Paarl East Pathfinders Curriculum Camp by Kayden Koopman
Of all the requirements in the Pathfinder Classwork Curriculum, the Camp is normally the most looked forward to. At Paarl East Pathfinder Club, when we refer to the “Curriculum Camp,” we think of nothing short of sleeping outdoors in tents, with sleeping bags, and occasionally adding wood to the fire that burns all weekend long. The camp that took place this year was exactly that.
About the Weekend
The camp took place at ‘Hawequas Scout Adventure Centre’ on the weekend of 30 June to 02 July 2023. We went camping with 14 Pathfinders, 9 Counselors, 2 Deputy Directors, and 1 Club Director. Activities that took place were all in line with the requirements of the various classes, which included: Tent Pitching/Striking, Fire Building, Nature Walks, Camp Cooking, Bread-On-A-Stick and conducting worship services in the various units.
Camping is always one of the requirements that is most eagerly anticipated when we begin each year as Pathfinders. We were fortunate enough to be blessed with wonderful weather, amazing food, good music, but most importantly, an opportunity to grow closer to God.
“Oh when the saints go marchin’ in, O, Lord, I want to be in that number, when the saints go marchin’ in.”
Rosemoor Ambassadors On the Streets for Jesus by Rivona Fortuin
The past winter has been exceptionally cold in the Western Cape and the community needed our warm love now more than ever before. As the Rosemoor Adventist Community Service Department (ACS, otherwise known as the Welfare Department), we prepared 100 sandwiches and a warm cup of tea to distribute at the Rosemoor Clinic. Usually patients que in the cold from early in the morning hours hoping to get medical attention. That particular day was a rainy day and as such, not many patients came to the clinic on the day.
We therefore took the remaining sandwiches to the sidewalk area just beyond Margot Swiss where unemployed men gather daily hoping that someone will come by to offer them a day job, such as painting or cleaning, for a means of income. It was truly humbling, and sad, to see how each one of those grown men rushed to get a sandwich. What impressed me the most was that they were not only interested in the bread but also specifically asked for the literature we had. From a short distance away we heard more calling for bread. These were men already busy building not far from where we were. They greeted us with the words, “God bless you,” and I prayed with one of them.
The Rosemoor Ambassador Club also went to Humansdorp SDA Church on the Sabbath of 22 July 2023. Hellenville Ambassador Club, from Gqeberha, joined us there and together the three Ambassador Clubs enjoyed a Spirit-filled day together. We left George at 06:00 on Sabbath morning and were 16 Ambassadors in total, including 2 from the community. The Rosemoor Ambassador Club presented the Sabbath School Program and discussed Adventist identity as well as questions which were raised by the youngsters themselves. These questions included, “Why do Adventists not wear Jewelry?” “Why can’t we date non-Adventists?” “Why can’t we go to shops to buy on Sabbaths?” “Why can’t we get tattoos?” and many more questions. Hellenville took the divine service under the theme, “Time to Arise.” After a delightful fellowship at lunch, we divided into three groups and hit to streets to distribute literature and to pray for passersby. We returned back to George around 20:30 in the evening.
District Circle 4 is preparing Master Guides to Serve by Moira Beukes
On the weekend of 28-29 July 2023, our Western Cape District Circle 4, which comprises the Helderberg Basin 1, Helderberg Basin 2 and Overberg Districts, Master Guides in Training (MGIT) went on a Winter Camp in Glencairn. There were 65 campers in total. We came prepared for a weekend to enjoy fellowship and to encourage each other to complete the requirements as per the Master guide curriculum.
Among the many activities, some of the highlights were the evening night walk, the big bonfire, the bread on a stick and the nice campfire cooking. The weekend was characterised by completing honours, and doing spiritual exercises such as testimonies of trust and protection. Being far from the comfort of our homes and sleeping in tents where our bedding and clothes became wet taught us that we cannot take things for granted as leaders.
One of the leaders who also attended the camp had the following to say: “The experience of the "blind walk" was an unforgettable experience! I was definitely scared, but the lesson was powerful. It illustrated that whatever you go through in life, you should never let go of God's hand.”
We praise God for these leaders and club directors who are committed to helping young people grow in relationship with Him!
Parow Women's Winter Camp by Prudence Tobias
The calendar of the Parow Women’s ministry is incomplete without the annual women’s winter camp. This year was no exception. We reserved Rondeberg - choosing a date was easy as ideally it is the last weekend in July to usher in Women’s month.
