Tribute to Dolly Mokgatle

The sudden death of Dolly Mokgatle, an accomplished entrepreneur and leader in both South Africa's private and public sectors, comes as a huge shock which has sent ripples of concern through the Anglican Church, of which she was a dedicated member.  

Dolly was a gentle giant who loved her church and people and a strong proponent of the empowerment of women and young people. She served the church quietly, among her appointments being a member on the board of the Bishop Bavin School, into which she poured resources in the attempt to save the school.
 
Her death has left her immediate and extended family distraught, the intensity of their emotional and psychological pain palpable. Her fellow parishioners have reacted with a level of anxiety as if they were attacked in a war situation. 
 
We add our prayers for the repose of Dolly's soul to those for the many clergy and lay people, known and unknown to us, who have died in our country and Church Province. 
 
Heal us, O God, of all our afflictions, fears, anxiety and perplexity, 
Keep us rooted in your love, faith and hope, 
Cover our sobbing hearts and souls with your healing balm
That we may remain as yours forever,
For your name's sake. Amen
 
Sovereign God,
the defence of those who trust in you 
and the strength of those who suffer:
look with mercy on our affliction
and deliver us through our mighty Savior Jesus Christ.
- Common Worship, CofE
 
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
   on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death,
   and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord;
   he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
   because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
   even as we hope in you. - Ps 33:18-22

†† Thabo Cape Town