Tracks

JUSTICE, SAFETY & SECURITY

"We all have an individual responsibility to go back to our places of work and do Christ’s work", these were the words of Judge Julia Sebutinde when asked about a way forward. The only way we shall face the giants is if we have a support system in place and stop looking
at our churches in our various denominations. Lawyers need to learn that they are apart of the body of Christ and therefore need to support each other. The Justice, Safety and Security track ended proceedings today with a talk delivered by Dr. Michael Cassidy. Dr. Cassidy
challenged the delegates to hold onto the networks that they have formed. " SACLA II is not about the conference, it’s about what takes place after the conference and if we are going to see change it’s going to take networking," he said. Judges, lawyers and policeman need to see themselves as evangelists in their profession and reach out to the legal world. Gert Joubert, the leader of the track, was very pleased with how the proceedings went throughout the week. " During the week many of the delegates were challenged and I think many of them will now start applying Godly principles to their work force", said Gert. The end of SACLA only marks the beginning, the beginning of transformation. It is now up to each individual to start changing the nation.

Neville Grimmet

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA

Exciting future prospects in the Arts
"The influence of the Church, which used to be all powerful, has been usurped by film. Film and television tell us how to conduct our lives, they tell us what is right and wrong," says George Lucas, Director of 'Star Wars'. A company called Infinite has taken it upon themselves to ensure that Christianity has a voice in the arts and media. Jax Visser, who is the events director at Infinate, felt that the conference was a chance for her to see South Africa as a whole. This gave Jax an opportunity to develop skills that could transform the way Infinite performs and the way Christian artists are released into the arts and media with increasing impact. They can now approach their mission through the power of a biblical Christian worldview. They can then be power contenders in the media. The sum-up occured at the Arts track, with an encouragement to follow one’s calling. The ministry of arts must be built upon the word of God. Only then can they make a powerful difference in the most influential medium in the world. Christian leaders were challenged to build their foundations on prayer, so that their ministry can be based on the word of God and so that their calling can be God inspired. "Leaders must not only get out of the boat, but rock the boat," said Michael Moll.

Bulelwa Jonas

CIVIL SOCIETY, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT HEALTH & MEDICINE

Declares it’s Commitment
“Up to now we have not been preparing people for the Kingdom of God, rather we have been preparing them to live life here,” said Kim Ward, a Capetonian pharmacist. “Yes God is using us as individuals in our professions, but at SACLA, I have been challenged to collaborate with the churches. The first thing, though, is to repent of our arrogant attitude and our materialism, and start seeking God, asking Him for direction,”

In representing social development, health and medicine, land and housing and advocacy, the Civil Society track declared their commitment to repentance and sharing of values. Rev Lorenzo Davids, in his address, challenged delegates by voicing his concern that many might be overwhelmed by the atmosphere at SACLA, yet end up doing nothing. Rev Davids does not entertain people who justify themselves by the 'starfish story'. "I'm sick and tired of the star fish story, humans are locked on this story that 'oh look, I'm helping someone over there'," he said. He was also of the opinion that poor people should not be marginalised by "bringing them into membership, but never into leadership". Since this track dealt with humanitarian issues, a sacrificial burden comes with the commitment, and before you commit yourself the question is: "Are you prepared to lose your life?"

Sandile waka-Zamisa

EDUCATION & TRAINING

In response to the week's deliberations, we realised that we, the church, need to break the
silence and assume our rightful role in the education arena as servant leaders. Our role includes the offer of support, affirmation and encouragement wherever it is needed, and to make it available to all stakeholders. The key word here is involvement. This includes the involvement of Christians in the curriculum development process, the involvement of parents and management bodies in support of teachers and the involvement of the church in its demonstration of Christian unity. Teaching is primarily about relationships and life, not about knowledge. Healthy relationships are rooted in the home environment, so the strengthening of families is also seen as key. Crucial to the implementation of these is the question 'how?' Dr. Graham Cato said our call is to be modellers as Jesus was. A great example of this is Goodman Magida from Daveton-Twatwa. He is a teacher who got very involved in the process of transforming the minds and attitudes of teachers in terms of Outcomes Based Education (OBE). His school has now become a model of how OBE should be done. This is the kind of committed person South Africa needs. In terms of the giants, educators have a huge role to play. One example in the area of HIV/AIDS involves a "no fear" campaign in which church leaders lead by example, e.g. getting tested. The time of networking at the end was key in terms of supporting one another as we move forward in our vision of what God is calling us to do.

