cape coonference
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newsletterTRANSCRIPT
December 2008
SEVENTH-DAY
ADVENTIST CHURCH
CAPE CONFERENCE
Turning Port Elizabeth
Upside Down!
History was made and a record set in the Port Eliza-beth area where a total of 375 souls were baptized
on Sabbath, November 01, 2008. This came as a re-sult of the 21 evangelistic campaigns conducted by the Share Him Team from October 17 through to
November 01, 2008. Speakers, under the leadership of Ps David Dobias, came from North America and Eastern Europe. The team was comprised of sea-soned pastors, church administrators, a pastor’s wife
and church leaders. The main purpose was to share Jesus and help individuals prepare to meet Him when He comes the second time.
This was the first onslaught of its kind where 21 ef-forts started on the same day with all speakers talk-
ing on the same topic each evening.
The series brought a double blessing to the Church. Firstly by reviving the church membership at large, and
secondly by the hundreds of interested people who were introduced to Jesus. As one church elder puts it “Port Elizabeth will not be the same again!” Another
expressed the desire to have this ‘kind of attack’ re-peated every year.
We wish to thank the following pastors and their teams whose churches participated in the series: SJ Williams (Uitenhage), Gert Jordaan (PE One),
WPJ Steyn (PE Two), VD Coombs (PE Central), Z Mditshwa (Motherwell), EC le Roux (PE Algoa) and SF Rengqe (PE North).
The challenge now is to follow up the interests and
help them to have their faith grounded in the truth.
Back, l-r: Gert Jordaan, Dave Dobias, Cestmir Stovicek, William Davies, Alan Chlebek,, Marek Gurka, Ronald Wright, Heinz Volk, Ales Kocian
Middle, l-r: Jin Wang Yoo, Ferdinand Varga, Martin Kocis (tragically killed in a motorcar accident late December in Slovakia), Jan Muran. Stanislav Bielik,
Front, l-r: Nadezda Svetlova, Maurice Vargas, , Linda Tsibulsky, Pavel Krynsky, Natalia Gnilyuk, Mrs Elfriede Volk, Mrs Linda Wright, Karol Badinsky
Cape Conference Cape Conference Cape Conference Cape Conference
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
IN THIS ISSUE
1 Turning PE upside down!
2 Message from the President
3 Message from the Treasurer
4 A light shines in Hofmeyer
5 Kwanobuhle & Daku Churches
6 A S I / Shepherdess
7 Shepherdess & AWM Retreats
8 Youth in the Eastern Cape
9 Pathfinders in Western Cape
10 Be Free / Publishing
11 Meals at Maluti
12 Coming Events
The Battle For The Family
Today’s family is under attack. The devil is on the offensive to destroy one of the old-
est institutions on earth, and Satan is no respecter of persons.
In South Africa and in the USA we are told that one out of every two marriages ends up in divorce. Many couples choose divorce as a solution to their marital difficulties. The sad fact is that the epidemic of divorce is assaulting even the Christian Church. This leads us to the pertinent question – will your family and the families of those you
love survive the severe onslaught by the wicked one? What is the future of the family?
It is comforting to know that from the biblical point of view the family will not become extinct. God in his wisdom has arranged that all individuals live within a home. In His plan no one is to stay alone. And the Lord’s plan will not be replaced. The family has
always existed and it is here to stay.
But the sad reality is that the family and the home are under stress. Dr Luke paints a sad picture of the conditions to prevail on the face of the
earth just prior to Christ’s return.
“And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the
Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the
flood came, and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26 – 27 KJV.
Hence the need for the Christian Church to take decisive steps to assist couples to survive the terrible onslaughts. One way to do this is to go back to the biblical principles for the family and the home. The reality of the mat-ter is that “The Christ Factor” is indispensable to the survival of marriage and the family. The Bible message is very clear. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” Psalm 127:1. NIV.
The Lord’s call is clear and specific: “Our work for Christ is to begin with the family, in the home… By many this home field has been shamefully neglected and it is time that divine resources and remedies were presented, that this state of evil may be cor-rected.” Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4, page 304. “The restoration and uplift-
ing of humanity begins in the home.” The Ministry of Healing, page 349.
