A humbling synod

The 55th synod of the Limpopo District is meeting on the outskirts of Mbombela. Besides being surrounded by beauty, one sees the obvious commercial endeavours by business as shopping centres appear on every corner. There is a certain safety one feels when surrounded by commerce. I can’t quite describe this feeling, but I think you know what I am talking about. Then we arrived and after travelling for 3 hours, one needs to find relief. I saw some temporary toilets positioned outside the hall where we are meeting, but didn’t take much notice. I looked for the real toilets, the ones that flush, smell clean and have a mirror over a basin so that I can check my face. But to no avail. The decent toilets were for the ladies only. “C’mon, how can they expect us to use these facilities? Didn’t they plan properly?” And then it dawned on me. Our country has been rocked by the scandals of “open toilets” given to poor communities. By open toilets I mean that municipalities of several towns have simply planted toilets on the sidewalks or in the properties of the poor without enclosing them. People were therefore expected to do their business in the open.

 

My denomination, the Methodist Church, has proclaimed that we are a church in solidarity with the poor. How can we be so if we meet in the luxury of a place with flushing toilets? So, humbled, but proud to belong to this denomination, I went to the toilets. They stank already. They were dark inside. No water to wash your hands. This is Africa and this toilet would be counted a luxury in many communities.

 

I am converted again.

Furlough–Part 1

Every seven years, ministers are awarded a sabbatical. It comprises of 60 days whereby one is encouraged to “do something different". Add this to 30 days annual leave, and it makes for some good time out. I finished the first 30 days of my furlough on Sunday. I’ll be taking another 30 days in June/July, 14 days in October and 14 days in December. This is what I did:

 

1. Spent a day at Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary and valued my time there greatly!

2. Went on a 3-night cruise with my family on the MSC Sinfonia from Durban to the Portuguese Island off Mozambique.

3. Stayed a week at Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

4. Contended with a break-in at our house. They stole my iMac, Natalie’s laptop and my digital camera.

5. Virtually finished a manuscript for a book of Lenten devotions.

6. Marked about 100 scripts for UNISA.

7. Built half a war-ship (Lego). When done, it will be over a meter long!

8. Played Playstation with my sons, and soccer, and all sorts of other games.

9. Loved my wife by being home for a change.

10. Started on notes for articles I have to write in due course.

11. Spoke at a men’s breakfast in Carletonville.

 

This is my second furlough. This one started the same as the other. I went into a deep depression for about a week. I suppose it is because of the clean break from being highly in demand to receiving no communication at all. Believe it or not, one has a lot of time to wrestle with the demons suppressed by busy schedules and unresolved complications. I learnt two things. The thing a missed the least: People. The thing I missed the most: People.

 

After about a week, I started unwinding and began to find myself again. One has to be disciplined to say to yourself: “I am not going to pop into the office today”- a temptation I fell to a few times. I am glad I went on furlough and that I didn’t preach for the first time in 15 years over the Easter weekend.

 

But now I am back. I feel a change. There is more energy. There is greater assertiveness in protecting myself, my family and my time. And what a great gift it is to rejoin my family at the Glen – a truly amazing community of faith. In 8 weeks time, I’ll press the pause-button again and learn some more things.

Giving up social networking for Lent

So, I'll be giving up Social Networking for Lent. Some have offered
ways for me to Tweet, update my Facebook profile and blog "without
cheating". These have all been innovative suggestions :-). I have
also met some resistance to this idea from others . Let me explain
why I chose Social Networking. Well, let me first explain my
understanding of a fast, and specifically a Lenten fast. I have found
great value in the Muslim teaching on fasting and have adopted these
for myself. You see, Muslims state that there are three reasons for
fasting. First of all, one fasts as a reminder to yourself that all
things come from God. Nothing and no-one is self-made, deserved or
earned through our own efforts. Secondly, we distance ourselves from
things that have become "the second master". Thirdly, we identify
with those for whom this state of "need" is a daily reality. So, here
is my take on giving up Social Networking:

1. The privilege of being on the internet.

I have come to take for granted that I will always be connected. I
have found myself getting irritated when my cellphone shows low
signal, when the 3G connection drops down to a snail-pace GPRS.
Whenever someone asks a question, I jump on to Mr Google and provide
some knowledge within the blink of an eye. I love seeing what is
happening in other people's lives and, those who are my friends on
Facebook will know that I am equally enthusiastic about sharing my
experiences on the net. But these things are not a given and I need
to remind myself of this. It is not good that my mood is determined
by the speed of my connection, the availability of broadband or the
presence of a wi-fi network. This is why I am giving up Social
Networking.

2. The second master.

Closely linked to point number 1, I thought that if I spend as much
time in prayer as what I do on Social Networking sites, I must grow a
bit in my spiritual walk. It would have helped if Jesus were on
Twitter or was a Facebook friend, but Jesus wants to be in a much
more intimate relationship with me. God longs to hear and feel my
self-expression, not get to know me through a Tweet or an update (and
vice versa). So, during Lent, every time I have the urge to Tweet or
update my profile, I am going to spend that time in prayer. This is
why I am giving up Social Networking.

3. Identifying with the internet-deprived.

How many millions of people around the world do not have access to
the internet? They do not have the privilege of seeing what is
happening around the world. More so, many of their voices are not
heard and their life-situations cannot change. We have seen the power
of Social Network media in Egypt, Libya and other countries where
atrocities are taking place. What about those places where people
cannot or may not engage in Social Networking? Who identifies with
them? This is why I am giving up Social Networking.

I pray that through this Lenten journey I will learn more about God,
myself and my neighbour.

Awkward!

Today I was invited by the congregation of Eastview Methodist Church
to do the dedication of their new Memorial Wall and to pray over the
ashes of two people that will be interred there in the next few days.
I worked at Eastview almost ten years ago and have very fond memories
of this congregation. And so, we blessed the wall, and then I
proceeded to pray over the ashes. I prayed for Pam and Harold (the
deceased...), and their families and the rest of the community. While
doing so, I saw the minister trying to gesture something, but I did
not quite get what he was saying.

Afterwards, a lady came to me and said: "I'm still here.". "What do
you mean?", I asked. "I'm Pam, it's my husband that passed away."
EARTH, SWALLOW ME WHOLE!!! It was an honest mistake, an error of
miscommunication between me and the resident minister. How it
happened, I do not know. Thank heavens that Pam is a gracious person.
Apologies again to her and her family!

Whites only? No, the only whites

I had to smile.

