For the fourth time, the Feast was held in Mossel Bay. Almost everyone stayed within walking distance of the hotel where the hall is. At the lovely hotel restaurant, it was easy to visit and invariably find people to fellowship with.

Messages this year reminded us of the Millennium and God’s Kingdom while focusing on keeping the vision, trusting God fully, staying true to His teachings and enduring to the end.

Special music included a children’s choir bigger than we’ve had in a while. They performed two songs before our blessing of the children ceremony, held on the weekly Sabbath, in which we were blessed to have three little ones participate.

Our planned activities began with a welcome evening after the first Holy Day. Fun, games and even a bit of dancing encouraged everyone attending to meet new people and make friends. Groups were each given a roll of toilet paper and told to “do something creative with the whole roll!” Naturally a number of mummies emerged and there was even a Miss FOT 22, complete with wreath and crown.

Our family picnics this year included something new for the little ones: a puppet show! It was greatly enjoyed and enthusiastically participated in. The kids also made their own hand puppets, which they introduced. We fit in a few games of bingo, which was surprisingly popular with the teens.

About 60 seniors enjoyed a meal together at the Mossel Bay Gold Club. So popular was this event that we seemed to have a number of very young seniors this year! The chef shared that “it was a pleasure serving you today. My team commented that it was like being with a happy family that enjoys each other’s company. Please come back soon.” God willing, we will!

On our final beach walk 40 or more people got a rousing send-off by Graham Cowley playing the bagpipes. Quite a sight on a beautifully overcast morning! Other activities included an uplifting hymn-along and musical evening, a ladies’ breakfast, a lively teen get-together and discussion, a lovely afternoon spent at a pick-your-own strawberry farm (also home to the largest permanent hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere) and the final farewell evening.

Our highest attendance, which included an encouraging number of first-time attendees, was 146, which included 125 adults and 21 children. South Africa is an ideal site for hosting our international family, and we had visitors from Indiana, Maryland, Texas, Scotland and Zimbabwe. Consider yourself invited—we look forward to meeting you!

We’re so grateful our loving Father once again blessed us with a precious opportunity to attend another inspiring, hope-filled Feast of Tabernacles!