8 O'clock News September 2014

The Eight O’Clock

News September 2014

8 am Service, Christ Church, Richmond Road, Kenilworth

021-797-6332

Surely the desire David expresses in Psalm 27 is one we would all echo: Most of us will have enjoyed watching ‘One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord at least one episode of Master Chef all the days of my life, and been impressed by the creativity To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and of gourmet cooking, with its clever to seek Him in His temple.’ balancing of different flavours, textures That is the best flavour of all! and ingredients. That is the art of - Rob Taylor making tasty food. There is something very akin to this in church life. The HAPPY SPECIAL ‘flavour’ of Christ Church is a combination of a number of ingredients that interact with each BIRTHDAYS other. For a dish to be tasty each flavour has to come through to To greatest advantage.

Joan Tomalin (94 on 10/9) There is the Evangelical element, with its emphasis on the Cross Anne McDermott (21/9) and thoughtful Biblical teaching. This is complemented by the Doreen v d Merwe (26/9) Charismatic stream with its enthusiastic embrace of the presence and power of the Kingdom of God and the experiential And manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Added to this is a Contemplative th HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ingredient, emphasising depth of prayerful engagement with the To heart of the Father. Then there is the stream that sounds the call to step out in engagement and incarnational ministry through Alison & Clive Kempton-Jones (26/9) mission and social upliftment. Added to this there is a call to forge ‘This is my desire to honour You strong relational bonds of fellowship in harmony with the relational Lord, with all my heart I worship You heart of God. All I have within me I give You praise All of these are good, rich ingredients and they add to the special ‘flavour’ of this church. Sometimes one ingredient or another is All that I adore is in You.’ focused on, in concentrated form, as has been the case over the - Hillsong One Desire Conference, but, in the hands of a true ‘Master Chef’ like Jesus, we don’t need to be apprehensive. A dish is not Seniors’ Tea and Movie Afternoon enhanced by watering down its flavours, but by balancing them in their distinctiveness and strength. Authentic expressions of Annie get your gun Christian spirituality and devotion will only enrich the flavour; it with Howard Keel is other elements like church politics, critical attitudes and and Betty Hutton factionalism that spoil the flavour of churches. * Monday, 22/9/14 Yes, the One Desire Conference has stirred up our Charismatic * In the Church heritage and encouraged us to be more expectant of the Holy Spirit working in power and impacting people’s hearts and lives; * At 2.00 pm but, at its deepest level, it has sounded a call to truly affirm the RSVP Please put First Commandment, and to embrace the love and guidance of your name down on God through a stronger commitment to worship and prayer. In the list in the foyer doing so it enhances the Evangelical, Contemplative, Missional,

by Sunday, Prophetic and Relational elements as well, so that the whole flavour of CCK becomes richer.

14 September 2014

What’s in the Mix ?

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August 2014 Eight O’Clock News

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One Desire Conference Before One Desire the Barretts did not stand up front and give testimonies, seldom did Altar calls and did not much like loud worship bands. How things have changed.

When the conference was first announced Peter and I both felt drawn to attend, but registered only for the first weekend. Just in case it wasn’t for us!

Within the first evening session I was ready to sign up for life!

The presence of God was incredibly powerful, not just around Wes and Carol and their amazing ministry, which truly was a great blessing, but at a very personal level. I rededicated my life to Jesus and was filled afresh with the Holy Spirit—to overflowing and experienced a deep sense of inner peace. I am convinced that God brought me there for a purpose and has a plan for me.

I just do not know what that is yet.

On a physical level I have been free of pain following a session in which Wes asked anyone with joint pain to stand up. Peter and an old friend prayed for chronic intermittent pain in my right shoulder, which I have lived with for many years, to be healed.

I question why I had never thought about asking them to do this before?

