New leap of faith for Lutheran family
A special service was held in June when some 500 members and friends slaughtered a cow and said the official ‘goodbye’ to the much loved minister.
LOOKING ahead with heavy hearts but looking back with warmth and gratitude, the Lutheran Church congregation in Birdswood bids farewell on Friday to Rev Stephan Gensicke and his family.
A special service was held in June when some 500 members and friends slaughtered a cow and said the official ‘goodbye’ to the much loved minister.
‘It must be one of the most difficult decisions we have taken as a family, but it’s time to say good-bye, salani kahle and auf wiedersehen,’ said Stephan.
‘You would think that going back to Germany would be easy, because we have lived there and it supposedly is our home.
‘But it is not the case. Our children only know South Africa as their home and Steffi and I have long fallen in love with this country and its people, and it has been our home for 12 good years.
‘We are going to be foreigners in a country we previously called home!
‘We love this country, with its diversity in language and people, with its problems and quirks and with its huge potential and our vibrant church.
‘We are leaving, because part of our family lives in Germany and we see the need to be close to them in difficult times.
‘We also want our children to experience the other part of their heritage, but we are leaving with a heavy heart – you aren’t just losing one family, we are losing many more!
‘I’ve learned so much more than I have taught. I have gained so much more than I have given. I have experienced so much more than I have shown others.
‘And I will forever be indebted to this country, our church and so many friends and congregants,’ said Rev Gensicke.