"What, if I may ask, are you doing at a Muslim birthday party?", a
congregation member asked when she bumped into us at Zita park. "It's
not a Muslim birthday party, it is little Nawaal's birthday party.",
I corrected her. Yes, Nawaal is Muslim. Will I try and convert her
and her family. Absolutely not. That is another conversation all
together. Nawaal and Matthew are friends at school. It just so
happened that Matthew was the only white child who came to celebrate
her birthday with her. We were the only white parents. It really did
not bug us. We have been the only whites at many different functions
and celebrations. But I could see the older generation were not too
comfortable with us there. We had a wonderful time, chatting to
friends like Lee-Anne, who told us about growing up in Cape Town.
Just then our conversation was abruptly interrupted by a white
hooligan harassing a black child near the swimming pool. He went off
pop, overreacting to this child accidentally bumping into his
precious child on the waterslide. Lee-Anne came to her rescue and
confronted this bully. On her return she told us: "He betta be
careful, I'm from Mitchell's Plain. I'm a township-girl. I'm not
scared of him." The elderly gentleman sitting near us mockingly
suggested that he'll "sommer go fetch my knife from the car". He
really was joking. Then we laughed at how people get stuck in racial
stereotypes.

I am grateful that my children have friends from every different
racial group in South Africa. I must add that there are very few
whites among them. Does it bother me? Not in the least. They must
have friends from different cultures. Embracing diversity helps us
see beyond our own boundaries. By them having friends who are from
other cultures and races, they help is make (more) friends across
racial lines as well. We learn from our children.

I like Stanley Hauerwas

I don't like theologians or philosophers because of what they stand for. I like them for the people who they are and who they have become. Who they have become does not refer to their station or their position in the realms of academia, but refers to the place they have grown towards in their own personhood. To simply like theologians or philosophers for what they stand for, is not to like them at all, but to like their ideas. This is pretty superficial, for ideas change, situations change and you will find yourself inevitably disagreeing with everyone from time-to-time.

During the past few weeks I have been savouring Stanley Hauerwas' memoir: "Hannah's child: A theologian's memoir". I say that I have been savouring it, because it is like a piece of Belgian chocolate, to be enjoyed for as long as possible, leaving the person feeling and hoping that it will never end. And so, by reading this phenomenal book, I have grown in my liking of Stanley Hauerwas, who happens to be a theologian, ethicist, philosopher and Christian. There are some natural things that draw me to Hauerwas. First, he did not come from a family of academics, but from a family of bricklayers. Same here, except that I grew up in a mining town where my destiny was to follow in my paternal ancestor's footsteps to descend into the black hole on a daily basis. There is a ruggedness in his character, vocabulary and thinking that makes me feel at home. Secondly, he is a Barthian. Enough said.

His passion for following Jesus is inspiring. His criticism of Christianity and of religious Christians, are at times quite scathing, but for Hauerwas one thing is clear: "Jesus is Lord, and everything else is bull[expletive]". There is an honesty in his character where no presumptuous piety can find a place to linger. For instance, in his book, he recounts his experiences at Augustana:

"They were in a generalized way Lutheran, which meant in some vague way that they thought they were Christian. At least one of the missions in Augustana was to reinforce that vagueness. Or as I learned to put it - our task was to give the parents the impression that by sending their daughters to Augustana they would not lose the virginity they had already lost in high school. I had not been at Augustana long before I was drawn into a controversy about whether the doors of coeds could be shut during the times Augustana males were allowed to visit in the women's dorms. A reporter for the campus newspaper asked me what the new Christian ethicist's views might be about this crucial issue. Drawing on my experience as a Texan, as well as having just come from Yale, I responded: 'Well, I guess it's a good way to avoid getting grass stains.' I was quoted in the weekly edition of the paper. I later came to understand that such an observation was not well received by the administration."

I must confess, I read the above passage above in church while listening to a sermon. How I didn't burst out laughing out loud is a due solely to divine grace. This honesty breaks the power of pretense - very refreshing in a world where Christians are not supposed to be human.

Thank you, father Stanley! Must just put in one moment of bragging: Prof. Hauerwas owns one of Dion and my books! One day, if I get the chance to ask him whether he liked it, I hope he will not respond as Barth did to Brunner (?) by saying: "It has a nice cover".

Words to remember

Read the following and guess where it comes from...

Seek perfection of character
Be faithful
Endeavour
Respect others
Refrain from violent behaviour

What do you think? Does this sound like something from the Bible, the Qur'an or other religious text?

Yes and no. All of these are written in sacred texts, but they are actually written on the wall of most karate dojo's. My son is going to his first lesson today. Some may cringe at the idea. Tough. I did karate for most of my childhood and so did my mother and my brother. We did not pray to foreign gods, in fact, my teacher was a devout Christian.

These words have stuck with me and helped me in my growth as a Christian. I hope that they will make an impact on Matthew's life before he learns to make a spinning-heel-kick.

New year, new look

Ok, I know. I haven't blogged since October last year. Blame it on
Facebook and Twitter. It takes a bit more effort to blog, but that is
what discipline is all about... a bit of effort.

So, how do you like the blog's new look? I have also changed my
facial features a bit by growing what is known in South Africa as a
"Bokkie". It is basically a mustache and a bit of a beard on the
chin. For your safety, I prefer not to post a photo quite yet.

In any case, I want to take this opportunity to wish all friends,
family and visitors to this blog a blessed 2011. Seeing that we only
have one year to go, according to the Mayan calendar :-) we better
make the most of this one!

God bless

Wessel

ps. This post is especially for Anne, who keeps asking for a new post
on this blog, and who incidentally makes a wonderful cup of tea.

Day at the zoo...and the hospital

We spent the most beautiful day at the Pretoria Zoo. The boys will be
going back to school on Monday and we thought to take the day and
enjoy the sun, fresh air and God's beautiful creatures. This morning
my shoulders are sore as the boys took turns sitting on my shoulders.
I love carrying them around, because I know the time is short for one
to do this. Soon they will be too big and I will miss these moments.

After our lovely visit, we went for cake and tea. Natalie had another
mysterious allergic reaction which led to a visit to the Emergency
Rooms. We don't have a clue what causes it. The first time she had
this reaction, she had a piece of tuna. The second time, some Italian
tomato sauce. This time, cheesecake. She''s gone for allergy tests,
only for these to come back negative. Eish, I hope we find the cause
soon.

Go fly a kite!

My wife, Natalie, usually plays the cello at weddings on Saturday afternoons. This leaves me and the boys with ample time to do some "guy"-stuff. (Not that Natalie would mind whatever we do). Today there was a slight breeze in Pretoria. There is always a slight movement of air, but never really strong enough to call a wind.

Today it was a bit stronger and so we decided to dust off our kites and try them out. We have a rather big park not too far from our home, and so, with excitement, we jumped in the car, each with his own kite. Nathan took a kite which he got as a toy when we bought some pizza. Matthew took a bigger kite which his granny bought him, and of course, Dad hauled out his professional kite that has two strings and could do tricks when in the right hands.

