Yeoville fraternal

After getting back to Joburg from the Pilansberg park Friday afternoon, we quickly repacked, had a perfectly light supper, dressed, and headed for the BEC for the first session of the Yeoville ecclesia fraternal gathering. Paul is the speaker for the gathering, on the theme "An Awesome God". The first talk (God is Love) was reasonably well attended. Afterwards, we were taken home by Pradeep Kana, and his sister Saras, who live in a lovely home.

On Saturday morning, Jane was up to bat. She led a Saturday Club class on creation, for 33 kids, some from the ecclesia but most from the neighborhood. Pradeep and Saras were the assistants, but the kids were so well behaved that the number wasn't a problem. The class went great, and a snack was served to the kids afterward. During the morning, Paul reviewed his notes for the rest of the weekend.

Lunch was a picnic in the park with the Kanas. Gorgeous day in a beautiful park. We then headed back to the BEC for the 3 planned afternoon sessions. At 2:00, the published start time, there were 2 or 3 people there. By 2:20 there were many more and we got started with the first talk, God is a Rewarder. About 5 minutes in, it was clear that there were many French-speakers who weren't getting much from the talk, so Bro Martin suggested translating. We were planning to translate the second talk, but not the others. Adjusting on the fly, we went on with Martin translating. Because the talk wasn't really planned to be translated, it went very long--about an hour and a quarter. The audience was amazingly patient, but during the break many asked that we cease the translating. Since they were video taping, the suggestion was that Martin later translate from the video for those who wished it.

The second session, God is One, went much more smoothly, and there was some good discussion afterwards. The third session, God Saves, also went well. All in all, a long afternoon -- we didn't finish until 6:00 -- but a rewarding day of fellowship and Bible study. Afterwards, Pradeep and Saras took us to an Indian restaurant where we had a marvelous meal, joined by their other sister & her husband and baby.

Sunday morning was more relaxed. The Sunday School kids (basically the same group as the Saturday Club, but a little smaller) were rehearsing for next week's end-of-term program, so we spent the time in informal fellowship with the other adults. Before the worship service, there was a hymn practice that we joined in on. (For those familiar with it, the ecclesias here use the Praise the Lord book, which is sadly now out of print.) Paul then did his final talk for the gathering, God Provides. At the conclusion, the Shukers and the whole group completely surpised us by presenting us with gifts: a necklace, a hand-woven basket, and a set of placemats with various African animals depicted. Then, the best present of all: a program of music and dance from the children and young people. Turns out most of the rehearsing had been for this program! We were very touched by the generosity and the love shown by the ecclesia and the children.

The afternoon/evening there was a memorial service for Sister Vero, much loved by all. Many Congolese attended, and the entire service was presented in both English and French. The theme of the service was the hope of resurrection, and the need to repent and come to Christ, as Vero had not so long ago. In the Congolese tradition, a meal followed, and the Shukers took us back to their place. A long weekend, but filled with fellowship, even if touched with some sadness. Yet we do not grieve as those who have no hope, for which we thank and glorify our awesome God!