But the work of the church does not end only with the “Adventist Family”. The Ad-
ventist Church has a divine mission to assist also the “Family Out There.”
For this reason the Adventist Church leadership has declared 2009 as the Year of Family Evangelism. The challenge to all leaders and members is to make a difference to families inside and outside the Church by following the suggested simplified plan of action. The CC and SAU Family Life and Personal Ministries Departments have plenty
of resources available for this purpose.
Leonard M Mbaza
You are invited to send
in your articles of inter-
est to our constituency
(plus photographs, and
letters) for publication in
this Newsletter
Please send this to:
The President
PO Box 5961
Walmer, 6065
Tel: 041 581-0100
Fax: 041 581-0103
Page 2 Cape Conference Newsletter
2009 – Year of Family Evangelism
MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER
Our hearts are full of thankfulness for the blessings which our Lord has granted us during the year 2008. We also would like to express
our appreciation to each member who has faithfully returned tithes and offerings during the past year. The income recorded has been well
above the amount budgeted for at the beginning of the year. Tithe income for the twelve months of 2008 amounted to R48,157,824 com-
pared to the R39,491,953 of 2007 (an increase of 22%). Because of the practice within the Seventh-day Adventist Church of sharing the
tithe income between the Conference, the Union and the Division, not only our Conference but other entities such as the VOP Bible School,
Helderberg College, the retirement fund for retired church employees and others, have also shared in the blessing which has resulted from
the faithfulness of those who have supported their church through tithes and offerings.
One area where we have had a significant call for assistance is in connection with the provision of places of worship for our ever increasing
number of congregations. Some congregations have been working on a building project for years already while others are still struggling to
acquire land. While the assistance which the Conference can give is limited, the Conference share (20%) of funds received from the Com-
bined Offering Plan, have made it possible for some assistance to be given. Considering the many needs in our Conference we remind you
of the Combined Offering Plan and encourage you to include this fund in your regular giving plan.
There are still many areas of work within the treasury department of the Cape Conference that need attention. Many of our local church
treasurers are calling for training so that they can better understand and fulfil their role in the local church. We also need to ensure that
each congregation’s records are audited at least once per year. Over the years there has been a problem with funds being deposited into the
Conference bank account and then no details being sent to the office to enable us to know how to allocate those funds to tithes, offerings or
any other application as desired by the payer. While there has been significant progress, there is still a lot of room for improvement in this
regard. If you have occasion to remit funds to the Conference by means of a direct deposit to either the ABSA, FNB or Standard Bank ac-
count numbers, please be sure to notify us of the details so we can allocate your remittance correctly.
With the world financial problems in mind, we do not know what the year 2009 has in store for us. We can only trust that the Lord will
continue to provide as we seek to make first things first. The apostle John reminds us in 1 John 15-17 NIV “Do not love the world or anything
in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes
and the boasting of what he has done – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the
will of God lives forever.” This portion of scripture reminds us that everything in this world will pass away, even the good things. The only
thing that will last forever is our relationship with our heavenly Father. Let us encourage each other in 2009 to make that relationship our
first work. CR Glass
Page 3 Cape Conference Newsletter
DISCOVER BIBLE STUDY LESSONS
English sets of Bible Study lessons are available at R1,00 a set of 26 lessons, from the following:
PE Central Offices: Mrs G Glass 041 581-0100
East London Regional Office: Ps MB Shugu 043 726-2522
Northern Cape Regional Office: Ps A Niemandt 054 331-3743
Western Cape Regional Office: Ps DG Harwood 021 852-1140
REAL TRUTH LESSONS
These are available in English, Xhosa, Afrikaans at R6,00 a set of 16 lessons
from the Port Elizabeth Central Office and the Regional Offices
28 Fundamental Beliefs - Now available at PE Office at R10 each
We encourage our local churches to
make use of these resources
The Bible Study approach is still one of
the most effective methods in church
growth
Conference / Field December December Increase % Increase
2007 2008 ( Decrease ) (% Decrease)
Cape Conference 39,491,952.76 48,157,823.82 8,665,871.06 21.94
Kwazulu Natal FS Conference 19,546,989.28 23,027,966.70 3,480,977.42 17.81
Lesotho Conference 1,597,145.00 1,995,019.56 397,874.56 24.91
Namibia Field 5,464,382.30 6,408,990.67 944,608.37 17.29
Swaziland Conference 3,338,338.38 4,194,043.70 855,705.32 25.63
Trans Orange Conference 24,454,549.55 27,810,624.64 3,356,075.09 13.72
Transvaal Conference 37,569,244.43 41,499,722.79 3,930,478.36 10.46
131,462,601.70 153,094,191.88 21,631,590.18 16.45
A LIGHT SHINES IN HOFMEYER Sunday, 24 Aug 2008, was a high day for the Adventurers, Pathfinders, Youth and Adults from the Eluhabe Church, Mid-lands District. Two loaded buses travelled 75 km away from Cradock to the unentered area of Hofmeyer.
