MIGHTY MEN CONFERENCE 2009

MIGHTY MEN CONFERENCE 2009 REPORT
Mighty Men 2009.
Men of Promise.


The MMC has been going for something like three years. I believe that it started with 1000 men in 2006 and 7000 men taking part in 2007 and in 2008 there were something like 60 000 men there. This year they catered for over 200 000 men. When we arrived we heard that 218 000 men had registered. Later I heard the figure of 160 000. It appears that some arrive without registering (paying).

Mike Perks and a group of men arranged all the logistics for us. They set up a 60 seater bus, a tent that was big enough for all of us. A catering trailer and gazebo for the kitchen area. Barbie Perks bought all the food and prepared meals for us. Mike told me that they had borrowed equipment from various sources including Grey School. They hired the gas cookers.

Taking responsibility for the arrangements was a huge undertaking. There was a group of men who did everything for us: Andre, Philip, Marius, Mike and others all contributed to the success of this mission for us. This was not to be only for the WMC. Other church groups such as the Blue Horizon Bay group would join us. We had young men of school going age in the group: Sean had brought his son, Bryce who is in Grade 4, junior school to be part of this amazing experience.

My son Michael and I agreed to go together and packed for the trip. I felt a little guilty that we packed stretchers as this took up valuable space on the bus. But when we arrived at Shalom, I saw that there were a number of men who had packed stretchers. We took too much in the way of additional eats and also too much clothing.

The Bus was due to leave from WMC at 20H00 on Thursday 24th. We arrived early and packed our stuff into the bus. We realised that there would not be enough space in the luggage compartments. Philip kicked Michael and I out of our seats behind the driver and started to load stuff onto the front bench. This took some of the pressure off but there was still a big pile of luggage and food in the parking area that was not going to fit into the bus. Martin M went off to fetch his double cab bakkie and he loaded the balance of the stuff into the bakkie. Four men traveled in the bakkie. The bus was full and so was the bakkie.

Andre called everyone to the church hall and handed out a backpack containing a cap, T shirt, note book and pen & a small packet of sweets and cooldrink. Armed with this we climbed onto the bus and started our trip at about 20H45. For some reason regarding the uncertainty of the elections, a group of people suggested that we travel via Queenstown and Aliwal North. This sounded fine and we reached Queenstown at about 1am on Friday morning. I had a couple of novels to read but the lights in the bus were inadequate for reading. Michael had packed a more than adequate supply of sandwiches for us. This lasted us for the next 17 hours of driving.

We had made good time so far. We stopped off at the Ultra City in Queenstown where we were able to buy some coffee and a snack. The Driver filled up with petrol at the BP filling stations as the vehicle is fitted with a Fuelmaster that is only valid at BP. From here we headed in the direction of Aliwal North. I was sleeping when the driver took the road to Wepener and then Clocolan. This appeared to be correct as we were on the road that was just west of Lesotho. We had a stop off at Clocolan (you will have to look on the map to answer the question: “Where is Clocolan?”) for Coffee and then headed on to Harrismith.

We stopped off at Harrysmith for a lunch break. Here we were able to chat to Martin M and his group of four. Michael and I found a biltong shop. There was this really nice lady, Hannetjie, who assisted us. We bought some fudge and Tinned Coffee. This was a first for me. I have never bought tinned coffee before and it was really quite delicious. She also gave Michael and I, a tin of juice (Vegetable and milk) each. This stop and knowing that we were finally on the correct road helped to restore our zest for the journey.

In Ladysmith we were fortunate enough to do some sight seeing. We took a tour of both the suburbs and the industrial area. Poor Martin and his group of four men in the bakkie must have thought that we were quite mad as they followed us around the town. At this stage we struggled to maintain our good humour. There was advice flowing from all sides. One man claimed to know this area like the back of his hand as he had been in the army in the area and in Angus' cell group and that we should take his advice. “Carry on straight” turned out to be a short cut to Johannesburg. Philip had brought his Garmin but I think that the battery had given up.

Eventually we found our way out of Ladysmith and finally, after a number of double backs we were on the road to Greytown. Loud cheers were heard resounding throughout the bus.

Once we reached Greytown we were able to find the road to the Green Camp sites which, we had heard, was allocated to the Eastern Cape people. We had anticipated a long queue of cars leading to Shalom but were pleasantly surprised to find a free flow of cars. There were Ushers and people to assist wherever we went. Mike jumped out of the bus and soon found our tent. Our tent was quite distinctive as it resembled a Circus Tent.

