blessed and fruitful of all journeys ever undertaken. “As I walk this week with my Lord, may I remember Simon and be willing to bear the burden of someone else. O most merciful, Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may I know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly." (St. Richard of Chichester). Wednesday - Holy Week: (John 12:20-26). Jesus said , “ ....... unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” There can be no fruitful life without death. There is beauty and bounty when a seed dies. We, the children of God, are seeds. We are insignificant but we have life, God’s life in us. “Holy Father make us Holy. Holy Jesus make us Holy, Holy Spirit make us Holy. Holy God make us whole.” Maundy Thursday: (1 Cor 11:23; John 13). The same night in which He was betrayed, Jesus washed the feet of His Disciples. Jesus said, .... “I give you an example”. Only the person who serves his fellow beings can really save the world. In that room were people whom Jesus loved. With faults and all He loved them to the (bitter) end. “Unless I wash you , you have no part of me”. It is below our dignity to admit that we need to be cleansed by Christ. It is necessary for us to confess our unworthiness and accept the purification which Jesus gives to us? This night Jesus will go a little further to pray. How much farther do you and I need to go to reach the place where we could surrender our will to God’s will? Good Friday: “We adore you Jesus Christ, and we bless you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world”. By humbling himself unto death Jesus became the Lord of our souls and the redeemer of the world. From the Cross Jesus revealed the love of the Father for all prodigal children. “And can it be that I should gain an interest in my Saviour’s Blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain, for me who Him to death pursued. Amazing Love! how could it be that thou, my God, should die for me? Tis mercy all immense and free, for, O my God, it found out me!”. Holy Saturday: (John 19:38-42). The Body of Jesus was laid in a borrowed tomb by Joseph of Arimathea. Between the agony and the triumph there is rest. We rest today, we are quiet and contented. The Lord in His mercy accepts our failures and by His grace gives us success. “O Lord calm the waves of my heart, calm its tempests. Calm yourself O my soul, so that God can act in you. Calm yourself O my soul so that God is able to rest in you, so that His peace may cover you. Yes, Father in Heaven, often I find that the world cannot give me peace. O make me feel that you are able to give me peace; let me know the truth of your promise, that the whole world would not be able to take your peace away”. (Soren Kierkegaard). Easter Day: We must not forget that the purpose of our journey/pilgrimage is to meet the risen Lord. “Lo Jesus meets us risen from the tomb, lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom; Let the church with gladness hymns of triumph sing; for her Lord now liveth, death has lost its sting: Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son, endless is the victory thou o’er death has won”. Alleluia. O Lord grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries that we may perceive within ourselves the fruit of thy redemption. Have a blessed Easter. Yours in Christ, Leon Foster   The View from pulpit and pew v News from Cape Town is that +Eric and Joyce Pike were burgled whilst they slept in the Clergy Cottage at Kalk Bay. Iindaba hears that quite a number of their things were taken including +Eric’s cellular phone. Praise God that they were not physically harmed at all, although it certainly must have been a frightening experience. v Iindaba extends its condolences to Elliott Banzana, the Rector of Holy Spirit, KwaZakhele, and his wife Zukiswa, on the death of Elliott’s mother, Mary Banzana, in February. Mary was buried in Somerset East. - Condolences also to Howard Lancaster, the Rector of All Saint’s in Kabega Park, and his wife Sheila, on the death of Howard’s mother, Flo Lancaster, last month. Flo’s funeral service was held at Saint Hugh’s in Newton Park, where she had been a faithful member for over 50 years. Iindaba commends these two wonderful ladies to the eternal mercy and love of our Lord. May they rest in His peace. v Love is certainly in the air in clergy homes! Congratulations to: - Steven Lancaster and Joy Brooks, who announced their engagement last month. Steven is the elder son of Howard and Sheila Lancaster, whilst Joy is the younger daughter of Eleanor and the late Peter Brooks. Eleanor is the Secretary of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship. - Paul Durham, younger son of Ben and Margaret. Ben is the Rector of St Paul’s in Parsons Hill. Paul has just announced his engagement to Kim Webber, daughter of Bill and Cheryl. Bill, who formerly taught at Woodridge, is now teaching at Pearson High School in Summerstrand. Paul and Kim are planning to get married in December. Please continue to pray for Paul’s brother, Mark, and his wife Leanne as she continues to take