Pastor Andreas Albers, Pretoria
The 46th 2026 pastors’ convention of the FELSISA took place from the 17th to the 21st of August at Sitilo Game farm near Pongola. All FELSISA pastors (there were no apologies) made their way to the venue after their respective church services on Sunday and arrived from late afternoon to early evening, some only just in time for a bring & braai dinner.
Proceedings officially began on Monday morning with an opening devotion on 1 Corinthians 1:11-17 and address from our bishop Helmut Paul. Just like St. Paul urged the Corinthians towards unity in Christ, we as the FELSISA also find our unity in Christ.
On the agenda were an array of matters, with the longest discussions being had on the matters of our communion practice – and the communication thereof – as well as ecumenical encounters.
The days began and ended with the word of God with morning and evening devotions. On Thursday morning, the pastors celebrated a divine service with Holy Communion. Pastor Werner Straeuli presided over the liturgy, while pastor Mintesinot Birru Hanfato preached on Psalm 127.
Pastor emeritus Siegfried Köhne was invited by the synodical council to this convention as a father confessor, allowing pastors to arrange time with him during the breaks for personal confession.
It was a blessed time together in the bush, not only with regard to the official proceedings, but also around the campfire, on game drives, and on walks.
A word of thanks goes out to the Gerken Family from Panbult for hosting the pastors, as well as Bishop Helmut Paul, Deputy-Bishop Kurt Schnackenberg and Pastor Martin Paul (Pietermaritzburg) for the hours of preparation before the convention.
