st kiaran's chronicle october 2013 1.pdf

7/27/2019 St Kiaran's Chronicle October 2013 1.pdf

1/15

ST KIARAN SHRONICLE

OCTOBER 2013


2/15

ThanksgivingSunday 3 November 2013

At both services

We need R53,100for the projects and people we would like to supportfrom 1 November 2013 to 31 October 2014

Missionary Support

Mark and Lorraine Liprini 19000Eugene and Tina Wessels 10600

Outreach (Schools)Youth Leader 24000

Social Outreach Projects

Joyce Chevalier Centre 500Benevolent Fund 2000

MasiphumeleleMission 400060100

Lessinterest on Investment maturing 3000

May 2014 57100

Lesscarry forward of 2013 Surplus 4,000TOTAL NEEDED 53100

Please use the envelope provided for your Thank Offering.

Hand it in during a Special Offering onSunday 3 November or return it to the office.

This is a special,sacrificial offering overand above your normaltithes and your regular

disciplined giving.

St Kiaran's gives all thecash received directly

towards the projects andpeople listed below.

Give Prayerfully !!!Give Cheerfully !!!Give Generously !!!


3/15

David's Pastoral Letter

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

We always celebrate THANKSGIVINGSUNDAY at the end of the year. This

year I am especially thanking our LORDfor all His blessings to me during my lifeand ministry.

On the 3rd November weexpress our Thanksgiving by a specialextra THANK OFFERING which isespecially given to the mission work of

people like the Liprinis (in Mission Aviation Fellowship), the Wessels innorthern Mozambique) and others. They go to places we can't go to andserve God in ways beyond our abilities.

Our generous money offerings are not the only way in which we areinvolved in the mission of the church. Every one of us, as members of the

Christian Church, are called to be involved in the MISSION of the church INOUR OWN BACKYARD.

Our Alpha Courses are aimed at reaching out to the people of Fish Hoek our current course has also touched people in Ocean View.

We have planted the Church in Masiphumelele, so much a part of ourSt Kiaran's history in the past years.

Our Crche, the Presbyterian Phumlani Educare Centre, has experiencedthe great blessing of God.

Family, children's and youth outreach is a great need in our Fish Hoek

Valley. PLEASE READ IN THIS MAGAZINE ABOUT A RECENT PRAYERMEETING HELD IN THIS REGARD.

And always, OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL WINESS is vital, through ourlifestyle, love, prayer and verbal proclamation of the Good News aboutour Lord Jesus.

MISSION IS THE WORK OF JESUS WHEREVER IT IS DONE AND BYWHOEVER IT IS DONE.

THE CHURCH EXISTS BY MISSION AS A FIRE EXISTS BY BURNING(Emil Brunner

My great longing for the future of St Kiaran's is that our

involvement in

Christian Mission will ever grow. God bless you and your

loved ones.

DAVID


4/15

Elders' SupperOn 6 September a

very special supperwas held when the

Elders officiallysaid Goodbye toDavid, our Pastorfor many years.

There were manypersonal tributes

paid to him.

A great meal wasenjoyed.

The dcor andsettings were

excellent.

There was goodmusic and some of

our young folkserved the elders.

Soccer Mission

During the recent school holidays a soccer mission attended by about 40children was held over three days at the Primary School. A concern had beenthat the weather might be a problem but as a plan was in place to use theschool hall in the event of rain all was well when it rained on the lastafternoon.

Building relationships was the important thing and this happened as theleaders and children played together and talked about the Lord. Parents andchildren were invited to a prize giving at the church on Friday evening.

Grateful thanks are due to all who gave their time and provided meals, andcookies and juice.