I have many challenges after One Desire, first and foremost being to fully live the First Commandment, to love and know that I am loved by God my Father daily. To draw closer to Him and strengthen our relationship through conversations not a formal prayer list. This I can only do by making time and space in the busyness of my daily life, to relinquish control [difficult] and acknowledge that I cannot do things in my own strength [even more difficult]. Most important of all, to prioritise listening to what God wants to say to me.

I am excited and expectant about what awaits us on this journey. All I know for certain is that God is with us every step of the way and he really does desire my prayers.

- Margaret Barrett

On the Thursday night before the first weekend, I was led to 2 Timothy 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love and self -discipline. This message was very much a theme of Wes’s talks. He spoke about the need to be vehement in faith, as warriors, which resonated with the verse I had read the night before. This theme keeps recurring in my reading and time with God. In his introduction Rob spoke about a sense of ‘rightness’ he had of every person in the church that night being there. This was also something I felt strongly as I arrived on Friday, and even though I left after the first night’s session feeling a bit rattled, I had a clear sense that my being there was right.

August 2014 Eight O’Clock News

On Saturday I returned in a hesitant frame of mind, but I felt God directing me to listen to the message and be open to His Spirit. In the session before lunch I felt touched by God’s Spirit in a very real way. I felt open, cleansed and loved.

The theme of being in relationship with God—sitting at His feet, talking to Him and listening to Him—was strongly conveyed on the first weekend. This is something I experienced in the days that followed, and when I got it right, I felt whole, creative, open and positive. This feeling is not always easy to sustain, but it is something I know is possible and achievable, and it depends on me. God is waiting all the time; it is up to us to engage and reap the rewards of that engagement.

Wes’s message about prayer—the conversation with God—and how to structure prayer times, was very instructive and helpful.

I like his notion of prayer being the place where God’s Spirit is re-energised in us.

I have been left with a strong sense of an endlessly faithful God, who wants to be in relationship with us, who loves us, and who wants to work through us for His Kingdom here on Earth.

- Pippa Parker

The power of the Holy Spirit— expect the unexpected !

On the first Saturday afternoon of the One Desire experience led by Wes Hall I was touched by the Holy Spirit.

I was very tired and experiencing back pain and was a rather reluctant participant in the afternoon session. Wes said that he believed that there was healing for those with back pain and I answered a call to stand up so that others could pray for me. My mind was actually begging for a quiet space to just escape and be unseen and just observe so I was not the picture of a faithful, expectant person.

However, I was there in church at the same time as the Holy Spirit.

As I and others stood there while Wes introduced the process we would follow, I started to experience a deep warmth spreading rapidly through my torso. So much so that my scarf, jacket and jersey came off one after the other. This was odd because I had been feeling really cold. However, the warmth was not uncomfortable and was accompanied by a sense of energy and lightness and I realized that the pain in my lower back was gone. I joined the others in front to give my testimony of healing. I do not know if there had been any structural healing as I know that there is some degeneration of my vertebrae in my lower back. I do know that I have been in circumstances since then when it would have been normal for lower back pain to develop and it has not and I thank God for that.

While I derived value from what Wes taught, I found his style very different and battled to relate to it, but that is not important as I believe that Wes has a special gift regarding the Holy Spirit and that I, like many others, was blessed by that gift.

- Diana Duncan

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I learnt such a lot from Wes Hall. He had a knack of putting things across very simply. One of the little gems I came away with has helped me to understand why our prayers for healing are not always answered. It is important to absolutely know that Jesus can, wants to and does heal—what we don't know is whether the healing will happen on this or the other side of eternity. God heals this side of eternity to demonstrate His authority and glory. He makes all things new!

Advice from Wes: Keep praying and have faith in God's desire to heal—don't confuse the latter with our own psychological certainty, or lack thereof, that healing will take place.

- Jean Swan

Robert Justin (Bob) Mitchell I just want to say THANK YOU to the family of Christ Church for your love over so many years and your compassion and love shown to us as a family during Bob’s short illness and sudden death on Monday, 28 July 2014.

