WORD OF THE BISHOP             JUNE 10

Day of the Acolytes

On Saturday, June 2nd we celebrated the Day of the Acolytes. Around half past ten many people had gathered at Ons erf. Everybody was asked to sing along to start event. It was a real ice-breaker. After that the Bishop held his invocation. After that it was Guil Karsters’ turn to appear on stage and to give a lecture. The theme of this special day was: ‘One’s own identity.’ It is a very good theme because we tolerate so many things that are not good. Guil told the audience about his achievements in life; his education, marriage and children. He made it clear that he is with one woman and that he currently works for the church. It was an inspiring event which was certainly educational to the people who attended the service and the lecture.

“Gwasi siki”

On Wednesday, May 30th  a book on leprosy was presented in Esther Hof. Sister Lidewijde presented the book on behalf of Mr. Paul Spapens and Mr. Jan Stads. Mr. Paul Spapens interviewed the people while Mr. Jan Stads took the pictures. This book was an initiative of Mr. Paul Spapens who wanted to tell the stories of the former leprosy patients who had gone to so much suffering. Some of them are still suffering in these modern times. He interviewed fifteen people so he published fifteen life stories. The stories tell us about their struggles in life. It is exactly as it is written: “It is a book that gives a strong expression of respect through words and pictures for people who literally survived leprosy.”

Sister Maritha van Klink +

Sister Maritha van Klinkrecently passed away in Tilburg. For several years she and Father Harry van den Berg  had made sure that churches, schools and clinics were built in the interior. She stayed at the PAS and when Harry stopped with the construction projects, they had a pastoral help program in the A.C. Ellislaan. The house that  Corrie Heemskerk had left became their office. Harry continued this work for five years until he suddenly passed away. Maritha stayed there until her 75^th birthday and left for Holland. Now she may live in the house that Christ had promised us. May she rest in peace.

Situation Friar Lambertus

We received sad news from Holland regarding the condition of Friar Lambertus. The doctors have indicated that there is nothing more that they can do. Two toes had been amputated but the lower leg also has to be removed. Unfortunately Friar Lambertus’ heart can’t survive such an operation. His heart is too weak. We ask you to think of him in your prayers.

Director CPI

Mr.  Tjeng is no longer the director at the  Christian Pedagogical Institute (CPI). We are currently waiting for people to apply for the job.