5/15

NOTES FROM OUR ST KIARAN'S PRAYER MEETING

SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2013

1. INTERCESSION

1.1 FOCUS ON THE FAMILY- God's way in the world is for families pray for struggling families

(finances, separation, illness) St Kiaran's ministry to them- open the hearts of parents, - prayer for grandparents' role in families- pray for ways for families to be together- pray for families of immigrants in Fish Hoek

1.2 CHILDREN ARE A GIFT TO US- pray for St Kiaran's ministry to children to grow leadership team/newprimary section beyond the pre-school group

- pray for consistent church attendance by families- pray for fatherless children- pray for all St Kiaran's members to welcome children with joy

1.3 YOUTH MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH IS HARD

- share our faith with love and enthusiasm toward youth- Jesus relevant to youth- youth to feel at home in church, belong, function and feel needed- evening songs of praise led by youth band- co-ordinated/combined youth work in the Valley- youth leadership team

2. PRAYERS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

- God's mercy to answer needs in Ocean View to protect children in thestreets of Masiphumelele

- ministry and care in hospitals (Erica Hawkridge dealing withfoetal alcohol syndrome)

- drugs, alcohol, - school drop-outs, with no hope- poor accommodation - unemployment- St Kiaran's wisdom on how to minister and care

3. SPECIAL WORDS SHARED IN PRAYERS

3.1 We are being tested with the difficulty of this ministry will not test usbeyond what we can take. Do not give up. Go on in faith, asindividuals and as a community.

3.2 We have been given resources for this ministry: people, access in theschools, (and Christian teachers), community

3.3 We have been given resources for this ministry: people, access in theschools, (and Christian teachers), buildings and facilities, manychurches in the Valley, our children's soccer mission.

3.4 God is answering our prayers babies and little children attending -new families

3.5 We trust in God. He is in control. We are ready to do whateverHe asks whatever is right in His eyes.3.6 Pray a fresh vision that God is birthing a new vision. Break the old

mould. Gods new plan.3.7 Pray for a new generation of families, youth and children3.8 Make us a loving people inside and outside of the church,to attract

others to Jesus.

4. SCRIPTURES TO GUIDE US- Deuteronomy 6:1-13 - Mark 9: 36,37; 10:13-16 - Ephesians 5: 22 6:4- Acts 2:39


6/15

Church Family New

Birth:Ethan, son of Jasonand Alys Suter, grandson of Brianand Inky, great-grandson of Ralphand Marywas born prematurely on 24/8/2013. He is makinggood progress and is now at home.

Deaths:It is with great sadnessthat we recordthe passing of:Robert Welcome, husband ofLillyon 30/7/2013

Robert Howardon 24/8/2013. He was a resident of Nerina Gardens who wasbrought regularly to church by Annica Muir, to take his place at the front.

Rita Wilson on 19/9/2103. Rita leaves her daughters Bev and Val andgrandchildren.

Vacancy CommitteeAt the recent meeting of the Committee on 17 September

careful consideration was given to the several favourable applicants forthe ministerial position at St Kiaran's. It was decided to spend moretime in prayer for the Lord's way to be found for our future. The nextmeeting will be held in October.

He LeadsWorrying is one job you can't farm out, but you can overcome it. Theres no better

place to begin than inPsalm 23:2He leads me beside the still waters, David declares.He leads me. God isnt behind me, yelling, Go! Hes ahead of me bidding, Come! Hes infront, clearing the path, cutting the brush. Standing next to the rocks, He warns, Watch yourstep there.

Isnt this what God gave the children of Israel? He promised to supply them with

manna each day. But He told them to collect only one days supply at a time. Matthew6:34says, Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and dont get workedup about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hardthings come up when the time comes.

God is leading you! Leave tomorrows problems until tomorrow!Max Lucado From Traveling Light
http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ps+23:1-6http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ps+23:1-6http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ps+23:1-6http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mt+6:34-34http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mt+6:34-34http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mt+6:34-34http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mt+6:34-34http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mt+6:34-34http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mt+6:34-34http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=ps+23:1-6


7/15

Meet Hubert and Jill Stoll

On the 20 March 1942 I was born toBertie & Louise Elizabeth Kate Stoll atLeeuwenhof Nursing Home in the Gardens.Brother Bernhard was three years tenmonths older than I was. A very happy

childhood from that time was spent inTamboerskloof, Green Point and thenClaremont where I commenced myschooling at Claremont Primary. Halfwaythrough Sub A my father was transferred to

Barclay's Bank DC & O at Stellenbosch, so I completed Sub A & Sub B atRhenish Girls' Primary.

My Dad had grown up as a Congregationalist in Vryburg and so we hadattended the Congregational Church in Kloof Street and then Claremont.Transferring to Stellenbosch we joined the Presbyterian Church and attendedSunday School there.