Bob had a short but distressing illness—12 days in all, seven of which were spent in Groote Schuur Hospital, Ward G16. All through this time we felt surrounded by God’s love shown to us by family and friends, Dr Charlie Miller, the nursing staff at Huis Luckhoff Frail Care and the doctors and staff at GSH. In Bob’s old age he loved to flirt with the ladies—especially blondes! Even in his illness he teased blonde Sister Olivier at Huis Luckhoff, and a pretty young blonde medical student at GSH. He also loved a naughty joke and especially those shared with Ken Clack and Beth Mackrill.

We as a family have a wonderful memory of how the Sunday afternoon before he died, a group of Zionists were visiting a member of their church in the ward. They surrounded the man’s bed, about 20 of them, and all prayed together softly over him (it sounded just like tongues) and they chanted over him in their own language. It sounded so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes—it felt like heaven had descended into that ward— amazing love! My son Michael asked them if they would pray for his father and they surrounded Bob’s bed and prayed in the same way. Very special!

At the moment of Bob’s death, he suddenly looked upwards: dare we believe that our God had sent some loved one to lead him over to the other side where, as it says in 1 Corinthians (last verse), he sees God, his Father face-to-face. Thank you all, again, for your love and compassion.

-Ethel Mitchell and family August 2014 Eight O’Clock News

I was excited about attending One Desire but at the same time remained cautious and ready to bail if it wasn't for me. Rob's opening reading from Matthew 11 immediately had my attention. John Atkinson during his sermon a few weeks ago had given a near-perfect enactment of sheep leaping out of a pen, Matthew 11:12, to illustrate how we should leap into the Kingdom.

For me, a sheep farmer’s daughter, I knew I was in the right place. The rest of the conference was really a blur of amazing worship and teaching.

What is very clear and tangible though, is how I have come out at the other end: my sore achy body isn’t stiff and sore anymore and I am filled with a deep inner peace. The burdens and baggage that I had been shouldering have simply evaporated. All worries and anxieties about my children, the deeply depressing conflicts around the world, our own economy, to name a few, just don't exist anymore. I feel that I received answers to everything that had been weighing me down and preventing me from being joyful.

A great wind seems to have come and blown the unnecessary away and quite frankly I now feel as free as a newly shorn sheep!

- Gill Stubbings

Swans on Safari !

On our trip to Botswana and Namibia with Margie and Willie Hare we spent three very happy weeks travelling from Karma Rhino Sanctuary (3 hours north-east of Gaborone), through the Makgadikgadi Pans up to the Chobe area, and exploring the Caprivi Strip. Margie put together a fantastic itinerary. Every camp site was the best ever—every one picturesque in its own way. We experienced many ‘wow’ moments—abundant bird life, amazing animal viewing and beautiful scenery. We were blown away by the beauty and diversity of God’s creation and our many blessings along the way. We travelled 6000 km and enjoyed every minute of it. Many thanks to the Hares for all their planning and foresight. (Margie, Patrick and Willie in photograph) - Jean and Patrick Swan

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Paul’s Prayers [A brief outline on Paul’s prayers from Ephesians and Colossians preached on July 6, 13, and 20, 2014.]

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is recorded as saying, ‘There is no renewal of the Church without the renewal of prayer.’

The Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, said to a small group of us at Bishopscourt, ‘If we don’t train our priests to pray, we have missed the ‘plot’.’

There is an old Puritan maxim, ‘When God decides to bless his people, He sets them praying.’

1) From Ephesians 1:15-23, we note: * Paul’s prayers include Thanksgiving: ‘I always give thanks for you…’ Why? Because of their faith in Jesus and their love to fellow believers. With the exception of Galatians, thanksgiving is included in all Paul’s letters. * Paul’s prayers are Trinitarian. It is very noticeable how Paul interweaves the interrelationship between Father, Son, and Spirit. This is a forceful reminder that the unique characteristic of Christian Faith is not God’s Incarnation or even Resurrection, but God’s triune nature. * Paul’s prayers acknowledge the Gifts of God. Paul speaks of wisdom, revelation, knowledge, calling and hope. These are the gifts God has given to His people. All these gifts are given through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. * Paul’s prayers recognise the place of the Church. The church is the body of Christ. Everything is centred in Christ but equally in and through the church. The power spoken of here is reminiscent of creation and providence. Resurrection is an act of this same creative and providential power which gives hope for the future but also empowerment for the present.

