Deuteronomy 34:7 “Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, nor his strength gone.”
This last couple of days has seen servants of the African soil die – Dr Ted Germond and President Nelson Mandela. Both were rooted in the African soil, grew big, and gave shade to a whole lot of people. They both worked towards the building of Africa. Let us remember their lives. Let us build on their vision.
This has been a full year for the CMF:
– The “Wholehearted” CMF Conference in July this year brought people from all over Southern Africa together at the Eagle’s Nest in the Drakensberg.
– Election of the new CMF executive for the next 3 years at CMF Conference: Dr Jan Kunene (President/CEO), Dr Hannes Steinberg (Treasurer), Dr Jade Mogamberry, Dr Hennie Cronje, Dr Augustin Lutakwa. Supported by the National Policy Committee: Dr Patrick Rogers, Dr Ryan Gounder, Dr Elliot Motloung, Dr Dean Nolte and Dr Martin Bac. We want to thank Dr Rudzani Muloiwa and Dr Adelaide Masu for their service in the CMF executive.
– Saline Solution – CMF in partnership with Healthcare Christian Fellowship (as part of an Alliance formed comprising of various Christian healthcare organisations) have joined hands in rolling out International Saline Solution training across South Africa. This year training happened at Pretoria East Hospital and plans are being made for more training in 2014.
– Mentorship groups have happened throughout the year at various medical schools. The McCord’s Breakfast Meeting held on a monthly basis has served as a platform for the students to engage with the seniors. Dedication Services have been held for all 8 medical schools this year. We pray that the new health servants will “fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 1:18 & 19, 1 Timothy 6:12). A big thank you to Steve Reid & Janet Giddy (UCT), Stefanus Snyman (STB), Zweli & Pinkie Mbambisa (WSU), Ryan Gounder & Augustin Lutakwa (UKZN), Sam Fehrsen & Martin Bac (TUKS), Hannes& Ute Steinberg (BLM), H Mabuza &Keith Michael (MED), Det Prozesky & Fadahun (WITS)for supporting this initiative and leading discussions in integrating faith and work. We also appreciate the support of junior doctors: Reggie Mkatsane, Vunani Kondo, Neziswa Mfikwa, Kwazi Chiliza, Joana Mbembe, Congress Mashava and many others.
– McCord Hospital, another institution rooted in the African soil, has been handed over to the Government this year. Its 104 year existence pioneered ground-breaking work; from training African women nurses to rolling out ARVs. Let us pray for God’s continued purposes at McCord Hospital.
– Dr Mfanelo Sobekwa has faithfully traversed the African continent reaching Christians at the medical schools. His support has helped considerably to the stability of the student movement in South Africa and Southern Africa.
– Champions for Life which is a Christian spiritual, psycho-social support and leadership development programme for children living with HIV/AIDS. Medical students from Bloem, UKZN, Medunsa, and WITS have participated in their projects.
Just remember for 2014: 15th World ICMDA Congress “Serve Share Shine” will be held in July 2014 in Rotterdam, Netherlands and will mark the 50year celebration of the existence of the ICMDA. More details on www.icmda.net and www.icmda2014.org.
A big thank you goes to Anzelle Booysen, our office manager, and Dr Hannes Steinberg, our treasurer, for their valued help.
Let me end of with some of the words from the poem shared at the Wholehearted Conference:
So what can I say, to Him who has always had plans for me?
To Him who gave His all for me to be free?
And where do I start with God who, for no other reason than His love for me
Chose to be like me so that I could be like Him?
Whole and complete, nothing missing and nothing broken
And where do I begin, what could I offer Him?
What is there to impart?
What is there to do except give Him my heart?
Dr Jan Kunene
President
Christian Medical Fellowship of South Africa