Needless to say, my kite didn't take off. Nathan's kite tore, but Matthew's "Bat"-kite, which he calls "Batty", took off on the first try. We all watched in amazement as Batty flew higher and higher until there was no more string on the reel. Passers-by stopped their cars and looked. People came out of their houses, holding their children's hands while watching with smiles on their faces. I started feeling a bit self-conscious, but the boys cheered as they each had a turn to hold the reel.

Then I thought of the saying "Go fly a kite!", which usually means "Go do something worthless and stop bothering me". How wrong they are. The boys and I had a wonderful time and flew the kite for well over an hour. For that moment the troubles of the world ceased. It was all about the invisible force of the wind being the source of joy, relaxation and a feeling of victory.

Tell you what. If you are working during this weekend and feel like life is weighing you down, take my advise and go fly a kite!

That's what friends are for

It's been three months since I last blogged. Part of the reason is that I went on holiday and took a break from social networking (Twitter, Facebook and blogging). Apologies if this caused anyone any separation-anxiety. It has certainly been an eye opening experience to see how addictive social networking is. Anyway, that is not the reason for this post.


I would like to ask a question. Do you have a friend? Of course you do. But do you have a friend who is honest and who dares ask the tough questions? I was reminded today of two of my friendships where these friends have been hugely influential in my formation. I have a lot of pals, but only a handful of friends. Do you know what I mean?

Friends are there to read between the lines, to encourage, but also to stretch us so that we will be honest with ourselves and with those whom we love. So, today I am giving thanks to God for these friends. My second prayer is that I will be such a friend to others. May I have the courage and the audacity to help others grow in their journey.

So much for now, before I get addicted to blogging again.

Synod Bible study - 21 May 2010

I had the great privilege of leading a Bible study at our district
synod. Feel free to take a look at my notes here.

Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer

The international version of my book "28 days of prayer during financial crisis" (South African edition) is available for pre-order on Amazon! Please click here to be redirected to the site. Thank you for your support.

Matthew's winter school uniform

The pants are too big, the jersey too long, the shoes firm and hard, but doesn't he look great?

Prejudice and the Communion rail

Read Acts 9:1-20

These past two weeks have been filled with reason for anxiety, fear and increased prejudice. The killing of Eugene Terre'blance... the songs, words and aggression of Julius Malema... Jacob Zuma's chastising of Malema... the list goes on. As a result it seems as if many people are looking for a group where they will feel safe. Lines are drawn, sides are created and the differences between "us" and "them" are described, protected and used as ammunition for discrimination. Sometimes it is explicit, sometimes subtle, but it is there.

As I was reflecting on ET's funeral, I picked up a newspaper and saw an AWB-member in uniform. Immediately labels started flying through my mind, describing who this person is. "Extremist", "Racist", "Person living in the past" were some of my thoughts. I turned the page and saw a picture of a politician. Once again, the labels started flying. Strange thing is that as these terms came up, it was as if I knew these people very well. I could imagine every detail of their history, personality and even their ambitions. And then I heard God ask: “Do you really know this person?”. I tried to justify my thinking of my 'knowledge' of them. But I was completely floored by what I believe God was saying: "Believe it or not, Wessel I formed him in his mother’s womb. I know his mother and grandmother. I have journeyed with them in their past and know where they will be going". God really seems to know us all.

And I realized that human beings are very clever. We spot trends and tendencies in people and we formulate these as our truths. At the same time we are also lazy. We don’t engage with people, we use these formulated truths to dictate our response to anyone who vaguely reminds us of them. Social psychologists call this the use of schema's. Reading the passage in Acts reminds me that I am not alone in this struggle.

Ananias was no different. He heard about this person called Saul. An image was created in his mind of who Saul was and what he was capable of. And so we read that he was filled with fear. He even tried to get out of meeting with Saul. But here God is, saying to him: I know Saul. I have spoken to him. Go to him. Ananias my not have thought it possible for Saul to hear God or for God to speak to Saul. I'm often tempted to think that God doesn't speak to those who are a threat to me or my beliefs. God surprises Ananias by revealing that God is already at work in Saul's heart...without Ananias' permission!

I am so glad that God does not act like a human being. Can you imagine how God would respond to you and me based it purely on a generalized observation? If God were far removed, observed and created a schema of humanity, God may look at me and say: "Wessel belongs to that specie that cannot love and which is destroying my planet, and so I will encounter him as an angry and vengeful God". No, God comes to us with the bias of love, compassion and grace.

Furthermore, God stepped down and entered the realm of humanity as a person to "live our life and to die our death". What enables God to resist generalized schema's? Perhaps the willingness to walk alongside us. For this reason I am convinced that if we are to work for peace in our country, then shouting from the edges won't help us one bit. Perhaps we need to walk a mile in each other's shoes. But before you do that, you have to take off your own.

This means trusting that God loves everyone, that God is at work in everyone. So, this week, I am going to draw alongside those who are a threat to me. I waant to pray with them and for them. Hopefully they will do the same with me. And where we meet as threatened individuals, may even find that place where we can look at each other and call each other "Brother" or "Sister".

Dear followers

Thank you for following my blog. In the recent weeks I have received a lot of spam comments and people trying to post on my blog.

For this reason I have upped the security on posting and comments. Please accept my apologies to those who often leave very meaningful comments.

Regards

Wes

The Garden Tomb

On this day I remember our visit to the Garden Tomb. Who knows if this was the actual place where Jesus' body was laid? All that I know is that our group celebrated a very special Communion service here and that the resurrected Lord was very real to us in that moment. I remember this day with fond memories.

Easter Sunday

Every Easter Sunday we celebrate a sunrise service at Eastview Methodist Church. It is situated on the plots in the Eastern suburbs of Pretoria. this morning's sunrise was spectacular. It only became more beautiful as the day progressed. See the mist forming in the valley in the second picture.




During this time we celebrated hope. We prayed for our country, especially after hearing the news that Eugene Terreblanche was murdered by some of his farmworkers. ET was an extremist and very few white people agreed with his views. But his brutal murder does nothing good for exiting racial tensions in South Africa. It sparks more anxiety in the singing of a song with the words "Kill the Boer (farmer)" by Julius Malema, the ANC Youth League president.

We pray for South Africa. We pray that God's answer to human violence my raise hope and love in our hearts so that we may truly be reconciled to each other and to Him.

God is at the craps table again

This is one of the most entertaining, educating and funny articles I've read in a very long time. Well done, Tertius Kapp. Read the article here.

What a privilege!

Teaching is my passion! Once a semester UNISA offers group discussions whereby students from all-over come to Pretoria and engage with us, their lecturers.

