Saturday, 16 April 2016

The Steenhofs Last Sunday

Sunday the 10th of April was the last Sunday at LWRC for the Steenhof family. We had a special service for this. Pastor Isidore preached a powerful sermon on Isaiah 41:10 'fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'  So often we look at the future with fear, but when we go with God and trust in Him, we do not need to be afraid. We can put fear, worry and anxiety behind us and go forward, in prayer, knowing God will give us strength for all things. This is hard to do sometimes but something that we must all strive to be faithful in. 

After the service many church groups presented items, gave gifts and shared thoughts of farewell for Chris and Nicole. It was a wonderful celebration, with many heartfelt moments. There were tears, there were smiles and fond memories created. It's always hard to see someone go, especially when you don't know if you will ever see them again. Jumping on a plane isn't as easy as we in the Western world are used to. For some, this will never happen. So goodbyes come with a lot of sadness. 

One of the most beautiful things I heard that day was when one person said, 'I will never see your face again but you are my brother in Christ, so I will see you in heaven.'  Nothing could be more true. 

We then had another church bungkai lunch  (the third one since I've been here). There was plenty of food. Especially cake. Bulk cake! It was such a beautiful afternoon and one that will stay in the hearts of many for years to come.  All praise and thanks to God for the work He has done through the Steenhof family. Chris, Nicole, Elisabeth and Adele, you will be greatly missed. May God bless and guide you as you return to Australia. 


Pastor Isidore and his wife Clotilde singing a farewell song they wrote.


The ladies group singing  God bai i stap wantaim yu oltaim, which means God be with you till we meet again. 


Greg and Imelda presenting their poem called, ' How amazing what God has done.'


The group from Biwat sang two beautiful songs - Thy Word and It's Time to Say Goodbye.


Jeremiah singing a song he wrote called Brothers in Christ which reflect the relationship he has with Chris. 


Jeremiah presenting Elisabeth with a bilum and some bilas (bag and jewellery).


The Samson family singing a song about a ship sailing on the ocean.


There were so many beautiful presentations and items. Moments to treasure always. 


John Lanta presented on behalf of the school board, thanking Chris for his work.


The school board presented Chris with an up to date school photo. I took the photo and organised the frame and printing. It was tricky to do this without being noticed when you live with the person it's for! 


The Lanta family presenting Chris and Nicole with some gifts to thank them and remember them by. John was very entertaining and shared about the fun he and Chris have had together. 


A mug each - with two photos and a Bible text from Jude. One of the photos was taken when Chris and Nicole arrived in Lae in 2013 and the other one was a family photo taken a few months ago. It is cool to see how the family has grown in the time they've been here. Two became four. 


Elisabeth with her Bubu Grace


The Kamkumung church group group singing a song based on Isaiah 66.


The farewell speech - heartfelt and humourous too :)


A final performance by Chris and Nicole. The bilums around Chris's neck are some of the gifts the family received. 


Lunch is served!


Cutting the cake which reads, 'Farewell Chris, Nicole, Elisabeth and Adele. We will miss you all.'


This cake was a gift from some church members to Chris and Nicole. The two cakes were HUGE! Needless to say, there was far more cake than was needed. Unbelievably, it did all get eaten!
(Sorry it's sideways. I loaded it 3 times the correct way around but the blog kept turning it back)


The cake that Chris and Nicole bought as a gift for the church.

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