John-Paul Roberts

Nature Calls

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NIV Sometimes we are not very kind to our bodies – we eat a lot of junk food, we eat in front of the TV or while on the cell phone. Today we challenge you to change your relationship with food! – Organise a picnic- it could be something as small as taking your little sister to the park to play and packing a sandwich and a fruit or a walk and picnic with your youth group. Food tastes so much nicer when you are out in the outdoors and especially after having had a walk or hike! Listen to the great event the Diocese of Mthatha youth organised – a prayer picnic!The AYSA Diocese of Mthatha team gathered for a day of adventure at the Port St. John’s Military Airstrip on Saturday 14th September. The day was broken down into different phases meant to cultivate encounters that celebrate our creation and encouraging spiritual conversations and encounters. The day kicked off with the hike where three teams were formed. These teams were colour coded with relevant natural earth elements. Red team symbolized rocks, yellow being water and green represented trees. The assignment whilst on the trail was to find how these elements linked to our Anglicanism and a Bible passage that spoke of these elements. Arrival at the top of the mountain signified the start of the Eucharist Service to celebrate creation. This was where the theme, found in Romans 8:22, was unpacked. Our theme spoke on how creation is groaning in pain. Closing the session, the Diocesan Anglican Youth Guild (AYG) hosted a prayer picnic that boasted of testimonies, word discussions, an abundance of prayer and worship whilst snacking on food in between. The day ended on a free-spirited note with games enjoyed by all. By: Kwada Makiwane Photo credit: Ayabonga Maroloma

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A Hike for the Soul

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” – ROMANS 1:20 Hiking isn’t just a walk in the woods— it can also be a spiritual experience. Did you know that God can speak to you through nature? Romans tells us that we can learn a lot about God when we are in creation – the question is – are we listening? We need to make space and silent moments to listen to God. Hikes are also a fun way to boost your mood, stay active, and escape daily stress. Spending time in nature helps clear your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve focus, making it a great break from school and social media.Physically, hiking strengthens your muscles, improves endurance, and gives you a full-body workout without feeling like boring exercise. Plus, fresh air and sunlight help increase energy levels and even improve sleep. Hiking can also be a social activity. Whether with friends or family, it’s a chance to bond, explore new places, and capture some amazing photos for memories (or Instagram!). It’s a low-cost adventure that lets you challenge yourself, build confidence, and appreciate nature. Here is a story from St Andrew’s Steenberg in Cape Town“Despite the heat, we were excited and prepared with sunblock, hats, and water bottles. At Kirstenbosch Gardens, we were welcomed with sandwiches and juice before being divided into two groups. One started at the famous “Boomslang” walkway, a steel-and-wood bridge over the gardens, while the other took a hiking trail and ended at the Boomslang. The guides were engaging, teaching us about water conservation, plant life, and the environment through interactive questions. We took breaks to appreciate the scenery and learn about different plants, including alien vegetation like silk trees. We explored Proteas, Ericas, Fynbos, and reeds, learning their significance and uses. It was fascinating to see how nature provides for everything.”

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Communion Forest? Find out more

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations. – Rev 22: 2 My name is Irene and I am a tree hugger. Many people like animals and in the same way, I like trees. I am awed like a child when I walk under a canopy, I cry sometimes when I see trees and forests from a distance and I like hugging trees and sometimes, I feel hugged back. When I joined the Communion Forest in 2022, the core message resonated deeply within me, and it continues to do so: ‘To plant is to hope, to restore is to heal, to protect is to love.’ It’s a simple truth, yet profoundly moving. To plant is to hope—for fruits we yearn to taste, for shade beneath which we long to rest, and for the songs of birds that will fill the air with life. As it says in Revelation 22: 2; The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations, it is this hope that keeps me grounded in my tree-hugging (lol) and in the work we are doing in the Communion Forest of Ecosystems CPR! I am inspired by the work in local churches, as much as the work on global platforms because all of it contributes to the healing of nations through restoring biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and fostering community sustainability. Learn more about Communion Forest CPR (conservation, protection,and restoration) on our website and social media @communion forest. Irene Sebastian-WaweruCommunion Forest Facilitator – Africa Region

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Let Nature In

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

The Lord will plant what was waste – Ezekiel 36:36 Whether you work from home or go into the office, you may feel that you rarely get chances to be in nature. Why not bring a little bit of nature into your home or work? Pot plants have many benefits:Having a potted plant in your room isn’t just about looking cool—it comes with real benefits! First, plants improve air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing fresh oxygen, helping you breathe easier. If you struggle with focus while at the computer, plants can boost concentration and memory.. Taking care of a plant can also be a great way to de-stress. Watering and watching it grow gives you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, plants add a natural, cozy vibe to your space, making your room feel more inviting. Want something practical? Try growing herbs like mint or basil—they smell great and can be used in snacks and drinks! Whether it’s for air, mood, or just aesthetic, a potted plant is an easy and fun way to brighten up your life. Why not give it a try? Having indoor plants in the house brings in a sense of  life and freshness. We have found that adding the plants have also added colour to the space. It is amazing to see them grow. – John-Paul Roberts (Diocese of Cape Town)

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Plant a tree

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” – Isaiah 61:3 Across the Anglican Communion people are now linking tree growing with different spiritual moments, from baptism and confirmation, to weddings and funerals. Many bishops now bless saplings or plants as young people are confirmed as a symbol of their spiritual life. Like a tree, your faith needs to be rooted, and watered regularly. On the 05th June 2024 the Parish of St Peter’s Greenpoint. Diocese of Kimberly and Kuruman hosted the Bishop Brian and had the confirmation service that coincided with World Environment Day. As a symbol our of faith and commitment to caring for creation a small spekboom plant was planted What events are coming up for you or your organisation where you might plant a tree to mark the day?

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Veggies for the Win

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.” – Daniel 1:12 Why a Plant-Based Diet is Good for You and the Planet Thinking about going plant-based? Whether it’s for a meal, a day, or a lifetime, eating more plants has huge benefits—not just for your health but also for the environment. Better for Your Health A plant-based diet is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that keep your body strong. It can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains fuels your body with clean energy, improves digestion, and can even give you clearer skin! Plus, plant-based diets have been linked to a longer life—who wouldn’t want that? Saves the Planet Animal farming is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, deforestation, and water pollution. Producing meat and dairy requires huge amounts of land, water, and energy, while also releasing greenhouse gases like methane. By choosing more plant-based meals, you reduce your carbon footprint, save water, and help protect forests and wildlife. Less Waste, More Impact A plant-based diet can also help fight food waste. It takes way more resources to produce animal-based foods than it does to grow plants. For example, it takes 1,800 litres of water to produce just one kg of beef! Imagine how much water we could save by eating more plant-based meals. Small Changes, Big Difference Every plant-based meal makes a difference. Try Meatless Mondays, swap dairy for plant-based milk, or load up your plate with veggies. Your body (and the planet) will thank you! Are you ready to take the first step? Rev Charlotte Brown, is the deacon at St Thomas Church Rondebosch in the Diocese of Cape Town. Here she is enjoying a veggie burger meal. Charlotte identifies as a vegetarian.  Below is one of her favourite meals to make for her family. Penne with smoked trout .. Or tinned tuna ( almost as nice ) 4 large leeks 250 mascarpone cheese Zest and juice of one lemon 200g smoked trout, sliced Or 2 x tins drained tuna Rocket Penne Cut the leeks into R5 rounds and sauté in oil until soft. Add lemon zest then juice S&P. Stir wellAdd mascarpone and blend into the leeks etc.Remove from heat and add trout / tuna and stir. Spoon onto cooked penne and garnish with rocket.

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