Download the PDF-version here (e-mail & printer-friendly):
RESOURCES
1. Circular, 22 September 2020 (Pastor’s Appreciation – Point Nr.3)
https://afm-ags.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Circular-to-pastors-Regions-22-September-2020.pdf
2. AFM Welfare R1-Campaign
https://afm-ags.org/newsflash-friday-4-september-resources/
3. AFM Alert Level 1 Lockdown Regulations
https://afm-ags.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AFM-Level-1-Church-Gatherings-Guidelines.pdf
4. AFM Alert Level 1 Funeral Guidelines
https://afm-ags.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AFM-Level-1-Funeral-Guidelines.pdf
AFM Fellow-Colleague,
In an AFM Statement dated 19 June 2020 (https://afm-ags.org/gender-based-violence-and-violence-against-children-friday-19-june-2020/), I touched on the issue of Gender-based violence and violence against children. In this article, I am deeply saddened by the realisation that this scourge continues to plague us.
Added to it, is the recent killing of farmers and farm workers. There is no acceptable argument that can be advanced on this horrendous crime which is perpetrated against those who are contributing to our food security. These killings are inhuman and diabolic and should be condemned by all peace-loving South Africans. We already have an unacceptably high murder rate in South Africa. While we understand that tempers are reaching a boiling point we are still appealing for restraint. We must vent our anger and frustrations in any legal manner without falling into the trap of being violent.
AFM SAYS NO TO ELIMINATION OF HUMAN LIFE IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE, GENDER, GENERATION, FAITH OR ANY CLASSIFICATION.
Our prayers are with all families whose loved ones have been murdered. We stand in solidarity with them in their bereavement. I am asking that we offer a moment of prayer for them during our services this coming Sunday. Let us also pray for God’s protection on our farm communities, women, and children. I will be requesting the coming National Leadership Forum (NLF) to consider appropriate action to be taken by the AFM on this matter.
Health Care Sunday (HCS) will be on 18 October 2020. This day began in the United Kingdom in the 1990’s. From there it grew to be observed globally. It is observed on the third Sunday of October. Celebrating our caregivers is something close to God’s heart (Matthew 25:37-49). Our Lord Jesus demonstrated a special concern for the sick and lame (John 5:1-15). Many of the AFM members are part of the frontline workers in the health sector. Many of these health workers work under difficult conditions and are not immune from fatigue, anxiety, and stress.
We have seen the significant role played by health workers during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic this year. Many of them have succumbed to the virus in the line of duty. They continue to fulfil this vital task.
We all need to use health services at some point in our lives. This coming Sunday presents us with an opportunity to acknowledge, affirm and support the work done by congregation members and local community members who work in health and social care. These people include medical doctors, nurses, care assistants, social workers, social care workers, occupational therapists, hospital administrators, porters, cleaners, ward secretaries, laboratory staff, and people serving in many other roles.
Let us celebrate their work and give thanks to God for them. Let us offer prayers for the bereaved families of these workers. Kindly download the following resource for Healthcare Sunday:
https://afm-ags.org/category/media/
Blessings
MG Mahlobo
