May-June 2012

Back to the grindstone! After a wonderful time spent in the UK, it's back to the realm of normal life in Somerset West. First and foremost, our time in the UK played out much the way we wanted it too. If you remember, I was hoping to make contact with chaplains that work in London that would be able to add insight into my PhD research. I was hopeful of this, however it did not turn out fruitful as many did not get back to me and others said that I had to pay.... So in light of that, I managed to connect with local pastors and organise interviews with them. Part of my research is exploring the pastor and lay-person's theological beliefs of suicide. I am thankful for the time spent with them and their invaluable insight that they shared with me.

Currently I am awaiting feedback from my supervisor regarding my research proposal. Once the proposal has been redefined, it will go to a committee to have it evaluated and passed. As to date I still have a few weeks of my sabbatical left to get stuck into writing and evaluating the research as well as refreshing my soul in the work that I do. I am ever so grateful that I am able to have a sabbatical.    

On the family front, Ronel and Savannah are doing well. Ronel is still playing catch-up with work photo editing, so our holiday photos remain on the back-burner! Savannah continues to be a blessing to us and continues to grow day by day.

Thank you to all who continue to support us!   

Ronel and I in a meadow at Lyme Regis

  

            Savannah feeding ducks at Regent Park.                                                     Savannah's expression when seeing a tube train for the first time.

Jan-March 2012

Greetings all.
Sometime ago I met Mandisa (see "An Amazing Ending") as a hospital patient. The other day she and her grandmother popped in to say hi to share in God's goodness in her life. Mandisa is looking so well and we continue to praise God for her recovery and continuous strength. I wish I thought of capturing that moment with a photo! I thank God for the continuous in-roads that I make at the hospitals that Sinekamva is represented at.  

I have officially enrolled in the PhD programme. My supervisor, an ex-SA patriot, now residing in Canada has also ministered as a chaplain, so I look forward to this challenging chapter in my life. To those who have helped finance my PhD fees - Thank you ever so much! If you would still like to contribute towards this, please reference it as PhD in Sinekamva's bank account.
Our trip to the UK is fast approaching. We as a family will be away from mid-May through to mid-June. I have managed to make contact with a few chaplains and pastors that I will graciously be hooking up with as part of my dissertation research.  

The "fringe-ministry" of Sinekamva continues to keep me busy. I have had the privilege of conducting numerous weddings throughout the year. This has always been a wonderful honour to be part of a couples special day as they unite their relationship with God's given plan of marriage.


On the family front, Savannah continues to grow at an alarming rate. To think that she celebrated her 1st birthday on 10 March was scary but a wonderful reality for Ronel and I. As Savannah discovers new and wonderful things, this not only delights her, but as parents it is such a blessing to be part of this little person's life. Her grandparents and great grandparents continually delight in her visits and inquisitiveness.

Thank you for your faithful support!

Sept - Nov 2011

Early in November I was invited to participate in a "workshop" for local NGO's and faith based organisations that provide medical, social or counselling services. This was organised in the hope of exposing the various organisations to each other and providing the platform for further relationships.

It was fantastic to meet the various faithful and committed people who are providing a vital service to the Helderberg Basin. 

Michael continues to make himself available, in spite of the various changes in Breach, by visiting with Xhosa patients that I have identified with particular needs. I am grateful for his servant-hood and passion in serving the community. One such story is told by Mike in the blog "Mike's Note."

On the wedding front, I continue to be busy. It is always a wonderful opportunity to offer a Christian service to the couple, their families and guests. Come the end of the year I would have conducted around 12 weddings. I continue to thank God for this privilege. 

HH and ER Hospital continue to keep me busy. Since my last posting in July, I have seen over 300 patients. Outside of the hospital walls, my ministry has led me to minister to:

    * A family that tragically lost their father in a motorbike accident.

    * Support to one of HH workers whose house burnt down.

    * Trauma support to a older woman whose retired husband successfully committed suicide.  