We must keep in mind that Paul was imprisoned and chained to a soldier during the time he wrote these observations. This is no ivory-tower theorist. Paul knew experientially the reality of the power and presence of God in Christ.

2) Then from Ephesians 3:14-21 we note that Paul lays before God a series of Intercessions. * Again remember that in his first prayer Paul is expressing Gratitude for a variety of blessings while in prison and chained.

He is in this state because he preached the good news that Gentiles as well as Jews are recipients of the grace and love of God through Jesus. * Paul shows his affection and concern for these believers by ‘bowing his knees’—an expression of deep piety and longing for God to act. Jews normally prayed standing; kneeling or prostrating themselves meant they were very serious about crying out to God. Thus, Paul prays for Unity. Since God is the Father of all, Jew and Gentile need to recognise their oneness as the children of God, because of Jesus’ reconciling act on the Cross and proved by the resurrection. * Then Paul prays for Power to ‘strengthen the inner being’, the spiritual character of a person. Elsewhere Paul contrasts this with the ‘outer man’, the flesh or natural activities and life of a August 2014 Eight O’Clock News

person. However, we must not fall into the trap of thinking Paul prefers ‘spiritual’ to ‘carnal’. He is trying to emphasise the reality of God’s work in us, through us, and for us. * Paul’s next intercession is for Christ to Dwell in us.

John, in Revelation 3, alludes to this when he records Christ as saying that He will ‘come in and sup’. Here is the intimacy of sharing a meal together. It also reflects the idea of ‘belonging’. * Paul goes on to pray for Love to become the Root and Foundation of the believers’ lives. Note here two of Paul’s favourite metaphorical references, agriculture and building. For love to truly be ‘rooted’ it has to go deep—think of some of the similar allusions in Psalms. Paul refers to the building metaphor again in his correspondence with the Corinthians and Timothy. * Finally, Paul asks for Knowledge to increase. This is not mere intellectual knowledge or information. It must include it, but Paul is really emphasising the experiential encounters and reality of God through Jesus and the power of the Spirit to sustain their walk with God. * At this point Paul is so overwhelmed by what he is writing about, that he bursts out in Praise and Wonder and Adoration for God’s grace. The fullness of God in Jesus and in the Church: something almost too amazing to comprehend.

3) Paul’s third prayer is found in Colossians 1:9-14.

This is really an extension of what he began to say in verse 3.

From the map we note that Colossae was one of three towns mentioned in both this letter and in John’s Revelation (the other two are Hierapolis and Laodicea). Further, the map gives us an idea of the extent of Paul’s travels in Asia Minor.

Again there are references to Paul’s imprisonment. It is possible in this context that Caesarea and not Rome is the place of incarceration. The point I want to make is that Paul writes and prays and advises not from a place of comfort but out of adversity and struggle. But his faith is alive and his confidence is in God. He is faithful and dependent on God‘s power to effect the conversion and renewal of people who knew not the living and true God. And Jesus is that mediator.

So, what does Paul pray for here? * Paul prays for ‘fullness of the knowledge of God’s will’.