We unpacked the bus and set up our individual sleeping arrangements. Mike and his team soon had the Gazebo for the Kitchen area set up and seemed to be able to produce this continuous flow of food for us. For Lunch / Supper we had a Chicken Paella. It was really quite delicious. Not that we were really hungry as we had been snacking throughout the trip. Barbie had also prepared a Malva Pudding and Custard for us.

I headed off for the showers. There was a row of open showers that was behind shade cloth. The shade cloth may as well not have been there; for all the privacy it afforded the naked man trying to wash himself. Each shower had a bottle of liquid soap. I did not even bother with a towel as the afternoon was warm and we could drip dry. The showers had pallets to stand on and a trough to allow the water to flow away. Next to the pallets there were wood shavings. This made an excellent shower area and this was probably the least muddy or dusty area of the whole campsite.

The toilets were long lows of Long Drops with Hessian sheeting to allow a degree of privacy. We were fortunate that our tent was set up a reasonable distance from the toilets. Drinking water was provided and this seemed quite okay for most of us. I did not hear of anyone becoming sick from the water. Maybe not very nice stuff to talk about. But this made me think: there could never be a Mighty Womens Conference. I can hardly imagine any of the women I know, enjoying multiple shower activity nor Hessian doors to long drops. Never mind the dust, long walks to everywhere and sleeping in the recently cut mielie fields.

Oh Yes. Michael and I discovered these really squirmy earwigs that were everywhere: under mattresses and in our tog bags. Wikipedia: “The name comes from the old wives tale that earwigs burrow into the brains of humans through the ear and therein lay their eggs. Earwigs are omnivores that are predisposed to hiding in warm humid crevices and as such one may crawl into a human ear canal. There is no evidence that they transmit disease or otherwise harm humans or other animals.” Mighty Womens Conference? I don't think so!

Later on that Friday afternoon we headed down to where the main stadium was located. There was a red sunset to the west with shafts of sun rays penetrating the sky. The dust in the air created this unique effect. Michael took a couple of photographs of this. We found ourselves a kind of shortcut past a dam. We used this route from here on. It was dark and we used our torches to cross the fields. Looking back at the line of torch lights was a really stunning sight to see. The torch that I was using was one that my sister in law (Jenny) had given me. It is one that recharges on a solar panel and was working very well.

We had taken our fold up chairs this time but did not do so again as the organisers had set up chairs and bales of hay that were very comfortable. Michael, Fred and I sat together. As we waited there were men starting Mexican Waves. The vibe was electric. The evening started with singing a set of songs that became quite familiar towards the end of the camp. Joe Niemand is part of the Shalom group. He sang us a couple of songs and then Angus came on stage.

Angus told us that Joe would be giving a copy of his DVD free to anyone who would like to take one home. He had 300 000 copies made. Angus gave a message of encouragement. He referred back to the Faith Like Potatoes DVD and events that had taken place right there where we sat. They played a preview of the DVD that had first been introduced in 2006 at the MMC.

The producer of the movie explained that FLP was not being played around the world and was translated into Spanish, German and other European languages. Quite amusing to see this Italian speaking Angus, chasing an Italian speaking Zulu Induna, down the dusty road of the farm. As recently as this month FLP had been released in America and Canada and was one of the top selling Christian DVD's in the USA. Angus related to how he and Jill, his wife, had been running on the farm during the set up. He had not had the number of registrations that he had hoped for and it was raining. This must have put a lot of stress on the man. He also told us how excited he was for this MMC. It was only later that we realised how this stress was getting to him.

Angus explained that Rory, a South African, and Wendy Alec had started “God TV” in the UK in 1995 and that this MMC was to be broadcast worldwide and this is why most of the talk was conducted in English with a smattering of Zulu and of Afrikaans thrown in. The God TV channel is broadcast, via satellite, from Jerusalem in Israel. One of Angus' main themes for MMC 2009 was that Good Men don't go to heaven, Believers do. He also spoke of the role of the family in the South African society. And the part that men play in the family. Another message that he was keen to impart was that of Revival. The Christian Revival that we have a responsibility to carry on to South Africa. At all levels: family, school, work, sport and even parliament.