care of him. Ben, Margaret and Paul are due to visit Mark and Leanne in April. v Iindaba also commends to the prayers of its readers Sheila and Henk de Groot. Sheila is due to go to Cape Town in April for tests. Henk, a retired doctor, is a self-supporting assistant Priest at St Paul’s in Parsons Hill. Whilst in Cape Town, Henk and Sheila will stay with their eldest daughter, Reneé, and her husband Wayne and two young daughters, who are soon to emigrate to Australia. v Others who also need our prayers are Maureen Lang, who has had a slight setback following her recent surgery; Ken Simpson, the husband of Iindaba’s editor, Frankie, and a former member of the Diocesan Office staff, who is undergoing radiotherapy; Jack Hughes, a self-supporting Priest at St Paul’s who can often be seen at Greenacres Hospital visiting and ministering to the sick, who is struggling with his eyesight; and Courtney Pow Chong, 11, of Saint Francis Xavier in Kabega Park, who is undergoing further therapy for brain tumours. Iindaba commends these special people to the prayers of the Diocesan family. v Congratulations to Brian Axcell, self-supporting Assistant Priest at St Barnabas in Sydenham, and Jean Underwood, the Matron of the House of Resurrection Haven, who obtained their Diplomas in Theology (Dip.Th); and to Pam Goodwin, self-supporting Deacon in the Alexandria Plurality, who obtained her Cert.Th. (Certificate of Theology), all gained through TEE College. v Passing Point! He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. (Chinese Proverb)   The launch of the St Stephen’s Scout troop took place on 22 October 2000, writes Mthunzi Budaza. Ernie Pike, the Area Commissioner, assured the parents that their children were in good hands as discipline and morals are what Scouting is all about. He also said that after the Scouts have been trained, the parents will see for themselves that the boys have changed. Scout leaders, Zandile Budaza, Mthunzi Budaza, Sivuyila Mazondwa and Martin Mawa and 14 new scouts were also invested that day. Also at the launch were the Adult Trainer, Jane Hopkins, the PRO, Heather McEwan, and Scout Leader, Xola Calata. The Rector, Lulamile Ngesi, spoke about the decay of morals in modern society and urged the members of the parish to pray continuously for their scouts, so that they will be able to make a difference wherever they are and in whatever they do. Mthunzi can be contacted at (041) 454 0557 if any parish would like to start a scout troop, or try St Stephen's at (041) 454 1334.   Farms badly burnt Once again the Chapel of St Alban's was saved from fire by the Beckley family, staff and friends. A fire raged through the whole Draaifontein area on 14 March and left the farms of Athol and Frances Beckley and Kit and Carol Carter just about 'wiped out'. The Beckley farm had only just begun recovering from the fire that devastated it two years ago. back to top

Page 4 New AWF Exec elected At their Annual General Meeting held on 10 March the Anglican Women’s Fellowship elected a new Executive Committee. The three 'heavies' are shown above: Torian Burgins (centre) was re-elected as President for a second term of office as were the Vice-president and the Alternate Vice-president Geraldine du Plessis (left) and Veronica Jacobs. The four ordinary members elected were Nomajambo Tshanyla, Murial Edgar, Edna Plaatjies and Myrtle Koen. Elizabeth Danster, Delta Mkatywa and Philda Johnson were co-opted as extra members. Iindaba congratulates the Executive members.   Education Sunday celebrated Once again, with enthusiasm and jubilation, students and educators from different schools in the city attended the Education Sunday Celebration Service. The 280 seat church was stretched beyond its limits with well over 450 attending. One Educator was heard saying, “Thank God for such services of inspiration and encouragement.” St Michael's hopes to continue this tradition.   He is going Contrary to the rumour circulating, Gary Griffith-Smith is relocating to New Zealand. Iindaba contacted him to get the 'lowdown' and learnt that he will become the Rector of St Matthew's Parish in Dunedin on 1 May 2001. He told Iindaba, "Debbie and I look forward to the challenge and I particularly look forward to a colder climate. Whilst we are excited about the move, we are very sad to leave our parish and diocese. My parents-in-law live in Kenton-on-Sea, so we will be back for holidays." Then followed an emphatic, "No, I am not going to support the All Blacks!"   