Charles is Mpumalanga’s chaplain
Charles Steyn, an ILS medic, has been a chaplain over eMalahleni for quite some time
A chaplain is one of the most powerful assets to have in a city.
We are fortunate enough to have four; one of which is the senior chaplain for the Mpumalanga area.
Charles Steyn, an ILS medic, has been a chaplain over eMalahleni for quite some time.
He was appointed as senior chaplain for Mpumalanga on June 1, under SAFReC’s Corps.
Months of planning culminated into the ordination of 56 chaplains – the event officially marked the beginning of SAFReC’s active presence in the field.
All 56 chaplains are now deployed throughout Tshwane, Ekhuruleni and Mpumalanga.
A special word of thanks and appreciation goes to Dr Johan Groenewald and EPTS College, Dr Alan Roycroft and Past Anita Roycroft, for the training in preparation of the new chaplains.
The chaplaincy has no borders and can assist with all spirituality support, debriefing and so much more.
Charles said that his journey started in February 2001 when he was in the army.
“I was a clerk at the chaplaincy department. I actually studied to be an electrician. I couldn’t find a job so I slowly but surely moved into the medical/emergency services. I realised that there is a void in the medical services that needs to be filled. I then came to the realisation that this is where I fit in,” Charles said.
“Someone needs to be there to take the family’s pain away. The paramedics, towing truck drivers, fire fighters all need someone to talk to at some stage or another. This is where I belong. When someone looks at you, saying: ‘I’m dying. Please tell me I’m going to heaven.’ – I’m there, and thereafter you have to look into the eyes of the family,” Charles continued.
He added that being in this position means that you must make sure that your chaplains are okay, there are monthly reports and he has to support them morally in all that they do.
“We must make sure that there are no voids and ensure that all the services are dispatched where necessary,” he stated.
Chaplains assist in emergency situations where emotional support is needed.
They offer counselling after a traumatic experiences or death, this includes counselling for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Their Mpumalanga area currently covers; eMalahleni (4), Middelburg (3), Secunda (1), Volksrust (1) and Lydenburg/Ohrigstad (1).
“We are humbled by the magnitude of the task that lies ahead, but we walk by faith that God will guide and strengthen us as we continue on in the calling He has placed upon us to be the light of the world and salt of the earth.”