Jill was born on the 24 October 1943 to Walter Archibald and Hilda MayStruthers, the first born, with three brothers to follow Michael, Walter &Colin. Jill went to the Presbyterian Church in Orange Street, Gardens andattended Vredehoek Primary and thence to Good Hope Seminary for Girls.

Primary School started for me at Paul Roos Gymnasium and then on toHeidelberg Cape where I attended an Afrikaans medium school. I briefly wentto Wellington before going on to Paarl Boys' High where I joined Bernhard. InStd. 7 I moved to Wynberg Boys High as Dad had been transferred to Mowbraybranch of Barclay's due to Mom's ill health.

I have never regretted my childhood as I had experienced such a variety ofthings. From wine farming, to wheat & sheep, to cattle farming with hunting &generally enjoying what my Dad and his friends would teach me.

My parents bought a home in Pinelands in 1956 where I lived until 1965.During these years I commuted to Wynberg Boys' High where I matriculated. I

joined Barclay's Bank as it just seemed a natural progression with Dad andBernhard both being there. Earlier in my teens I had wished to become aveterinarian surgeon but due to various circumstances I never did but neverlost my love for animals.

Once Jill completed school she joined the JBS Building Society where she spentsome very happy years. Jills cousin, Garth Grobbelaar, my friend & neighbour,was frequently visited by the Struthers family over weekends. However it wason an outing on Boxing day when she was spending the day in Bain's Kloof thatI first asked her if she would like to ride back to Pinelands in the car I wasdriving as my friend wanted to sit in the back seat with his girl friend. All theway back to Pinelands I got yes and no answers as she was very shy. I washooked!! Jill was very pretty and dressed beautifully. Her red hair, wellgroomed, white flared skirt and gold sandals on pretty feet. I was sold. Now Ihad to write matric with her on my mind. In fact it was with herencouragement that I eventually passed.

From the time I fell in love with her my Dads car literally wore grooves in theroad over De Waal Drive to Devil's Peak where she lived and back again. Wewere in a hurry so we got married on the 24 April 1965. I was 23 and Jill 21years of age. We rented a flat in Rosebank and lived happily there for threeyears until we bought our first house at Kirstenhof. Our first child, Linda,arrived on the 8 June 1968 and Anton on the 11 May 1970.

I joined NBS Building Society and then Allied Bank where I spent twenty happyyears ending as financial manager for Cape Town Branch.


8/15

Meanwhile we had moved from Kirstenhof to Pinelands as schools at that timeseemed to be better equipped and Linda was approaching high school. Theyattended Pinelands North Primary School. Linda and Anton went on tomatriculate at Pinelands High School.

Jill and I were married in the Congregational Church in Kloof Street where wehad spent some time in the youth group as leaders and then young adult

groups. It was a wonderfully warm church and one felt loved by all. Bazaarswere such great fun and raised huge sums at the time. I served as a deacon atBergvliet Congregational Church when we moved to Kirstenhof and once wemoved to Pinelands as deacon for many years at Pinelands CongregationalChurch. For a period we joined the Vineyard Church and went on evangelicaloutreaches to Namibia where churches were planted in Keetmanshoop &Windhoek. Outreach trips with Africans were undertaken to Fish River &Queenstown where we ministered to them in the townships.

In July 1991 I resigned from Allied Bank. Jill and I joined Val Ruger & MargieBlackshaw as voluntary assistants at Beulah Christian Guest Farm. I startedrunning my Financial Advisory Business from there working three days a week.On the farm I was the unhandy man doing handyman stuff. When I was doing

business I would come to Pinelands and work from our home where Desmond& Linda were staying looking after Anton who was still at Technical College.Rev. Louise Hazell once came up to rest at Beulah and saw the need to electrifythe workshop I was working out of. She donated a R1000 which at that timewas an awesome sum of money. I have never forgotten her kindness to us atthat time. May she continue to be blessed.

We left Beulah and returned home thankful for the seven months we couldspend in such a beautiful place. I was blessed with good business and wonseveral trips overseas and locally during this time.

