Spiritual Inheritance

AW

Spiritual Inheritance

For Timothy and Luke on the momentous occasion of Luke’s 30^th birthday 11-10-2012

In honour of the memory of Timothy Neil Solomon – a husband, father and friend worth emulating.

To Timothy and Luke –your Dad has left you a rich spiritual inheritance – I hope that these letters and poems - written by Dad, family, friends, colleagues, pupils, acquaintances and even strangers who only met Dad fleetingly and yet were touched by his energy, his enthusiasm, his zest for life, his warm personality and his love for God - will remind you always that you were privileged to have a Dad like him.  May the sentiments expressed here inspire you to even greater heights as you make your mark on the world in which God has placed you.

A poem written by Dad for me on 7 July 1991 during a sermon! – a day after I’d run my first (and only) half marathon:

In Christ forgiven (Ephesians)

In Christ made righteous (Romans)

In Christ no condemnation (Corinthians)

In that security I live my life with you

No cage nor chains

But free to love

And move and be myself

The warm shelter to dream and share

And do good works

Parts together of God’s workmanship

Jigsaw pieces fused into one

A complete picture from puzzled pieces

Framed for a future together

A reality found in Christ

With Ruby, my first and only love.

And Dad’s favourite poem – he wrote:

I’ve lost it many times.  Now I will frame it.  It’s a bookmark with a painting of a stile, track, farmhouse and mist-shrouded hills.  Bought, I think, when Rube and I were in the UK in 1981.

To Ruby – my sun on rainy days

Rain-washed sky and waiting track

A stile calling free

No need at all to turn my back

The road was calling me.

I made my path toward the height

Through puddle-drenched lane

I marveled at the dismal sight

And praised the mist and rain.

And my favourite poem written about the two of you:

THANK YOU

For our children

To you

My darling

I give thanks

For,

Next to God

You are the instrument

That bore them

For me

The ecstasy of conception

The joy of expectation

The miracle of birth

Are ours, and theirs

Forever.

Dad’s first newsletter (9 June 1996) to our family and  friends once we had been told that he had terminal cancer, reveals his strength of character and state of mind in the face of the ultimate challenge.

Dear, dear Friends

The word ‘overwhelmed’ is far too weak to describe how we feel about your response to our crisis.  Your prayers and letters, visits and phone calls have been a major contribution towards maintaining the incredible peace that God has given us.  His peace does indeed pass all understanding and we are quite content to rest in that.  We are richly blessed in our wonderful family and friends.

After a quick account of his trip down to SA and the two brain operations, he wrote:-

…The next day a very kind nurse phoned a local pastor and that is how two angels came into my life in the form of Dawid and Betty Jordaan of the Agape church.  ‘When the lion roars it does not mean it will bite,’ Dawid said.  I committed everything to God and from that point on incredible peace came over me.  A new vibrancy in my faith made my past seem so shallow and farcical in comparison.  After the second operation to remove what they then realised was a malignant tumour, the surgeon told me I probably had weeks to live.  I did cry, long racking sobs on Ruby’s shoulder but that was more for those I had to leave behind than for myself.  I have never had any real fear or doubt since then and I do believe God can heal me.  I have been assured of confident prayer from Mkushi and Mooi River, and three churches in Pretoria have sent people to pray for me and continue as a church to remember me.

From the instant our news reached all of you, we have been greatly encouraged by the number of people who believe I will be healed, and we are pleading with the Lord for that.  While I am quite ready to die, I do believe I will have an effective ministry if I don’t.  God’s word has become so real for me and the source of our strength.  I am leaning a lot on you and holding onto the promises you have sent me.  My life has changed.  When the next month is indefinite then one has an almost glorious irresponsibility, a freedom to live on the edge.

Timothy and Luke have been so strong and we had some good open chats about my cancer and the future.

