Some highlights of the WhatsApp updates: 23 March–18 April
Every week a WhatsApp update goes to about 300 people across the globe, and many of them pass it on to others. This is a summary of the past few weeks. To join the WhatsApp group, reach out to edwin@volmoedyouth.org.za.
A Canadian “invasion” and other joys
The invasion by the Canadians has ceased for the moment! First, we had the Canadian choir; then the wonderful group from the Presbyterian Church of Canada (now on safari); and yesterday we hosted Idelette McVicker (author of Recovering Racists) together with 10 young people from Canada. They even bought a drum — yeah!
Healing the wounds of God?
At the launch of John de Gruchy’s latest book (Going against the stream: My conversation with Bonhoeffer from beginning to end) at Volmoed, a question from Dr Allan Boesak stayed with me:
“Are we healing the wounds of God?”
Through our work with young people, are we helping to heal their wounds — and thereby God’s? Or do we sometimes re‑traumatise them? I leave that question with all of us.
This was also a significant week for Anglicans. On Wednesday 25 March, they installed Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop Sarah is the first woman to hold the office in its 1,400-year history. Did the Anglican Church heal a wound of God hereby? We sincerely hope so. We pray for Archbishop Sarah as she leads the Anglican Communion. Pray especially that those who object to her installation will reflect on their why, and work toward a deeper unity rooted in God’s love for all creation. Archbishop Sarah will meet Pope Leo in Rome in late April.
On Saturday, 5 April, twenty of our young people walked the 42km Pilgrimage for Palestine and Humanity from Simonstown to Cape Town. We debriefed on Thursday. It was a deep experience for many of them as they joined almost 1000 people — Christians, Jews, Muslims, and some who claim no faith — walking together for peace. In the evening at the Groote Kerk, they still had energy and gees to drum outside (on drums they made!) to welcome participants into the final liturgy. They learnt that “when one part of the body suffers, we all suffer.” Solidarity and justice have become key words for them as they grow in leadership. They are a special group of young leaders, and we celebrate the growth we see in all of them. Special thanks to Gift of the Givers for supplying water and support, and to the churches and mosques that opened their doors.
Why and how wars are started
Given the state of the world, I started the 13-18 April WhatsApp update with some good reggae music that I was made aware of, by an artist called Tiken Jah Fakoly. He is originally from Cote d’Ivoire but lives in exile in Mali. His song – together with 3000 other voices – describes why and how wars are started and conducted and is entitled “Nothing surprises me”. The lyrics are in French (you can see it here with subtitles https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVmfA3gjIf6/?igsh=MWY2eXg2cW42cGJodA%3D%3D). Magnifique!
Healing and Wholeness
We continue our “Healing and Wholeness” journey under the guidance of the Women’s Action Group of Mt Pleasant, who facilitated a session with the young people on Thursday, April 16. This is not easy work. Please pray for them and for the young people as they confront much trauma. It was good to have Omolemo (one of the St Peter’s young adults) sitting in. He wrote a class paper about the work we do.
📆➡️Looking forward
23 April – Launching the Tutu Rose Garden
On 23 April, when Volmoed celebrates the 40th anniversary of the signing of its Trust Deed — and launches the Tutu Rose Garden in memory of our former Patron — we will also host representatives of the Reformed Church in America. They are visiting because 40 years ago the Belhar Confession was adopted by the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa. It is fitting that we reflect on this together. One of its key authors, Dr Allan Boesak, is with us at Volmoed.
If ever the Reformed Churches in South Africa unite one day, God will surely smile. We ceaselessly await that moment.
30 April – Planning our 10th anniversary conference
We can now confirm that our 10th anniversary conference (12–15 June) will take place at St Peter’s Church, Hermanus, with the actual birthday celebration at Volmoed on 16 June. Visitors are already confirmed from Gqeberha, Hartebeespoortdam, and the USA.
The most exciting part is that young adults (18–35) from the parish and other denominations in town can now be actively involved. We meet on 30 April at 6pm at St Peter’s to begin the conversation. There is a write‑up in this week’s Village News. Thanks to Elaine Davie. There is a write-up about it in the “Village news”. Thanks to Elaine Davie! See https://online.fliphtml5.com/xkcxj/TVN-17-April-2026/#p=4
9 May -Taizé Day
Our next Taizé Day at Volmoed is on 9 May, 10h00–17h00. The theme is the same as our June conference: “I call you friends.”
This gives us an opportunity to prepare more deeply for our 10th anniversary. Going forward, building friendship and building bridges will be key to our life together.
Mahalia Naicker from Johannesburg (daughter of our leadership team member Seth Naicker) and Indiphile Mkhubelweni from Hermanus will be going to the Taizé community in France in May.
Thank you
Thank you once again for all your support. We cannot do this work without your generosity. As we move toward our 10th anniversary (12–16 June), a great local mission and ministry opportunity is opening up. We will share more soon.
Reverend Edwin Arrison
20 April 2026
Volmoed Youth 