Chairperson,
2023 was the most difficult year of my life. On the morning of the 25th of January, I lost my precious and loving wife of 46 years, Mrs Lydia Meshoe, who passed away after a short illness.
She left me with three amazing children who love the Lord just like their parents, and three wonderful grandchildren.
My wife was a very dedicated and courageous woman who was full of grace. She was an international speaker of note, who traveled the world speaking in churches and at women’s conferences. In 2014, she went even to Iraq to minister to abused women in need of love and care.
I am grateful to God, who has given me the grace and strength to continue on this journey of life without her — my greatest supporter and motivator.
I also want to thank the President, the Speaker Parliament, House Chairs, Party Leaders in this House and Parliamentary staff for their support and prayers through my difficult time,
I particularly want to thank my colleagues in the ACDP who prayer for me and gave me space and the to mourn the loss of my precious wife and partner in ministry.
Chairperson, I also want to take this opportunity to urge every member of this House to seriously consider rejecting the 2022 Amendments to the 2005 International Health Regulations that were approved on the 28th of May, 2022 during a meeting of Committee A at the World Health Assembly.
Finally, I wish all Members a well-deserved rest over the recess period. I further wish them and their families a blessed and peaceful Christmas and prosperous New Year.
I would like to conclude (as the Chairperson has requested) with a prayer of the Aaronic Blessing:
“The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance up you and give you peace.”
Shalom. The Lord bless you all.