In Hofmeyr the groups started distributing hand bills in every home and to everyone they met along the way, inviting them to the meeting which was going to be held at the community hall. The Pathfinder Pa-rade (in uniforms and with drums) led the people to the hall, and clus-ters of people excitedly followed.
Unfortunately, in spite of prior arrangements made, the hall was locked and the caretaker nowhere to be found. The meeting took place outside the hall and as a result was short due to the inconvenient situation.
On the second day, approaching the hall, we noticed that a group of chil-dren were already waiting for us, and our hopes were revived again. Bible studies proceeded as planned—most attendees were between the ages of six to twenty five.
These meetings were held for two weeks and the attendance was very good. At the end of the second week fifty three souls were won for Christ. This brought great joy to our souls but we had to face the challenge of where these souls were going to meet after the meetings.
Our God can meet any challenge! His miraculous power worked in the heart of one of the community members who didn’t even attend the Bible studies—he decided to allow us to use his house every Sabbath temporarily. Presently we conduct Bible studies in his house every Sabbath. Attendance ranges between 25 and 28 each Sabbath. Children are released by their parents to come to the Bible studies and the interest is growing every day.
A place of worship is one of the challenges we are still facing. We are in the process of negotiating to use a RDP house as a place of worship.
Future Plans:
A MOWCS programme will be established to help the atten-dees in need.
Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs are being organized.
A Revelation Seminar will be conducted in February/March 2009.
Submitted by Pastor PT Buwa, Midlands District, Eastern Cape
Page 4 Cape Conference Newsletter
Days of Prayer and Fasting 2009
Join your Conference Church Family in these
special days of prayer and fasting:
February 07 - Spiritual Revival
May 07 - Advent Youth
August 01 - Advent Evangelism
November 07 - Adventist Families
KwaNobuhle SDA Church Baptizes 75 Souls There was celebration in KwaNobuhle SDA Church where, for the first time, 75 souls were baptised in one day! The miracle happened through the hard labour of Pastor Maurice Vargas, one of the Share Him speakers from NAD, assisted by the local church.
Pastor Vargas is a mighty bundle of dynamite behind the pulpit. But his strength and success comes from the strong visitation programme he engaged the church in. He pushes the members hard to follow up the interest generated. The result was the many souls baptised and many more still being prepared
for baptism.
Below: Below: Pathfinders starting the campaign by leading out on the Ps M. Vargas (far right) with Mrs Natalia Gnilyuk and Ms Nadezda
way to the Campaign site Svetlova from the Ukraine—all Share Him speakers preparing notes
Page 5 Cape Conference Newsletter
Share Him Baptism at Daku Church Daku Church, Port Elizabeth was only one of the twenty-one sites where the Share Him Team held the two-week long every night campaign. It was well at-tended, our church members were faithful in helping to make the campaign the
success it was.
The special portable baptismal pool was erected before the special Sabbath of November 01, 2008. Nineteen precious souls were baptised, showing their com-mitment to our Saviour while church members, families and visitors were proudly
watching—heavenly beings kept silent watch while rejoicing!