This morning it was my turn to present a class and I felt such a thrill, stepping into the auditorium with the students eagerly waiting. They introduced themselves and told us where they come from. Some were from Pretoria. Others came all the way from Soweto (about 70km away) by public transport. One person came all the way from Louis Trichardt (about 4.5 hours drive) also by public transport. And I am humbled.

I am always humbled by their commitment and effort to attend these classes. And so I make sure that I am well prepared. I make sure I listen carefully. I remind myself that this is their time at that this moment is about them, and not about me.

Thank you to all our students for making today such a humbling and worthwhile occasion. I hope you feel the same.

A bad day

What a day!!!

It started off in traffic while taking Matthew to school. In the car behind us was a very pretty lady. At the robot, I admired her beauty, then she stuck her finger in her nose and put it in her mouth. What a day!

Got to the office and met someone in the hallway. Their world had come to an end and I didn't know about it. What a day!

Started marking assignments and am convinced the students do not read a single thing we write. What a day!

Wrote a Bible study on the book of Job. What a day!

Spilled my cup of Milo all over my Bible and textbooks. What a day!

Went to pick Matthew up and he decided to wait at a different gate. After half an hour I found him. What a day!

Went to pick up my wife's new phone. One highlight in my day, another toy to play with. Then they told me they were out of stock. What a day!

Nathan threw up in the car. What a day!

At Bible study I was reminded that someone was not greeted. It was my weekend off and I wasn't there. What a day!

A glass of red wine and some classical music. Ah, what a day!

A lost generation?

Talk at Cobblecrab workshop

Last week Wednesday I had the privilege of sharing at the Cobblecrab Publishers writer's workshop.

Cobblecrab is a non-profit company that seeks to publish the stories of people's walk with God. Their books are of a good quality and very affordable.

Here is a link to their site: http://www.cobblecrab.co.za/

Thanks to John Bailey for the invitation and displaying our books so generously for the whole week at the workshop.

Hatespeech

While Julius Malema was singing "Shoot the Boers" at an ANC Youth league rally, farmers were being killed in the Limpopo province.

And no black political leader said anything.

I find this sad. I find a great inconsistency in our country. If any white person uttered the words "Shoot the Zulu's" or "Shoot the Xhosa's", they would have reason to fear for their lives. In fact, when someone dared finger the presidential convoy, this person was arrested and humiliated by the authorities.

I want to believe in this country. I want to believe in its potential. I want to believe that my children can grow up here without having to apologize for being white.

Somehow we all need to reach the place where we share a common responsibility for building a nation which looks beyond race. This Sunday I am preaching on the Old Testament lectionary reading. The people of Israel had to rededicate themselves to God. They ate of the fruit of the land (God fulfilled the promise)...and the Manna stopped falling (now they had to take responsibility). I think this passage is speaking to us.

Events and organizations

I belong to a Christian denomination which is renowned for its organizations. These organizations have dress codes, constitutions, membership fees and conventions. They are also dying a slow and painful death. Why? Because we have in our churches a younger generation who live according to the philosophy that "If it is not life-changing, it's not worth it"

Today my friend, Themba, said something profound: "People respond to events, not organizations". It made sense instantly. Thinking about it, I can testify to this phenomenon. We have had so many "events" in the life of our church, and I cannot recall any of these that was not well supported. When we tried to turn these events into a structure, whereby people had to put down their names on a piece of paper, all of a sudden these opportunities would run dry.

I think it is because people want to feel part, but not necessarily bound by anything. Furthermore I was challenged to think about how I live out my faith. Can I describe the practice of my faith as an event, or an institution, a happening or a structure? I fear that if I became clinical in my faith to the extent that I judged others by measuring their commitment to adhering to my organization, I would be deceiving myself.

I'm challenged.

I got spammed

Dear friends

As you may have noticed, someone, somehow posted spam on my blog. Wonder how they did it???

Please, don't deposit money into anyone's bank account. If you have the insatiable desire to do so, I can send you my details via a secure, encrypted e-mail.

Regards

Wes

ps. I deleted the post. It made my site look cheap.

Cape Town, meeting and sunset

I am spending a few days in Cape Town. The main reason is for attending meetings. I treasure this time as Cape Town is always good for my soul.

This afternoon, after a 7-hour meeting, my friend, Pete Grassow took me on a a trip of Cape Town on his BMW GS1150. Now let me explain. I am used to a Vespa. My brain knows how to process 70 km/h...downhill. This was a new experience all together, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. Everytime we neared a bend I would start praying "Our Father". I couldn't get past these words "Our Father, our Father, our Father...Ooooooo VVVVVVVVolkstaat!" Hey man, I have to get myself one of these!!! Thanks Pete.

Here are some photos from Llandudno. The fairest Cape of all!!!

My boys (Sorry, re-uploaded)

Steve de Gruchy

Prof Steve de Gruchy passed away. He went tubing with his family in the Mooi river. He fell off and disappeared moments later.

His body was found today.

This is sad, sad news. I knew him from the Theological Society of South Africa and as the editor of JTSA. Although a genius in his field, he always had time for conversation. His sense of humour was sharp and his presence inspiring.

We will miss you, Steve. Our love and prayers go to your family.

Isn't she beautiful?

I'm the luckiest man in the world!

A delicate tension

Ministry is tricky. Ministers like being popular and agreeable. We generally don't like confrontation. I certainly don't. But this week has stretched me to the point where I have not been and will not be very popular.

I was told in my Bible study that I have caused discomfort for allowing people to see a different perspective. I know that the person who mentioned it is sincere in her journey and I have to respect her points of view. Furthermore I am in the process of helping a couple realize that they are not ready to make their vows to each other. At this point I certainly can't stand in front of them with a clear conscience when I know they have a lot of work lying ahead.

There are a few other things lined up where I know I will have to speak the truth in love. That is the challenge, isn't it. "Speaking the truth in love". I have to be aware that it is my truth, or the truth I believe that would liberate.

I do not get a kick out of being unpopular or voicing an unpopular opinion. Those closest to me know that I will exhaust all options before drawing a line in the sand. But I believe that in these instances it needs to be done, for there will be more hurt and the cost will be greater if things continue as they are.

Please pray for me to have sufficient wisdom, to be generous in grace and have the courage to say the unpopular things in love.

Some humour

During the past two weeks the following happened:

1. On the first day of school a little boy walked into his Grade 1
class, looked at all the children, and said: "Hello, all you infidels!"

2. At Sunday school this past Sunday the 5 year old's were taught the
difference between wisdom and knowledge. The teacher asked: "Can
anyone here tell me what it means to be wise?". A little boy
replied: "You are wise if you know when to keep your mouth shut when
there's a woman in the house"

Thought this was worth blogging.