Bernhard, my brother, lost his wife Joan to cancer some years ago andsuggested Jill and I come to live in the flat above his house. As our childrenhad made their own moves in life we agreed. However we had hardly touched

ground in Fish Hoek when I was offered the opportunity of purchasing abrokerage from a person wanting to move to Dubai. The business ran well forme for six years until Andre took his life. I had not realised to what extentdepression had takenover his life. We frequently prayed together as he was apractising Christian but somewhere we failed to recognise the symptoms ofdeep depression. I then moved my offices to Tokai for a time but then for thelast three years worked out of my office at home.

During the formative years of the childrens lives we were very fortunate inthat we could travel around South Africa quite extensively. I believe that thiswas an education in itself and has instilled in them a love for the country andthe great outdoors.

Anton, Tracey, Dylan & Hayden now live in Pinelands and we are ever hopefulthat one day Des, Linda & Edward would return to South Africa from the UK.

I like braai-ing and making Potjiekos, collecting Dinky-type model cars, readingand travelling. Jill is a very good seamstress, craftswoman, organizer andwants to see righteousness and justice prevail in this country.


9/15

Exciting News from Eugene and Tina Wessels

New Church Plant and New souls

After a really tough month with a disappointing bush trip, destroying an almost-newtyre and returning home tired and physically worn out, we then went on anotheroutreach into the district of Mitange, beyond the village of Namacurra and this timethe roller-coaster ride went all the way to the very top.

The locals with whom we were working planned on approximately 30-40 peoplecoming. Seems though thatthe Lord had other ideas andwe counted more in theregion of 400 actually turningout. We spent a virtuallysleepless night as the localscelebrated, dancing andsinging until 04:00 a.m. Weslept for an hour then aroseshortly after 05:00a.m. to

start a 5km hike to the sitewhere we could baptise thenew believers.

The pic below shows thegroup strolling off into the misty dawn to reach a portion of the river that was near apump station and thus free of crocodiles, although they did have to deal with a fewunwelcome parasites in the form of leeches that attached themselves to bare legs.Thankfully I did not get to experience this firsthand, as my two spiritual sons weremore than capable and willing to baptise the 21 new believers. I stood by and justtook photos.

A real special joy for Mauricio(yellow shirt on left) as his ex-

muslim father was baptised aswell (on right). Then it was backto the palm-leaf structure formore discipleship training,celebrating the Lords suppertogether, followed by thetraditional chicken and rice meal.We returned home really excitedand pleased with the way thatthe work is growing.

The following week Tina went off to continue some discipleship training with her

group of ladies from Namacurra and received a surprise question exactly like theRoman jailer asked Paul. Another soul comes into the Kingdom and still we are notsatisfied .. Who shall be next?

"People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world wewaste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are

expending their lives ... and when the bubble has burst, they willhave nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have

wasted." - NateSaint

(30.8.1923 8.1.1956) He was an evangelical missionary pilot to

Ecuador who, along with four others, was killed while attempting toevangelize the Huaorani people.


10/15

LOOKING T LIFEWhen I consider how different

nationalities do different things, Im sometimes

amazed. Take this, for instance ...... (I read it in abook, so it must be true!) An American church waslooking for a new pastor, and found a man theythought was suitable. What is the stipend? he

asked. Let me tell you what I expect. Work this out: add the income of theten highest earners in your church, divide it by 10, and thats what I expectmy salary to be.

I know there are churches where each members income is assessed. In theold days is this still true? the Dutch Reformed Church used to send theirdeacons round to collect the contributions.

Then there was the church again American who called a yearlycongregational finance meeting. The budget for the coming year had already

been prepared and the Treasurer brought this in front of the members. Thelatter therefore knew the needed monthly income. Everyone wrote down theamount they could give, the figures were added and the treasurer would say,We now have the figure of $x so were still short of $y. So the members hadto write down the additional amounts they each felt they could contribute.No-one was allowed to leave the building the doors had been locked untilthe amount was forthcoming. Hmm ... I wonder what time they all got home?

But now here we are in Fish Hoek. Like congregations the world over ourincomes vary, our expenses vary. What do you think is the best way tobalance your own budget and the churchs? In a difficult economic climateinnovative ideas are necessary for businesses to keep afloat and make aprofit. Do I hear someone grumble, But were not trying to make a profit?Well, not exactly, but dont we want to give away money to supportmissionary work? Dont we want to be able to help those with sudden andunexpected needs? When considering prayerfully what we can give to churchupkeep it might be a good thing to re-assess our own budgets as well. Thatoften involves thinking of what is really important and what isnt. And is thereany way we can voluntarily offer our services to save the church money?Could some people bake cookies and sell them for church funds? Could someDIY enthusiasts do jobs for others and charge a fee? Or is this way out?

