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Vol 20 No 1 Jan / Feb 2009 ONLINE The official gazette of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth: The Anglican Church of Southern Africa

Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage PAGE 4  •  Mamma Mia - what an evening  •  Carnival ... and beauty queens  •  Charlie out of prison  •  For bookworms et al  •  What the stars tell  •  Make a date Mamma Mia - what an evening Mamma Mia! What an evening. Music, fun, laughter, fellowship and good food were all part of a “Mamma Mia” evening held at Zwartkops River Valley Parish on Friday night 31 October. The music  was supplied by that renowned group ‘Abbab’ – which includes two members of the clergy, a churchwarden, a clergy wife and daughter plus ‘an-other’! A delicious three course meal, draws for prizes and Salsa dancing lessons by Fiona Burness made the evening a wonderful success. Pic: The renowned group ‘Abbab’ were on stage at the Red House hall at the end of October to entertain the members of ZRV and their friends with all the favourite Abbasongs. Carnival        Vladimir Dhondt, president of the Belgian non-profit organisation Vzw Afraids, is spending nine months at the House of Resurrection Haven. He has organised wonderful functions for the patients - one of the most successful was a Carnival. The children enjoyed all the fun which went on into the evening too.   The primary function of Vzw Afraids is to raise funds for the Haven and secondary is AIDS awareness. Vladimir and his team are a great asset to the Haven. ... and beauty queens   Reach for a Dream organised a ‘Queen for a Day’ event which thrilled all the girls at the Haven. They are seen with their crowns on ... and one is never too  young to share one’s expertise when it comes to beauty tips! Charlie out of prison Charles Newsham has retired from 40 years of prison ministry and iindaba asked him for his story: One day in 1969 at a meeting in a church in the northern townships a young coloured man, whom I had just led in prayer to Jesus, said to me, “This week I will be on trial in court for stealing.”  That Thursday he was given a two-and-a-half year sentence. Well, for the next 18 months I visited him in the North End prison every Sunday afternoon. He was discharged early for ‘good behaviour.’ The next Sunday morning in prayer I asked the Lord, “Do I go back to prison?” Clearly, in my head, I heard God’s voice, “Yes, go back.” That afternoon I spoke to the head-warder and explained why I was back. He said, “Wait here.” He came back and said, “Come.” He led me into a courtyard where there were 400 men sitting - talking, smoking and just idle. From that day God had me in each of the four different sections of the NE prison courtyards. Some days there were 400, some 50 or 20. During these years the warden made the men ‘Come out and listen.’ These men were coloured and ama-Xhosa, very few white men would come, but always there would be some person who would come forward for prayer. We would begin by singing - in Afrikaans and isiXhosa. I taught them some easy English songs like ‘Kum Ba Yah’. During the political problems of the mid 1990’s numbers dropped to 5 - 12 so we would meet in the prison passage and sing and pray and share the mesage. I would hand out scripture leaflets to all who came forward for prayer. One of the secrets of God’s blessing has been that I’ve always had the Bible read aloud in their own language. I believe the sinner must hear ‘God’s call’ in their own tongue then the Holy Spirit can  speak loud and clear into their hearts. From the beginning of my mission in NE to the time I quit in May 2008 the warders were very, very helpful, friendly and very respectful. God is good all the time! Pic: Charles and Joan Newsham For bookworms et al One of the most popular spots in the church concourse at St Saviour's Church in Walmer is Mary's delightful bookroom. Filled with a variety of Christian books including prayer books, bibles (as  well as study bibles) to ‘holding crosses’, jig-saw puzzles, diaries, calendars and much, much more. A speciality is in the childrens’ selection which is a joy with many selling at very reduced  prices. The bookroom is open before and after Sunday services, but also on Wednesdays from 09h30.  This popular venue brings numbers of visitors, some of whom come by appointment. Mary, the daughter of one of New Zealand's finest booksellers, has many years experience, and will try to accommodate any request. Telephone 041 581 7788 - but not between 11h30  and 15h00, please.  A PS from the editor: A few years ago I asked Mary about a book written by my New Zealand cousin. She made enquiries and, voila, she managed to get me a copy - for which I paid less than my  sister had paid for her copy bought in New Zealand! How’s that!?  Pic: Enjoying themselves in the bookroom at St Saviour’s are a visitor, Audrey Naudé, and Mary MacGregor, who runs the shop. What the stars tell - no, not foretell! During last year members from Zwartkops River Valley Parish and interested others under the banner of 'Biologos’ have gathered at various venues in Redhouse to learn more about the heavens. It is the brainchild of Professor Geoff Booth, a lay minister at ZRV,  who says, “This is a private initiative organised by a group of Christians acting in their own capacities.  It is not tied to any church, but members (and non-members) of all churches are invited.” Make a date The House of Resurrection Haven still has some copies of their beautiful calendars available. Cost R100 Contact: phone:  041 481 1515 fax: 041 481 3115 e-mail: havenpe@telkomsa.net Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage

For more information about iindaba,
contact the editor at iindaba@anglicandiocesepe.org.za

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