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 feels weary and lost.
Our Christian faith is more than a private belief; it calls us to live boldly by showing love and benevolence, to serve with patience, and to extend mercy in every word and deed.
My deepest prayer for us this year, young and old, every generation, is that we live in such a way that makes the grace of Jesus undeniable.
I want us to be a community where everyone, especially the next generation, feels welcomed by our kindness rather than pushed away by our judgments. Our children and grandchildren will learn the heart of Christ not through what we say, but through watching lives shaped by genuine humility.
As we return to our workplaces, schools, and neighbourhoods, let us use our hands, hearts, and voices to reflect His love in the City of Cape Town, our country, and beyond. I believe the more we reflect Christ’s image, the closer we come to the mind of Christ. A blessed and happy New Year 2026!
Thaniël Frans.