Lucy Centlivres


11/15

Meet Greg Grieve

Greg was born in 1968 in Germiston, into a large family,being the fifth child out of six. The family was very interested in

dancing his sisters regularly attended Diana Moore's dancingschool. When he was quite young he was taken along when hismother accompanied them there. As Greg showed a great interest inthis it was suggested that he take up dancing too; this he did for 9years. At the age of 12 he was given a teaching role. He also wontwocompetitions and was runner-up in another. As a result of this allphysical activity he grew out of a childhood health problem andgained a lasting interest in dance. At present he is on the committeeof the local In The Mood dance club.

As a child he attended the Sunday School at St Andrew'sPresbyterian Church, Germiston, while his parents were

members of the church. Later the family moved to Cape Town, taking up residence inScarborough. Once he moved to Fish Hoek he was able to come to St Kiaran's, which

he regularly continues to do. He believes this is a very important part of his life.

To Our Men Who Spoiled the Ladies! - August 2013It's ladies only at St K's today, we're celebrating, it's time to play. Every year about this

time you men get together, making lists, planning the food no matter what the weather.

Because you want to do the very best you can, and cook the perfect breakfast to fillour inner man. Food to prepare and tables to lay, a lot of hard work has gone into thisday.

We are very proud of you, you never let us down, even though the work is hard, it's

done without a frown. Everything was perfect, we really do declare, scrumptious food andeven some to spare.

Every one of you has gone the extra mile - what's made it so special was done with lotsof smiles. So, you lovely men, who we really treasure, our grateful thanks, it's been anabsolute pleasure.

We say God bless you for the trouble and time you take. We know it's because you loveus and it's done for His names sake.

Food for thought:Matthew 4:4Man cannot live by bread alone, but needs everyword that God speaks.

Psalm 107: Let us give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds,for He satisfies the thirsty and feeds the hungry with good things.

Barbara Tunbri dge

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honour, how can acommission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"

- David Livingstone


12/15

Parents and Kids in Church

You are doing something really, really important. I know it's not easy. I see you with your

arms overflowing, and I know you came to church already tired. Parenting is tiring. Really tiring.

I watch you bounce and sway trying to keep the baby quiet, juggling the infant car

seat and the diaper bag as you find a seat. I see you wince as your child cries. I see you

anxiously pull things out of your bag of tricks to try to quiet them.

And I see you with your toddler and your preschooler. I watch you cringe when

your little girl asks an innocent question in a voice that might not be an inside voice let alone a

church whisper. I hear the exasperation in your voice as you beg your child to just sit, to be quiet as

you feel everyone's eyes on you. Not everyone is looking, but I know it feels that way.

I know you're wondering, is this worth it? Why do I bother? I know you often leave church

more exhausted than fulfilled. But what you are doing is so important.

When you are here, the church is filled with a joyful noise. When you are here, the Body of

Christ is more fully present. When you are here, we are reminded that this worship thing we do isn't

about bible study or personal, quiet contemplation but coming together to worship as a community

where all are welcome, where we share in the Word and Sacrament together. When you are here, I

have hope that these pews won't be empty in 10 years when your kids are old enough to sit quietlyand behave in worship. I know that they are learning how and why we worship now, before it's too

late. They are learning that worship is important.

I see them learning. In the midst of the cries, whines, and giggles, in the midst of the

crinkling of pretzel bags and the growing pile of crumbs, I see a little girl who insists on going two

pews up to share peace with someone she's never met. I hear a little boy slurping (quite loudly)

every last drop of his communion wine out of the cup, determined not to miss a drop of Jesus. I

watch a child excitedly color a cross and point to the one in the front of the sanctuary. I hear the

echos of "Amens" just a few seconds after the rest of the community says it together. I watch a boy

just learning to read try to sound out the words in the worship book or count his way to Hymn 672.

Even on weeks when I can't see my own children learning because, well, it's one of those mornings,

I can see your children learning.