Eighteen years ago I fell in love with Ruby.  In the past three weeks she displayed every quality that first attracted me: love, compassion, cheerfulness, fortitude…Nuff said you all know Ruby; she has no equal.

I don’t like the words terminal illness.  ‘Terminal’ means ‘end’ and this situation has been a new and wonderful beginning for us.  We pray that I will be able to glorify God and use my ever increasing understanding of my relationship with Jesus to influence those who know me to reach greater fulfillment in their own faith.

But let’s start at the beginning in May 1996 – it was clear that Dad needed to go down to SA to find out why he was not recovering from headaches and dizzy spells, so Andy offered to drive him down and be with him.  Then the news came through via Nanna (and the 2-way radio) that Dad was to have brain surgery and that we should try and get down to SA as quickly as possible.

Anne and Andy Anderson

Dearest Ruby

We couldn’t help overhearing your chat with Russell on the radio just now and feel very concerned for you.  Obviously you want to join Neil as soon as possible.  If we can help in any way (including financially) to enable you to get to Jhb more quickly – please give us a shout.

To me (still in Zambia)

Andy in SA

You certainly are coming back into a family that knows how to make people feel welcome.  They have drawn me into their lives in a remarkable way.  I would like you to convey that to them, please.

You need to know a few things that will encourage you.  Firstly, Neil was great on the trip to Lusaka.  I love that man, Ruby.  Our Lord has given us a friendship that I treasure and value more than anything.  After Lusaka we got half way to Kafue when the VW boiled (yet again).  He sat at the side of the road, made tea in his trangia (you know, part of the experience) and casually suggested that I sell the VW and go down by bus with him.  The deal was done!  What took me 2 years to decide, he made the decision for me over tea, sitting at the side of the road.  Farewell old VW!!

You both have something that is deep, perhaps beyond my ability to stretch the English language and explain or understand.  The way you care for each other, and look into one another’s eyes.  The way you laugh and speak and the way you simply allow your dreams to become reality.  You are to be envied.

Please be assured that I will stand with you whatever.

And when the news broke that Dad had terminal cancer, we were inundated with good wishes and prayers from our friends in Mkushi.

Lou Thomas

What can I say at a time like this – you are both loved by all and I’ve shed all my tears this week with the devastating news that we got on Wednesday evening.  It’s been so very hard for us here to understand exactly how you are both feeling at this time – but believe me we are feeling totally shocked.  You must believe that you are very special to us – to me particularly and to our family.

Today Ian was back from the UK and told the form 3-5 all that we know about Neil’s illness – there were sniffs all over and gasps of unbelief – then Tim Simms prayed a very touching and meaningful prayer for your family.  We have been fasting and praying all day and tonight we get together in the staff room to pray corporately.  We want a miraculous healing to take place in Neil’s life, we want God to minister to your family and to be your Abba Father and to take care of you and give you what is best for you.

Oh! Ruby, we do not understand God’s ways – they are beyond our comprehension – just know that we love you and care for you.  I’m so glad that Andy is with you both – I know that he is gifted and will be of great help to you – we miss him so much when he is away but we know that God is using him.

Till we meet again – may God bless you both – and our special love to Timothy and Luke.

Keith Waddell

This is a difficult letter to write.  As you know it is not easy for us Northerners to articulate our feelings.  Sometimes I wish the Lord had made me a Greek or an Italian so that I could ‘crystallize’ the cry of frustration that I feel for you all.  Still, I don’t know how Ida or the dinner service would have coped with a weepy, volatile macho Southern European.

It is a natural thing to hope for a quiet, or perhaps in your cases, I should say a quieter life, especially after the years of loving service and witness you have given here in Zambia; yet this is the one thing it seems we cannot expect.  Faith, suffering and hardship seem to go together very often and we just want you all to know how much you four mean to us and that you have our continual love, thoughts and prayers.

We also feel deeply the additional obstacle of our isolation here as far as you are concerned: that we cannot be with you physically to help you or even make personal contact with you.  We console ourselves that although we are remote geographically speaking, you all know we are with you, as we are all in His loving care and keeping.