Back at our tent Mike set up for an evening coffee and it was not long before people were in bed and asleep. It was a cold night. Those who did not have adequate sleeping bags or mattresses would have felt the chill. Saturday morning: It was surprisingly warm outside of the tent. And there was a stunning red sky as the early morning dawn met the clouds and the dust of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands.

I met up with Fred and we took a slow jog around the perimeter of the campsite. By doing this were we able to really appreciate the size of the MMC 2009. There were tents and people everywhere. I estimate that we jogged around 5kays and did not cover the entire area. After the run we had a shower. I suppose the water was cold but I did not notice the chill. What I did notice was that there was no pressure coming from the shower nozzle. I like a shower with a strong flow. Rested, exercised, clean and fed: I felt ready for anything that Angus could dish out today.

The morning session was dynamic. Angus was on fire. There was emotion everywhere. He addressed us as “boys” and despite the huge number of men there, we felt a closeness. Before the music group had started with the first song, the men were chanting, waving and generally anticipating a message from the man who they love to hear.

Angus has a unique way of telling a story. He begins and then digresses and then as though there had never been an interruption, he continues. We all anticipate and enjoy this story telling ability that he has. He brings emotion and personal encounters into the web of the story. And all the time he quotes scriptures. He challenged us regarding our conversation with God. How many of us had had a quite chat to God this morning? How many of us were prepared to give up time for talking to God? How many of us spent time reading his word?

Angus spoke with almost no reference to notes except when reading a particular story. However he carries his bible as a weapon. Amen! And the crowd respond: Amen! Angus has a particular way of his cry of Amen that elicits the resounding response. A couple of times the cry of Jesus; (Clap Clap); Jesus; (Clap Clap)! would echo throughout the men. This morning Angus spoke of our preparation for our lives. He compared our lives to that of a Boxer who trains hard. He even did some Push ups and jogging around the stage. This was his way of illustrating to us our need to read the bible, converse with God and train for life.

We left the arena and made our way back to the tent. I found it interesting to look around at the snake of men as they headed in all directions. I had spoken to some people before coming to the MMC and a general comment was that: “I don't enjoy being in crowds!” I, personally am also not one for being crowded or pushed around. Here at MMC there were huge numbers of people but at no stage were we ever crowded. Even at the plenary sessions we had plenty of space around us.

This is one of the songs that had the men singing, raising hands and clapping.

Ons Koning Kom
Wie regeer?
Wie is in beheer?
Wie's die begin en die einde,
Een wat is, wat was en wat kom?
My hart wil sing,
alle eer wil ek bring.
Hy's die Weg en die Waarheid,
daar's niemand,
daar's niemand soos Hy.

Lig jou hande na bo,
sing halleluja!
Gee eer aan Hom,
halleluja!
Ons Koning kom,
loof sy heilige Naam.

Lig jou hande na bo,
sing halleluja!
Vertrou op Hom,
halleluja!
Ons Koning kom,
Hy kom om ons te haal!

Elke knie sal buig,
en elke tong sal getuig
Hy't die dood vir ewig oorwin,
Hy't opgestaan!

In 'n donker wêreld vra almal:
"Wie sal die volk kom lei?"
Dis die Ruiter op die wit perd,
Hy kom,
Hy kom vir jou en my!
On one occasion we sang the chorus to this song to a gentle beat of the cymbal. It was quite electrifying to hear and see the men singing, clapping and lifting hands in unison. With no accompaniment.

here is my email to Charles Du Toit:
Charles
I found this as a possible solution.
Perhaps you can make sense of the chords and the lyrics.

Also I found a u-tube recording
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imc68dWEf2c

This is what someone wrote:
"In the end I simply worked it out myself (that which I haven't had yet anyway):
Please note that for copyright reasons I removed the text."

verse1:
G C2
G
D
C G D

othere verses:
G C2
G
D
C D


chorus:
G
C
G D
G
C
G D G

Ons Koning Kom
Wie regeer?
Wie is in beheer?
Wie's die begin en die einde,
Een wat is, wat was en wat kom?
My hart wil sing,
alle eer wil ek bring.
Hy's die Weg en die Waarheid,
daar's niemand,
daar's niemand soos Hy.

Lig jou hande na bo,
sing halleluja!
Gee eer aan Hom,
halleluja!
Ons Koning kom,
loof sy heilige Naam.

Lig jou hande na bo,
sing halleluja!
Vertrou op Hom,
halleluja!
Ons Koning kom,
Hy kom om ons te haal!