Just what exactly is ‘the will of God’ is not explained here. The nearest answer is found in the Thessalonian correspondence, where Paul speaks of abstinence from immorality and rejection of idolatry. We could also note the many times the OT links these two themes. It may well be, of course, that these were recurring problems in the early church, and the reason why Paul requested the letters be read in a number of places. The objective is to emphasise a particular lifestyle which is pleasing to God. * Then Paul prays for ‘strength for endurance and patience’. Here Paul reverts to another favourite metaphor— athletics. Perseverance is ‘keeping on keeping on’! To win a race once begun, you have to finish; we have to push on to the end. Patience is better described as ‘long-suffering’. Paul is under no illusion about life and especially the Christian way of life: it is difficult. Bad things often happen because we are

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Christians. That is why we need God’s grace of endurance and fortitude. * But we need God’s grace for the end result also: joy and wonder. Again these two virtues are set in the context of thanksgiving or gratitude, because we have been delivered from darkness and bondage, we have been brought into the light and freedom of Jesus, and our sins are forgiven.

I wonder often if we moderns really appreciate the enormity of freedom, light, and forgiveness? Hopefully, by reflecting more diligently on these prayers of Paul, we may well deepen our faith and our appreciation of what God in Jesus has done for us and given to us. And, of course, these graces are not merely for us in a selfish individualistic manner. These are given so we may become more effective in the world. Out of our encounter with Christ and in the power of the Spirit, we are able to live well, witness effectively, and reveal the reality of God to others.

- Jim Harris

Everywhere we went we found live music: in the various squares there were always buskers, in the Pantheon, a choir and orchestra performing parts of Haydn’s Creation; a wind band playing on the Spanish Steps; organ music in St Peter’s where a wedding was taking place in a side chapel… amazing. We really enjoyed exploring the Italian supermarkets and creating our own meals. Ancient sites were brought to life by our daughter, Ursula, who is a Classics student at UCT. From Rome, we travelled by rail to Orvieto—an ancient hilltop town. There is a funicular railway to get from the main railway station to the town, then still an uphill walk. Quite a different experience from Rome—less busy and very peaceful. Lovely narrow cobbled streets, wonderful shopping, the most amazing Cathedral, where a youth service was taking place during our visit.

Next off to Florence—again staying in an apartment which easily accommodated all of us. We enjoyed going up the Duomo Dome and found a Lindt chocolate shop just outside when we came down. We enjoyed walking along the banks of the Arno Westwood Family Holiday to Italy River, fantastic views from the bridges. We watched the sunset Earlier this year I celebrated my 60th birthday and decided from the Michelangiolo Square. Some of the family went to the that most of all I would like to take my family away on holiday. Galileo museum which they found fascinating.

I have always longed to visit Italy, and this was my chance.

Then off to Venice where we were staying on the Lido. Here we My children and their spouses were all very enthusiastic and had a combination of a beach on our doorstep (see photograph) so the planning began. As Christopher and his wife, Jess, are and sight seeing across the water. Many vaporetto rides in the both medical students, we could only go in June when they few days we were there—a lovely way to travel. A gondola ride had a vac break… so Saturday, 21st June saw us all heading was essential, and most interesting. We spent some time off, via Doha, to Rome. experiencing the islands of Murano, where they do glassWe had wonderful accommodation in Rome—an apartment blowing, and Burano where they make lace. In St Mark’s Square across the road from the Vatican City wall. Enough room for there were competing music groups on either side of the square us all, and a stone’s throw from where we would spend much for much of the day, playing a mixture of classical music and time. St Peter’s was easily visible from our bedroom window. music from shows. Tony and I were treated by our children to a We were really blessed to have the Pope doing a service in concert while we were there.

St Peter’s square the day we arrived (in Italian so we did not Overall, we had a most blessed time, getting to know our three understand much, but we did understand his blessing at the ‘new’ daughters a little better. Feasting on wonderful Italian food, end). especially Gelato which we somehow managed to have every day, finding music a natural part of life, and being in a place where Christianity is central. And really enjoying the beautiful buildings and churches and the flowers that are grown everywhere—on balconies and rooftops.

- Jean Westwood

August 2014 Eight O’Clock News

Deborah, Ursula, Kate, Christopher, Andrew, Jess, Tony and Jeremy in St Peter’s Square, Rome.

