mp24957 Chaplain Mag Summer 2005 new.p65 - Chaplains service

Chaplains and Conferences
Chaplains and Conferences
24 SANDF - The Military Chaplain
have to cope so often with separation. His
presence and words were much appreciated
especially in view of the fact that he has lost
his stepfather and had to conduct the funeral
during the time of the conference. All present
offered him and his family their condolences
and committed them in prayer to God’s care
during the difficult time.
The Worksession built on the work that was
done since October 2004 by the Infantry
Formation. Preliminary guidelines were
formulated from the inputs received from the
chaplains by a work group and it was time to
put them into practice. The chairperson of
the work group, Cpln (Rev) Hannes
Steenkamp tested some aspects of the program
in 9 SAI Bn before their deployment to
Burundi in August this year and gave feedback
on the results, findings and practical
challenges.
Mrs. Ina Steenkamp, Chief Social Worker at
Tygerberg Hospital, took it a step further and
introduced the chaplains over two days to the
practice of a proper needs assessment, the
planning of a life skills program, the
evaluation of such program and the practical
facilitation of different skills in support of
families to cope effectively with separation.
She compiled a condensed manual with the
necessary handouts to assist the chaplains and
guide them through the presentation of topics
Infantry Chaplains, the Chaplain Gen and invited speakers
like communication, a positive mental
attitude, problem solving, financial
management, conflict management and stress
management. The topic of stress management
at the end of the workshop was thoroughly
enjoyed.
Relaxed and refreshed, the chaplains took it
the Wednesday afternoon to the sea. Wrapped
up in life jackets, the orange crowd got
carefully into a boat. Seated in two nice rows,
they enjoyed a tour of the harbour and a short
trip to the open sea. Back on solid
ground, they visited the corvette SAS
ISANDLWANA.
The last day was utilized for business.
Regional annual reports were presented and
general matters were discussed. Positive
feedback was also given on two other projects
of the formation. The devotional booklet with
Scripture readings and prayers for each day
of the year, as well as the induction booklet
for new chaplains, were near completion.
Thanks to the team work of the chaplains and
the dedication of Cpln (Rev) J. Bosman who
co-ordinated these projects. Unfortunately the
conference had to greet a number of chaplains
who are leaving the formation and Cpln
Dithipe thanked them for their contribution
and wished them well in their new work
environments.