Dear Friend in Christ,
The turn of a new year prompts reflection on the past and the future. We have much to be grateful for, and we expect the Lord to continue to build his church, despite our frailty. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles” (Acts 2:42–43).
This year we look forward to the first worship service of our new church plant in Somerset West. Lord willing, it will take place on the first weekend of March 2025. Related, we hope to see the ordination of our ministerial interns within the coming year, and the finalization of the ARC Book of Church Order.
On 19 and 20 June, we look forward to hosting a number of ministers (Rev. Dr. Dan Borvan, Dr. James Berry, and Rev. Dr. David Noe) from the USA who will participate in a conference on justification – to be hosted by the Free Reformed Church of Cape Town. We hope this will not only be a time of great instruction but also of wonderful fellowship in the Lord.
Before the conference, Rev. Dr. Simon Jooste (March/April) and ministerial intern Ruling Elder Alex Hewitson (May) will travel to the US to strengthen existing and develop new relationships. Please reach out to them should you want to connect States-side.
In addition to the above, please pray for RCSS regarding:
- Our church plant in Somerset West
- New deacon candidates
- A more suitable venue for worship services
- The needs of vulnerable and ill congregants
Please pray for ARC regarding:
- New intern, pastoral candidates, and pastors
- Relationships with local and national churches
- The next ARC meeting on 25 February 2025
- The ongoing work on the Book of Church Order
Please prayerfully consider partnering with us to extend the Reformed witness through RCSS and ARC.
For Reformed confessionalism in Africa,
Rev. Dr Simon Jooste on behalf of the RCSS Council and the ARC Steering Committee.