Vicar W. Straeuli
On the weekend of April, the 30th to May the 2nd 2021, the youth of the FELSISA met for the “Ältere Rüstwoche” in Skeerpoort at Hugo Meyer’s farm. Although the dark grey clouds promised a wet weekend, the young people entered Friday evening in a happy mood. Despite the weather, the youngsters bravely pitched their tents and were ready to brave the elements. The pastors, Martin Paul (Pretoria), Tobias Ahlers (Shelly Beach), Christian Straeuli (Greytown) and the vicar Werner Straeuli (Kirchdorf, Wartburg) joined the youth.
In addition to the great leisure activities, such as game drives, hikes, volleyball and really delicious food, we had the opportunity to take a closer look at the topic of idols. Each pastor gave a presentation to show how we still, in this day and age, always have idols in our lives. In addition, the catch-phrase “Discern, Confront, Destroy” was demonstrated as a method for separating idols out of our lives. To do this we would have to, in daily practice, through prayer, focus entirely on the one God and realise that we are completely dependent on him and only him.
Although the presentations were led by the pastors, the lectures developed into an interesting dialogue, or rather a conversation in which the young people were actively involved, in such a way, that even after the presentations, the youth continued to actively discuss the topic.
By the end of the weekend, the weather had changed completely so that on Sunday we could close the Youth Retreat with sunshine and a service in a small chapel on the property.