Some of our members have taken a break from the winter cold of Bethal and have had a nice time of rest elsewhere during the school holidays.
With the beginning of the new school term the cathechesis classes started again. There are one baptised member in the confession class.
For some of our members, with this winter, came enormous difficulties. The bussiness of elder Wimpie van der Westhuizen has to be closed. He has to go and work in Pietersburg(Polokwane) in the Limpopo Province to provide for his family. In the meanwhile the family will stay in Bethal. Although he will try to be at home in Bethal every alternative weekend, the situation will have an influence on their family life as well as on his work in the congregation.
Because of restructuring, sister Annemarie du Plessis was retrenched by her employer. And on Friday 22 July, sister Riaana du Plessis, wife of elder Cloete du Plessis and mother of Annemarie, passed away after a sudden illness.
The funeral was held on Saturday, July 30th. What a loss for her husband and children, and for the congregation. But the Lord’s way is good. His council is good. We know our sister is with our Lord. The congregation embrace brother Cloete and his family with support and affection. The Lord also provided for Sister Annemarie. She has found work again.
With the severe winter comes influenza and other illnessess. Because of the climate and its effect on the members, the Bible Study Course on Wednesday evenings is not as well attended as one would expect.
Three of our brothers still work shifts – that have the effect that they are absent from half of the worship services. They are not able to change this arrangement. There is no possibility to change from employer.
Many difficulties? Yes. But we rejoice in the Lord our God. We are glad for Him. We find that He guides His flock through this difficult times with His wonderful Gospel. We may come together for two worship services every Sunday.
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