Chaplaincy SA

14/08/2026

🇿🇦 FRIDAY TIP | CHAPLAINCY SA

DON’T SAY “I UNDERSTAND” TOO QUICKLY

When someone is hurting, grieving or dealing with trauma, we often want to comfort them by saying “I understand.” But even with the best intentions, those words can sometimes make a person feel that their unique pain is being minimised.

Instead, try:

❤️ “I’m here with you.”
👂 Listen with compassion.
🤝 Allow them to share at their own pace.
🙏 Offer prayer when appropriate and welcomed.

Know when to refer for professional support.

You don’t always need the perfect words. Sometimes your presence, patience and willingness to listen are the greatest support you can give.

13/08/2026

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST – CMDR. ADRI DEYSEL

Chaplaincy SA asks every person who reads this message to please join us in serious prayer for Cmdr. Adri Deysel of our Zambia Branch.

Adri is currently critically ill in ICU at Mediclinic Sandton, under sedation following complications after a medical procedure.

She is battling high levels of infection.

We pray for healing, strength and recovery for Adri, and for wisdom for her medical team.

We also pray for her husband Christo, their children and family, may God give them strength, peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

Please take a moment today and pray with us for Adri. ❤️

13/08/2026

THURSDAY TIP | CHAPLAINCY SA 🇿🇦

LOOK BEHIND THE SMILE
Not every smile means someone is okay. A person may laugh, work, help others and appear strong while quietly carrying pain, grief, stress or trauma.

👀 Notice the small changes.

👂 Listen without judging.

💬 Ask: “Are you really okay?”

🤝 Be present — you don't always need the perfect words.

Sometimes the greatest support you can give is simply letting someone know they do not have to carry everything alone.

Cmdr. Wilma Kruger
Modimolle Branch | Chaplaincy SA 🇿🇦

12/08/2026

WEDNESDAY TIP | CHAPLAINCY SA

You can’t pour from an empty cup.
As chaplains, we spend so much time caring for others that we can easily forget to care for ourselves.

Take time to REST when you are tired.

Take time to REFRESH your mind, body and spirit.

Take time to REFLECT and spend time with God.

REACH OUT when you need support — you don’t have to carry everything alone.

And REMEMBER: you matter too.

A well-cared-for chaplain is better equipped to listen, support and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Today’s Wednesday Tip is shared by Cmdr. Loraine Erasmus | Lichtenburg Branch.

Care for yourself today, so you can continue caring for others tomorrow.

12/08/2026

11/08/2026

🇿🇦 CHAPLAINCY SA |

DON’T JUST HEAR — LISTEN FOR WHAT ISN’T BEING SAID.

Pain is not always spoken aloud. Sometimes the most important message is found in the silence, a change in behaviour, body language, or the emotions behind the words.

As Chaplains, our presence matters. Listen without judging. Observe with compassion. Be present. Sometimes a person doesn’t need answers — they simply need someone who truly listens and cares.

💜 A compassionate Chaplain listens beyond the words.

10/08/2026

🇿🇦 CHAPLAINCY-SA AT THE EMFULENI STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2026 🇿🇦

Chaplaincy-SA Area Commander Prof. Aubrey Burger and Emfuleni Branch Commander Dr. Jill Burger-Howard had the privilege of attending the Emfuleni State of the Nation Address 2026.

Chaplaincy-SA remains committed to building strong partnerships with organisations and community leaders who share the vision of creating safer, stronger and more supportive communities.

Together, through unity, cooperation and a shared commitment to serving our people, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference in Emfuleni.

🇿🇦 CHAPLAINCY-SA

10/08/2026

TZANEEN BRANCH
What a day! Cmdr. Rome Malan, Sylvia from ER24, and Mkanzi from the Fire Department were the only ones left in town while the rest of the personnel responded to a serious motor vehicle accident.

With duty still calling, they made the best of the moment and celebrated Women’s Day together with a cup of coffee and some delicious biscuits.

Sometimes it is the simple moments of friendship and teamwork that make a busy day a little more special. 🌸☕🍪

Thank you for your dedication and service to the community.

10/08/2026

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM CHAPLAINCY SA

A very special thank you from Chaplaincy SA to the Forensics Department in Carletonville for your dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts.

Your work often happens behind the scenes, but it plays such an important role in helping to bring answers, truth, and justice to families and our community.

We sincerely appreciate your commitment, hard work, and exceptional attention to detail.

Thank you for everything you do and for the important role you fulfil within our community. 🇿🇦

A special word of thanks to Cmdr.
Sally Nelson, Branch Commander – Merafong, for your continued dedication, support, and commitment to Chaplaincy SA and the community.

Your service matters. Your dedication is noticed. Your contribution is deeply appreciated.

10/08/2026

PRETORIA WEST BRANCH
INNIGE MEEGEVOEL | CHAPLAINCY SA

Namens Chaplaincy SA wil ons ons innige meegevoel betuig met die afsterwe van Tannie Ina Blum, die jongste suster van Cpln. Elaine Bruwer se moeder.

Ons harte en gebede gaan uit na Cpln. Elaine, haar ma en die hele familie gedurende hierdie tyd van verlies. Mag julle vertroosting, krag en vrede vind in die kosbare herinneringe wat julle van Tannie Ina koester.

Baie dankie aan Cmdr. Roelf van der Merwe, Branch Commander van Pretoria-Wes, wat vrydag die lewensviering bygewoon het en daar was om ondersteuning te bied aan Cmdr. Elaine en die familie.