SUMMER EDITION #5 JANUARY 2026 The South African First Responder Chaplaincy MAGAZINE AGM 2025 ORDINATION 2025 MEET DIRECTOR SUPPORT SENIOR CHAPLAINS STILL STANDING STRONG SAFREC & KAIROS JOIN FORCES EXCEL TO EXCELLENCE SENIOR AND NEWLY ORDAINED CHAPLAINS www.safrec.org.za A SACRED TURNING POINT CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE Published by
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WELCOME NOTE We celebrate the second part of 2025 as a true milestone in SAFReC’s journey. This period marks a significant chapter as we join hands with MICCTS, our new Seminary, strengthening the foundation for spiritual development and leadership within SAFReC. We take great pleasure in the appointment of our new Patron, Pastor Corne du Plessis (Moderator of Members in Christ Church) and Director of Support, Pastor Riaan Barwise, whose leadership will help guide SAFReC into a season of greater impact and service. Together, we continue to walk in God’s presence, serving with compassion, faith, and integrity. Let us keep up the good work of ministering the presence of our LORD, embracing the months ahead with gratitude, purpose, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need and in the communities we serve. James Warren Reverend James Warren
Minister The Presence, Serving With Integrity & Small Acts Of Kindness SAFReC is a Christ-centered, Wordbased organisation committed to bringing hope, guidance, and care to communities in need. Founded in 2018 as a non-profit company, we have been actively serving local communities since 2019, answering God’s call to make a meaningful difference in a world that is increasingly in need of light and encouragement. We stand beside individuals and families in moments of trauma, loss, and uncertainty, carrying the peace and presence of Christ into situations where hope often feels distant. Our mission is to serve with compassion, comfort the hurting, listen with understanding, and reflect the love of Jesus through every act of kindness. Under the leadership of our President, Past James Warren, SAFReC continues to grow as a movement of committed, faith-driven volunteers. Together, we bring the message of hope beyond the walls of the church and into the heart of every community we serve. In collaboration with MICCTS, our training programs are developed to the highest standards, ensuring our chaplains are fully equipped to serve with excellence. SAFReC also seeks to build strong networks with like-minded organisations, expanding our reach nationally and internationally to impact more lives and bring God’s presence to every corner we serve. At SAFReC, we remain committed to walking in God’s presence, serving with faith, compassion, and integrity, and inspiring hope wherever it is needed.
DIRECTOR SUPPORT As a passionate servant of God and a writer, I have dedicated my life to sharing the transforming power of the Gospel. I have served as a pastor for 23 years and currently serve on several boards as a Director, including Lede in Christus Kerk (LICK), Sebulon Pentecostal Church, Lighthouse Caregiver and Counselling Centre, and the South African First Responders Chaplains (SAFReC). It is a privilege to be part of SAFReC, serving those who serve others. I have a heart for pastoral counselling, teaching, and writing, and I strive to inspire individuals to deepen their faith and live out their values with integrity. Throughout my ministry, I have had the opportunity to serve in multiple congregations, including Brentwood Park, Rooihuiskraal, Welkom, and currently Tzaneen. I carry a deep love for God and His church, with a passion to share Christ’s love wherever I go. For 12 years, my wife, Dr. Elise, and I have run Lighthouse Caregiver Counselling Centre, providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those in need. At 54 years old, I have obtained various qualifications and professional registrations, including a Master’s in Engineering, a Master’s in Theology, and several Advanced Diplomas, completed both locally and abroad. I currently serve as Senior Pastor of the Tzaneen congregation, and I count it a privilege to lead my church in worship, teaching, and service. When I’m not preaching or counselling, I love family, the outdoors, and sharing God’s love with others, alongside my wife, Elise, for the past 32 years. Together, we share a life mission: to make the love and grace of Christ known to the world and help people cultivate a deeper, life-changing relationship with God. and help people cultivate a deeper, life-changing relationship with God. Riaan Barwise Pastor Riaan Barwise
Called Commissioned Advancing with God’s Presence Standing Firm in Our Calling
2025 SAFReC celebrated a historic milestone in its six-year journey, ordaining thirteen new Chaplains under the visionary leadership of President Pastor James Warren. We celebrated the ordination of our very first Patron, Pastor Corne du Plessis, Moderator of Members in Christ Church. Pastor Riaan Barwise has been appointed as SAFReC’s new Director of Support, with Pastor Arnoldus Venter as Lector of Training.
Williams; Cpln. Christopher King; Cpln. Brenda Goeieman; Cpln. Jan Maré; Cpln. Jean Holtzhausen; Cpln. Johannes September; Cpln. Alton Fourie; Cpln. Arnoe Damon; Cpln. Hennie Nel and Cpln. Willie Botes.
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