Right: Crowding the Pool to see this Special Outside Baptism.
Below: A delighted newly baptised church member below!
Page 6 Cape Conference Newsletter
The South African Chapter of ASI (ASI-SA) was launched in Bloemfon-
tein on October 23-25, 2008. This was held in the form of a Convention at
the SAU headquarters. It was well attended by business and professional
people together with delegates from the different Conferences in South
Africa, e.g. Cape Conference, Kwazulu-Natal/Free State, Lesotho, Swazi-
land, Trans-Orange and Transvaal. This historic event was graced by the
presence of the leadership from ASI-NAD (North American Division),
ASI-Malawi and ASI-Zimbabwe who provided keynote addresses and a
series of presentations vital to ASI SAU strategy. In addition, there were
exhibitions by several supporting ministries. Highlights of the Convention
were the following: * Adoption of the ASI SAU Constitution facilitated
by the SAU/SID and ASI NAD leadership; * Election of ASI Office
Bearers and Board includes two CC members, Prof Themba Sirayi, and
Prof Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya.
ASI is currently engaged in the establishment of conference structures and committees, membership recruitment,
project identification process, registration of an NPO within ASI, preparations for ASI Offerings, as well as prepara-
tions for the 2009 ASI Convention.
A Few Words of Encouragement All heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of God, thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. They guard us against evil and press back the powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway? {6T 63.3}
The Lord Himself is our helper. "Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem." "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing." Zephaniah 3:14, 17. This is the testimony the Lord desires us to bear to the world. His praise should continually be in our hearts and upon our lips. {6T 63.4}
Such a testimony will have an influence upon oth-ers. As we seek to turn men from their self-indulgent efforts to secure happiness, we must show them that we have something better than that which they are seeking. When Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman, He did not reprove her for coming to draw from Jacob's well, but He presented something of far greater value. In comparison with Jacob's well He presented the fountain of living waters. "If thou knewest the gift of God," He said, "and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water. . . . Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into ever-lasting life." John 4:10-14. {6T 64.1}
On 16 November 2008 shepherdesses of the
Northern Cape Region had their year-end frater-
nal which was the first opportunity for the shep-
herdesses of this Region to get together, meet
each other and get to know one another better.
The shepherdesses in this Region are far apart
and normally, when their husband go to meet-
ings, their cars are full. They also visited the
very first Church in South Africa (Beaconsfield
Church), the history of which was fascinating. (Below: Outside of the Beaconsfield Church)
SHEPHERDESSES
NORTHERN CAPE
Page 7 Cape Conference Newsletter
RETREAT FOR CAPE CONFERENCE SHEPHERDESSES
During the first and second week-ends in September the Cape Conference held a
shepherdess retreat with the theme “In HIS Service: By his side” for all pastors’
wives. The retreat was held in two sessions with the first session catering for
ladies from the Western and Northern regions held at Helderberg College. The
second session, catering for the ladies from the Eastern Region, was held at Kei
Mouth Resort near East London.
The main purpose of the retreat was to give these ladies opportunity and space to
interact as colleagues and to receive enrichment and encouragement in their
unique role as pastors’ wives in the ministry. The CC Shepherdess Association in
line with the objectives of the GC Shepherdess International seeks to address
special needs of spouses who are paraprofessionals in the ministry—particularly
the pastoral ministry.
“Although ministers’ spouses have a concern for, and much in common with,
wives of other denominational employees, they do have unique needs and prob-
lems.”
The ladies thoroughly enjoyed the inspiring and enriching presentations by the guest speakers. Mrs Denise
Ratsara, SID Shepherdess Coordinator and wife to SID president, shared a wealth of experience and instruc-
tion on the role of the pastor’s wife with its joys and challenges. Her messages were firmly grounded in the
scriptures and she shared deep insights from the life and teachings of Ellen White as a pastor’s wife, mother
and a servant of the Lord.
