Dear friends in Christ

I have just spent 3 days in Masite in Lesotho at the monastery for a silent retreat. Masite is a very small place, a place of prayer and deep spirituality. I was able to unwind, rest, pray and eat simply. I had ample times to read a book given to me when I was installed as Dean, entitled Conversations with God (Book3) by Neale Donald Walsch.

Little was I aware that I was so exhausted/“uitgeput”,
I came back like corn flakes “crispy and ready to serve”.

Grow in Courage by Doing the Right Thing Instead of the Expedient Thing.

Florence Nightingale observed “Courage is… the universal virtue of all those who choose to do the right thing over the expedient thing. It is the common currency of all those who do what they are supposed to do in time of conflict, crisis and confusion. The acquisition of courage can often be an internal battle. We often desire to do what is most expedient. The problem is that what is easy and expedient is frequently not right. Thus the battle, but psychotherapist and author Sheldon Kopp stated. “All the significant battles are waged within self”.

As a Diocese we are celebrating 150 years of service to God and humanity. We recognize the hand of God in ages past and present. We have to do only “one thing” to remain loyal to God, who has being our Rock of Ages.

As we celebrate 150 years as a family of God we give thanks to God for what has passed and say AMEN to what is yet to come. I hope we will be able to hand to the next generation a church that is rooted in Mission and the love of God. “Commitment to mission is a very essence of the church. A church that is not committed to witnessing to Jesus Christ and thus crossing the frontier between faith & no faith is no longer the church, but becomes a religious club, simply a group of friends, or a social welfare agency”. Rene Padilla

As we strive to do what we know to be right, we must know ourselves and make sure we are acting with integrity for our core values. There’s a saying that inside every individual there are six people. They are…

Who You Are Reputed To Be
Who You Are Expected To Be
Who You Were
Who You Wish To Be
Who You Think You Are
Who You Really Are

As Anglicans we should be clear that we are a sacramental and Episcopal Church, which is part of the Anglican Communion. We must strive to be true to who we really are. My message to you is: Be Courageous, Be brave as our fore-bears, have faith and Go Forward.

“Ebenezer” 150 years, 1863-2013

Article Written by: Dean Lazarus Mohapi