Yet another year has come to an end. It was a year that started full of expectations about the outcome of a national election that raised our hopes for positive change, but very little change came about. In fact, we experienced disappointing service delivery at all levels countrywide; political infighting, xenophobic attacks that led to vandalism of property; sluggish economy; and the ongoing saga on the renewal of lapsed firearm licence still unresolved (An amnesty was declared from 1 December 2019 to 31 May 2020,which left us with more uncertainty about how nearly 600 000 firearms can undergo ballistic tests within six months.)
Nevertheless, there have been several highlights that members of SA Hunters can be thankful for. SA Hunters hosted a very successful IGRF World Championship and our shottists walked away with most of the top positions. We successfully implemented the new Multi-disciplinary shooting exercises with hundreds of shottists already participating actively. Our National Team Shoot and President Shooting events produced brilliant results as our members’ shooting skills improve year on year. (There is nothing like burning gun powder to raise one’s mood). Furthermore, thousands of our members enjoyed successful hunting excursions across the country. The competent staff at Inyati Park (our national office) also walked the extra mile to serve members to the best of their ability and delivered outstanding service. My colleagues on the Board, the branch councils and regional coordinators continue to deliver unselfish services to members – something that is easy to miss. Thank you to each and every one – including our members – for your passion and dedication to ensure that SA Hunters functions effectively and efficiently. I also want to express special word of thanks to the sponsors wat contributed to our fundraising projects and other initiatives.
What does the future hold for us as individuals? Where are we heading? It reminds me of Noah and the Ark. (We all probably know this Bible story). Noah, his family and the animals were together in the ark for 40 days while it rained so much that the earth was flooded. It is generally believed that Noah and co were safe in the ark not only because it was built according to God’s specifications, but because Noah used the appropriate materials and excellent craftmanship.
Recently, I read a message that gave me a different insight. I refer to Genesis 7:16: And they entered, the male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in.
After Noah had completed the ark and all living things entered the ark as God instructed, God closed the ark and sealed them inside to keep out the water. (God protected them). We often forget that we cannot deal with all the challenges by ourselves. We forget that we depend on God’s protection. May the Lord seal you in the protection of his ark this Christmas and next year, and may we obey God. After all, God sent his only son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that those of us that believe in Him, can inherit eternal life. That is what Christmas is all about: to commemorate the birth of his son. Let us celebrate Christmas with the right attitude!
Let us also end this year full of hope and faith for 2020. It is written in Heb 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.“ Let us take hands and proceed with hope, faith and positivity towards 2020! Together we can achieve more and made an enormous difference.
I wish you all a merry Christmas with your loved ones and may 2020 be as comfortable as a pair of well-worn Boere-vellies!
Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2020.
Carl Arnold