Mrs Wakaba who could not attend the retreat in Cape Town, joined Mrs Ratsara
as guest speaker at the East London Retreat. Mrs Wakaba also brought a wealth
of experience as pastor ‘s and administrator’s wife who has also spent all her life in
denominational work. Her instruction and guidance on the role of the shepherd-
esses in stewardship and financial management in the pastor’s family were followed
by a practical session on family budgeting. Many also enjoyed the periods allo-
cated for private devotionals in the mornings as well as the social interaction on
Sabbath evening. Their observation was that it is a rare opportunity to bond with
colleagues since the work of a pastor means constant movement and being one of
a kind in your district. The request was for these retreats to be made an annual
event.
Mrs NE Mbaza, CC Shepherdess Coordinator
ADVENTIST WOMEN’S MINISTRIES RETREAT
Over the weekend October 21 to November 02, 2008, the George Adventist Women Ministries Federation hosted a graduation Retreat. ‘Women in Evangelism’ was the theme. On Saturday evening, certificates were awarded to 19 women who graduated, having completed Levels 1-3 of the General Conference Leadership Certification Course for Women’s Ministries. This was also the first group in our Union to have completed Level 3. Well done, Southern Cape! Beverley Ramages AWM & Trust Services Director
Top left: At Helderberg, Somerset West Below: At Kei Mouth, East London
Price List for books on right:
Morning Devotional: R80.00, Devotional Birthday Calendar: R35.00
To order, contact Mrs Beverley Ramages: 021 852-1140/ 851-2718 F
PO Box 279, Somerset West, 7129
Left & Right: Ps Mark Solomon
handing over the
trophies
Below:
Both teams posing before the match
Page 8 Cape Conference Newsletter
YOUTH IN THE EASTERN CAPE
Sport plays a vital part in the social and physical life of our youth. On the weekend of 22- 24 August 2008,
over 1800 Adventist Youth members gathered in Port Elizabeth for our Regional Youth Rally and Sports
Day event, under the theme, “Running the Race”. On Friday evening and Sunday morning we were blessed
with spirit-filled messages by Sr. Thandokazi Matibe, only 16 years of age. On Sabbath God spoke through
Sr Nokanyo Moyake, a third year agriculture student at Fort Hare. She encouraged us to stay in the Lord,
to run the race, even if our friends and church members disappoint us. God truly used these two young
women to lead many to a closer walk with Him.
On Sunday morning we had our Soccer and Netball tournaments. 15 Districts participated in these various
sports codes. Spectacular goals were scored, skilled goals were shot in the net and yes, various spectators
sold us nice snacks. The Soccer tournament final was played between PE North and Malifo district. PE
North, with spectacular goals, won the final 2-0. In Netball these two districts again met each other in the
final. This time Malifo was the victors. Both captains received floating trophies for their districts. We
encourage our districts to get ready for our 2009 tournament. One outstanding characteristic of these
games was the excellent Christian spirit and fairness that prevailed during each match played. A vote of
thanks must go out to our speakers, federation officers, pastors, AY clubs and supporters. Let’s continue
to run the race together until Jesus comes.
102 PATHFINDERS CHOOSE CHRIST
For seven days over 400 Pathfinders and staff members descended on Hermanus for the Pathfinder Camporee—Habonim Camp site was going to be their home. A contingent of 19 clubs from across the Western Cape showed up for registration on Sunday afternoon, Sept 28, 2008.
Each morning at 6 o’clock staff members gathered for worship and prayed with at least 10 pathfinders each, followed by a planning session for each day. This set the tone for the day as staff members have come to appreciate that their work is primarily spiritual and geared towards the salvation of the young people entrusted to their care.
On Sunday evening pathfinders were challenged to choose Christ in their sexuality and sexual attitudes. Over 40 path-finders committed themselves to purity until marriage and had a lively discussion about maintaining their commitment.
On Monday at vespers 19 pathfinders stood to say that they chose Christ and would like to be baptized. The young people reflected very positively about this camp. Some comments: worship was cool, fabulous and fantastic; meeting new people was great, soccer and the talent show was great; the enjoyable and nice food; they enjoyed the obstacle challenge; unity across clubs and races.