And Ida

I would love to be with you all at this time.  I have thought a lot of our peaceful holiday on the shores of Lake Malawi – it was a special time.  Our house is quiet now without Tim and Luke, but hopefully it won’t be too long until we are all together again.

You are very special people to us and we thank you for your friendship.

Tim Cripps

Our very dear friends Neil and Ruby and your two super boys, Timothy and Luke.

Oh! How we yearn to comfort you.  What can we say?  If it hadn’t been for you, we’d never have had this tremendous experience of Africa, and as I said to Neil on the way to Lusaka, we’ve no regrets about coming here.  Sure there have been low times, but oh boy! your faithful and inspiring friendship has been an overwhelming ‘high’.  We have so many wonderful memories such as canoeing the Lunsemfwa, revolutionary council meetings at Ndubaluba, Shiwa Ngandu, the Chambesi camp and many more.  Your departure and the Thomas’s are major reasons for us leaving too – you are so precious and so uplifting to the whole Chengelo scene.  How we cling to the hope that we’ll yet get to ‘do’ the Drakensberg with you, and yes, one day some more Pembrokeshire canoe trips (with the canoes properly tied on first!).  Hey! Also I’m longing to take you all flying!

Meanwhile we think about you constantly and we sigh our heartfelt prayers to God throughout the day and even when we cannot sleep at night.

Take courage, dear ones.  If you could have been at the special prayer meeting here last night, you would have rejoiced at the tremendous love and fervent prayer that is pouring from your many friends, and that love is but a shadow of the love God has for you.

Kathy Haigh

I don’t know what to say…except that I thank God from the bottom of my heart for every moment spent with you and Neil.  I have gained so much from knowing you both.

David and Ruth Hill

Our hearts are heavy as we constantly remember you and bring your names before the Lord.  You mean so much to us – to us you are Chengelo – thank you for all the love you have shown us these past 4 years.  We so desire the very best for you, we know the Lord wants that too – we leave you in His hands.

Barbara Thomson

We do miss you all.  It is like a hole in the community without you.  In some ways though you seem very close to us – closer than if you had just moved away.  We think about and pray for you continually and await news of events eagerly.  I don’t know if you are near friends down there in the South, but you can be sure there are at least 10 Mkushi’ites sitting beside you at any one time in spirit – that would make the doctors sit up if you walked in wafting 10 visible little spirits along with you!

Magnus Thomson

Dear Ruby and boys

I hope you are not finding it very hard in South Africa.  I do pray that Neil will get better soon and that God will look after him.  How is Neil at the moment?  I know what it feels like.  I hope he gets better quickly.

Tony Siddle

Dear Neil

I want you to know how much you and Ruby have meant to us over the past few years.  Your encouragement and concern in difficult times was heaven sent indeed!  I surely could not have survived without it.  I have never had such friendship in my life.

John and Mwaka Ngulube

Just to let you know of our love and prayer support at this most trying period in your lives.

NEIL – John and Mwaka appreciate and love you.  You have been Dad to us.  May the Lord Jesus Christ be gracious and touch and heal you.  Amen!  This is our sincere cry!

RUBY – In you we have seen a Mum and may the good Lord reward you greatly for all that you have done for Him.  May He be all that you need.

TIMOTHY and LUKE – I thank God for you.  May He draw you closer to His Father’s heart.  Thank you for being my chess members.

The school is praying for you – students as well as staff.

Tim Simms

On behalf of all the staff here, I want to extend to you our love and prayers at this time.

I would like it to go on record that much of what Chengelo stands for today is as a direct result of your input to the school.

Be assured that we will continue to ‘strive for His best in every way’ and that both staff and students alike owe much to your dedicated service and demonstration of love.

The God of all peace and comfort be yours today and forever.

And the response from Mooi River was as warm and generous.