Robyn Newton

BUSINESS, LABOUR & AGRICULTURE

Change, engage, commit. In statement appropriate for its directness and brevity; business leaders have committed themselves to a plan of action that is indicative of a resolve and a determination to act on behalf of the marginalised. One businessman has decided to take practical and effective HIV/AIDS policies back to his company, with the ultimate intention of reaching out to the community in healing. Another talks of changing his perception of the poor; rather than treating them as objects, he is now determined to listen to them, thereby learning from and assisting those on the economic margins of our fractured society. Whereas business and labour professionals have often failed to serve the needs of the people, the tone of today's declaration of commitment created a vision of a vastly different face, one that is friendly to both the employers and the employed. Above all, business leaders are determined to resist apathy and spectatorship. While the bottom line cannot afford to be ignored, it has certainly been given its rightful place, while the material and spiritual needs of our nation have been reinserted into the agenda, in the position that they belong. The face of business is undergoing a profound transformation. Like the mythical Janus, it is the particular capacity of business to look two ways; what we have seen take place on this conference is the definite choice of which view is true and holy.

Andrew Alexander

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

Looking ahead: Personal lessons from the Track & from SACLA
“The Church in pre-SACLA II times was like the disorganised Israelite army before David came along - SACLA II is itself like David, in the way it is picking up the stones and going to meet the Giants.” These are words from one of the participants in the Track, describing his own personal view of SACLA II and the track. Friday was vital, as it enabled all of us to reflect and share on what the Track and SACLA have meant to all of us. Participants were also put through their paces when we had to draft a statement to present to the rest of SACLA. Framed by the statement of hope drafted on Day 2 of the Assembly, the participants prepared an action plan that built on the themes of networking, speaking the truth to our “market-places” and being a prophetic voice to the Church on creation stewardship and sustainable development.

Overall, people were challenged, taking back home a message of encouragement for themselves and for their congregations and communities within which they live and work. This message of encouragement can be summed up as follows, “I’m not alone in having a love for God and a love for science as well.”

Brent Corcoran

COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION

Commitment to transformation
Commitment to the transformation of our communities was the theme of today's discussion. Myra Perring, a social worker from East London was part of the track. She said, "I feel I've been privileged and it's such an honor to be representing the Eastern Cape. I feel that God had a purpose for my being here and I've been filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by all the themes. I now feel as if I can go out into the world and apply what I've learnt at SACLA II to my community". The discussions included an overview of pitfalls in the transformation process. "We will not see transformation until we see our communities saturated with prayer," said one of the speakers. It was also said that in order for us to bring transformation to our communities, we need to first 'die', in all our old ways and take on the full armour of the Lord. In that way we will be able to become new creatures in Christ and fight the devil in our communities. The group said a reverent prayer for transformation of the nation at the end of the first session.

Melanie Fourie

FAMILY & CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Restoring families to God's model
There's no doubting that homes, churches, communities and entire cities are about to be transformed in a big way. "A lady in our church recently passed away, leaving her children orphaned and in their granny's care," says Val Jackson. "During this week, I've been challenged to support the granny in a practical way." Merica Molefe from Midrand is also excited about being able to make a difference. "I meet with a group monthly. I'm going to take what Advocate Molly said and help to empower them with practical knowledge about domestic violence." Other practical ideas set to be implemented include starting a course on family budgeting, offering home-based care groups, partnering with the police in victim empowerment programmes, setting up a food pantry, using governmental departments to provide training in important life skills and getting medical practitioners to offer free medical care in the community. This track was definitely not just a talk shop. It was fitting that the week ended with an address by Tony Campolo on the importance of the family. With delegates having been empowered by the Spirit, and filled with enthusiasm, God's model of the family is well on its way to being restored.

