mp24957 Chaplain Mag Summer 2005 new.p65 - Chaplains service

from Services, Formations and Units
CPLN (REV) DONALD (DON) NEILL
THEOPHILUS WATSON, CHAPLAIN OF
SAAF COLLEGE RETIRED
Cpln Don Watson
(Cpln Don Watson served the South African Air Force (SAAF) for
many years. Below is a short history of his ministry as written down
by him):
MY MY MEANDERINGS MEANDERINGS IN IN THE THE MINISTRY
MINISTRY
I was born on 18 October 1945 in Johannesburg. I was privileged to
have Christian parents who took me to Sunday school and church. I
completed high school at Florida Park High School in 1963. I worked
in the mining industry and later the financial sector in a commercial
bank from 1964 – 1968.
My ministry work commenced in 1965 with children and youth and I
began Lay Preaching in 1966. I commenced full time studies for the
ministry in 1969 and graduated with a Licentiate in Theology in 1972.
I married Suzanne (Sue) Stafford on 3 July 1971 and we have two
sons John (23) and Mark (19).
12 SANDF - The Military Chaplain
FAREWELL FUNCTION OF
MAJ GEN D. MOFOKENG
The farewell function of Maj Gen D. Mofokeng took place on 21
October this year at the Defence HQ, Tshwane. It was attended by
communicators in DOD, members of the Defence Corporate
Communication and invited guests. Activities for the day composed
among others, of a video show focusing on Maj Gen Mofokeng
during his time at the Defence Corporate communication, speech
from Maj Gen Mofokeng and handing out of gifts. Cpln M.T.
Masuku in his capacity as Senior Staff Officer (SSO) Religious
Communication and Liaison attended the event.
(f.l.t.r.) V Adm (JG) R.W. Higgs, Cpln M.T. Masuku,
Mr V. Zambodla (HOC) and
Maj Gen D. Mofokeng
My full time ministry years have been as follows:
1973 – Youth ministry – Scripture Union in Johannesburg.
1974 – Kroonstad Baptist Church and part time chaplain at the local
Military Base.
1977 – Walvis Bay Baptist Church, part time chaplain Walvis Bay
Military Base and Rooikop (Army) and finally during this year,
a Communication bunker and Diving Unit/Harbour (Navy).
1980 – Uitenhage Baptist Church.
1985 – Randfontein Baptist Church.
1989 – Joined SA Defence Force as a permanent force chaplain at
Personnel Service School in Tshwane and Pastor at Emmaus
Baptist Church in Rooihuiskraal, Centurion area, Tshwane.
1990 – (December) SA Air Force Regiment and Air Force Base
Hoedspruit, Lowveld Air Space Sector and Mariepskop (at the
same time) Pastor at Hoedspruit Community Church.
1993 – (January) Air Force Base Ysterplaat Cape Town and thereafter
22 Sqn, 35 Sqn, 80 Air Navigation School and Pastoral assistant
at Pinelands Baptist Church.
2001 – (January) SA Air Force College and Pastoral Elder at Bethany
Baptist Church.
2005 – (31 October) Retired from the SANDF Chaplains Service and
joined SA Air Force Reserves as a chaplain.
I have certainly enjoyed my years of ministry in the Chaplains Service.
My ministry has made a positive impact in the lives of many people.
For this all praise to our Lord Jesus Christ.
I particularly appreciated the opportunity to participate in sport and
enjoyed many rounds of golf at many different golf courses with both
military and civilian golfers.
In March 2005, I won the C section of the SA Air Force Golf
Championships (Both Gross and Nett scores).
I have joined the SA Air Force Reserves and will stay involved in
chaplains ministry and also in the local church community at Lyttelton.
I trust that the ministry of the SANDF Chaplains Service will be blessed
by God and bring glory to Him.
My greetings to all of you and may God bless and give you fruits for
your labours in His vineyard. Have a Merry Christmas and showers of
blessings in the New Year.