Stapes

This is an appropriate day to write to you…traditionally Comrades day!

Neil and Ruby, we have felt so much for you over the last few days.  Neil we are praying that God will heal you completely.  He is sovereign and knows best, but He has also promised that we can move His hands in prayer.  We promise to keep praying for you and to plead with Him for your complete healing.

You have been dear friends over many years and we stand beside you now ready to help and support you where we are able.

As mentioned over the telephone last evening, I confirm a Treverton EXCO decision.  Timothy and Luke may be enrolled at Treverton and until the end of 1996 their boarding and tuition fees have been waived…

On the 15^th June, Dad wrote:

So much has changed since I last wrote to you.  I’m no longer ‘totally dependent’ on Ruby for toilet or dressing, or even walking.  Bathing is still impossible without the strong arms of someone like Pelle to lower and lift me but I now walk around the house alone, I can use the toilet alone, and can even walk short distances without my stick.  I still can’t move my foot, but my leg muscles have regained some tone.  This morning as I sat down I felt distinctly uncomfortable.  We arranged the cushions; it still wasn’t right; I adjusted my jeans; still not ok.  Then I realised my missing sock was in my underpants!

During the next few months the letters kept coming…

Keith and Gitta George

Our love and prayers are with you.  We wish we could have come down as well.

I watched Simon run and finish the 18km Rock Ridge Challenge last Saturday.  For me that event was run for you Neil, a birthday special and a tribute.

Ian and Alison Richardson

Words cannot express all we want to say to you right now, however, we want you both to know that we love you lots and really appreciate all you’ve done for us over the last 6 years.

Neil and Ruby, God has used you greatly as you’ve been so open to allowing Him to work through you.  If it were not for you we would not be at Chengelo.

John and Ruth Mellen (Chengelo staff)

We join with all at Chengelo, to wish you God’s blessing and grace.  No doubt He will be very close to you at this time.

You are already greatly missed and we are so grateful for the foundations you have laid, on which we can so confidently build.

Mike and Lin Carter (Chengelo staff)

Lin

You both sound amazing and it’s so obvious that God is holding you close.  We continue to pray that you can rely on Him and I’m sure you will.  I was so relieved to hear that the boys are in Treverton and that the job situation in January is secure.

We’ll hear from Ida and before then, from David and Brian what the current medical situation is, so that we can continue to pray intelligently.  Things already sound miraculous (surprise, surprise!!) – each time we hear news we are amazed.

Mike

Hi there.  Just had break and prayed for Ida and Andy and the journey, so we have sent them off with guardian angels and pray that they will serve you as you need them.  It always amazes me how God uses situations to teach his people lessons and to build their faith.  Certainly as news from your end filters back, faith is built at this end and yours too, by the sound of it.

Roger and Angie Allen (Chengelo staff)

Thank you for your note, hope you are able to get some sleep!  We’re thinking of you constantly and praying.  We had a day of prayer for you as a family last Friday (31 May) that culminated in a meeting in the evening which was packed.  We all love you so much and wish we could do more than pray!

Di and Dave P-D (Mkushi farmers, Chengelo parents)

I have been trying to write to you for weeks, but just can’t put my jumbled thoughts and feelings onto paper.  All I can say is that our thoughts and prayers are very much with you – you have both always had such a wonderful strong faith – I pray He will reinforce your strength and give you healing and peace.  Just wanted to give you both a big hug.

Isaac Chabinga (House help)

I hope you are living in God’s hand.  Back to us we are living in sorrow since we receive the oramble (horrible) report which was from the doctor telling us about Mr Solomon sad.

Mrs Solomon, Timoth, Luke don’t worry just put hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He knows everything.

Mrs Solomon as I am writing this letter my heart is broken.  I even don’t like people talking about Mr Solomon.

Let God send you the comforter please, Mrs Solomon.

DON’T, DON’T, DON’T WORRY.