Nevelia Heilbron

CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN SCHOOLS

This exciting track ended with a bang! With the aid of the humorous teachings, Mr Tony Campolo delivered an inspiring address. This highlighted the need for commitment in the life of young people. Whether in complex relationships or simple promises, one must be committed to what one says one will do, as well as following things through. Campolo noted that, when part of the group, it is easy to say that one believes in the person or theory in question. This practical speaker, however, urged the delegates to step out of the crowd and commit themselves to what they believe. After all, Satan believes in Christ but he is far from being committed to the Father. The visit from the Church Leader's track showed that the act of unity on Thursday 11 July had made an impact on their hearts. After conducting a post-mortem on the track the leaders defined the event as a "God moment", and offered their thanks and blessings to delegates, dubbing them "the leaders of today". Now that SACLA has come and gone, what do we plan to achieve? What are we to commit ourselves to? There are many practical ideas, such as finding a ministry in one's youth group, getting involved in church activities and setting up communication structures between leaders. This will allow the youth to influence their communities, to stop being part of the problem and by allowing God to use them to become part of the solution and working with God. In the final address the delegates were encouraged to earn the gift that they received when Jesus died for our sins. They were challenged to not just hear what is being said but to implement it into their lives and live it out by the power of the Holy Spirit. I give the same challenge to you.

Sheenagh Bruce

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

The time of sitting and thinking through things has come and gone. Now what? This was a buzzing question in the politics and government track. This question propelled them to go deep into practical action. Immediately after Friday's first session, the group came with a concrete way forward. The feeling of fulfillment and the joy of working together as leaders from all walks of life was evident in many of the delegates. Dr Japie La Poorta, the Deputy President of the Apostolic Faith Mission, said the group has done well. "The challenge now lies with us. I have learnt a lot from this conference. I realised that we have not been actively involved in social activities. We kept on preaching the Gospel, which is good, but we completely left our responsibilities to the government." La Poorta hopes to encourage people from his church to live the gospel. He said that there is a strong need to open our church buildings to the public. "Basic things like helping people to get government grants, identity documents, practical training on racism, sexism and HIV/AIDS is the Church's responsibility, just as much as it is the government's responsibility." The one page summary of the track emphasised things like asking the government to open prisons, schools, hospitals, etc to the Gospel. The way this could happen is to take the gospel seriously and to do what we ought to do. The need to work with government to establish Human Upliftment Bridgeheads in local communities and the establishment of gun-free zones in all public buildings was also emphasised.

Nhlanhla Mchunu

YOUNG ADULTS & STUDENTS

"What I would like to do after SACLA, having been part of the young adult's group, is motivate people. Motivate people around campus, making them aware of the giants. Also, allowing them to know that there are people out there that wish to support them," said Khathutshelo Mulungwa. This was just one encouraging plan of action that a student came up with - to ensure that students begin to realise the importance of being knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS. What happened on the final day of the track was that follow-up structures were worked on and implemented. Regional groups were formed, and within these groups various individual portfolios were issued. From this point on, these groups, having identified and discussed the various giants, would face them head on. This would be on a regional basis, with branches in a host of fields relevant to the delegates in specific areas. One example is that students from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) have decided to create a plan of action, which involves creating awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in that institution. It must be made clear that this action plan will span over a range of institutions such as churches, the employment sector, possibly schools and obviously universities and other tertiary institutions. This illustrates the continuous point that SACLA is not an end, but rather the beginning of what is to come. God has worked through SACLA and the seeds have been sown. It is time to take what was learnt here, and contagiously spread it to the rest of the world.