Matt's first day at school

I won't say too much, except that we are very proud of Matt today. Enjoy the photos.

Taking God out of the Church

It is interesting how we start seeing patterns. Coincidentally my friend Pete Grassow (www.rockinthegrass.blogspot.com) wrote about his experience outside the church buildings which resonates with a piece I wrote this morning for my book of Lenten devotions. The piece I wrote is based on the healing of Simon's mother (Mark 1:29-34).

The thing that struck me is that Jesus left the synagogue and went to Peter's house. I assume that Jesus, Peter, Andrew, James and John went to the synagogue to worship and that Simon invited Jesus over after worship. It is here that Jesus encountered Simon's mom-in-law and healed her. The thought struck me (with the help of the Interpreter's Bible) that we so often leave God at the place of worship. What would happen if we, like Simon, invited Jesus to our homes or our places of work? Will we be surprised to see that Jesus enters these places and touches the people who need Him most? (I am tempted to play the mother-in-law line here, but I will refrain).

I hope your day is filled with the assurance that God did not stay behind at your quiet time this morning, and neither did God remain at church. God is with us. I will be chewing on this one a bit further today. Please share your thoughts.

Vodacom, E220, Windows 7

It turns out that if you have a Vodacom E220 usb dongle, running on a
pc with Windows 7, then you might experience some difficulties with
your internet connection. Turns out that the Windows Updates corrupt
the drivers for the dongle, so this is what I have had to do with
another person's computer (I run Mac, which is a Latinese word for
"no problems").

1. Do a system restore on your computer to before the critical
updates were installed.
2. Make sure all Vodacom programmes have been uninstalled on the PC
and disable and uncheck all the Windows Automatic Update boxes
3. Use another computer to download the newest firmware update and
software for Windows XP. To do this, do the following:
3.1 Take the simcard out of the dongle
3.2 Go to www.vodacom.co.za, Services, Broadband, Downloads, pick
the correct file for download
3.3 Insert the sim-less dongle and run the files
3.4 Unplug dongle and insert sim
4. Plug dongle into the Windows 7 pc and follow the prompts
5. IT WORKS!!!

ps. I don't take any responsibility for any loss or damage to files,
hardware or software if you follow this advice. This purely worked on
this computer because it did not have important documents on it.

SHORTCUT: Buy a Mac

Sabbath and rest

How do you rest? What is your understanding of a time of rest?

A friend and colleague of mine, Schalk Pienaar said something the other day which made me think about the way I rest. Schalk told us that our times of rest should not be there as the time to collapse after we exhausted ourselves by over-committing. Times of rest should be used as moments where we get ready for work that lies ahead.

Think about this for a bit. It impacts on the way we see work, the way in which we commit ourselves to opportunities. If we simply commit, we will work, not being able to wait for that moment were we can simply space-out. This kind of rest is seldom effective. If we use times of rest to gain strength, prepare our spirits and our minds, then work becomes the blessing in which we pace ourselves, and could actually find ourselves being fulfilled by that which keeps us busy.

This past year, 2009, is the first year that I did not write any exams. Usually December is a time to collapse. This year I collapsed for a day or two, but then started to take care of myself and my family. While doing this, I actively spent time getting my spirit and mind in gear for the year which lies ahead. no, I did not plan the year nor did I do anything that can be classified as work. I simply prayed, surrendering things to God. It has been a time of saying: "Lord,..... is yours. I trust that you will let me know how to manage it". I did this with all kinds of things: my health, my family, my work relationships, projects that I know I will have to face". and each time a simple message returned. It said "Take each day as it comes. Do what you can, but don't panic if you do not finish what you set out to do. There may be a next day."

I moved my day-off to a Friday now and hope that this will not be a day of collapse, as Mondays always turned out to be, but rather times of refreshing and renewal.
I enter 2010 feeling ready, rested and relaxed. I pray that this will be the year of good news.

What a nice little book

Someone gave me a book voucher for Christmas and I stumbled across this little book entitled "Do you think you're clever?". It is a book listing some of the absurd questions prospective students are asked before being admitted to Oxford or Cambridge. It also gives some possible answers to these questions. Some of the questions include: "What happens if you drop and ant?", "Can God create a stone so heavy that he wouldn't be able to lift it?", "If you made a whole straight through the center of the earth to the other side and jumped in it, what would happen?", and my favourite "How would you explain a spoon to a Martian?".

If you're looking for some light reading with good laughs, then this one is for you!

My little red car

This is the first Christmas without my grandfather. I miss him dearly. We all do. The year was 1978, I was two years old and my grandfather wanted to get me something special. He found a little push-car, red with black wheels. I played in this little car for several years to come.

While visiting my gran over Christmas, this little car stood outside her front door, all rusted and worse for wear. The memories flooded back. She saw me reminiscing and told me she thought it best if I took the little car home. Today I spent a good deal of the afternoon panel-beating, bending and respraying. I then presented it to my boys and they dubbed it their "red Ferrari".

I will treasure this photo alongside the photo's of little Wessel in his little red car.

Looking back at my goals and looking ahead

At the beginning of the year, I set out t accomplish some goals. Well, now is evaluation-time:

Editing the Ethics textbook which should be published by the end of the year, DONE
Submitted a research article last night, DONE AND PUBLISHED
Wrote a set of devotions for Disciplines 2010, DONE AND PUBLISHED
Writing a book on prayer during financial crisis, DONE AND PUBLISHED
Writing a book of Lenten devotions (long overdue), STILL BUSY, ALMOST FINISHED
Preparing a proposal for a paper which I plan to deliver at the Theological Society in June on Calvin's pneumatology and the African spirit-world, DONE AND PUBLISHED (did not go to TSSA)
Gathering notes for an article on leadership and ethics (due Oct), ALMOST DONE
Planning another book with Dion on the relationship between church and state, ALMOST DONE.

I feel good about what has been accomplished this year. In the meantime my thesis was published as a book, I had to undergo surgery and I'm recovering well. I'm learning how to relax and to enjoy life without its busy-ness.

Goals for 2010:

Finish outstanding projects from 2009
Write a meditation book for those growing older
Write a book for disillusioned Christians
Do 2 courses towards an Honours in Psychology (only have 4 to go)
Publish 4 research articles
Write up our project "Change the world in 15 minutes"
Play more guitar
Play more tennis
Attend all my children's sporting, school and cultural events
Take my wife on a date once a month (at least)
Plan a trip to Turkey
Survive, no live in 2010

Visit to the Voortrekker monument

Some call it the world's biggest advert for Trotters Jelly. To others it is symbolic of South Africa's racist past.