Rosemary (Chengelo caterer)

There are so many unanswered questions in my heart right now, but I do believe and hope in the Lord for He knows why!

Ruby, I did enjoy every single minute we spent together, it was so short but memorable.  Whatever you’re going through right now Ruby – you are not alone – we are all walking together and the Almighty is leading.

 

Kathy Haigh (Chengelo staff)

Did Rich write and tell you about the fantastic form 5 Hostel evening we had at Ndubes on the night of your birthday?  We had a braai and disco.  Ndubes proved the ideal venue – we could have the music full blast without fear of disturbing staff – and the atmosphere of that place alone proved conducive to a good time.  At the end of the evening, we took the students down to the amphitheatre and many of them prayed for your healing, Neil.

Praying for you and thinking of you every time I pass the box of burnt out camp remnants in the box in my study!  There’s definitely something vital missing from Mkushi without the Solomons around.  Thanks again for everything.

Newton and Sara Young

It is with shock and bewilderment that we take in all the events up to date and we cannot express how deeply we are feeling for you all.  It was so good to speak to you on the phone, Ruby, and hear how positive you are – an example to all of us!

Hopefully we will be able to come down and see you, but even better Andy said he is going to pop you in a car and bring you back to Mkushi (excellent idea).  Either way I think you need a quick burn in the aeroplane with a couple of barrel loops, which are good for the circulation.  We are all desperately looking forward to seeing all of you.

Mark Young

It was so good to hear a positive reaction from people who have seen you and others who have had the opportunity to speak to you.  I would have expected nothing less from the person who has shown me so many small things in life that count so much, and given me encouragement in whatever I planned or have done.  You’ve always held a special place in my heart, and I trust in the Lord that the good times we’ve shared over the past will not be the last, but a beginning to a whole new and more fruitful time.

Carla and Keesjan van der Maas

We hear good news – a cheerful Neil and Ruby.  Sally said Rea and her mother-in-law were very astonished, a bit disturbed to see a cheerful Neil, while they had expected some downward people.  We keep on praying!

Rami Galli (Chengelo staff)

Every person here is thinking of you all.  We have been praying for you daily and many of us have had specific words leading us to pray for healing.

I seem to remember that when Angus was ill, Ruby you got many promises of healing from the Bible and the boys printed them out.  I’m really praying that all those verses will now be effective for you and that even your faith then will reap a reward now.

David Parshotam

We’re surviving here in the bush.  Ruby I have kept everything in order and Pelle has been very helpful.

Chengelo came to use Ndubes on Neil’s birthday and I showed them to the amphitheatre and the form 5’s were quite amazed to see all that Neil has done.

Many thanks for all that you have done for all of us.

PS Royd, Snowy and Priscilla all say hello.

Richard Thompson

Life seems to have the ability to do the most unpredictable things sometimes.  One minute we are communicating by the sun and mirrors across the Ndubaluba landscape, the next by airmail and disjointed messages along the African phonelines.

I often put in letters the standard line that ‘Chengelo is the same as usual, busy etc…’ however I can’t this time because it isn’t – it is missing a special family very much.

I think I have definitely found my vocation in life – I get such a buzz from taking the students away on weekends.  You have been such an inspiration to me.

I hope you are strong and at peace right now Neil.  I value your friendship very much and I miss your words of encouragement and support.  I’m praying for your healing – we all are – yet I know that God is in control and the outcome is His will.

Linda Siddle

Our thoughts are constantly with you all, even in our dreams we think of you!  We have all been praying, interceding like never before in our lives.  I have never in my life seen a group of people so intense and like-minded – for me we are totally united in prayer for healing.  We have wept both in public and in secret before God, pleading for Him to spare our dear friend.  Neil, be assured, there is a lot of love for you in this place.  I think Roger summed it up when he said that you had the ability to make such wonderful friends with folk and that you are a great example to us of a real friend.  I wish we could be with you, to talk to you and love you, to hold you Ruby and support you.

