If One Falls Down…

I was blessed at the beginning of October 2011 to go on sabbatical for three months after completing five years of ministry at Rosebank Union Church. Every week was meticulously planned in how I will spend my time in reflection, refuelling, relaxing and refocusing for the work which I believe God has called me to. This was materializing as Jackie and I caught the tail end of the flower season as we journeyed through the beautiful Namaqualand, as I relaxed on my son’s small farm at the foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountains near Gordon’s Bay and as I attended a week of silence and solitude at Springfield Retreat centre in Wynberg, Cape. I believe the Lord met with me and ministered to me.

Then out of the blue something like a Highveld electric thunderstorm hit me. I had to receive emergency surgery at the end of November 2011 and the bottom line – I contracted colon cancer. The greater part of 2012 was filled with chemo therapy, twice in a coma, etc. which laid me low and I was confined to my bed!

I crashed. I fell. But as time moves on and with God helping me to pick up the pieces of the jig saw puzzle and as He is putting it together, the blurred picture is changing into a meaningful one. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” – Romans 8:28.

For the past few weeks I have been reading and staying with the book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament. This jumped to me out of the pages of Scripture –

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! “Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

As I ponder the happenings in my life over the past year, this is what I am experiencing – God’s family, whom we call the Church, have been there to pick me up. All the phone calls, visits, text messages, cards, meals and many more help me to get up. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ” –Galatians 6:2. I am blessed and privileged to be part of the body of Christ – God’s children.

Thank you to all of you for your on going ministry to us as a family. My daughter, Annari shared with me the other day, “Dad this is amazing how God’s people at Rosebank Union Church have come alongside you and Mom.” She was moved to tears.

Have a wonderful time with your loved ones over this festive season as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ and as we move into 2013 we have the assurance that nothing can separate us from His love.

Your friend,

Dennis Beeselaar