Methodist Seminarians Helping at Hospital

I received this message from Rev Ross Olivier (the President of the Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary) this morning.  Please keep our seminary and their ministry in your prayers.

Greetings all. My appreciative thanks to all who have sent messages of encouragement.  Herewith a brief update on Steven's post yesterday:

Today was tension-filled, characterised by difficult negotiations with very militant striking workers barricading the hospital gates. I went to meet them prior to the arrival of the bus ferrying our seminarians. They were very angry about our presence in the hospital. I explained our position, viz. that as Christ-followers we stand on two legs, justice and mercy. I told them our commitment to justice draws us into solidarity with every just cause, including the right of the public servants such as teachers, nurses, et cetera who selflessly serve all of us. I further explained that intimidatory actions and especially the denial of treatment to the most vulnerable among us makes it difficult for us to stand alongside them but that we did support their just cause (despite Jimmy's views). 

However I also put our case that their differences were with government, not the innocent patients being denied vital care. Mercy compels us to attend to them as we are able.

After strident negotiations that improved as I was led up the NEHAWU ladder (I eventually negotiated directly with the Regional Secretary for the Harry Gwala Region) we carved open a small window. In exchange for my presence at the march to the legislature tomorrow, the bus-load of seminarians, accompanied by a shop-steward, was allowed to enter the hospital for approximately two and a half hours. Once again blessed relief was brought to the patients (and staff) by the service of our magnificent seminarians.

We also have the pledge of further negotiations tomorrow with the real possibility of continuing admission to the hospital.

At the beginning I was told to 'voetsek' - by the end, a door to civility was opened. I do want to advise all who are considering this ministry to thoughtfully engage in similar negotiations. These things can become inflammatory and dangerous. In the course of the negotiations we subsequently learned that an ambush had been prepared for us. We were told "you would not have come out tonight." 

The seminarians are at class until lunch time and serve at the hospital in the afternoons, and when permitted, some (seminarians and staff) stay on until the patients have been medicated, bathed and safely tucked in their beds.

Keep praying and serving.

Grace

Ross