Dear Church Family
This month’s newsletter is dedicated to the life and example of Sue van Waveren as shared in a tribute by Elsje Jansen Van Vuuren. I commend this moving and challenging testimony about Sue who left an example as one who lived “against the tide.” If you wish to send a word of consolation to Jan, his number is: 079 779 4949 With fond regards, Patrick 'A mother and close friend, teacher and leader not just to me, but also to so many others. I had come to know Sue during one of the weakest seasons in my life. I was lost and gripped by fear, but she introduced me to the most precious gift in life - Jesus. I fondly remember how she guided and helped me grow from strength to strength in the Lord. The most notable characteristic of a faithful person like Sue was that she desired to do what was in the heart and mind of The One for whom she worked for. Sue was a woman of valour; strong and righteous, and rooted in the Word of God. She didn’t only teach values, she displayed them through her everyday life. Sue selflessly gave every part of herself to Jesus and His flock up until her last breath. No mountain was ever too high for her to climb. I especially remember the “mountain” from her Malelane house to the church building. She would climb that mountain not once, but many times a day, and in the latter days, with frequent pauses, feet burning and a pounding heart, but giving up was never even a possibility. What I know today about the word, worship and servanthood, was carefully engraved and built into my life from the very first day we met. She was a trustworthy friend, a safe haven to share life’s most painful and “unholy” secrets, without condemnation. She always stood by Jan and together they sowed countless seeds into many hopeless situations and broken relationships. I think many reading this today will agree that their home was like a 24/7 pit stop, their “coffee table sessions” were always available without appointment. She will forever be remembered as the one who gathered people together. Yes, sometimes against their will, but they would always return with a testimony of learning something of the perfect will of the Father. She was bold and courageous, unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So now dear friends, Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Thank you precious Sue’tjie, you will forever be a part of my story.' Elsje
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