Vanwyksdorp and Worcester Churches Combine

By Rosa Michelin

Once A Year these two congregations in the Western Cape (South Africa) meet together in Vanwyksdorp, a small town in the foothills of the Rooiberg mountain range in the Little Karoo.

During the weekend of 16/17 November 2002, Al and Cathy Alchin organised such an event, and hosted most of the guests. With much hard work, the Alchin’s home was fully occupied, even having a “camp site” with tents pitched on the front lawn. My husband and I, and Margaret Rautenbach took in the remainder of the visitors.

On Saturday night a braai (barbecue) was enjoyed by all. It was an evening to remember, meeting new people and renewing old friendships.

On Sunday morning the service was held at our house, which is large enough to accommodate the 46 persons who attended. The spiritual food was excellent. Speakers were Trevor Weber, pastor of the Worcester church, and Johan Kruger, pastor of the Cape Town North church. Machteld and Charl Bester (deacon and deaconess of the Worcester church) provided excellent musical accompaniment for the praise and worship songs.

After the service the hungry brethren all went to the Funny Farm, the local pizza restaurant owned and run by Andre and Sonia Rautenbach, with whom we had arranged the use of the premises just for ourselves. An excellent four-course meal  followed, which was provided jointly by the brethren. Some found time to take a dip in the pool. The brethren took the opportunity to do some sightseeing at our local tourist attractions, e.g. The Eye, a waterfall gorge, and Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge, a nature reserve. They enjoyed the experience of seeing the indigenous vegetation and  wild life of this part of the country.

It was without doubt an excellent weekend in every respect, and one which we hope to repeat in 2003.

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