Elke knie sal buig,
en elke tong sal getuig
Hy't die dood vir ewig oorwin,
Hy't opgestaan!

In 'n donker wêreld vra almal:
"Wie sal die volk kom lei?"
Dis die Ruiter op die wit perd,
Hy kom,
Hy kom vir jou en my!
http://www.hfhproductions.com/songs.pdf
this is the site where I found the works and music

Another song which had most of us going was: “In the Stillness of who you are”


In the stillness of who you are

There I find peace

In the stillness of who you are

I see your heart

In the stillness of who you are

There I find peace

In the stillness of who you are

I know that I know

Chorus

That you know my name

That you know my life

Still you love me my Lord

Still you care for me

I'm the dream in your heart

And you keep me right there

In the fullness of who you are

I know that you know



That you know my name (That you know my name)
That you know my life (Yes That you know my life)

Still you love me my lord? (Still you love me my lord?)
Do you care for me? (Do you care for me?)

I am the dream in your heart (I am the dream in your heart)
And you Keep me right there.(And you Keep me right there)

In the Fullness of who you are
I know that you know

In the stillness of who you are
there I find peace
In the stillness of who you are
I see your heart.
In the stillness of who you are
I know that you know

CHORDS:
G C
D G
G C
D G
G C
D G
G C
D G

CHORUS
G C
D G
Em C
D G
G7 C
Em C
D G







Back at the tent, Mike had again prepared a feast. (Thanks Barbie). This time it was salads and cold meat with Muffins, Cheese and Biscuits to follow. We certainly had good meals with lots of healthy fruit as dessert. Some of the men went for a walk in the forest or around the campsite. Others had a sleep or sat around chatting. I continued reading. I had two novels and was almost finished the first. Mike had even had the foresight to bring a battery so that we could charge cell phones. I had not brought my charger but Jonathan lent me his and I was able to use my phone to a greater extent than I had planned.

As we were relaxing we heard that we were to turn off our Cell Phones. There was some vague news of Angus having collapsed after the morning session. We were now told that we should make our way back to the central arena. We walked there amidst the thousand of other men with no knowledge of what to expect. The Helicopter was on standby and we had to walk a wide berth in case it had to take off. As we arrived at the main area we had our fears confirmed.

Angus had collapsed after the morning session and then was taken back to his home where he was examined by a doctor. The doctor put him on an ECG and having taken the readings, instructed that he should be given a thorough examination. Angus was flown by Helicopter to a clinic in Pietermaritzburg. All we knew at this stage was that his condition was serious and that we should pray for him. As the Helicopter took off there were resounding chants of “Amen!”. There was a short session of Songs and we were told that the evening session would be put off to 18.00.

Jacques Du Toit (Heart Specialist living in Mill Park, Port Elizabeth.
I later realised that one of the doctors who attended to Angus was Jacques Du Toit. Jacques is the husband of Riana Green who is also a doctor and who runs with the MPRG. On Sunday 17.05.2009 Andrew Jonas, Jacques and I went for a run on the beachfront. As we were running and chatting we started to talk about the MMC. And Jacques told me that he had been there (his second visit). He had heard that Angus was in trouble but was well aware that in instances like this one, there would be a number of GP's who would willingly assist. Last year he had also offered to assist where he saw medical attention would be required but found a queue of GP's who were assisting the Para-Medic's

So when we were called to prayer he did not rush to see how Angus was doing. However he received a call on his phone. But as we all know, reception was almost non existent as there were so many calls going in and out. Then a few moments later he received an SMS asking him to help. He ran over to Angus' home where he summed up the situation: they were giving Angus a Drip and Adrenalin. If Angus had suffered a heart attack, then the Adrenalin would kill him.

He told them to remove the Adrenalin and to continue with the Drip. And, as he personally knew a doctor in Pietermaritzburg, he told them to fly Angus to the hospital. His advice was to either postpone the evening session by two hours or to allow Angus on stage only the next morning. He discussed this with Angus' daughter who is a nurse and with Angus' son, Andy who was in the Music Group.

We had a supper of Rice and Mince. And more Malva Pudding. And more coffee, rusks, muffins, Peanut butter and jam. Too much to eat. The evening session was led by the Afrikaans man from the Western Cape. He told the story of the feeding of the 5000 from the perspective of the little boy with the five loaves and two fishes. How this boy had been given a lunch pack by his Mom and then upon hearing that there was nothing to feed the people, he selflessly gave the little that he had. He did not know that this would be sufficient for everyone. He knew that handing over his lunch meant that he may go without anything. But he gave what he had to Jesus in faith.

