The UCCSA Announces the Passing of its General Secretary, Rev Alistair Arends
It is with deep sadness, sorrow and pain that we inform you of the passing on of the UCCSA General Secretary – The Rev Alistair Arends. Rev Arends was diagnosed with cancer and has not been well for some time now. He has been in and out of hospital over the past few months, after being discharged in June 2017, his condition was stabilized and was recuperating very well. However, on Monday we received the tragic news that he has been called to higher service.
We are saddened by his sudden departure from the fellowship and communion from this life; more especially that he has been our incumbent General Secretary seized with central leadership of the UCCSA (one Church in five countries). We humbly request the UCCSA family and the ecumenical church to pray for the Rev Arends’ wife Carleen, his two children: Heather and Caleb, his parents: Rev. Sam Arends and Mrs. Daphne Arends, his siblings, his friends and the UCCSA at large as we go through the valley of death. May we also find the most practical way of supporting the Arends family at this time of need.
May we all find comfort and courage in God’s promise; that he will heal the broken hearted. We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Cathleen Arends, Heather, Caleb and the extended family.
“What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all; how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things. …And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:23, 31-32.
Funeral arrangements: Rev Alistair Arends will be buried in his home town at Port Elizabeth on Saturday 2nd September 2017. Other details related to the funeral and Memorial Service in Johannesburg will be sent out in due course once the final arrangements have been made. We encourage Synods and Regions to organize Memorial Services to celebrate the life, work and witness of Alistair.
Grace and Peace,
Rev Mosweu Simane
UCCSA President