Community Hope reaches out This is a call for help and support from all Iindaba readers, writes Nicolette Leonard (Chairperson, Community Hope). Last year in June an organisation called Community Hope was started in Humansdorp. Its mission is to support, counsel and care for HIV/AIDS infected people and their affected families and friends. We operate from a container which was donated to us by the local Child Welfare Organisation. Jean Underwood visited us to give us guidance and training and seven of our members recently went for a week’s training at the Haven. The members come from different denominations in Humansdorp and also from all communities in the area. We have three containers which serve as follows: One is used as a care and counselling centre; One is used as a soup kitchen from where we feed ± 40 children 3 times a day; One is used as a self-help centre where the two ladies working at the centre do sewing. The articles made here will be sold by them to generate an income. We would like to extend this to other women in the area to enable them to support their families and themselves. Our mission is to do something constructive about the plight of our people in the area, by being a support system to those in need of assistance, guidance and support in difficult and trying times and also to alleviate the plight of the unemployed and underprivileged in the community of Humansdorp. We operate entirely with volunteers and donations we receive from individuals and a few businesses in Humansdorp. We are in need of food, off-cut material, pots, cutlery, machines, donations (monetary) to continue effectively with this project. Therefor we call on anybody who can assist us or who can make a donation to us to contact us. My phone no is (042) 291 2099 or 083 582 2561. We thank everybody for their support in advance. Please also pray for our project and its continued work in the area.   Hospice Careres dedicate themselves Danielle George reports that the Biblical gifts of love, compassion and support were very present at the Thanksgiving and Dedication service for the lay carers of St Francis Hospice. The service was held at St Paul’s, Parsons Hill, on Monday 19 February and all the wonderful volunteers dedicated themselves to care for the terminally ill for another year. Bishop Michael Coleman of the Roman Catholic Church, asked the nurses, caregivers, staff and volunteers to be conscious of God in whatever they do. He told them, “The crosses you have to bear bring you into closer union with Jesus Christ our Lord”, and that the reason their work is so beneficial that, “It is done with the help of our Almighty God.”While the junior choir sang, “Be still for the Presence of the Lord” the Hospice Chaplain, Maureen Lamb, asked everyone involved in the hospice ministry to be silent and meditate on the work that lay ahead of them. She said that those present should “try to reach the quiet within.”Speaking during the service Diana Nkesiga, Chaplain to UPE and PE Technikon students, said, “It seems as if Jesus is Hospice,” and it brought to mind the suffering of our Lord especially as Lent, the time of sacrifice, was upon us. She went on to say, “The power of this ministry lies in the silence of presence,” that even the slightest touch could bring relief to those in pain. Like Jesus, who went to pray alone, away from the crowds, she urged those in the ministry of care to be alone and find peace within themselves so that they can recoup lost strength, as ministering to the ill takes tremendous courage. She ended her message by saying, “The Gift of Love transcends all barriers and even illness can not keep anyone away from the healing love of Jesus.” All those present then lit a candle to give thanks for the past year, as a remembrance for those who had died, and for the dedication of the care ministers. The flame also symbolised hope for the future as, in God, all things are possible. The Revd Dr Leon Steenkamp, asked everyone to, “Let peace begin with us.” I would encourage all people to pray for those dedicated people of St Francis Hospice who have such heart wrenching work ahead of them.   Funds needed for AIDS courses The House of Resurrection Haven runs various training workshops for community workers and Christians who are interested in helping people living with AIDS. However, not everyone can afford the fees, so the Haven Liaison Committee has decided to launch a fund to help subsidise the fees. Workshops available: *** “The Christian Response to AIDS” 1½ days can be tailor--made to suit the needs of the group. Subjects covered: The nature of the illness; the Church and sexuality; Pastoral care for people living with AIDS; and How the Church can develop a strategy to confront HIV/AIDS. Fees include comprehensive course material. *** Home care for people living with AIDS (PLWA’s) 5 days with a maximum of 15 people R500 per person - residential (full board and course material); or R300 per person - commuting (course material, teas and lunches). Subjects covered: Resources on HIV/AIDS - AIDS sensitive vocabulary, myths, peer education and socio-economic culture. AIDS and the law - Pre/post HIV counselling, ensuring human rights, AIDS and the work place. Nursing AIDS related illness - Hygiene: hands and gloves, waste, food; diet; alternative medicines; and TB management and resistance; Caring for carers - support groups; Planning awareness programmes in ‘Wellness Management’. Donations towards subsidising fees can be sent to: The House of Resurrection Liaison Committee P O Box 17143 Saltville 6058 back to top Previous Issues: January 2001 December 2000 October 2000 September 2000 July 2000 Current issue