This man went down well with the men. They enjoyed his simple way of talking. His message was clear. And after the uncertainty of Angus' health he managed to keep the men upbeat for the rest of the MMC. This evening there was again lots of emotion, singing and praying. Angus' son, Andy was the leader of the music group. He told us, amid cheers and clapping, that his dad was expected to be back with us on Sunday morning.

After the evening session all 60 of us grouped together, in a circle, in the tent. Many of the men, in our group, shared what the MMC and the days' events had meant to them. This was one of the most important times of the whole weekend. Being able to share thoughts in a large group can be very rewarding. After the chat, Jonathan closed in a prayer. And Andre, who was a rugby player for the Free State provincial team, got us all to clinch in a circle and we did our own version of the Christian Haka with a series of Amen's.

We woke feeling a lot better on Sunday morning. We had two good night's sleep after the really tough night in the bus on Thursday. Gordon joined Fred and I for the morning jog. These two fit men ran a bit too fast for me. But again we had a bit of a perspective of the camp site. People were packing up and lining up for the best possible getaway after the morning service. We had a shower and packed our stuff ready for loading the bus. Ladies were allowed into the Central Worship Area for this last service. After two days of just seeing men it was quite different to see families in the arena.

The arena was at its most full. People waited in anticipation not knowing what to expect. Day visitors flowed in. Finally Angus drove through the rows of people, to cheers and shouts of Amen! We realised that he would be speaking to us today. He told us of his medical tests and how he had been tended to by two doctors. He said that he would be brief but first Joe Niemand would sing us a song. This turned out to be one of the most moving lyrics as the words described a man; who “promised his wife that he would treat her better than his dad had treated his mom”. As I remember the words of this song: in the end he realised that he was being over critical and that his dad was not so bad after all.

Angus spoke to the group. He was visibly tired and took it easy. No running around the stage this morning. He told us how he had been saved. He had collapsed on the grass in front of his house and then realised how frail he was. He told us how this experience had made him conscious of how easily it could have been his turn to meet Jesus. A man traveling to the MMC by motorbike, Jaapie van Vuuren had lost his life in an accident on Friday. Angus referred to this. This morning I sat with David and Daniel. This was the first time that David and I had said more than a few words to each other. But strangely we connected.

Angus reminded us that we need to be feeding his lambs, tend his sheep. Angus said again and again: “I love you boys so much”. And of course this brought tears to both his and our eyes. You are going home today boys. He reminded us to give our wives a big hug and to tell them how much we love them. “And it is by loving our wives, our families, our friends, employees, and everyone around us in South Africa that revival will come”. “Start again” he said. “Start afresh”. Clear the slate from any previous problems.

A number of times he referred to the affairs that we are having. And that we must write a letter to the the 'other woman' and tell her its over. Or else he told us to stop helping ourselves to the till and that we should pay back all that we owe. It came to me that he thinks that the South African man is a Stud who is deep in debt. Just joking. “Tell people that you love them unconditionally”; he said. And revival will come.

After a few more of his famous shouts of: Amen! He left the stadium and we continued with a few of the songs that we had become familiar with and then headed back to our tent. The bus was waiting for us. We loaded up while Mike and his team prepared a lunch of Pasta and Mince. There was a huge amount of leaf overs. This would be distributed on our return. We saw the traffic jam of vehicles start to abate and finally, after we again did our Christian Haka, we left at just after 13.00.

We had decided to return through the Transkei. It was longer and slower that some of us had anticipated. We were in the bus for something like 13 hours this time. Stops in Kokstad, where many of us had a meal or a coffee, Mthatha and East London helped to ease the weary and stiff joints. Most of us were able to doze off for periods. At about 3.30am we arrived back at WMC where we were collected by family. I put my feet into the bath to try to clean off some of the red soil that clung to everything. Not even a scrubbing brush was able to clean my feet. I had spent the last four days in my Crocs and they were embedded with the fine red dusty soil of the farm.

Both Michael and I had a wonderful experience. We had started the possibility of future friendships with people who we had met and had time to chat to. He and I had spent more time together than we had in a very long time. Normally, when we are together, there are all kinds of pressures from both his family and external activity. I was very happy that Monday was a public holiday and that I would have this day to recover. I had planned to go and watch the IPL match at St Georges Park but thought better of that idea.

Later that evening I received a call from Martin M to say that Angus has had a stroke and has been admitted to hospital. He also made a positive comment regarding his talking to Michael.

Peter Giddy
Monday 27.4.2009.

Response from Mike Perks:
Hi there Peter

As usual, a comprehensive account!  Well done. Certainly brought it to life.

I woke up at 09h30 and it was 16h30 when I got home after cleaning
everything from red dust, sorting out where things had to go, returning the
trailer and returning the gas cookers in Despatch - so another long day!!!

Had a wonderful braai with Barbie in the late afternoon.

Just a note - we got lost in Ladysmith not Harrismith. (with guy who had
lived there for 5 yrs)

Impressions of a Medic at Mighty Men 09 - 28 April 2009

3 months ago the deal was finalized. I would supply the medical cover at this year’s event. I was competing against a rival company, and was prepared to equal their quote for 3 vehicles on site. I promise 3 vehicles, but would throw in a field hospital, 2 quads and 10 outstations in at the same price. These would be manned from Friday morning to Sunday night. Having done the event last year, I knew what I was letting myself in for. After all, last year we had 65 000 men attending, and we coped with them with our 10 medics, all volunteers. With the 200 000 expected, we would have many more volunteers, and the money we would be paid, would cover our disposables and traveling expenses, as well as our meals. I planned to discount whatever we did not spend, as this was an event I would not do for money…..

3 days to go. I have not slept very well for the last 3 weeks. I have searched high and low for medics, but have only 3. Myself and one ambulance that I am standing down from my operations. I phone my stepson, who is one of the ambulance staff and plead with him to find me more staff. Even the medics who attended last year have pulled out. I have phoned my competitors and asked them to take over the event; assuring them that the exposure they will get far exceeds the little money they will get paid. Again I am turned down.

Then I receive a SMS from my step-son: “DEPEND ON IT – GOD KEEPS HIS WORD. DOUBT IS A DEMONIC DETOUR. WHEN YOU GET TO WHERE GOD WANTS YOU TO BE, HIS PROVISION WILL ALREADY BE IN PLACE, NO TURNING BACK“.
OK, But I have already prayed and asked…. I am now in panic mode, and I change my requirements from Christian Male Volunteers to Christian Male Medics that will be paid, and eventually to any Male Medic who is prepared to work for money. This will be financial ruin, but I no longer care.

One Day to go. Thursday morning I receive a message that my North Coast manager has managed to find some medics, as has someone in Durban, and 5 are available in Pietermaritzburg. I proceed to Mighty Men to set up the Field Hospital for Friday morning. Buy sunset the first patients arrive, even though we are only on duty from Friday. Already 60 000 men are on site. My ambulance is dispatched immediately to cover the event during the night, and by sunrise 6 patients have been treated, all minor ailments.

Friday morning dawns, without any sleep. Two medics from Durban do not show up, two from North Coast and 3 from Pietermaritzburg. I am left with 20. Not quite what I was hoping for, but manageable all the same. I hate myself for doubting in the first place. However, I am the only paramedic, and should we have to move a serious patient, the event will be left with nothing but ambulance staff. It will just have to do! By 10am the patients are starting to arrive. Flu, runny tummy, asthma, allergy, silly things that mean a lot to the patient, but are not what we are trained for. We need the serious stuff to make our life worth while….. A Provincial Ambulance response vehicle pulls up with a doctor, required by Disaster Management to be in the OPS CENTER in case of disaster. This center is based about 10 meters from our field hospital. The Doctor strolls in and introduces himself in a heavy Zulu accent. Great I think, just what I need, an intern who is forced to do his work at a provincial ambulance service. He promptly announces to the organizers and police manning the OPS Center that should they require him; he will be at the field hospital, and promptly starts to scratch through our equipment. I am too busy to arrange medics at the outstations to worry about him at this stage anyway.
By the time I have everyone arranged, stations worked out, instructions given, I become aware that the Doctor is the only one in the tent, treating patients. I wander across for a closer look, and discover that he is not just handing out the few medications we have, but is actually examining the patients with their aches and pains, and actually treating them. “This simply wont do” he announces, and drives off to Greytown and returns shortly afterwards with half the hospital pharmacy, handing out anti-biotics and medications that you need to study at least 7 years just to pronounce. Wow, now this is what was needed in the first place. In addition, he unpacks ventilators, heart monitors, vital signs monitors etc from his vehicle. When the going gets really tuff, another doctor arrives to help out. Another 3 doctors treat patients at the outposts….”his provision will already be in place!!!!!”