I know how hard it is to do what you're doing, but I want you to know it matters. It matters

to me. It matters to my children to not be alone in the pew. It matters to the congregation to know

that families care about faith, to see young people ... and even on those weeks when you can't see

the little moments, it matters to your children.

It matters that they learn that worship is what we do as a community of faith, that everyone

is welcome, that their worship matters. When we teach children that their worship matters, we

teach them that they are enough right here and right now as members of the church community.

They don't need to wait until they can believe, pray or worship a certain way to be welcome here,

and I know adults who are still looking to be shown that. It matters that children earn that they are

an integral part of this church, that their prayers, their songs, and even their badly (or perfectly-

timed, depending on who you ask) cries and whines are a joyful noise because it means they are

present.

I know it's hard, but thank you for what you do when you bring your children to church.

Please know that your family - with all of its noise, struggle, commotion, and joy - are not simply

tolerated, you are a vital part of the community gathered in worship.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-

bruesehoff/parents-kids-in-church
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-bruesehoff/parents-kids-church_b_3909085.html?ir=Religion&utm_campaign=091413&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-religion&utm_content=FullStoryhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-bruesehoff/parents-kids-church_b_3909085.html?ir=Religion&utm_campaign=091413&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-religion&utm_content=FullStoryhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-bruesehoff/parents-kids-church_b_3909085.html?ir=Religion&utm_campaign=091413&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-religion&utm_content=FullStoryhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-bruesehoff/parents-kids-church_b_3909085.html?ir=Religion&utm_campaign=091413&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-religion&utm_content=FullStoryhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-bruesehoff/parents-kids-church_b_3909085.html?ir=Religion&utm_campaign=091413&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-religion&utm_content=FullStory


13/15

THIS HAS NOT BEEN HILLTOP TIME

Maybe I could write an encouraging type of WOTZUP andtell you about all the flying, the training, the ministry andother good stuff since we last wrote. And it would all beperfectly true. But I also have to be true to all of you whoso faithfully pray for us and support us financially, and tellyou how hard it has been these past few months as I haveSTRUGGLED to complete each day, week .. Month.

We have known for a while that the end of this year mightbring about change, and we have been (sort of) prayingabout that. I mean who really wants to rock the boat on asea of uncertainty ?

June, July and to a lesser degree August were insanely busymonths of flying back and forth from Venda, trainingstudents and grinding through paperwork at the office.Paperwork and I have never been best of friends, andspending 1 2 hours (and lots of money in fuel) per day in Jozi traffic just to meeta mound of paperwork has been soul-destroying for me. Plus the ever rising costs of

living that we all struggle with have added their toll, and a fair bit of uncertainty as tothe way forward in our lives also helps squeeze the joy from one's soul.

Early this month one of my 206 convex students blessed us with a weekend at her self-catering resort in the Lowveld to celebrate our 30thWedding Anniversary. The deeppeace and restfulness provided the chance for Lorraine and I to look each other in theeye and start praying and talking seriously about where we think the Lord might beleading us from next year onwards.

There are many options, most within MAF, some outside of MAF. As I write now we stillhave no real clarity as to what the Lord is saying. Some of the potential avenues ofservice have been very clearly closed off, others still clearly open. It has only been thetimes out at Venda, meeting and serving those isolated, suffering yet strangely joyousrural people that has kept a spark of sanity alive deep inside of me.

In all this the Lord has seemed to be awfully far away, on vacation maybe, on the otherside of the universe, with His cell phone on silent mode and His e-mail with an out ofoffice reply.

PRAYER

Our Lord will show us clearly His plans for the future.WE will be patient and faithful in seeking His direction.Davids wedding next month and all the travelling that entails.

PRAISE

The Lord has kept us going these last few months mentally, physically, spiritually.A refreshing break in the Lowveld.Davids wedding next month.

EXCITING STUFF AHEAD

Our first-born, David, is getting married on the 12th October! Soon we head down tothe Cape for this great time of celebration with family and friends.

Mark Liprinion the hill!