I am so glad that David and Brian may fly down to see you all.  Brian has been really battling with this whole thing.  There is a lot of love there!

On Sunday at the service led by David Hill, it was a bit like musical chairs with people going out - others wept where they sat.  I’m so glad that you feel our support because it is there in a tremendous way.  We often pray at break although last week on Thursday no-one could speak!  Ian only just managed yesterday and so it goes on.  The whole farming block is behind you.

Carla van der Maas

Last Wednesday was a difficult staff-meeting.  Again some troubles with form 5’s.  But we got to the point again that pupils are losing respect for staff etc and not wearing their uniform proudly – Ahhh you know.  Then I think back to the days with you, Neil.  (Good days!)  How did you manage?  You had the respect of the pupils, definitely.  I know only one man who can take a whole school up the mountain while all the teachers are marking!  I think because you were honest and you had style.  You made pupils stand up on the bridge when teachers were passing.  I would never have missed the years working under you.  You taught me a lot.  (Sorry to be so positive about you – just read quickly over it.)   Especially about style, respect, sort of proudness.

Because I am a tutor now I take care of the girls of 5V.  Every week I try to chat with one person.  We go for a walk after prep.  I am very encouraged by it.  They are so open and so willing.  Many of them say that they are so thankful to be at Chengelo and to know the staff.  Chengelo has changed their lives!  What a great blessing!  Thanks, Neil, for your willingness to set this all up.  To start in the wilderness.  I am myself also very thankful God has led us here.  We have had a real training period here.

Sally Thomas

I am so sorry to hear about Neil – my heart aches for you and your family.  I am praying that things will work for the best for all of you.  We all love both you and Neil so much.  Say hi to Tim and Luke.

PS Ben, Jabes and David all send their love.

Cynthia Hift (Granny’s best friend)

We should like you to know that you are both in our thoughts and prayers.  If only more so-called Christians could really understand what it is about and have complete faith and trust, such as you have, life would be much easier.  We were impressed by the story Marianne told us about your sons’ reaction to your news, when they were told.  Wonderful!

The wider community of friends then added to the avalanche of mail in June.

Les Mutton (Australia)

Hi Neil

Bronwyn and I are sending you our love.  Keith Waddel and Michelle Cantlay have told us you are not well at present , in the head, and that in fact you may be separating from us for a little while, and seeing the One who is the Perfect Healer (and no, this is not a Neil Solomon stunt!)  You are our dear brother-in-the-Lord and we would love to greet you face to face.  We have walked some of the same roads together and have seen the same great city at the end of the road and with you goes a bit of myself.  It is God who decides lots of things in my life and in yours, and He, above all, is to be trusted.  I am better off for knowing you, my brother, a self-declared ‘simple woodland creature’.

Tukamonana

Bronwyn Mutton

Hi Neil

Must admit I was very shocked to hear the early June news about you.  It is the ‘it wouldn’t happen to him syndrome’.  At times it seems too hard to believe in Romans 8:28 being a constant, victorious promise.

I am blessed by having known your mental and physical vitality and your sharp wit which was always at least one step ahead of the teenagers, constantly taking them by surprise.  Les and I were sorry while at Chengelo we did not have opportunity to spend more time with you and Ruby.

Ruby, your capacity for entertaining visitors, and being friend, mentor and encourager of students is remembered by me with great admiration.  Your thoughtfulness to me was highlighted by the marvelous newsy letters you wrote to us last year giving us so much detail about life at Ndubaluba.  We still have Newman’s bird book on our shelf which you bought for us.  It helped enrich our knowledge of God’s great African creation.

We will continue to pray for you both and Tim and Luke and pray you will know God’s engulfing love.

Charlie Lanham (SA)

Solly

I think with gratitude of the page in your book where you have recalled our berg trips together and pay me such high compliments.  Thank you.

I find it so hard to hold back the tears as I think of your most recent medical assessment.  I wonder why I cry so?  Alan Staples cries also because of this news.

