Bishop's Post
April 2026 / May 2026

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." (Colossians 1:15)
As human beings, we have a deep need for God. Unlike animals, we recognise that there is more than this world alone. We sense that there is Someone or for some people “something” behind and within all that we experience—a reality beyond our daily lives, a life that extends beyond our physical existence. And yet, the question remains: Who is God, and where can we find Him?
The apostle Paul gives a clear and profound answer: God is made known in Jesus Christ. Christ is not merely a reflection or a messenger; He is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). In Him, the hidden God becomes visible.
In Jesus, we see God’s compassion for the broken, His justice for the oppressed, His mercy for sinners, and His unwavering love for the world. In His life, death, and resurrection, we find forgiveness, life, and hope. The cross reveals the extent of God’s love: He is willing to give Himself for us so that we may live in Him.
This revelation also calls us to trust and follow. If Christ truly is the image of God, then His way is God’s way. His humility, obedience, and self-giving love show us not only who God is, but also how we are called to live as His people.
As we move through our daily lives, with all their responsibilities and challenges, we do so, looking to Christ. In Him we see God. In Him we find hope. In Him, we encounter the God who forgives, redeems, and invites us into eternal life. There is no need to search for other gods, for in Jesus Christ we know the one true God. Let us hold fast to Him and follow Him with all our hearts.
Theo Jäckel

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                 News from NELCSA

We mourn the passing of Wolfgang Fechter, who died on 13 March 2026 at the age of 64. Mr Fechter served our Church with great dedication over many years. He was elected as Deputy President of Synod in 1999 and as President of Synod in 2005, a position he held faithfully until 2017. He also served as President of UELCSA and contributed to the work of our Church Pension Fund. We give thanks for his committed leadership and his faithful service to the Church. He is survived by his wife, Gisela, their four children and their partners, and six grandchildren. We commend all who mourn his passing into God’s care and pray that they may be comforted by the hope of the resurrection.
Pastor Dr Detlev Tönsing officially entered retirement at the end of February 2026. We give thanks for his many years of faithful service to the Church, both in congregational ministry and in the theological formation and education of students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Pastor Tönsing will continue to serve the St Peter’s Pretoria congregation in a more limited capacity until his successor takes up the position at the end of this year.
We warmly congratulate the following candidates on successfully completing and passing their theological examinations.  Wikus Oppermann has completed his First Theological Examination, while PJ Hanekom and Hans-Christoph Lange have completed their Second Theological Examination.  We give thanks for this important milestone and pray that God will continue to guide and bless them in their future ministry.

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