Travelling to Shongweni took us a while. Getting back was faster. The trip down was more sightseeing, whereas homeward bound we only watched the rains coming down.Enhlanhleni was a highlight, because the road down to old pastor Aaron Ntuli's place was fixed. The long grass [isiZulu: Tsunga] was trimmed. Perhaps it had been cut by hand or the many piglets, cows and goats had gone on with the job.
I could not remember the "Huilboerboon" [Weeping boer-bean or Schotia brachypetala ] being so prevalent in Umsinga. The blooming red petals were exiting the passing viewers in at least ten different locations. Actually its a sin to drive through these areas so quickly. We really should have more time for sight-seeing - especially in such lovely areas as Zululand.
The same hold true for visiting such hubs of the Lutheran Church as Ithekweni/Durban. Here there are a number of Lutheran congregations: Phoenix, Chatsworth, Westville, Umlazi, Inanda, Shongweni and probably many others. Mariannehill is a impressive Roman Catholic setup started by the Mariannehillers. The Hindus have a massive Hare Krishna shrine there and also the Muslims have a great mosque there. To name but a few religious societies active with their missions in this fastest growing metropolitan area in Southern Africa.
In Shongweni we arrived just after dusk and Dean Mandla Thwala gave us the warmest of welcomes. We Seminarians were quite exhausted after nine-hour travels even though the Mini-Bus taking 14 people is very comfortable. After a sumptious braai and good fellowship with old and new friends, students were dropped off in two's with congregants living around the township.
At Church some ladies of the congregation were busy until shortly before midnight and got the fires burning even before dawn. Everything was to be tip-top by the time Church Service was to start at 10:00.
Walking around the township I caught some surprising glimpses of the life in this part of the world. Burchell's Coucal was calling out loud as the mist was rising from the valley below. Water was being fetched to do the mornings washing and everything was on the move to enjoy the Day of the Lord - even though some would not understand it that way.
Ten confirmands were to be confirmed - nine youngsters and a dear old lady, who really was not part of the juvenile crowd. Shame!
One lady who had converted from Roman Catholicism to the Lutheran Church was welcomed into the congregation, while the Women's league sang the following words with the most moving melody:
Finally a couple, who had just been married the previous day was also welcomed in the congregation and blessed by the pastor.
After the Sermon and the Lord's Supper the Seminarians introduced themselves and the work of the LTS in Tshwane. One thing that struck me, was the wonderful vestments in the Church. However the vessels for Holy Communion were just a glass cup. Perhaps there is somebody out there who knows about a proper/fitting chalice for this Zulu congregation in Natal?
The festivities closed off with a sumptious meal of chicken, curry and other delicacies - and we took to the road again and were off to Pretoria.
In Shongweni we arrived just after dusk and Dean Mandla Thwala gave us the warmest of welcomes. We Seminarians were quite exhausted after nine-hour travels even though the Mini-Bus taking 14 people is very comfortable. After a sumptious braai and good fellowship with old and new friends, students were dropped off in two's with congregants living around the township.
At Church some ladies of the congregation were busy until shortly before midnight and got the fires burning even before dawn. Everything was to be tip-top by the time Church Service was to start at 10:00.
Walking around the township I caught some surprising glimpses of the life in this part of the world. Burchell's Coucal was calling out loud as the mist was rising from the valley below. Water was being fetched to do the mornings washing and everything was on the move to enjoy the Day of the Lord - even though some would not understand it that way.
Ten confirmands were to be confirmed - nine youngsters and a dear old lady, who really was not part of the juvenile crowd. Shame!
One lady who had converted from Roman Catholicism to the Lutheran Church was welcomed into the congregation, while the Women's league sang the following words with the most moving melody:
Inkosikazi mayembatha mandla lesi skhathi sokunboba
ukuze ibhekane nezinkinga sakesknathe sphila kuso.
Inkosikazi mayembatha mandla kulesithunzi sokuphila.
Ukuze ubhekane nezimkinga saleskhathe esphila kuso
After the Sermon and the Lord's Supper the Seminarians introduced themselves and the work of the LTS in Tshwane. One thing that struck me, was the wonderful vestments in the Church. However the vessels for Holy Communion were just a glass cup. Perhaps there is somebody out there who knows about a proper/fitting chalice for this Zulu congregation in Natal?
The festivities closed off with a sumptious meal of chicken, curry and other delicacies - and we took to the road again and were off to Pretoria.
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