Pastoral Report 2010

What a wonderful privilege it has been to be part of a wonderful family here at KBC. It is hard to believe that a year has passed since joining the church family here. You have welcomed us with open arms and we have felt loved and accepted right from the beginning. We have already learnt so much from you.

We have seen a commitment to each other that has really blessed and challenged us. How true the testimony that the one characteristic that attracted individuals to this family is the warmth and love so willingly expressed.

As I reflect over this year there are a number of things that stand out as such an encouragement and blessing to us as a church family:

Jason & Kerryn have become such precious friends and co-workers. We are so blessed, as a church, to have Jason - he is a gift from God to the family of KBC. I have learned so much from his passion and love for the church. He has stood beside me as I have settled in and his clear thinking and administrative acumen has supported the ministry in a significant way. We have become friends who understand each others strengths and weaknesses and seek to support and encourage each other. Thank you Jason & Kerryn for all your love for all of us here at KBC. May God bless you as you move into a new season of your lives together.

The Eldership & Diaconate has been a huge support to me. The Elders have become, to me, a band of brothers who have wrestled for the church in prayer. They have, in wisdom and love, helped to provide direction and protection for the church. They have loved the church and have given much time to care for God's people. Thank you, so much, my brothers.

The Deacons have been a wonderful blessing as they have carried their ministries so faithfully. Thank you to Barry Oosthuyzen as he stepped off the diaconate, as a new teaching position claimed more of his time. Thank you to Manfred Tiaden - whose term of office ends - for the amazing work done amongst our Seniors.

John Kerr has been a friend and support to me since we arrived and it is indeed with sadness that he lays down the mantle of Church Secretary. Thank you, John for the great service that you have given to us as a church. Your quiet solid presence will be missed.

What a privilege it has been to work with Paula & Patsy in the office. We have had a lot of fun together.

As Paula has left us and we have sorely missed her happy presence. Thank you so much Paula for the wonderful impact you have had on us all. Thank you for your never-ending willingness to take on projects and dream dreams to help us reach a place of excellence.

After more than 8 years of dedicated service for KBC Patsy has retired. Patsy has given so sacrificially of herself to all of us here at KBC. Her love and care will always be remembered by all who have come across her path. Thank you, Patsy, for all you built into the life of KBC. Your willingness to help and organise has been a wonderful blessing and your input and presence here will be greatly missed. We wish you a very happy and deserved retirement. We love you!!

The Year in Review and the Year Ahead.
We have spent this past year getting to know each other. This has been a very precious time for both Jen and myself. We have been able to make great friends with all of you. We are learning to "dance" with each other without stepping on too many toes.

As the Eldership and Diaconate have more clearly defined their respective roles we are beginning to sense the Lord clearly directing and leading us. It is always hard for a new Pastor to feel where the church is going and what they are needing. It is very exciting for me to see the way the Lord is challenging us to look "outward" and become a church family that can reach the community with His love and bring them hope.

I want you to learn to love and live by this statement:
"We, at Kloof Baptist Church, exist to see the Power of God - through a caring Family -bring Hope to our Community."

The big win in the life of KBC will be to see families and individuals coming to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour. We are asking all our ministries to look through this lens. We have a goal which simply helps us to be deliberate of reaching 30 un-churched families (whatever that may look like) by the end of 2011. This means we want all of us to ask -

• "What must we do to help reach that goal?"
• "What must we change or sacrifice in order to help towards that?"
• "How can we, as a ministry, adapt and support the welcoming of new families/singles into our family?"

Can we, as a church family, rise to the challenge of being a light to our community? Are we prepared to serve our community in sacrificial ways in order to "be Jesus" to them?

"Here am I, Lord - I have heard You calling -Use me, send me".

May God bless us as we seek to honour Him and obey Him.
Brian Anderson.