A dual pastoral care commitment: in the congregation and for war veterans. Craig Esterhuizen has dedicated himself to help in word and deed. On the recent centenary marking the end of World War One he received additional support.
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Photo: NAC UK
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Photo: Andrew Bergman
On 11 November 1918 the guns fell silent and World War One ended with the signing of the Armistice of Compiègne. The 100th anniversary in November 2018 was an occasion for many people around the world to remember the fallen and pray for peace. Among them were many brothers and sisters—also in London (England).
Commemoration at the London Cenotaph
The Cenotaph (“empty tomb”) on Whitehall is the United Kingdom’s national war memorial. Throughout the world, such monuments stand in memory of a person or a group of persons whose remains are buried elsewhere. The Cenotaph in London was built 98 years ago in Westminster, the government district, to commemorate the end of the first world war. Every year, the monarch, the prime minister, as well as veterans pay tribute to those who died in war with a wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday, 11 November.
Spiritual support for ex-servicemen
Evangelist Craig Esterhuizen, who served in the South African Navy for 18 years, supported the Legion of Military Veterans with their commemoration at the Cenotaph in London. Craig Esterhuizen, who has served as an Evangelist in the New Apostolic Church for many years, is their chaplain and works in a voluntary capacity providing spiritual support to ex-servicemen, many of whom find it difficult to reintegrate into society after service.
Remembering the fallen
“I loved my time in the navy, I share that passion with others and wear my uniform with pride, as being in the military you see what sacrifice really means,” Evangelist Esterhuizen explains. “I can also play a small part in ensuring no one forgets those who have fallen in the past.” Apostle David Heynes, who is responsible for the Church in the United Kingdom adds, “The Legion meet every two months and Craig leads the service, which often concludes with a wreath laying ceremony.”
Support from brothers and sisters
For this year’s commemoration, Apostle Heynes and Evangelist Esterhuizen extended an invitation to choir members asking them to support the Legion’s Remembrance Day event. Despite the fact that they had never sung together as a choir, the 25 voices touched many hearts with their music and have been invited to support future events with the Legion.
Evangelist Esterhuizen adds, “I felt very humble to be part of it. The choir was wonderful. The veterans so appreciated the singing that they stood and applauded at the close of the service. It was really special.”