mgpcpastor's blog

A delegation of four men representing three reformed denominations in South Africa.
Their relationship has flourished particularly with the church in Western Australia and with Rev. Allan Harman.

There is a diaspora of peoples from South Africa. As they settle in places like Australia the cultural differences and the changes in lifestyle have seen many cease to maintain their previous level of committment to the church. Tens of thousands of people over whom these denominations exercised pastoral care and now their hearts ache for these folk being outside the nurture of the covenant community.

Dr. Henk Stoker; Rev. Kuibus Gerber; Rev. Arik Kuyper; and Rev. Dr. Dominie Breed were their names (or as close to their Christian names as I could hear in some cases).
Dr Stoker spoke first and at the greatest length. He was thankful to be here. Members and ministers who have settled here, and those from here with whom they have talked, have helpted him recognise affinity in the gospel and the Lord.
Dr. Stoker said he had come to ask favors and offer support.
Firstly he spoke of what he termed ‘Mission Africa’: their denominations are involved in mission work around Africa. Over the last ten years the gospel has boomed. 300 new congregations a month. Thousands of sermons are preached by leaders without any theological or basic Bible training. There is a crying need for theological training and the training of local pastors in sound theology. There are opportunities to help in this training. It makes more sense for those agreed theologically who sense a call to work in the same region to pool resources. Their local knowledge would increase the effectiveness of our efforts.
Secondly he spoke of what he termed ‘Mission Australia’: those of Calvinistic and reformed conviction who do not worship and fellowship in Australia. Thousands. ‘Low hanging fruit’. Catechism for children is a way of making contact with these people. Bible schools for women. Pastoral care: most South Africans have a lot of trauma in their past, reach out and listen carefully and open your hearts and help them. The South African Reformed Church has an ongoing pastoral concern for these people and would welcome opportunities to partner in following these people up. He spoke of a genuine pastoral partnership.

The other men spoke briefly and these were the chief points I took from their words which really were all in harmony with one another:
An African church committed to the Gospel salvation in Africa and Gospel healing for Africa. Within the Reformed tradition we are not strong with regard to unity, and strong relationships and bonds with the PCA. Please be kind to the traumatised of South Africa in Australia.
May we be a church that will not hesitate to carry out God’s will for us and to care for South Africans who have come to Australia.
That affinity of theological belief gives these people confidence for those who are coming. Millions have remained and are committed to the future of South Africa. There must be closer relationships between people of similar convictions working in the same field.

I was really touched by the genuine concern that these men had for those who are now no longer under their direct pastoral care, but for whom they all have an ongoing conviction of responsibility to encourage them in the renewal of lapsed will to sit under the apostolic doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer.