Pastor now preaches at his house

MONDEOR – When Pastor Gerrit van der Walt was diagnosed with Peripheral neuropathy (PN) in April two years ago, many thought he was dead or had a heart attack.

There’s no truth in this rumours. He is alive at his home in Mondeor. “As you can see I am very much alive and I still do God’s work. The only problem I have is mobility, as I was diagnosed with PN, which attacks the nervous system, my hands, legs and speech are affected. I couldn’t go on as a pastor in my church in Turffontein, Christian Fellowship of Ministries Southern Suburbs. I had to sell the church to Pastor Brandon Bailey of Teleios Church,” he explained.

PN is damage or disease affecting nerves, which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health, depending on the type of nerve affected. Common causes include systemic diseases (such as diabetes or leprosy), vitamin deficiency, medication (e.g. chemotherapy), traumatic injury, immune system disease, or infection, or it may be inherited and present from birth.

Pastor Gerrit van der Walt is now using his patio to continue with the church at his 181 Downham Avenue house in Mondeor. During his active ministry in Turffotein, Pastor Gerrit van der Walt used to preach both in English and Afrikaans. However, now with PN, he is only using his mother tongue, Afrikaans.

“My neurologist recommended it, because it will take too long to translate. We serve God here every Sunday from 09:00 to 11:00. We have sufficient space for about 40 people, though we have an option to extend into my yard. Security is guaranteed. I am totally self-sufficient, not depending on any church; we will continue to plough back into our community as we did before with Netcare Mulbarton Hospital, giving food to the needy. We are also approved by SARS as a section 18 company so that you can defunct all financial contributions back from them,” said Pastor Gerrit van der Walt.

He also mentioned that his is an open church, no affiliation needed, so members won’t be bound and have no responsibility. There’s a projector where hymns can be sung on DVDs, training is also available, and he promised fulfilment after the service.

Furthermore, on every first Sunday of the month there will be tea or coffee and cake for members to get to know one another. Contact him on 083 356 8921 or gt.vanderwalt@gmail.com

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy may be chronic (a long-term condition where symptoms begin subtly and progress slowly) or acute (sudden onset, rapid progress and slow resolution) condition. Acute neuropathies demand urgent diagnosis. Motor nerves (that control muscles), sensory nerves, or autonomic nerves (that control automatic functions such as heart rate, body temperature and breathing), may be affected. More than one type of nerve may be affected at the same time. Peripheral neuropathies may be classified according to the type of nerve predominantly involved, or by the underlying cause. Where the cause is unknown, it is described as idiopathic neuropathy. Neuropathy may cause painful cramps, fasciculations (fine muscle twitching), muscle loss, bone degeneration, and changes in the skin, hair and nails.