Lesley Malgas

CHURCH LEADERS

One of the commitments to action that was agreed upon on the final day of the Church Leaders' Track was "to become leaders who live with integrity and godliness, who express accountability and accessibility to others and who work for the eradication of the 'giants' identified at SACLA." This statement of purpose was illustrated by the final group activity in which each group was given a lump of clay from which they sculpted a symbol of commitment to action. As one of the facilitators commented on this 'earthy' activity, "for too long the hands of church leaders have been clean - they have not been grappling with the giants." As the proceedings of the entire week on the Church Leaders' Track have shown, such a purpose could not be expressed without a commitment to unified action. The leaders committed themselves together to "receiving, expressing and transmitting hope by our working together as local churches and by building friendships outside of our denominational boundaries and across cultural and racial divides." This commitment was enforced by a moving ritual in each of the groups in which a meal of a single piece of bread was shared. On their knees, the group members fed one another as one another's servants. Church leaders then embraced and prayed for one another as they celebrated new relationships.

Stephen Keggie

Looking Back... then Stepping Forward:
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow of SACLA
BY NEVELIA HEILBRON

"It was at SACLA I that God delivered me from racial hatred," says Pastor Wellington Jansen from Port Elizabeth, who attended this national Assembly as a young man with his church delegation twenty-four years ago. "I believe that the new South Africa was born in 1979 at SACLA - 1994 was just a legal manifestation of what began there." He shares this sentiment with Dr John and Jackie Larsen, for whom this Assembly is an extremely nostalgic event. "When we met here in 1979, we were so desperate as a people to get rid of the apartheid regime, which seemed so indestructible," a clearly emotional Larsen recalls. "We're free of apartheid now but there's still a lot to be done. God is showing us that the freedom we seek after is not just a freedom from apartheid. The devil has simply taken on a new form, which is why we need to continue to be vigilant."

Delegates from the pioneer Assembly also recall how it was the 'controversial' Desmond Tutu who did the opening address on love. For many, it was the first time that they were sharing a room with people of different races; for others, it was an enormous struggle coming spirit-to spirit in prayer with those who stood as representatives of a system that caused so much division and pain. Those were tense times, when delegates held their breath as Tutu was about to speak, wondering whether the police would appear and arrest or detain 'these communists'.

Even then, SACLA was a global rather than national Conference and Deirdre Pratt, from Westminster, recalls how excited she was as a young English woman following God's prompting for repentance: "I was deeply moved by the event and was convicted to apologise to the Afrikaners for the Anglo-Boer war. South Africa needs to take her place as a great nation and step boldly into her new vision."

But what exactly has changed? Same showgrounds, same city, same long queues for the toilet! In 1979, there was one giant to deal with. This century, seven have been identified - though there are definitely others. SACLA II has been an amazing experience for both first-timers and 'old-hats'. Days of praising, praying, fellowship and brainstorming with other Christians have joined us together in a fresh and unique way. We've had a time of repenting before the Lord, of some boldly witnessing how God has sustained them since being diagnosed HIV-positive status, of others receiving clear revelations of how to transform the nation. This week has been extremely euphoric - a bit like 'heaven on earth' in an idyllic world of Christians who are dedicated to the Lord and desire to see His will done in our continent and world. But the truth is that we have to go back to reality: back to our ailing family relationships, our argumentative workmates, our gossiping neighbours, our crime-infested communities... that seems to be the scary part, though. Being the 'good' Christians we are, we want the Promised Land without first walking through the desert. Quite ironic when we remember that Jesus gave up the realms of Paradise to fulfil The Father's work, facing a difficult walk which He faced with help from no other earthly being.

The themes of repentance, hope, reconciliation and unity and commitment to action are so pertinent and present a complete picture of the godly principles needed to bring about change. But there are those who feel that it's time to stop apologising for the past and start enjoying the reconciliation of the present. For many young people especially, asking forgiveness for a past they were not part of, seems nonsensical. Others again argue that moving forward together would be almost impossible without first healing the wounds of the past. Dr Bennie Mostert issued a strong reminder that unity and reconciliation are not possible without humility. The difficult part is, like SACLA I, we shall only be able to 'rate' the effectiveness of the 2003 Conference once it has passed and we are living in the post- SACLA II phase.

