A number of LTS teachers and students traveled there granting a lift to Rev. Dirang Bojane and Deacon Abraham Segoe [both from Mabopane - a township in the Tshwane municipality to the north of Pretoria]. I drove the 14-seater Toyota Quantum, which is comfortable and quite speedy for its size. Going via Krugersdorp we were quite on time, arriving at 9h00 at the Lutheran Church in Naledi. Pastor John Nkambule lives right next door and there is also a creche and some living quarters attached, which are hired out and raise income for this congregation, which was started by Dean Segoe more than thirty years ago. The Church was built in the time, when our honorable Bishop David Tswaedi was a vicar there - 1982/3.
The proceedings got off to a very blessed start with the Lutheran Liturgy of the Lord's Supper. We also had the opportunity for confession and absolution. Pastor John Nkambule conducted the service in SeTswana although he also gave us the option of using hymns in isiZulu and English by quoting the relevant numbers together with the ones in SeTswana.
Mr. Lucas Baloyi gave an introduction to the prison ministries in the Gauteng area. I was reminded of the good work the LCMS SID does in this regard. Perhaps this is a golden opportunity to share ideas and work together in improving these urgent services to people in dire straits. Obviously people like Kurt and Wittig from Wartburg/Kirchdorf could also be involved as they have made some valuable experiences in this direction too.I know that Bishop Tswaedi has a heart for this ministry too. The question is not whether there are works of mercy to be done, but rather which of the countless options do we choose to address most effectively.
Pastor John Nkambule introduced the theme of "fraternals" and got us talking quite animatedly. Obviously pastors have various experiences in this regard. It is vital however that we Lutherans make good use of our time and means to act responsibly to promote the true gospel at all times.
Pastor Nkambule also informed the meeting about the exciting prospect of starting a new mission endeavor with the MLC in a suburb of Johannesburg. Together with brother Christoph he is putting together a strategy to start of a new Lutheran Congregation there, which will work both in English and the vernacular.It is very encouraging to see young pastors, who graduated from the Seminary taking such an active part in evangelism and missions.
Deacon Segoe asked for clarity about the proper use of the "relicta" [Leftovers?] at the Lord's supper. It was suggested that Rev. Lawrence Mogoshane address this issue in some detail at the next meeting scheduled for the Monday after Quasimodogeniti [12th April] and which is to be hosted by the Seminary. This topic follows the one given by the Bishop on "The Altar", which was very well received at the previous meeting. It was promised in writing to those, who had not been in attendance at that meeting, because the importance of unity and agreement on this central issue was clear to all present.
A number of further issues and dates on the calender were discussed like the coming installation of the 3rd Bishop of the LCSA in Mofolo N. A lot still needs to be done and the dean was anxious that the pastors from all eight congregations support him.
There are a number of vacancies which need attention like in Kagiso and possibly Mofolo N - if the Bishop moves away from there. Thankfully Rev. Lawrence Mogoshane has been called to Khutsong to follow Rev. Paul Mosenogi, who followed a call to Gaborone in Botswana. Both Rev. Mogoshane and Rev. Dirang Bojane are to be installed soon and suitable dates needs to be found.
Pastors Mkhize and Maleke were not at the meeting. Otherwise it was well attended and quite fruitful too.
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