This is the Voortrekker monument, a monument erected to remember the Great Trek of the first white pioneers in Southern Africa who traveled by ox-wagon from the Cape of Good Hope inland to where we now have the countries of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

The architecture is astounding! Built between 1938 and 1949, this monument is structured in such a way that at noon on December 16th, the sun's rays fall directly on a large stone with the words inscribed "We, for you, South Africa". It's walls contain the carvings of the stories of the Great Trek. And so, we spent the morning sharing this part of South Africa's history with our boys.

It was a violent history, but also one telling of the Afrikaner's determination to get away from Dutch and British oppression, surviving, innovating and choosing to travel north. This was met with great battles and conflict against the local inhabitants.

Very few of my ancestors came from these people. My mom is a third generation Dutch immigrant. Her maiden surname is "Van Goeverden", a family related to Dutch royalty. My father's family came to South Africa during the second Anglo-Boer war. Seven Bentley brothers landed in, what is now KwaZulu-Natal to fight the Boers. One of these brothers became a captain in the British military and was stationed at a Boer concentration camp. There he fell in love with one of the captive Boer women and later married. This lady, my great-great-great grandmother was the only one of my family who knew the hardships of the Dutch pioneers. A family name from her family, Wessel, was then passed on from generation to generation. This name has stopped with me, unless my sons choose to give it to one of their children.

I am reminded of how far we have come as a nation. On the walls there are pictures of how the Boers faught against the Zulu's, Matabeles, Xhosa's and others. I now have friends from all these nations, and count them to be some of my best friends.

It was a good visit. I don't know what to do with all the conflicting emotions inside, but for now, I remembered the stories and I am reminded that one's search for liberation and freedom is often shortlived. New institutions are formed, new conflicts, new power struggles. Politics always interferes.

Thoughts for my new book

I am busy writing the next installment of the '28 days' series entitled "28 days of prayer for disillusioned believers" and came across the following thoughts from John Wesley in his book 'A plain account of Christian perfection'. (These are excerpts from this book). I thought of using this as a basis for reflection. What do you think?

Hereby many are hindered from seeking faith and holiness by the false zeal of others; and some who at first began to run well are turned out of the way.
Q32. What advice would you give them?

• Watch and pray continuously against pride. If God has cast it out, see that it enter no more: it is full as dangerous as desire, and you may slide back into it unawares; especially if you think there is no danger of it.
• Be aware of the daughter of pride, enthusiasm. Oh, keep at the utmost distance from it? Give no place to a heated imagination. Do not hastily ascribe things to God. Do not easily suppose dreams, voices, impressions, visions, revelations to b from God. They may be from Him. They may be from nature. They may be from the devil. Therefore ‘believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God’.
• Beware of Antinomianism; ‘making void the law’ or any part of it, ‘through faith’. Enthusiasm naturally leads to this; indeed they can scarce be separated.
• Beware of sins of omission; lose no opportunity of doing good in any kind. Be zealous of good works; willingly to omit no work, either of piety or mercy.
• Beware of desiring anything but God. Now you desire nothing else; every other desire is driven out; see that none enter again.
• Beware of schism, of making a rent in the church of Christ. That inward disunion, the members ceasing to have a reciprocal love ‘one for another’ (1 Cor. 12:25), is the very root of all contention, and every outward separation.
• Be exemplary in all things; particularly in outward things (as in dress), in little things, in the laying out of your money (avoiding every needless expense), in deep, steady seriousness, and in the solidity and usefulness of all your conversation. So shall you be ‘a light, shining in a dark place.’. So shall you daily ‘’grow in grace’, till ‘an entrance be ministered unto you abundantly unto the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

State of health

Natalie: Upper Respiratory Infection, Bladder Infection
Matthew: Bronchitis
Nathan: Upper Respiratory Infection, Middle ear infection,
Conjunctivitis
Me: Getting sick of medical bills... and Upper Respiratory Infection

Maybe I am a bigot

On my last post "God of bacon" left a message which may mean many different things. If the worst is meant, the comment may infer that I am a bigot and training my son to be one too.

Perhaps I am a bigot and a poor dad. No "but"'s, no excuses. God of bacon, I promise to take your comment seriously and to work at being a better person. I also pledge to become a better father.

I hope to become a better person, because I am at present very disillusioned with our politicians. Let me tell you why, and if you have any suggestions to help me overcome this state of despondency, I welcome your comment.

I do not understand how people who faught against Apartheid for decades can come into power and forget the people so easily. It starts with leadership: from a head of state who has been implicated in dubious financial deals with a known mobster, accusations of having raped a young woman, to Ministers of Parliament who gained financially through the Arms deal, employing friends and family with little to no skill to high corporate positions.

It is these politicians who discouraged the South African people to seek proper medical care and instead of taking antiretoviral medication, to treat HIV/AIDS with "beetroot, garlic and African potatoes". The same people say and do nothing about the situation in Zimbabwe, but welcome Mr. Mugabe with open arms, treating him like royalty.

South Africa's unemployment rate closes in on 60%, the highest it's ever been. There is more poverty now than during Apartheid. By 2012, we will have about 5 million AIDS orphans. Out of a population of 45 million, it is quite a high number. These children will have to look after themselves and if the current trend continues, will mostly give themselves over for sexual favours in order to get money for food. So much for beetroot, garlic and African potatoes. So much for condoms stapled to pamphlets. Did I forget to mention that we have the highest HIV infection rate in the world, the highest murder per capita?

85% of the South African municipal districts are close to insolvency and cannot provide services to residents. In my city, Pretoria, a quarter of the population do not have access to running water, electricity or sanitation services. Yet, when we read the news, there are stories of how government officials spent "$50 000" on hotel accommodation (this was one person), and demand high-end vehicles, each costing in the region of $600 000. We hear of how it is going to cost $1 million to repair the low-cost houses erected by government. These houses were built in the last 10 years, some by contractors who are not registered, but offered "a good deal". Now houses are falling in on people while they sleep.

I can go on. But DON'T take my word for it. Come and see for yourself. And don't visit the "nice" places, but come and see how politicians are systematically removing homeless people from the city centers in order to make it "look pretty" for the Soccer World Cup. Come and see the open graves lined up for the thousands of AIDS burials that take place mostly on Saturday mornings. Come visit the victims of crime who lie maimed in hospitals. Come sleep in a shack for one night, sharing accommodation with those who have been promised houses over 15 years ago (and when the houses get built, they fall in). Come sit in the long queues at state hospitals where the facilities are appalling, taking almost a day to be seen by a doctor.

So yes, as you can see, I am very disillusioned with politicians. And I will be even a greater bigot if I enable these bigots who profess that they care about the people, but conveniently forget them, to think that their actions are ok. I will be a greater bigot if I vote for them.

