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5
January 2015
2015 filled with challenges
t
he December holiday period for me is a time of reflection
on where I am with regard to various aspects of my life and
to take a view of the year ahead. Our family spends at least
a few days alone somewhere in the mountains or in the
bush to discuss our relationships with each other and to share
our goals for the new year with one another.
Spiritual goals; academic goals and relationship goals are the
matters that we share among ourselves in earnest and hold one an-
other accountable for. We also talk about the year that has passed
and how we have fared. 2015 is truly going to be a difficult year
with regard to the work environment.
The two issues that we will have to deal with right at the beginning
of the year are the implementation of the land reform policy and a
good take off in respect of social economic labour matters.
2015 will also be a watershed year with regard to organised agricul-
ture to restructure and take a new road. Grain SA will furthermore
not escape reviewing our structures in depth and making the
necessary adjustments for the years ahead. Such adjustments
are never easy, but are the things which are essential to bring about
new growth.
2015 will most likely yield a record soybean crop and introduce a
new dispensation for the wheat industry. All nice and good pros-
pects. Our relationship with the state has also yielded new “crops”
and better yields.
After a number of years of cooperation, South Africa has at last
signed an agreement with China which means that we can now
deliver maize to them. Our former chairperson, Mr Neels Fer-
reira, and minister Tina, initiated the work which has now at last
been completed. Thank you to all who have worked hard to make
this possible.
How would we know how many of our other longer term goals
(such as biofuels) might also come to fruition in 2015? It is definite-
ly also going to be a big watershed year for Grain SA’s agricultural
development programme. Each day, more and more thunder
clouds are brewing on the horizon that has totally other ideas
about development programmes than what we are currently en-
gaged in. This is a pity.
I am, however, full of hope that the team of leaders, staff and
members of Grain SA will be prepared to face these challenges
successfully. What I am wholly convinced of is that we cannot pull
through without you as members’ support and prayers. We again
plan to hold regional meetings in your area early in 2015 to share
our dreams and problems with each other so that we may tackle
the new year as a team.
For 2015 we are definitely going to need guts, bravery, inven-
tiveness and perseverance. Our ability to address various is-
sues simultaneously will be ultimately put to the test. Be sure to
increase productivity while working on serious issues such as trans-
formation in all areas.
All the best for the year ahead. Grain SA is with you!
DS KOOS KIRSTEN
WOORD
Uit die
‘n
Jong paartjie stap rustig in die laning tussen die bome.
Hulle gesels oor die lewe en deel diep persoonlike
sake met mekaar. Sonder vrees deel hulle hul diep-
ste geheime met mekaar. Net aan die manier waarop
hulle stap, na mekaar kyk, mekaar aanraak, met me-
kaar praat, is dit duidelik dat hulle mekaar liefhet. Hulle wil in mekaar
se geselskap wees en hulle lewens met mekaar deel. Hulle wandel
met mekaar.
Die Here wil hê dat ons net so met Hom moet wandel. Hy is immers
ons Vader en het ons innig lief. Hy het sy Seun Jesus Christus vir ons
gegee as Middelaar om die gebroke verhouding tussen Hom en ons
te herstel. Christus het die sonde, wat skeiding tussen ons en God
gebring het, weggeneem. Hy het ons skuld betaal en ons só met
God versoen.
God het ook die Heilige Gees aan ons gegee om aan ons weder-
geboorte te skenk en derhalwe nuwe mense van ons te maak. Ons
lewe nou deur die toedoen van die Gees. Die Gees leer en lei ons
om soos kinders van God te leef. Die Gees bring ons tot ‘n nuwe
gehoorsaamheid aan God.
In Miga 6:8 lees ons dat die Here niks anders van ons verwag as
om reg te doen en liefde te betrag en in ootmoed met God te wan-
del nie. Hy vra nie ons geld en goed, ons tyd en dienste en wat ook al
nie. Hy wil net in ‘n opregte liefdesverhouding met ons lewe. Hy wil
hê dat ons in ons hele lewe met Hom moet wandel.
Paulus skryf in Galasiërs 5:25 dat ons deur die Gees moet wandel.
Ons moet ons lewenspad saam met Hom stap en ons diepste
geheime in gebed met Hom deel. Hy moet die Een wees wat ons
hele lewe, ons lewenswandel bepaal. Hy wil ons aan die hand vat en
ons op die paaie van die Here lei.
Het jy die Here so lief dat jy bereid is om so nou met Hom saam te
leef? Gee jouself dan resloos aan Hom oor om uit Hom, deur Hom,
tot Hom te leef. Wandel met die Here.
Baie geluk aan
Gert Theunissen van Cale-
don wat vir die Oktober-
uitgawe van
SA Graan/Grain
die gratis Bybel gewen het.