My dear friends
Yesterday was 1 August and my heart went out in a special
way to our Swiss brethren as beautiful Heidiland celebrated its nationhood. Switzerland,
so far away from South Africa, yet so near to many of our hearts.
Certainly, Swiss citizens have many good reasons to
keep celebrating on 1 August. On the other hand, the healthy foundation on which
Switzerland is built is continually being challenged by the winds and waters of the
world-wide forces of moral decay.
What a privilege it is for our brethren to be part of
God's voice and conscience to the nation. May the Lord keep strengthening their arms and
resolve.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Onkel Friedel
and the team as they continue to minister in Europe.
Klaus Alius has been invited to Detmold for
children's services this weekend. He will value your prayers.
TAK Radio in Berlin will be on air again
this afternoon. Their guest will be Daniel Schobben from Belgium who will
be testifying about what it means to him as a Christian to lead an examplery life.
TAK will also use today's programme to introduce the Eurochoir's
very latest CD
We join the families and friends of Bheki Mthethwa and
Nonhlanhla Majola in wishing them God's blessing on their wedding tomorrow, and further
on.
Nonhlanhla leaves behind a big gap at Radio Khwezi where over the
years she was increasingly treasured for her gift in comforting and encouraging the
sick, the bereaved and the down-hearted.
As Arno had announced, work started at the auditorium site on
Monday. We are thankful for the rapid progress thus far. Obviously, the
demolition phase is a delicate process that requires much skill. We pray on.
A story I found in eSermons struck me as a wonderful illustration of the reason
why we keep pressing on, even when the odds would seem to be against us.
"There is a story from the Desert Fathers about a young monk who asked one
of the old men of the desert why it is that so many people came out to the
desert to seek God and yet most of them gave up after a short time and
returned to their lives in the city.
The old monk told him, "Last evening my dog saw a rabbit running for cover
among the bushes of the desert and he began to chase the rabbit, barking
loudly. Soon other dogs joined in the chase, barking and running. They ran
a great distance and alerted many other dogs. Soon the wilderness was
echoing the sounds of their pursuit but the chase went on into the night.
After a little while, many of the dogs grew tired and dropped out. A few
chased the rabbit until the night was nearly spent. By morning, only my
dog continued the hunt. "Do you understand," the old man said, "what I
have told you?"
"No," replied the young monk, "please tell me father."
"It is simple," said the desert father, "my dog saw the rabbit."
Jesus told a parable about a man who one day in the market place saw the
pearl of great price. The merchant understood at once the value of the
commodity before him and he sacrificed everything to obtain it."
Have a blessed weekend.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