At this Camporee Ps Jacob Human who, in 1958 introduced and implemented the Pathfinder Club in South Africa, was honoured in a moving ceremony. He was celebrated as pioneer and father of South Africa’s Pathfinder Movement. Ps Human charged the Master Guides to work for the salvation of young people.
Submitted by Ps Amyas Mvunelo, Western Region Youth Director
Page 9 Cape Conference Newsletter
HEALTH MISSIONARY WORK IN VREDENDAL
BEYOND THE OPEN DOOR
The Cape Conference supported outreach ventures which were
held in Vredendal during 2008, this being a smallish community
with residents mainly belonging to the traditional Dutch Reformed
Church. Eldene Goosen started visiting from house to house with a
health and religious survey. Further interest was fanned by a series
of health seminars conducted in the hall of a local Christian radio
station. These seminars ended with a successful Breathe Free
(stop smoking) seminar.
During the past year, Eldene gave Bible studies to 23 people from
various denominations, six of whom are still busy studying and
three have already received their VOP certificates. Amongst the
current students is a dentist, a bank manager and the owner of a
local business. Two more students will begin studies in the new
year.
We ask you to especially pray for Eddie, a grade 11 student, and his
mother Esther who are in the process of decision making, as well as
a Dutch Reformed minister in a nearby town. The ’dominee’ suf-
fered from a chronic liver problem, which affected his work. The
Breathe Free Team taught him a better lifestyle which he applied.
He wrote Eldene a thank you letter recently, testifying that he was
as healthy as could be. Much prayer is offered on their behalf that
they too, will accept the truth.
It was during a field training exercise in De Aar that we saw the Lord opening doors for the Gospel. During a presentation at NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders) a local Pente-costal pastor, Ps Mulanga, showed interest in our books. We were invited by Ps Mulanga to attend a confer-ence of all their churches in the Northern Cape in 2009. We were able to be of service to the community in De Aar and were blessed by the warm hospitality of the Northern Cape. During our visits an elderly lady said to us, “I have been watching as you have knocked at all the other doors, and I have been hoping that you would come to my home too.” That strengthened the L.E’s so much that now when they have moments of discouragement, it reminds them that someone is waiting for me behind the next door. So we continue to do this work with God’s help, and we thank you all your prayers. Soon doors now open to the gospel messenger will be forever closed. God calls upon many who are prepared to do acceptable service, to carry the message now, not waiting for further preparation; for while some delay, the enemy may take possession of fields now open. {CT 469.1}
None should underestimate the power and effectiveness of the Literature Ministry in sowing seeds of truth in the Cape Con-ference territory. The CC Publishing Department was blessed with 36 Baptisms in 2008.
G. Cairncross, Publishing Director
Page 10 Cape Conference Newsletter
Contact a dedicated team for assistance:
Ps Arnold Neuhoff [email protected] 082-572-1294 Office: [email protected] 021 855-3741 Jean Wright: [email protected] Dr Paul le Roux: [email protected] Deon Neuhoff: [email protected]
Due to Pastor Hofmeyrs’ involvement at the local Christian radio
station, as well as previous health work done in that area by
Gerhard and Mariet Pienaar, Adventists are well known in Vreden-
dal and prejudice has been broken down to a great extent. Please
pray for the church in this area and the work being done there.
Whilst much effort is put into “Hope for the Big Cities”, God also
has his true followers in the other Vredendal churches.
Eldene has been invited to present a stress seminar for the staff of
a nearby school, as well as other health seminars at a local AIDS
centre. “Be Free!”, with the blessing of the Conference, anticipates
training and placing more Health Evangelists and your prayers and
material support would be appreciated.
Right: Teresa
Hoffmeyr doing
a cooking
demonstration
in the SDA
church hall. Left: Ps Arnold
Neuhoff giving
some health
advice.
Bro P Nono,
Literature
Evangelist at
De Aar, with a
staff member
of NICRO
“MEALS at MALUTI ” Following a Presentation by the ADRA / MOWCS EC Director in March 2008, the mem-
bers of Maluti District were not just highly motivated, but did not waste a moment to
become immediately active !
