KNB District

Kimberley, Namibia and Bloemfontein – “Reclaiming our prophetic voice”

By Andrew Evans

The first diamond was discovered in the Kimberley region in 1867 by a boy named Erasmus Jacobs, who took the unusually shiny stone (a mere 21 carats!) home for his sisters to play with. Some 3 years later, the diamond rush began in earnest when an 83 carat stone was found on the slopes of Colesburg Kopje.

Prospectors came from far and wide to share in the wealth, and the little hill was soon turned into a cavern more than 800m deep.

It seems appropriate that the KNB District Synod should return to this famous site for its 129th annual Synod, as a new generation of spiritual prospectors seeks something far more precious than diamonds.

While the Synod may not be remembered for any earth shattering resolutions, the challenge that was issued to all by our Bishop (Rev. Lithaba Mothibi), our District Lay Leader (Ms. Palesa Thulo) and Rev. Dr. Brian Wilkinson (Synod Devotions Leader), to reclaim our prophetic voice could well indicate a new direction for the district.

Issues of disunity, declining membership, marginalisation of the poor, the effects of HIV/AIDS and the unresolved debate surrounding homosexuality were placed before the Synod with the challenge to speak God’s living word into  brokenness and decay and a call to let God’s redemptive justice “flow down like a river”.

The Synod commenced on 19 May 2010 with a moving Holy Communion service at the Aldersgate Society, where the new District Vice-Chairperson, Rev. Lesiba Nkhumise, was inducted and Bishop Mothibi introduced the theme, “Reclaiming our prophetic voice”.

The congregation was reminded that “a prophet is someone who stands between God and man (humanity) with the responsibility of faithfully declaring to man (humanity) what he or she has heard from God.”

After a day of reports, the Synod reconvened for a Witness Service held at the Centenary Society, where we enjoyed the testimony of two ordinands, Rev. Kedibone Mofokeng and Rev. Lazzy Senakhomo, who recounted their experiences and growth through the period of probation. Both would later be tested on the floor of Synod (Friday morning), where their ordination was recommended. We congratulate them on their efforts and wish them well as they prepare for Conference in September 2010.

It was also at this service that the District paid tribute to Rev. Dr. Brian Wil-kinson who superannuates at the end of the year. Warm words were spoken to a man who, it would be fair to say, has danced to his own tune. We wish him well in his ministry in 2011 and beyond.

On Friday morning, Bishop Mothibi received news that his wife had been involved in a car accident, and Synod was relieved to later learn that she was unharmed.

On Saturday morning, a mobile clinic was set up by the Department of Health to allow delegates to check their HIV status, cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels.

There was a great deal of mirth as ministers shared their results, some blaming their high blood pressure on a heated Synod session and others their high sugar levels on the great food.

In conclusion, the KNB District wishes to congratulate all who were elected to leadership for the coming year/s: Rev. Tony Mtiwatefa (Dewcom Convenor), Rev. Tshepo Motsenyane (Discipline Committee), Rev. Mahlomola Dlamini (Ecumenical affairs), Ms. Palesa Thulo (District Lay-Leader) and Rev. Beryl Wesson (Statistical Secretary), and also wishes to express gratitude to the Diamond Fields Circuit (both laity and clergy) who contributed to the hosting of a successful Synod - the warmth of the Kimberley day was only matched by the warmth of your hospitality.