Is it possible that time seems to pass more quickly as you get older? That’s how it feels when I think about the year 2025.
Next week we’ll celebrate Christmas, as always during this hot time of year. But we’ve had a lot of rain this year, and we’re glad about it.
Tsibogang’s work is currently on hold, (we are on holidays) except for the annual children’s self-help group camp, which started this week and ends tomorrow. For many of the children, this is the highlight of the year; things really get going: swimming in a real pool, being outdoors, barbecues, games, Bible studies, and learning something new again: this time it was about “sugar daddies”.
The kindergartens and after-school programs closed on December 10th, marking the start of summer vacation. On December 5th, we had our annual gathering of all Tsibogang members and their families: we remembered all those who had been with us on this journey and who have passed away due to AIDS. There was a review of the year: highs and lows. One of them really affected us all. Our finance manager, Dineo Sefako, whom we introduced last year, had to be dismissed in November, because she used Tsibogang funds for personal expenses between July and October. In October, the Tsibogang management had to suspend her and gave her a deadline to return the money. That was November 20th, and the money was returned, but the trust was broken. So many questions arise: Were we wrong when, after many prayers last year, we received her promise to take over the finances? Did we overlook something? Was she overwhelmed? etc. We are once again faced with the question: Who can take on these responsibilities, manage the finances well and reliably? This is above all a prayer request, which we urge you to keep in mind. Nevertheless, we are grateful that the money was returned. In this, we see God’s work and concern for our ministry.
Wolfgang Hermann has resumed his responsibilities and is not happy about it. Next year will bring many new challenges that we entrust to you. We are confident that God will continue the Tsibogang work and that sufficient funds will be raised. Thank you for all your faithful prayers and financial contributions, which have made so much possible. Wolfgang and I are currently in Rustenburg, where our church, the ELCSA, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It is so encouraging to see how something great grows from small beginnings.
We wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a blessed start into the New Year. May the God of mercy and compassion look at us and rekindle our love and commitment to follow him.
Christel Lorato Hermann