14/15

Our DucksWe have four white ducks, three male and onefemale. They came to us as yellow fluffy babiesin a cardboard box and are now grown upwrecking our lawn where they spend hoursdigging holes. The largest and most beautiful

duck has a slight limp and we therefore callhim Jacob; the smallest and most enterprisingduck is the bride of Jacob and is called Rachel.The other two ducks are indistinguishable andare great pals but they are two rascals; we callthem Philistines. They are scoundrelsbecause they pester Jacob and, although he ismuch bigger, prevent him from sharing foodwith them and Rachel. Jacob has to stand atthe side of the eating bowl waiting for them tofinish and only then he has his meal. So Jacobis a bit of a sad sack.

Early in the morning while it's still dark andthey hear us moving, they quack to let us

know they are still there; Rachel has theloudest quack, the others only murmur. Whenwe give them their breakfast they haughtilypretend not to be hungry and approach thefood looking side ways taking one step closerand two steps back. After many deviationsthey reach the bowl and suddenly startdevouring the food with poor Jacob standingon the sideline. When the three ducks havehad enough Jacob gingerly takes his turn andfinishes the leftover's.

We also have a small rock pigeon calledPinocchio. He has a broken wing and isunable to fly. However he is full of life andfaces it with great courage not to say fury. Hehas none of the devious manners of the ducksbut attacks anything head on, from food to foe.At night we have to protect him frommarauding cats and lock him in a cage. Heinitially protests but after a while settles downas if it's quite normal for pigeons to be lockedup at night. In the morning he is let out andgoes directly to the feeding bowl; the ducksmove away and he is allowed to eatundisturbed. The ducks seem a little scared ofthis strange pigeon that cannot fly and beingcalled Pinocchio clearly is not a Christian!

During the day when a cat attacks Pinocchio hefights back and with flapping wings chases the

cat away. His Achilles Heel, however, is that he

sometimes loses his balance by flapping andfalls helplessly on his back, ready to bedevoured by a cat; fortunately cats don't knowthat!

After feeding Pinocchio and the ducks I makepreparations to give the ducks a shower. Iattach the hose to the borehole and start thepump. The ducks know what's coming and runaway. I chase them back to the wall and directthe water hose at them. They stand in front ofthe wall facing the firing squad; I can see fearin their eyes but also determination that ducksare not afraid to die. The surprisingly slightlywarm water drenches them and they evenseem to enjoy the horizontal rain. After a whilethey have had enough and evade the water byturning to the left, I also direct the hose to theleft, then they turn to the right, I also turn tothe right. This goes on for some time, but

eventually all four make their escape byoutrunning water Indian file. I switch off thepump; the ducks relax stretching and standingtall drying themselves by flapping their wingsand going to sleep finding a place out of thewind. After several hours they awake and startdigging holes again.

Life is never boring for ducks. One day, nobodycan predict when, they decide to have a bathin the child-bath provided. One duck goes inand dives head first into the water, flapping itswings and splashing tons of water out of thebath terrifying the others. He cleans him selfthoroughly, without any soap, reaching with hiselastic neck all over his body right up to histail. The others follow his example and they allhave a wonderful time.

Pinocchio, however, has sad days when sittingin the sun near the front door he considershimself disadvantaged as he sees otherpigeons effortlessly flying away and thinks likeDavid: "Oh, that I had wings like a dove, forthen would I fly away and be at rest."

But is he disadvantaged? Would flying away berestful? I doubt it very much; flying takes a lotof effort and is far from restful. No, hishandicap is turned into a blessing; soundsfamiliar doesn't?

Arie de Koning


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St Kiaran s Presbyterian ChurchCentral Circle, off 7th Avenue, Fish Hoek

P.O.Box 22146, Fish Hoek, 7974Church Phone: 021 782 6118

Minister: Rev. David van Duyker:Home Phone: 021 782 1498

All are welcome at ourRegular Sunday ServicesSunday Worship Services at 9.30am & 7pm

Holy Communion is served on the 1stSunday of the month atboth services

When there is a 5thSunday in the month we have a

United 9.30am Service with theMasiphumelele Congregation

CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS (in the old vestry)

Tuesdays: 11.45 am

Prayer is offered after services - in the Vestry -

for healing or other needs. Please speak to Duty Elder.

Prayers with our young people: as arranged .... or whenever youwish to arrange times with fellow Christians.

Prayer for the Nation:on the 1stTuesday of the month 5-6pm atchurch

st kiaran's chronicle october 2013 1.pdf

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