♦ A retired Nursing Sister attended a TOT (Training of Trainers) for HIV and AIDS
and, aside from counselling the community herself, has already trained 15 Counsel-
lors (right) and has another course lined up for Jan 2009;
♦ A young gentleman attended a ‘Be Free!’ Module One Course and now reaches
the community through diet counselling;
♦ Church Members galvanised themselves and have given generously from their own
pockets so food could be served to the very poor people in the surrounding areas.
Food was cooked and served in halls to those nearby and parcels supplied to those
in dire need such as child headed families (below, left) and the bed-ridden (right).
The young orphan on the left has been assisted with tools to do bicycle, radio and cell phone
repair, so he can support his siblings.
Church Members have also supported the project with their time, energy
and transport. They have been working hand in hand with the Ward Coun-
cillors and the other Departments in the area, who have referred commu-
nity needs to them. All this has been done without any funding from
MOWCS. These photos are taken from their recently received Report.
ADRA SA (Bloemfontein) and MOWCS EC representatives have visited
the District and are planning for the future, so co-ordinated help is on the
way.
Page 11 Cape Conference Newsletter
LAID TO REST
During 2008 four of our CC Shepherdesses passed away. This includes:
* Mrs Phekana, a retired pastor’s wife was laid to rest in Idutywa in August 2008.
* Mrs Nomabunga Ndevu (56), wife to Ps MB Ndevu, (after a long illness) was buried in Port Elizabeth in August 2008.
* Mrs Mirriam Bandla, wife to our veteran retired Ps DT Bandla, was laid to rest in Port Elizabeth in November, 2008.
* Mrs Eva Boesak (58), beloved wife of Ps Charles Boesack, suddenly passed away on December 24, 2008 and was buried in
Cape Town on December 31, 2008.
We encourage the Cape Conference Church Family to remember the families of all these good ladies, as they grapple with the
reality of having lost loved ones.
Mrs Nobalindi E Mbaza, CC Shepherdess Coordinator
CAPE CONFERENCE MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Cape Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is
to proclaim the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
as symbolised by the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12,
through the power of the Holy Spirit, to all peoples within its territory,
leading them to accept Jesus as personal Saviour
and to unite with His church, and nurturing them in preparation for His soon return.
Cape Conference of SDA’s PO Box 5961 Walmer, 6065
Phone: 041 581-0100 Fax: 041 581-0103
Lift up Christ ! Tell the World!
We’re on the Web!
www.sdacape.org
Cape Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists
Some Statistics: God has been good to us! Our Conference is growing, as can be seen in the following baptismal figures:
Quarter 2007 2008 Jan to March 316 154 April to June 297 360 July to September 261 104 October to December 783 1119 TOTAL 1657 1737
Membership 30163 31996
Organisation of new churches and companies has been a priority in our Conference and figures at present look like this: Churches: 353 Companies: 166 Branch Sabbath Schools: 84
CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS 2009
CC, SAU & SID
♦ January 31………………………………….Launching the Year of Family Evangelism
♦ February 01-07…………………………….Family Life Week of Prayer
♦ February 07………………………………...CC Day of Prayer and Fasting
♦ March 21-28………………………………..Youth Week of Prayer
♦ April 21-24………………………………....SID Bible Conference in Pretoria
♦ May 02……………………………………...CC Day of Prayer and Fasting
♦ May 13-16…………………………………..SID Professional and Business Persons’ Camp Meeting, Pretoria
♦ June 07-12…………………………………..AWM Week of Prayer
♦ June 26-28…………………………………..SAU CHM Leaders Training in Bloemfontein
♦ July 31—August 02………………………….SAU Youth Congress in Bloemfontein
♦ August 01…………………………………....CC Day of Prayer and Fasting
♦ August 07-09………………………………...SAU AWM Congress in Bloemfontein
♦ Sept 23-27…………………………………...CC Business Session
♦ Sept 28-October 4…………………………..SID Lay Congress in Bloemfontein
♦ October 11-16………………………………CHM Week of Prayer
♦ November 07………………………………..CC Day of Prayer and Fasting
♦ November 07-14…………………………….Adult Week of Prayer
♦ December 05………………………………...Stewardship Emphasis Day