1. Introduction
On Sunday, 26 April, the congregation reached a significant milestone during a special service centered around the profession of faith and the sacrament of Holy Baptism. This occasion serves as a powerful testimony to the growth and spiritual maturity within our community.
2. Sacraments and Profession of Faith
The morning was marked by the profession of faith made by members who publicly confirmed their commitment.
- Baptism: In a particularly special moment, members who had not been baptized before were baptized alongside their children. This family baptism emphasizes the covenantal nature of our faith and the passing of the gospel onto the next generation. On the left of the photograph is the younger brother of the one on the right, who was baptized and made his profession of faith along with his wife and two daughters.
3. Identification of Future Leadership
For quite some time, there has been uncertainty regarding the succession within the church council. Those of you who know our local congregation well will be aware of the anxiety we have carried with us for decades. We only had elderly men on the church council, and there were no younger men within the congregation to choose from. It is therefore with deep gratitude that we can announce that the Lord has brought forward new leaders:
- New Coordinator: A few months ago, a member was confirmed who currently serves as the coordinator of the Naro Language Team (responsible for the Bible translation into Naro). His expertise and calling are a great asset to the church’s broader mission.
- The Two Brothers: During the profession of faith on 26 April, the two brothers stood out as potential office-bearers. They possess the necessary attitude and gifts to serve as deacon and elder respectively.
4. Spiritual Heritage and Tradition
It is worth noting that these two brothers are the sons of a late minister of the Lutheran Church. It was his lifelong dream that his sons would one day follow in his spiritual footsteps.
Although they now find themselves within the Reformed tradition, we acknowledge the close historical and theological ties between the teachings of Calvin and Luther. Their background brings a rich ecumenical perspective to our church council, while simultaneously fulfilling their father’s dream of service in the Kingdom.
5. The Way Forward: Approbation
The process for the two brothers is as follows:
- They made their profession of faith on Sunday, 26 April.
- The next step, in accordance with the church order, is to present them to the congregation for approbation (notice of objection) for three consecutive Sundays.
- We trust that this period of testing will receive the unanimous support of the congregation.
3. MINISTRY AREAS: MOTOPI AND CHANOGA
This past weekend, a blessed visit was paid to the eastern wards.
3.1 Visit to Chanoga
Chanoga is situated approximately 50 km this side (Maun) of Motopi and 285 km from D’kar.
- Ward Profile: This is a white ward whose members joined our church by transferring their membership certificates (attestates).
- Bible Study and Planning: Future ministry was discussed during a Bible study on Saturday evening. The members gratefully accepted the proposal that they will henceforth receive ministry every time an outreach is conducted to Motopi. We also stayed overnight with these members on Saturday.
3.1 Visit to Motopi
- Welfare: Under the circumstances, Dorette is doing well. On the right, she can be seen ringing the church bell. She turns 82 this year and faithfully teaches the children on Sundays.
- Sunday Service: The service was conducted by myself at 11:00.
Youth Involvement: It was particularly encouraging to see so many young people in church. Many of these young people grew up there before our eyes, and some of them now have children of their own, which points to a fruitful continuity in the ministry.
4. SUMMARY
The Lord is providing in miraculous ways for both new leadership and the expansion of our ministry field into remote wards. We continue with confidence to minister to these members and to strengthen our leadership structures.
6. Conclusion
The confirmation of these new helping hands in D’kar is a direct answer to the congregation’s prayers regarding leadership in our church, for which we are deeply grateful. We eagerly anticipate the contributions these men will make to building God’s kingdom and stabilizing our church council for the years to come. Our prayer is that the Lord will bless our church council, and we especially ask for your intercession in this regard. Your brother in Christ, Hendrik du Plessis