Solly, you are a special friend who I cried for when you left Treverton.  You cannot leave us on this earth.  We will be so lonely without your friendship and colour.

I am at St Paul’s as I could not attempt this note at home – I have not the strength and need a solitary place to say thank you.

Solly, seeing you last night you look so strong and we are filled with hope.  Praise the Lord for your life.

David and Pauline Foster (UK)

The Lord has blessed us through you all as a family; Tim and Luke with us at Sakeji and times of fellowship both at Sakeji and at Chengelo with you as well.  There is no doubt at all that Neil has left a tremendous mark on the life of Chengelo and on the lives of so many individuals as well; so many who have cause to thank the Lord for every remembrance we have.

PS  Yes, what lovely memories we have of our fellowship with you.  That royal welcome at Chengelo at the schools opening, the flowers and the card – our brief times together at Sakeji when your boys were there and the sharing then.  You are somehow special people to us – and we will always hold you dear, and now especially at this time.

John and Ruth Robertson (Ex-Headmaster, Treverton)

My son Murray phoned from Australia yesterday.  He shared about Neil’s severe illness, and he was so sad.  I shared his sadness.

It is many years since we were in touch, and I have such happy memories of you – in your home at Treverton.

David and Sian Fenton-Jones (Volunteer staff back in the UK)

We have just received the news and even though we have not been in touch for so long we wanted you to know that we often think back to Chengelo and the fun we all had.

Neil, you taught David and I a lot while we were with you, especially ‘snake avoidance whilst sleeping rough!’ and many more important ones like taking hold of a dream and not letting go.

Bob Baker ( Secretary, Chengelo Education Trust, UK)

Our thoughts and prayers are very much with you and we have mailed a copy of the letter from Ian Richardson to all the Chengelo contacts through the Trust and the School Fellowship Days, all over the country.

I know that all of us who are involved with the School, as well as those who know Neil personally, will be praying most earnestly for God to intervene.

Rod and Laura Parvess (Treverton colleagues)

Your positive attitude and determination are an inspiration and encouragement to us.  Knowing you as we do, this should not come as a surprise!

Fozzy and Sara (UK)

We just want to say that you are very much in our thoughts and prayers – all of you.

The words of an old Hymns of Faith hymn have stuck in my mind – I’ll write it down as it may be an encouragement to you?

‘My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand.’

Murray Robertson (Australia)

I have been confused for some days as to what to write to you, but now I know.

Yes, there are miracles, I hope for one for you, but I don’t want to miss saying goodbye as you appear to be leaving on your Greatest Journey.

Goodbye = God be with you.

Our current news:

We are expecting a daughter right at the end of September, but Phillipa does not think that Bokmakierie is as good a name as I do.  Phillipa is as healthy as a Russian Communist tractor driver.

I feel that I have just been called by God in the Uniting Church.  This is in part due to you telling me how you are now ‘living dangerously’, or ‘on the edge’ because you realise things do not matter so much, so you are more alive than ever before and risks are worth taking.

I love you, Neil, as I love Ruby, Timothy and Luke – if you go and they need any sort of help or looking after or advice, please tell them to call on me.

Brian Smithson (SA, friend from ‘Varsity) The names Brian uses are from a joke they shared.

Dear Wagonwheels

I’ve always looked up to you.  The way you do things is just very nice and different and right.

Now I have a big problem with the news I heard today.  You know life ain’t easy (especially for me) so it is a problem for me if you are so ill.

So your little brother asks you kindly – get better.

Chickenshit.

Dotti von Ulmenstein

Neil, you are very fortunate that you have such a loving family and supportive family and they will be there for you whenever you need them.

Hugh has been very quiet about your cancer – I’m sure the two of you will have very deep and meaningful conversations.  He is very, very fond of you and I think your illness will have a great effect on him.