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Alpha SA Breakfast What a joy and a blessing it has been with Jeremy [Jobling] taking on the role of National Director. I have so enjoyed working with him, and his vision, enthusiasm and ability to work with and enthuse others has been magnificent.

Some of you may be wondering, ‘how can I give support or be involved?’ I am so hoping that there may be opportunities arising from the resolution accepted at Synod, for training and helping our fellow Anglican churches in the Diocese! For all of us, we can participate through prayer for those things which Jeremy has identified—God has been so evident in the work of Alpha and I’m certain He takes delight when we bring our prayers to Him for this work.

There’s a financial need too, especially as Alpha moves into communities that are less well resourced and I want to touch on Geoff this lightly. Earlier this morning I could not get out of my head a mental picture of God driving the Alpha vehicle as it delivered Everingham... support to churches. I pictured God holding the steering wheel … Was awarded the Order of and with His foot on the accelerator. Jeremy is doing the clutch Simon of Syrene for so we can change gear smoothly but then I see him putting his ‘Distinguished Lay service to the foot on the accelerator as well. So I say, ‘God, did you see that?

Church of the Province of Jeremy’s got his foot on the accelerator as well. This is getting Southern Africa’ on 14 August hectic. I’m the accountant here and we’re going to need to slow 2014. This service started in down and get money for petrol; can I do the brake God? Where 1989 and continues today. In is the brake, God, I’m battling to see it?’ God says, ‘There is no Geoff’s words: brake; this is My vehicle and I can slow it down whenever I want ‘The order is given to laity for to; and if you are fretting about petrol, I can stop it and some of service to the Anglican Church in Southern Africa. It was My people will be there and will gladly help out.’ instituted in 1960 following a proposal by Robert Selby Taylor So there are three things in ‘some of My people will be there and who was then Bishop, and subsequently Archbishop—and who will gladly help out.’ 1) Not everyone is expected to give money, confirmed me as a schoolboy many years ago! I was very it’s just some people. 2) As these are ‘My people’, they will be surprised by this award as I’ve just quietly helped in rather part of a local church and what they give to Alpha will not intrude unexciting (mostly financial!) ways over the years but as it has on what they are giving to the church, for us Christ Church. at times related to supporting the ministry of the Archbishop, it 3)They give joyfully and freely, not out of a sense of obligation or evidently was noticed. There are so many within the Parish who duty. So please keep that in mind in deciding whether to provide serve God in many ways, through work, prayer and direct financial support or not. ministry to others that I feel a little awkward in receiving this—but - Geoff Everingham, Chairman of Alpha SA Council Alphasa.co.za take it as evidence of God’s undeserved love and so receive it with joy and thanksgiving!’

Thomas Vallance Webb From Molyneux’s Musical Musings, September newsletter sent by Chris Molyneux

August 2014 Eight O’Clock News

21 January 1926 11 August 2014 Fondly remembered for his quirky sense of mischief and the sparkle in his eyes.

Photograph (R) taken on Ministries Sunday, 21/2/2006

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Grandchildren Galore...

Rachel (5) and Joseph (7) welcome Nicholas Carl Duffett, born 14/8/14 (3.7 kg) into their family. Clare (daughter of Sheila Scheppening) and Angus (nephew of Cheryl Anderson) Duffett give thanks to God.

A senior citizen drove his brand new BMW Z4 convertible out of the car salesroom. Taking off down the motorway, he floored it to 160 kmh, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left.

‘Amazing!’ he thought as he flew down the N1, enjoying pushing the pedal to the metal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a police car behind him, blue lights flashing and siren blaring.

‘I can get away from him—no problem!’ thought the elderly man as he floored it to 180 kmh,then 220 then 240. Suddenly, he thought, ‘What on earth am I doing?

I'm too old for this nonsense!’ So he pulled over to the side of the road and waited for the police car to catch up.