The Camp-weekend customarily commences on the Friday with each day having its own theme and/or activity. The ladies were divided into manageable groups usually around sleeping accommodation with each group responsible for a main meal i.e., Friday dinner, Sabbath lunch, Sabbath dinner. Each meal satisfied all palates - vegan, vegetarian and other.
The Friday icebreaker had a theme of prayer. It included a personalized gift as ‘blindly’ chosen by each camper. In so doing, the name on the gift became the prayer partner of the one picking. The ladies then got to interact with their prayer partner resulting in a bonding session before dinner was served. This was followed by a beautiful vegetarian meal with a range of cakes for dessert.
Sabbath did not include the regular lesson study and divine service, but each camper was tasked to share a dear Bible verse or hymn/chorus. The verse or hymn/chorus and its meaning/significance were shared. This activity was recommended by an elderly sister who could not be in attendance but who expressed this as her camping participation.
The camp’s objective was an in-reach to strengthen the bonds and ties among the Parow women in the pursuit of being that woman of Proverbs 31. Many tears flowed as the sisters shared raw emotions and we quickly realised the pain, challenges and torment some had endured or continued to endure. During this time, a circle was formed, and a prayer was led by an ordained Elder in attendance.
A decadent lunch was served followed by introspection time. Introspection included hiking with nature enthusiasts; others were getting to know each other before the stoep fire; whilst some napped or did a bit of Sabbath lesson study.
Camper ages ranged from 18-76 years. The invite was extended to our younger ladies to remind them that they belong. Equally important that we learn from each other and try to understand the “‘ism” and bridge the divide. The opportunity was seized to transfer skills, knowledge and ensure continuity.
Sabbath vespers included praise and worship followed by the conclusion of the morning program. Our ladies wanted to share before dinner was served and enjoyed by all.
Sunday morning included morning manna, swimming and nature calls and thanking God for blessing us so abundantly. We remain grateful for the Parow Board led by Pastor Andrew Gouws and head elder, Willie Olivier. We further acknowledge the leadership role of our women elders i.e., Joey Horn and Pikkie van Rensburg together with Annemarie Watt (welfare) and Prudence Tobias (Women’s Ministries), all of whom were campers.
Campers alighted the 2 microbuses donated to transport the Parow ladies to and from Rondeberg. Until next time, we wish our SDA women strength during Women’s Month as we endeavour to be the light to those in darkness..gif?thumbnail=original&1693945822)
Kuils River Pathfinders Go Camping by Russel Maphike
The Kuils River Pathfinder Club (KRPC) recently had their annual Pathfinder Camp. This year the camp took place at the Mizpah Youth Campsite in Elgin, Grabouw, during 18-20 September 2023. The excitement was tangible with everyone arriving on time for departure. By the time we reached the campsite, the comradery among the kids was so amazing. We immediately went into Friday evening worship, starting our camp off on the right foot.
The theme for the weekend was “It’s In My Nature.” The Sabbath program was tailor made not just for the club, but it was tailored to the nature that we found ourselves surrounded with. Uncle Robbie (Robert Koopman) who presented the program provided information about the Grabouw nature as well as some history on the dams and hydro-electricity being manufactured at the Steenbras Dam and linked it all to the wonderful nature created by God and how everything God created was good. The programme concluded with a Nature Scavenger Hunt, whereby objects in nature needed to be found, a song then needed to be written incorporating all the objects collected. The song also needed to be performed during the “KRPC Singing Contest” slot by each team.
The mini games Olympiad was definitely the highlight, from the war cries to the obstacle race and precision marching using home-made 3-man skis. The main objective of this camp was to have fun, and the objective was definitely achieved.
Southern Cape Women’s Ministries Says “NO” to Violence by Sharon Mentoor
Mossel Bay, Kwanonqaba, Extension 8, Oudtshoorn, Elim and Rosemoor Seventh-day Adventist Churches all participated in the EndItNow Women’s Ministry program hosted at the Mossel Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church on the Sabbath of 26 August 2023. The Mossel Bay and Kwanonqaba SDA Church Women’s Ministries led out during the Sabbath School while Rivona Fortuin, a young Adventist Woman passionate about spreading God’s love delivered the message for the day during the divine service.
During the afternoon, everyone hit the streets for a march against the abuse of women and children carrying banners and posters containing the words “enditnow,” thereby demonstrating to the community their care and support for victims of abuse. The March was led by the Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn SDA Bands which are composed of both Pathfinders as well as teenagers from the community. They also paid a visit to an organisation in Mossel Bay where temporary shelter is provided for women and children who are victims of abuse. It was a high day for the women of the Southern Cape and they were thrilled to make a difference in the community of Mossel Bay.
