Word of the Bishop                                     November 27



Deacon ordination
The deacon ordination ceremony that took place on November 19 was an intense celebration where the deacons and their wives got to enjoy themselves. Everything went smooth and the participation of the people was splendid. As a result of the recent ordination the church now has four more church servers. We are thankful for our own Surinamese church. Four Surinamese men were ordained, two of whom, are from the interior. Lito Alantee thanked his people in the Aucan language. After the service everybody got together at the forecourt of the Cathedral. All in all it was a good day for Suriname.


Paving of Cathedral court has begun
On Monday, November 21st, the paving of the Cathedral court was initiated. The bishop laid the first stone in association with Stichting Herstelling Amsterdam, Gemeente Amsterdam (DMO) and the SAO. The stone was called ‘Bishop’s Bonnet’, because of its form. This also happens to be the technical term of the stone. A short speech was given which addressed the workers and the boys of the SAO who are getting on-the-job training. They are motivated laborers and they learn fast. But the stone-laying profession is not as easy as they first thought it to be. The work is scheduled to be finished at the beginning of May.


Concert in the Cathedraal
On the third Sunday of November it was once again time for another concert in the Cathedral.  The works of Troki and Denise Jannah entertained the audience. Reverend  Esteban Kross and  Denise teamed up to entertain the audience. It was truly a splendid night filled with beautiful music and songs. This time the Cathedral was crowded. There was not any room left to accommodate more people. Children and adults sat on the ground in front of the church. People even lined up next to and behind the Cathedral just to see and hear what was happening inside. Many people returned home after they saw that they could not get inside. Denise’s father, Ds. Zeefuik, was the first person o appear on stage. It was a blessed night.
The December concert will be held on the second Sunday of December. The concert will be held on December 11th and will commence on 6 p.m. The concert will take place in the Christmas sphere. The next concert also promises to be an inspiring event.


Justitia et Pax
Last week Victor Scheffers was in Suriname to help the  Justitia et Pax commission and to give a lecture. Mister  Scheffers turned the lecture into a splendid night during which the students ‘picked up’ the essence of our belief. Being the church is not only a matter of praying and service but it is also about standing in the world and noticing and helping people who are in need.  “I was hungry and you fed me. I was naked and you dressed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you vissited me…” The students understood the message……..