GOSPEL RESOURCE CENTRE

January 7, 2009

TO: Supporters and Friends of Reyman Africa Mission
RE: Future Use of the Gospel Resource Centre Facilities

In light of our departure from South Africa in the 2nd quarter of 2009, the ministry and property of the Gospel Resource Centre will be turned over to Yvonne Deetlefs in early 2009. Yvonne is the founder of Karitas Children’s Home and the Ellerine’s Community Development Centre.

We have been friends with Yvonne since 2001 when we moved to South Africa and Karen volunteered time writing letters for the children’s home. In 2004, Karen started teaching a quilting class once a week at Ellerine’s Community Development Centre. This provided more interaction with Yvonne, which further proved that Yvonne was a person of vision with a deep commitment to doing God’s will and helping people better their circumstances both physically and spiritually.

When the decision was made to leave South Africa and the need to find someone to take over the Gospel Resource Centre arose, Yvonne was our choice. She brings a strong team of people to oversee and advise on business and operational matters, including Ndaba and Mami Mazimuka whom we have worked with for many years, including when we were working with the church here in Alberton.

Over the past few years, we have made a concerted effort to make the GRC as self-sustaining as possible. Angels’ Rest, the guesthouse, has helped to that end, as it has become wider known through word of mouth. The Angels’ Rest income, along with the income from renting the chapel to a local church and for funeral services, has increased to the point where GRC can function on its own barring major breakdowns. Generating sufficient income to cover the operating costs of the property is important so local South Africans can carry on ministry activities without the burden of overhead.

The next few paragraphs are a summary written by those who will make up the management team of GRC:

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR THE GOSPEL RESOURCE CENTRE

It is intended to retain and encourage the existing model for income generation by renting the worship area and continuing the bed and breakfast, Angels’ Rest. This is to be managed by Ndaba and Mami Mazimuka, since they both have previous experience.

We have developed a library and resource section at Ellerine’s Community Development Centre, which we hope to replicate at the Gospel Resource Centre as a study area for those from informal camps.

PRINTING EQUIPMENT:
This area will continue to be used for the printing of:
Evangelistic pamphlets
Bible study material
Youth ministry materials
Study material and resources for the Ellerine’s Community Development Centre
Various churches, commercial, and corporate printing

HIV/AIDS WORKSHOPS:
Rene Bouwer has agreed to volunteer in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS through workshops, reaching out to the community and youth, in particular. Counseling will be offered to those already infected or affected by the virus.
YOUTH COUNSELING AND MINSTRY PROGRAM
We will offer career development and general counseling, which will be conducted by Ndaba Mazimuka from time to time. He will also offer youth workshops on Biblical principles for the young people.

MARRIAGE COUNSELING
Yvonne Deetlefs is qualified to counsel and advise couples in marriage enrichment using Biblical principals. Sessions will provide an overview of some of the Bible passages that deal explicitly with marriage relationships.

THE DEPENDABLE STRENGTHS FOUNDATION
The Dependable Strengths Articulation (D.S.A.) enables learners to apply and articulate their potential, stimulate personal growth, plus higher levels of self-esteem, motivation and internal well-being.

DSA covers a wide spectrum of expected outcomes such as goal setting, gender roles and understanding, and the impact behavior has on society. Learners are assessed to accepted standards.

The DSA process is accredited by SETA, the Sector Education and Training Authority, an added value for the learner who receives an accredited certificate at the end of the workshop.

DSA is a process that:
Acknowledges excellence is in everyone
Increases personal self-esteem and motivation
Promulgates recognition of responsible behavior

The process offers a unique way of approaching career and personal development and presenting one’s strengths. In addition, the process explores the creativity that results from partnering with others in a way that uses each person’s unique excellence. The process requires interactive task-oriented participation, which inspires co-operation and a real synergy between people.

Research indicates that students will use their knowledge of Dependable Strengths:
To make further education, training, and career decisions
To reduce stress in their lives
To focus more on being productive in positive ways
To resist drug and alcohol abuse
To build strong personal relationships
In the reduction of conflict
In the strengthening of interpersonal communication skills

This programme is particularly successful with those whose self-esteem has been diminished by societal bias, peer pressure or stigma.

We are excited for the future ministry of GRC and hope that this explains what plans are in store for the Gospel Resource Centre. If you have any questions, please contact us at preyman@mindspring.com.

Paul and Karen Reyman

Gospel Resource Centre building and the church next door.	Paul presenting Gospel Resource Centre information at the Deo Gloria Conference.