Life after SACLA II
The very fact that so many are waiting on a 'mandate' from the SACLA Council of what we should do next is testament that we have not fully grasped the point of this week. Those who attended solely to be able to say, "I was at SACLA!" have totally missed the boat. The onus is on each of us to make an individual difference. Dr Michael Cassidy reiterates this, urging that SACLA II not simply be regarded as another 'talk shop' but rather a turning point. Many have remarked that we should have a gathering like this every year. But if we are living and working in the way that God wants us to, it would not be necessary. But for those who really need a step-by-step manual, here goes: A fool-proof guide to life after SACLA II

1. Pray

2. Spend quiet time in meditation and reflection, asking God to guide you.

3. Now ACT on what God has told you - no matter how silly or impossible it may seem. It's all rather simple.

General consensus among the young delegates is that their hope is to grow up in a nation that is not bound by the burdens of the past. They also would love more opportunities for advice from adults on how to cope with the pressures Christians face in the workplace. Cawekazi Jonas (20) has this expectation, should SACLA III convene in years to come: "My greatest prayer is for us to have a Christian government in place because with godly leadership, how can we fail?" The one thing we should not forget is that we ourselves are God-appointed leaders, making a name as history-makers...

Building on the past, looking into the future: SACLA II has been a turning point for the SA church

PHOTOGRAPH: TOBIE SMUTS

DANDALA DELIBERATES:

MVUME H DANDALA

When SACLA first met in 1979, the massive giant of Apartheid was the challenge facing the church. As different racial and cultural groups reached out - many for the first time - across the huge divide, barriers began to topple in a way that could only have been ascribed to a move of the Holy Spirit. A long and deafening silence followed and the need for the prophetic voice of the church to be heard again was what generated the desire for another gathering and … SACLA II was birthed. I salute Dr Michael Cassidy for his faith and resoluteness - often against considerable odds - in seeing the process to completion. The country owes him a debt of gratitude.

With the focus on nation building – the gathering produced mission ideas that are relevant to the giants facing the country and which are likely to have significant impact on development. The genius of SACLA II was to be found in the twelve Tracks at which over four thousand Christian leaders from the youth sector, various vocations and the church, all pooled their expertise, ideas and resources to come up with plans of action. I cannot recall any other meeting in South Africa which has generated so many practical ways of counteracting the giants of poverty, crime, HIV/Aids and unemployment.

Finally, in the months and years ahead, my prayer is that the interest aroused at SACLA II relating to African spirituality and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, would become a forum for open, respectful and on-going dialogue between Christians from all cultural and racial backgrounds.

SACLA 2 has happened! Against many human odds, the event came together. Deo Gloria!

For me the major responses of our spirits now must be to praise God and then go out in that humble spirit of praise to possess the land. In praising Him and thanking Him, I have such a deep sense of: “Lord, it was your mercy, your grace, and all in spite of us rather than because of us.” As we moved into that home-straight of preparation, I knew that: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1).

Yes, we must give thanks and praise to God for the great things he has done. But then we must go out in faith, like the children of Israel, to “possess the land” (cf Deut 8:1 and Josh 1:10).

What does that mean for us? It means moving out, as led, in some 4 000 new individual initiatives for Christ around the nation and then in scores or even hundreds of initiatives where we do things together in congregations or parachurch or other organisational groupings. I pray there will be fresh initiatives of evangelism everywhere, because “what shall it profit a person to gain the world but lose their own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Then I pray that the Goliaths will be tackled in new ways all over the nation. After all, we in this generation will be held accountable to God for bequeathing to our children, should we do so, a wasteland of devastation from HIV/Aids, or poverty, or crime and violence, or marital breakdown or sexual promiscuity, or ongoing racism. Now indeed is the time to seize the initiative and follow-through in a sustained and responsible way. God is calling for this and providing for it. It is a moment of kairos opportunity second to none in our land. And, as I have said before, the opportunity of a lifetime must be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity.

So let us “work the works of Him who sent (us) while it is day, knowing that the night comes when no one can work” (John 9:4).