Friday night Angus does an altar call and sees literally 1000’s give their live to the Lord. Awesome! Out the corner of my eye I catch one of my medics holding his hand high up. Wow, and I wanted only Christian medics here. The night offers little sleep. Some patients need hospitalization. There are some broken bones from falls on the motorcycles, some medical cases, all stable, none life threatening. When things do quieten down, I am amazed to see medics sitting in small groups, bible in hand. Words are falling on fertile land everywhere. Another piece of the Lords way falls into place. God has a plan with everything. His way…not ours. Why is this repeated over and over again and again I am still surprised by it.

Saturday morning breaks cool and clear. Soon the heat takes over, but all runs well. The medics are doing their job, the doctor is amazing. The service is electrifying. Men are called to honor God, to put him first, to honor their family. Angus talks of the war that the devil is waging against all believers. We need to be fit to fight the war. He does pushups, runs on the stage, tells us that God loves us and wants a personal relationship with us, and tells us that God talks to us. He tells us to read the bible, and makes us promise that we will. “Good people don’t go to heaven, BELIEVERS go to heaven!”
He tells us how he has had a restless night with no sleep. He has had a fever, but after his wife prayed for him, the fever has left him. He tells us that he is tired, but must fight the war. After 2 hours he is visibly exhausted and after praise and worship we make our way back, slowly, between 200 000 men. No sooner do we reach out tent when a marshal rushes over with the news that we are needed urgently at the main stage for a patient who had collapsed. We make our way back through the endless crowds, eventually reaching the stage, only to find one of our ambulances already there. I find it strange that the patient is under the stage, but push through anyway. Maybe they needed the shade for the patient. Near the entrance I find an elderly gentleman lying on the floor. He is covered in sweat, already has a drip up, and has an oxygen mask on. I kneel down next to him to asses him, and discover it is Angus. Even lying there, he keeps telling us that this is a war; the Devil will attack every where. He explains that he is exhausted! Whilst still lying on the floor he makes plans for the night service. He will take it easy tonight; maybe even sit on a chair whilst preaching. We all know that this will be impossible for him. Even so, we remove the drip and help him to his feet. Outside the stage area, men are praying and singing, and shout and clap when Angus appears. He is taken to his house by car, still weak.