    * Support to a family whose father sudden died in the early hours of the morning.   

    * A cot-death that claimed the life of a 3 month old baby boy.  

In all the ministry that I carry out, I continue to thank the Lord for his guidance and wisdom in helping the brokenhearted put the pieces back together. 

2012 Calendars (R80) and Sermon Notebooks (R50) are available for anyone that would like to purchase one. Excellent gifts for Christmas! All funds go towards the sustainability of Sinekamva.  To place an order, please contact me 083 292 2489 or email info@sinekamva.co.za.  Below are some of the photo's used in the calendar.

May you all have a safe and festive season. 

Thank you and God's richest blessings to you all.

    

Mike's Note

Working with Devin has allowed me to visit with people who experience various problems.  One such case arose when Devin asked that I visit with patient X. After a few days Mr X died and I was able to provide family counselling, especially to his children. After spending some time with the family I was put in touch with a family friend who asked if I could please visit with them as they were in need of pastoral care and support.

It came about that their daughter was raped and is now showing signs of PTSD. Part of my work was to put the family in touch with the organisation that works with rape survivors and their families. Although my pastoral role changed from counselling to moral and prayer support, I thank God that he used me in such a situation by walking a road through their grief and court case. I will continue to provide the necessary spiritual and moral support to the patient and family.  

An Amazing Ending

This is one of the most amazing, needless to say miraculous stories that I have been part of.

This account is of 29yr Mandisa.* Her journey began eight weeks ago when she was admitted to hospital. Being immunocompromised, Mandisa’s condition deteriorated so much so that it was decided by her physician that intubatation was necessary to save her life. As time progressed Mandisa’s condition did not improve, and it seemed that death would be the most likely result.

My association with Mandisa took place a few days into her hospitalisation while in the High Care Unit. It was at this time that the medical staff began speculating that her condition was irreversible and that perhaps Mandisa’s family should be called. I remember standing by her bedside, telling her who I was and that I would like to pray for her. Similar occurrences took place over the next few days. Through the determination and diligence of the medical staff, allowed for Mandisa’s condition to slowly improve. Mandisa’s resilient attitude to see her children brought about a positive turn in her condition, to where she was slowly weaned off the ventilator after spending more than 20 days on the vent. Through much physiotherapy, Mandisa was able to sit in a chair unaided and began to take her first few steps.

Whenever I visit with Mandisa, she gives me the thumbs up and says only to the glory of God. Although not many stories like Mandisa are evident in hospital, it is through such stories that reveal God’s working hand in the lives of His people.   

*Not her real name.

Used by permission - patient and physician. 

Welcome

Welcome to Sinekamva’s first blog. I hope that you will find this more informative and interactive then the emailed newsletters. The idea behind the blog is to keep you all updated with Sinekamva Chaplaincy Services on a more regular basis. 

You will notice that you can follow Sinekamva Chaplaincy Services blog by simply filling in your email address in the "Sign Up" side-bar. You will then receive an email notification every time new information is published. 

Those of you who live around the Helderberg Basin would be aware of last month’s tragic motor vehicle accident that claimed the lives of two people - an 18yr old and one adult (Article, Article). I was called out 3am to attend to the two surviving patients that were admitted to hospital. Although sustaining no serious injuries, the two young adults were in a state of shock to have witnessed the death of their mother at the scene. Understandably the father was devastated to have lost his wife, yet he did his best to remain strong and composed for his girls. Tragically the 18yr friend lost her life shortly after arriving at hospital. Nothing that I could say would change the fact that two people lost their lives. In such circumstances the image of ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20) is perhaps the only comfort that I could offer - God’s representative to the medical world. Through mere presence, I was able to serve as a witness and a presence of God's love, concern and hope and to let them feel that they are not alone in their suffering. Vanzant (2009:30) terms this as the ministry of presence where he elicits that one can do a world of good without saying a word.