Most of us are familiar with the verb to indoctrinate or the phrase to be indoctrinated. The verb indoctrinate is derived from doctrine, which refers to a set of beliefs, principles, or ideologies. Indoctrination typically involves the teaching or promotion of these beliefs in a way that discourages independent thought or critical questioning. This process [...]
We live in a fractured and uncertain world, often marked by wars, anxiety, and hopelessness. In a society characterized by rising fuel and food prices, noisy shopping centres, and relentless negative news, many people who endure the pressures of a competitive, corporate urban lifestyle long for a safe, wholesome refuge - a place where [...]
On Monday, 23rd of March, 2026, I set off on a five-day journey to the Cradle of Mankind with 45 fellow travellers from U3A branches across the Western Cape, led by our guides, Mike Rule and Holly Carr. A short two-hour flight brought us to Johannesburg, where we stepped out into steady rain and [...]
On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the first Sunday of Advent this year, one of our sons, Gréston Nicolas Frans, was baptised at the Kreuzkirche Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Bellville. It was deeply moving to see him united with Christ through this holy sacrament. We are happy to know that God has begun His work in him [...]
The frequency of extreme climate events—such as flooding, droughts, and veld fires - is increasing, particularly in Africa. These occurrences are largely driven by climate change, and while their consequences are felt worldwide, they are felt most severe in developing countries where poverty, environmental mismanagement, and rapid population growth compound the challenges. Climate change is [...]
Dear Friends, As we stand at the beginning of 2026, I’ve found myself returning to the words of the apostle Peter. He calls us a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation...” not as a badge of honour, but as a calling to be a reflection of the Good Shepherd for a world that [...]
MES Kersgroete en dankie! Terwyl ons die geboorte van Christus vier en nadink oor Sy hoop, lig en liefde, rig MES (Mold-Empower-Serve) graag ons opregte dank aan die Kreuzkirche/ Kruiskerk Evangelical Lutheran Church gemeente. Julle gebede, vennootskap en getroue ondersteuning deur hierdie jaar het ons sending versterk om dié te dien wat dakloos, kwesbaar en [...]
Welcoming community Over the last year I’ve noticed many new faces becoming regular faces at our services and at our social events. This speaks of the welcoming congregation that we are. We have become a spiritual home for Lutheran sisters and brothers coming from different areas of South Africa and Namibia, and also nonLutherans have [...]
A big thank you to all who participated and made this enjoyable evening possible.
Lukas 14, 21 – 24 Und der Knecht sprach: Herr, es ist geschehen, was du befohlen hast; es ist aber noch Raum da. Und der Herr sprach zu dem Knecht: Geh hinaus auf die Landstraßen und an die Zäune und nötige sie hereinzukommen, dass mein Haus voll werde. Denn ich sage euch: Keiner der Männer, [...]
The recently appointed pope Leo-XIV, inspired by his missionary work in Peru, experiences in Chicago, and a visit to a village near the Amazon rainforest, has initiated transformative changes in the Catholic Church. These changes emphasize humility, inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and a return to the core teachings of Jesus. Here are a few changes Introduced [...]
Ich Hannelore Margarethe wurde am 17. Juli 1939 als drittes Kind des Missionars Ernst Esslinger und Maria Elisabeth in Windhoek geboren. Wir wohnten in Okahandja, als Nachbarn von Dr. Vedder, mit dessen Familie wir sehr engen Kontakt und Freundschaft hatten. Ab 1951 war mein Vater Pastor in Omaruru. Ich ging in Omaruru zur Schule und [...]
Zum Thema: Reichtum der Sprachen, Studienbrief Nr. 1, 1984 Wir wollen uns immer wieder daran gewöhnen: Unser Herr spricht alle Sprachen, und der Heilige Geist gibt jeder Sprache einen eigenen Reichtum. Wer viele Sprachen spricht, der wird nicht ärmer sondern reicher. Der Satz: „Ich spreche in meiner Religion nur Deutsch!“ öffnet nicht den Geist sondern [...]
Ilse Margot Gerstenberg was born on the 24th of January 1933 to Fritz and Frieda Gerstenberg in Berlin. She was the older of two girls, Annelie being 6 years younger. Ilse started school on 1 September 1939 which was also the start of the Second World War. After her schooling she wanted to study music [...]
Vertrauen ist gut, Kontrolle ist besser! Eine alte bewährte Weisheit. Der Satz soll von dem russischen Politiker Lenin geprägt worden sein. Verlass dich nur auf das, was nachgeprüft werden kann. Für Journalisten ist das zum Beispiel ein ganz wichtiges Prinzip. Man soll nur das veröffentlichen, was auch nachprüfbar ist. Das Vier Augen Prinzip [...]
Soos ons die jaar 2025 begin, is dit ons begeerte om elke persoon uit te nooi om die genade wat Christus aan ons geskenk het, te betuig en uit te leef. Hierdie jaar is 'n geleentheid vir ons om te fokus op Sy genade en barmhartighede eerder as op die tekortkominge of geskille wat ons [...]
07.10.1952 – 05.01.2025 + It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved father, husband, and grandfather, Danie Louis Steytler. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Danie passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and children. Danie’s faith as a Christian sustained him [...]
Deutscher Kindergarten Bellville / German Kindergarten Bellville In the nineteen-fifties the kindergarten (KiGa) was established on a small scale with Tante Renate Schmid as only teacher and other ladies helping. Several of our present congregants have spent their pre-school years at the Kreuzkirche KiGa. Since then, many children have come and gone. A new building [...]
Zum Winterfest im Juni fahre ich immer gerne nach Stellenbosch. Es gibt andere Dinge zu kaufen, als beim Basar in Bellville. Außerdem sehe ich meine Kinder und Enkel und treffe Freunde, mit denen ich mich austauschen kann. In diesem Jahr gab es eine besondere Überraschung: bei der Verlosung gewann ich einen Preis – zwei Nächte [...]
After our previous elections, South Africa’s political structure saw significant changes. I’m not well-versed in politics, but from what I’ve heard, this is good. For us as a church, we might not feel that we have too much of a role to play after casting our votes, but Paul would disagree. In Romans 13, Paul [...]