30 minutes after we arrive back at the tent, another usher appears. We need a stretcher urgently at Angus’s house. No other information. Could be someone who has come for prayer, or could be Angus himself. We fly through the crowds. Security men let us through, and we grab the stretcher and jump-bags before rushing into his modest house. The walls are thick, with small windows, and little light. We are spotted and chased out. Once we get out into the light, we are recognized and sent around the house to the front lawn. There we find Angus, on his side, unresponsive, our Zulu Dr and another Dr at his side. The heart monitor is already attached, a new drip running full speed. I ask the doctor for an update. He informs me that Angus collapsed, and glances at the monitor. One look and my worst fears are realized. The rhythm is very abnormal, with an Inverted “T” wave, typically found with a Heart Attack. I look at the Blood Pressure monitor – More bad news, it reads 80 / 40. The oxygen mask is already on, with all holes masked up to try and increase the concentration of Oxygen delivered to Angus. I have seen this many times before. I know what happens next. These are the precious few seconds we are given to prepare for the inevitable. CPR is just seconds away. Angus has already received his “Disprin” and TNT Spray to dilate blood-vessels around the heart and assist with the breaking down of blood-clots. He is deeply unconscious. I know the drill, so I pull out my Drug bag and break open the resuscitation drugs we will need shortly. Adrenaline in one syringe, Atropine in another with Calcium Gluconate in a third. To counteract acidosis that occurs during CPR, I set up the Sodium BiCarbonate Drip, but don’t attach it yet. Angus is still going, barely, which gives me a chance to select the tube that will shortly go down his throat to assist in his breathing. I check the equipment to do this with. He is still going, barely. I pull out the paddles from the heart machine, and place the gel next to it. This will be needed to deliver the shocks to his chest to attempt the re-starting of his heart. At this stage Angus’s blood-pressure remains low, despite the drip running full-out. I select another, smaller drip and add to it 4 ampoules of adrenaline. Sometimes this helps to increase the blood-pressure. It seems to be working. His blood-pressure climbs slowly to 100 / 60, still dangerously low, but better. Now we need to decide on how to move him to a specialist as quickly as possible. A helicopter has already landed, but a quick inspection shows that we cannot lie Angus down anywhere inside the cramped aircraft, and his condition is too critical to take a chance. A medical Helicopter is required, and is summonsed. How lucky that I know the manager personally, and can dispense with all formalities of protocols and Guarantees of payments. Is this luck? It leaves immediately.
In the distance, I hear the call over the massive speakers for the men to get together and pray. Tens of Thousands heed the call and move in that direction. Thousands more collect around Angus’s house. Loud prayers are heard everywhere. I am acutely aware of the chill in the air, the clouds that are suddenly building up. THIS IS WAR keeps going through my mind. If this is a war, I am living in the middle of it. This servant of GOD is being struck down.
Angus slowly regains consciousness. His family is by his side. There is no panic, no fear. I have never experienced this before. They are just by his side, holding his hand. Such peace. There is no doubt in anybody’s mind that Angus is about to meet the Lord. The helicopter lands and another paramedic jumps out. Caleb, one of the best paramedics I know and trust. After a quick handover, Angus is loaded into the Helicopter and takes off. I can still see his face, straining to look out, waving with both hands. I feel exhausted, and spend a long time picking up the medical waste. With a heavy heart I get back to the tent. I am dismayed at the number of people packing up their tents and leaving. At the same time, I have no doubt that Angus will not be back soon, if at all. However, I know that I am not here to meet Angus. I am here to meet Jesus. That night, rumors spread that Angus has been discharged. However, I know better. I was there, I had seen the cardiac rhythm, had seen the low blood-pressure, and had personally infused the adrenalin. Either way, I attend the night meeting, and find peace and joy in knowing God.

The next morning I am summonsed to set up a station under the stage. Angus will preach! How can that be? Obviously he has forced himself out of hospital, and barely clinging to life, will now attempt a sermon in spite of his condition! How wrong I am. He arrives with his family and friends, is full of life, kneels and prays before going up to the stage to present his sermon. He talks of his day lying helpless on his lawn, and asks if we are ready to meet the Lord? He was close to meeting him yesterday, but he was healed. The cardiologist ran stress tests; they ran blood tests, and every other conceivable test. Final diagnosis – NOTHING. NO ABNORMALITIES DETECTED. No abnormal chemical levels, no traces of heart damage, NOTHING. He is discharged 3 hours after arriving at the hospital. Either I need to go back to study, because after 25 years I have no idea what I am doing, or accept that God is capable of great miracles. Personally, I believe the latter.

Angus has his preach, and many more give their lives to the Lord. It is a war, and those that left before Sunday, are the casualties of this war. Those that stayed saw the greatness of our God. Those that came to meet Angus, were disappointed. Those that came to meet God, met him.

Sunday afternoon comes, and we pack up. We are exhausted, but feel alive. My body tells me it’s been through hell. Every joint aches, every muscle complains. It feels like it has been at war. My sole is alive and on fire. God is mighty, He is good. I pay my medics. Total cost? EXACTLY the amount quoted 3 months before the event!!! Traveling costs, meals and disposables will be recovered from the few ambulance transfers done by the ambulance. “….his provision will ALREADY be in place” just does not want to get out of my mind.

At the debrief, we hear of testimonies of men who’s business back home improved dramatically whilst he was serving at Mighty Men, we hear of SMS’s that were received before Angus’s collapse of impending danger, people phoning from around the world with prayers and words of encouragement. What an awesome GOD we serve! We are warned or the devils attack in the week to come, where he will try and destroy all the good that has been done. Already there is talk of Angus having been flown to Hospital with a stroke and that this was done only for money etc. The Devil is at work, and THIS IS WAR. OUR GOD IS GOOD….ALL THE TIME!!!!

In total we treated close to 200 patients. Dr Ntuli was awesome. The experience was great. It allowed me to serve with the gift that God has given me. It allowed me to grow in my faith. Would I do it again? ANYDAY! Should we do it again? The devil will have won the battle in the end if we don’t.


Hans Hartmann
Paramedic
Believer