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The Northeastern Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa proclaims, witnesses and shares the Good News of God's Grace in Jesus Christ.
Click on the links below:
Why we are Lutheran?
Warum wir Lutheraner sind?
Hoekom behoort ons aan die Lutherse KerK?

Bishop's Post April / May 2025

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Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.                                                      (Matthew 16,24)
Lent is a season of preparation—a journey that calls believers to turn their hearts toward God. This forty-day period, reflecting Jesus’ time in the wilderness, is a time of fasting, prayer, repentance, and renewal. It invites us to strip away distractions, quiet the noise of the world, and seek a deeper relationship with God.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 16 remind us that following Him requires surrender. To deny oneself is not just about temporarily giving up certain comforts but about yielding our entire lives to Christ. It is a call to trust in Him completely, even when the journey is difficult.
The season of Lent allows us to reflect on what it means that Jesus has conquered death. He has removed everything that separates us from God and from one another—envy, hatred, fear, doubt, and the feeling of never having enough. Ultimately, death has been defeated, and the way to God is open—free and clear. This is what we celebrate at Easter, and it is the path we walk toward during Lent.
Yet, as we look at the world around us, we see unrest, suffering, and death—in the Congo, Sudan, Mozambique, Palestine and Israel, Ukraine, here in South Africa and so many other places. It is easy to feel discouraged and to lose hope. However, the Passion of Christ reminds us that the Son of God came into this world as one of us. He lived among us, suffered for us, and understands our pain, sorrow, and struggles. But above all, it reminds us that in the end, life triumphs. Christ has overcome death!
As followers of Christ, we walk through this season with the assurance that God’s grace is sufficient. Lent is not merely about sacrifice; it is about opening our hearts to His transforming love. It is a season to remember that Christ has already won the victory. Through Him, there is forgiveness, renewal, and everlasting life.
May this Lenten journey be one of deep reflection, renewed faith, and a closer walk with Christ.

Yours in Christ, Theo Jäckel

The eQuip 2025 retreat took place from from 2 - 5 January in Hermannsburg.
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