In the meantime, faith communities and non-profit organizations have to facilitate social welfare, stand up for the poor and care for the displaced. We have to pray with victims of crime, bury the dead and comfort the families left behind. We have to teach people about antiretroviral medication, preventing HIV infection. We have too help the displaced, support, feed and educate those in child-headed families. And when we dare do, as at Central Methodist Mission, government barges in, threatening to close these churches down.

The one thing I treasure, is that even my 6 year old boy can see through this.

Matthew shares my prejudice.

I discovered my prejudice, well one of them. I don't like politicians. Here follows an excerpt of my conversation with Matthew this morning in the car as I listened to a 702 report on the state of Central Methodist Mission.

Matt: Pappa, can I ask you something?

Me: Matt, I'm just listening here. They are talking about one of pappa's friends.

Matt: Who?

Me: Uncle Paul.

Matt: What happened?

Me: He is the minister at a church in Johannesburg. There are people who do not have homes and he is allowing them to stay in the church. The politicians don't like what he's doing.

Matt: Those politicians are nasty!

Out of the mouths of babes!

My new book!

Hi friends

Just to mention the release of my new book from Cambridge Scholars Publishers: "The notion of mission in Karl Barth's ecclesiology. It is a bit pricey, but I think worth the investment ;-). Read more about this book here.

The worst our national anthem has ever been sung.

Didn't someone audition this guy?

Milo's first haircut

Our Miniature Schnauzer, Milo, got his first haircut today.

Stanley Hauerwas on prayer

Stanley Hauerwas is one of my favourite theologians, simply because he is so real. No pretense, what you see is what you get. (Thanks Dion for the link)

Simul Joostus et peccator

Thanks Beryl.



ps. For those not from South Africa, ZANEWS is a satirical series on South African life and politics.

Cooking again

I stopped cooking for a while. I made food, but didn't cook.

This year had taken it out of me and I struggled to find the energy and creativity to produce something that we could savour over a meal. Glad to say, things are returning slowly.

It came about by first making a deliberate choice to move away from prepackaged meat. It's unhealthy, environmentally damaging and expensive. So, if I want to make fillet, I go to the butcher and want to see how he cuts it from the carcass. The same goes for other types of meat. When I want to cook fish, I go to our local supermarket, choose the fish and watch how the head, tail and fins disappear and how filleting is done. I have been amazed at the difference in taste as well as the difference in price. This week alone I have been able to get Yellowtail at R22.00 per kilo and Hake at R51.00 per kilo. A kilo of fish is A LOT of food.

Secondly, I planted my own veggie and herb garden from which I get fresh greens. Once again, cost effective and really tasty! It is amazing how easy it actually is to plant and produce your own food.

So, tonight I made fried hake. Two hours of preparing batter, cutting the fish, making Basmati rice, cutting and cleaning broccoli... Two hours of not thinking about work, counseling, meetings. Just me, my German knives, fresh food, AMC classic pots and Classic FM in the background. Now, this is chilling. Pity I'm not allowed to drink wine anymore.

Getting something for nothing

I am spotting a trend in my country. Perhaps it is not just here, but this is where I notice it. It is the trend of expecting something for nothing. Let me explain. In this past week our national soccer coach was fired because the team has raked in a series of poor results. He was the 16th coach in 17 years. We expect the team to win, yet our players are notorious for not arriving at practices, there is constant infighting among those in top structures etc etc. So, the coach gets fired...again. Suppose people start thinking that there isn't a coach problem, but that there is an administration problem, an accountability problem.

Our mayor, Gwen Ramakgopa will probably be fired in the next day or two. She has been accused of mismanaging funds and is well known for her spending sprees. Yet, a quarter of Pretoria's residence do not have access to basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation services. I wonder where those in power thought these things would come from. Heaven?

For 15 years, Eskom, the South African electricity provider had not maintained or upgraded its facilities. Now there is a crisis as demand is outgunning supply. The immediate answer: a 43% hike in tariffs, with the same increase projected for at least the next three years. Where was the electricity going to come from? Thunderbolts? Yet, Eskom's executives have given themselves healthy bonuses over this period. Expecting something for nothing.

Next, there will be the water-crisis. It is not a crisis yet, because the rich have not been affected. But it is coming and sooner than we think.

Every time someone raises these issues, the standard response from those in political power is "Crisis, what crisis?". This cliche has become the running joke among South Africans. But then again, the roof doesn't leak if it doesn't rain.

I'm in love

Triumph Bonneville T100. They have this bike in this colour at the bike shop around the corner from the church. Aaaaahhhhh.

Nice photo's of Nathan and Lilly

Nathan and Lilly are best of friends. It wouldn't surprise me if they get married one day. See why...

And then my son made me chuckle...

Still a bit agro, we started eating supper. Nathan, our two year old lawyer (because he has an unbeatable argument for everything) was struggling to eat his carrots. He started moving from the table towards the T.V., ignoring our every effort to get him back. And then there was a thunderclap and he dashed back to the table. Sitting there with eyes stretched wide, he said "God is talking to me!". Stunned I asked him what God said. He replied: "God told me to eat my food!".

Where do they get this?

What a day!!!

I don't want today over again. I got angry too many times. I spoke improperly to too many people. This is what happened.

We were driving on the R21 (Pretoria to Johannesburg) to take my Vespa in for repairs. My Vespa was in a trailer, by the way. Travelling no more than 80 km/h to avoid any bumps and bruises to my baby, a guy in a white Jetta came past in the fast lane, but started veering towards my car and smacked off my side mirror. We both stopped and I lost my cool for the first time in years. He admitted guilt, but said that the car was not his. So, I phoned the owner, who was busy at the time, but promised to phone me back.

Dropped off old Bertie and went to our local police station to report the accident. They referred me to another station where I had to report the case. Then I phoned her again. This time she said the driver told her that the accident was my fault and that they would not be liable for damages as there weren't any witnesses. So I phoned the chap and asked him why he lied. No answer. Then I reminded him that my wife was in the car and that she would testify as a witness. Rude conversation. Conversation ended.

On our way to the other police station, a guy sitting on the back of a Bakkie chucked a glass bottle in front of my car. Hooters, ethics lecture on our responsibility towards the environment. Apologies, smiles, moved on.

Got to the police station where I was helped by a Constable who was busy listening to music on her cellphone. No greeting, she just slammed the forms down in front of me. everytime I asked for assistance, she would rudely point to blocks on the paper for completion without uttering a word. Ethics lecture on service to the community. Then she told me "This is not my job". Lost it again. Lecture on work ethic. Then I took her name and told her I knew the process to report her unprofessional behaviour. Conversion happened as quickly as during prayer at a Billy Graham crusade. Unfortunately her superior went home already, but I'll still phone tomorrow, because "It IS my job".