Pulling in behind him, the police officer walked up to the driver's side of the BMW, looked at his watch and said, ‘Sir, my shift ends in 10 minutes. Today is Friday and I'm taking off for the weekend. If you can give me a reason why you were speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go.’

The old man looked very seriously at the policeman and replied, ‘Years ago my wife ran off with a policeman.

I thought you were bringing her back.’

‘Have a good day, Sir’, said the policeman.

- Origin unknown

Linda and Iain Harris (son of Jeanette and Jim) and Rahul are thrilled with the arrival of Hanan Aster Daniels, born 2/8/14, weight 3.3 kg.

Getting to know my big brother, Rahul

August 2014 Eight O’Clock News

Daphne Burger (above) shows her delight in meeting her first grandchild, Jean-Ben. JB was born in London on 13/8/14, weight 3.1 kg.

Dad JD and Elaine (Daphne’s daughter) Pienaar are over the moon !

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Quirky Quorner

Have you tried praying?

- Sent in by Rod Palmer And Wendy Gunn

A Serenade in M Flat My Madeline ! my Madeline !

Mark my melodious midnight moans; Much may my melting music mean, My modulated monotones.

My mandolin’s mild minstrelay, My mental music magazine, My mouth, my mind, my memory, Must mingle murmur ‘Madeline’ !

Match making mas may machinite, Manoeuvring misses me misween, Mere money may make many mate; My magic motto’s ‘Madeline’ !

Melt most mellifluous melody, Midst Muscia’s misty mounts marme, Meet me mid mild moonlight—marry me, Madonna ma—my Madeline !

- My Everybody’s Book of Jokes (1889, Saxon and Co) Sent in by Jim de Necker

Thought for Your Journey In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant… He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8 August 2014 Eight O’Clock News

by Frances Correia (Jesuit Institute, Johannesburg) The last couple of months have been marked by more than ordinarily distressing news headlines. Internationally there is the slow creep of Ebola through western Africa. Further abroad there are the deteriorating situations in Gaza, Syria, Ukraine and the race riots in the United States. Here at home we have our familiar news stories of corruption, the ongoing strikes and service delivery protests in the public sphere and in the private sphere murder and rape continue unabated.

In the midst of all this darkness it is easy to understand how people may despair, and especially to find it hard to believe in a loving God. We see footage of children killed in missile strikes, or lying waiting to die in isolation from a terrifying disease and it offends our innate sense of what is right.

For myself, although I am not directly affected by these terrifying situations, still knowing of them and reading about them has a profound impact on my life of faith. I am easily cast into a desolate sense of there being no hope, when I look at the enormity of these problems.

This reminds me of when I was a student at the time of the Rwandan Genocide, and feeling then also a terrible sense of helplessness. I knew that in truth there was very little I could do, as I had no useful skills to offer, I did not speak any of the local languages and I was a student living many miles away.

Some years later, when I was slightly more skilled, I encountered in my ministry of spiritual direction some Rwandan refugees. At this time I noticed in myself a far greater sense of God’s loving presence. All those whom I encountered had suffered horrifically, yet they had been sustained by a sense of hope and now they were rebuilding their lives. Central to my conversations with them was the passion of Jesus. Although I was supposed to be the one listening, I remember this as a time of deep growth for me. I came to trust God’s love in a new way, by seeing how Jesus knows from His own experience the depths of our human ability to suffer. I came to more deeply believe in the redemption that Jesus offers us in His own suffering and death.

There is no easy answer for what we should do to aid our fellow brothers and sisters who are in need, but there is a biblical injunction that we should do something. At the very least we should be aware of the pain in the world. We should know what is happening. Finally, I am reminded of a story told of Archbishop Tutu during one of his trips to the United States, he was asked what people there could do to help end Apartheid and his reply was to ask a question in return; ‘Have you tried praying?’

- Sent in by Elizabeth van Lingen

Editorial Team Tel.

e-mail**

Ev Els

021 696 0336 emichael@iafrica.com

Cheryl Anderson

083 272 1530 canderson@beckman.com