So, needless to say, my patience is running a bit low, my sense of humour oscillating, and I am looking for reasons to be thankful for living in a community where people don't own up to their mistakes, where civil servants find it more fulfilling to listen to music than doing their job and where some will deliberately lie in order to get away with not having to pay for their errors. Lord, help me.

When our children make us cry.

I mentioned in the car that I felt a bit hungry. Without mentioning anything, my son Matthew (6) made me toast with jam and cheese. What a surprise! I was caught off-guard, not thinking that what I had mentioned was heard and acted upon. I ate my toast, savouring every bit. By the way, when I write during summer, I often take off my shirt and sit at my desk only in shorts and socks.

Another knock on the door. "Look pappa!" His shirt was off. He put on his cream-coloured shorts, like mine. He put on his navy socks, like mine. "I look just like you!" By now I lost it completely. This child listened to me and acted. He looked at me and copied. This is stuff worth meditating on, but for now my computer is going to be switched off and I will be spending time with my boys.

Global Leadership Summit

I haven't been inspired by church like this in a very long time! For the past two days we've been attending the Global Leadership Summit in Boksburg, South Africa. I must admit, I didn't raise my expectations too much in anticipation of the conference. This is mostly because the synods and Conference I usually attend offer the "same old, same old" - talk without purpose, politics without action, egos without servanthood, careering without calling. You know what I mean. But this was different. Leaders from all different spheres of life shared their experiences of leadership and spoke about what they thought the local church could do to make a difference.

It was truly inspirational stuff and once again, I believe that the local church can make a difference. The key, for me, in this Summit, is to resist the temptation to cut-and-paste ministries into our congregational life. None of the speakers spoke of a "magic formula" or "recipe for success". All of them spoke about God calling them to action in their context, addressing the problems in their local reality. I am inspired by their ability to listen. During this past year, we have had as our theme at the Glen "Listening to the voice of God". This Summit was the cherry on the cake. We will listen some more to the uncomfortable call of the comforting Voice.

This was good for my soul.

Ignorance is bliss

Ignorance breeds militancy. This is my quote learnt from an encounter with a student during yesterday's class.

Well, we were busy discussing the relationship between spirituality and ethics when this gent raised his hand. He had been quiet all through the class, so I expected a soft-spoken, yet profound input. Much to my surprise he started talking about the "fact"
that the English translations of the Bible are tainted with omissions from the original text in order to promote a "hidden" agenda. He cited the Lukan version of the Lord's prayer and stirred the other students up by proving that this account in the NIV and other translations do not have the "Our" in "Our Father". In fact, many of the other lines (that one finds in Matthew) are not even there.

So, I started by telling him about the Synoptic problem, but did not even get to telling him which Gospels form part of the Synoptic Gospels before he interjected again and rattled on for a few minutes. And then the grand finale... "We must read the King James Version of the Bible, because it is the only translation that is a direct copy of the Dead Sea Scrolls".

I couldn't contain my smile.

Drive-in

Tonight we're taking our boys to their first drive-in movie show. They are so excited, it's contagious!

The world must think we're a bunch of idiots...

The world must think we're a bunch of idiots!

Leonard Chuene today admitted that he lied to South Africa and the world about having any knowledge of Caster Semenya's gender issues. And what did he blame the world of? Racism. "You are testing her because she is black". What does that statement look like now in the light of his confession?

Well, let me tell you, this argument is commonplace in South Africa. I hear it more and more when someone dare challenge or question decisions. "I am a victim" seems to be the easy way out without having to debate. Of course not everyone resorts to this argument, but the frequency of its usage is now boring me to tears. ARGUMENTS ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, NOT RACIALLY MOTIVATED, HELLOOOOO! Excuse the double-negative. Every time this excuse is used, I feel that I have to apologize for being white. No, I won't anymore, because I refuse to carry a victim-mentality.

So, the world is racist because it asks for gender-testing. Weak argument. Yes, it was handled insensitively, but racist? I can just imagine the rest of the world scratching its head after Chuene's claim, asking:"Huh? Where did that come from? They must be a bunch of idiots." Then the dear ANC Youth League makes a statement that there is no such thing as a hermaphrodite in nature, therefore Caster Semenya could not be one." "Huh? Where did that come from? They must be a bunch of idiots."

Just a note to the rest of the world: We are not a bunch of idiots. Some of us are liars. Some are so insecure about our racial identity that all challenges are perceived to be racially motivated. Some have absolutely no clue about the scope of human sexuality. We are a complex society still struggling to find our feet. We want everything to appear picture-perfect, and sometimes we will resort to racism, ignorance or lies to defend it. Idiots? No.

Our new book: What is a good life?

Cost: R200 + postage

About the book:

What is a good life is a question asked by many people. Why can’t the pursuit of money, power or status provide us with a good life? Why is it that who we are as persons and how we relate to others and our environment is important? Why are a spiritual life and a close relationship with God essential? Why are the lives of some of those who claim to be Christians immoral and unappealing?

To become a person of integrity one has to learn how to differentiate between good and right conduct and senseless and damaging actions. This book does not provide all the answers, but it introduces various ethical problems and suggests how to deal with them.

The book offers a model of moral decision-making based on various ethical theories. The model is applied to contemporary ethical problems facing the world, particularly Africa. The issues of leadership, land, the marginalisation of women and children, HIV/AIDS, the environment, the economic problem of debt and the ethical role of the Church in Africa today are discussed.

Authors from various backgrounds who investigated current ethical issues suggest the way forward: how one can make thoughtful and practical ethical decisions; how individuals and communities could be morally formed. They challenge, inspire, motivate and equip the reader to become a moral agent in their community and help to build a better life for all.

Stop hunger now?

At our Conference, we will join the movement 'Stop hunger now!'. It is a worthy place to participate.

Yet, I wonder as I stand in a breakfast queue for Conference delegates and Bishops... This is what I saw on more than one plate, most of the plates, in fact:
1 fried egg
3 strips of bacon
2 sausages
4 pieces of cheese
Baked beans
A muffin
3 slices of bread
A selection of cold meat
A hashbrown
Fishcakes
And a bowl of fruit and yogurt.

As the delegates balanced their plates to the tables, I wondered where they were going to pack it all. Most of all, I wondered with how much integrity we will pack food parcels tonight.

Water

Something to think about, stemming from a Bible study presented by Prof. Steve de Gruchy at Conference:

3% of the world's water is fresh water;
0.1% of this water is surface water;
About half of this water is accessible;
It takes more water to produce the plastic bottles which are used for bottled water than the water it contains;
People need about 20l of water, where most of the world's population have to survive on 4l per day.

How do you use water?

Welcome to Themba!

A warm welcome to my colleague and friend, Themba Mntambo to the bloggosphere! You can follow him here.

After a busy day