Michael Chesterman (UK, stood in as head for Dad when we went away on ‘furlough’)

I was very moved (to tears) by your wonderful letter, passed on to me by Harry and Mary Rea.  Sylvia has just joined me out here, and together our hearts are full of love and compassion for you both.  You are going through deep waters, and instead of sending out signals of distress you are inspiring those of us on the dry land by your courage and composure.  In the power of Jesus you are turning disaster into a triumph, much as He did!

My relationship with you Neil, in particular, had a special quality of its own – a sort of ‘bonding’ which arose out of our passing the relay baton to each other and then back again at Chengelo.

I treasure that as something precious – the sharing of common aims, values, and purpose in life.  I needn’t go on at length – the important thing is that you receive one more reminder of how many people love you and support you.

God be with you, old friend, and fear nothing.

Lynley Taylor (Zaire, Ben’s mom)

I’m so sorry we have been unable to write to you sooner, but David and I were away in another village when the news about Neil arrived here by radio and by then our MAF pilot had gone on leave and we could not get a letter out.  This morning we have heard that the plane belonging to the Pentecostal Community is coming in to bring and take out mail, so I’m quickly writing.  We were very upset on receiving the news of Neil’s illness and our first reaction was ‘Why?’   One day we will know why God has allowed this to happen but meantime we can only rest in Him.  I have been thinking back over the time we have known you.  We do love you all and really appreciate what you have done for Chengelo and the community there, but especially the time and care that you have put into Ben.  You have built something of each of you into his personality and into his spiritual life.  He has had a very special opportunity by living and learning at Ndubaluba that has made a lasting impact on his life.  We would love to be able to be with you to have a talk and give you all a good hug, but it is not possible at the moment.  However, you are much in our thoughts and we are praying for you every day.

Anne Carrington (New Zealand)

As I sit and think (I’ve done a lot of that lately!) I see Neil, how you have always held your life in the open palms of your hands – open for God to use, to change, and now even in having to face death, to take.  You do not hold things tightly, to own or possess.  I think now that’s why you’re facing it all with such ‘reckless abandon’ and in His strength, it’s been your way of life – why should that change now.

Debbie Fisher (UK, ex-Chengelo staff)

Thank you again for being such welcoming friends to me in Zambia.  Though my heart aches for you, my mind thinks of you and I praise God and thank Him that I knew you.

July saw us in the Cape for radiotherapy, and we stayed with Hugh and Dotti.  You boys flew back to Treverton after your holiday.

Gordon and Peggy Suckling

Gordon and I just want to say that we count it an honour to have known you both – to be friends together in the family of God. We love you and love our happy memories of times together.

Melissa Harrington (Chengelo past pupil)

Dear Mr Solomon

There comes a situation in every person’s life that they are without the appropriate words to say.  This is a most frustrating thing to go through especially with someone you know.  This year I seem to be put in occasions such as these more than ever before.  I have taken a huge step from being a silly giggling teenage girl to having a serious job and paying taxes.  Yet I don’t think anyone is ever prepared to write a letter to a patient in your condition.

All I can say from the bottom of my heart is that I love you and that my prayers are with you every day.  We have to live in total faith, trust and surrender.

Everyone is praying for you.  May God grant you and your family peace and may he continue to bless you all.

Aunty Anne

You have always loved the mountains and are feeling now the pain of ascent – and we can only stand below and hold up our hands and pray for you – knowing that He will always be there for you, and will always ‘come and carry’ when the ascent to the peaks gets more than you can bear…

Andy – email

Email to Neil and Ruby Solomon from Bishop Andrew Thomas

Address:  The Archdiocese of Mkushi Boma

Howzit guys.  You have been much on my mind (as usual) and I have been waking at 0430 and praying for you.  Please email back with specifics to pray about.  How are your emotions?  List them and I will try and find some answers from the Word for you.  Remember that I love you and that you are the best 2 things that have happened to me.  Voorvaarts vir die land, die volk en die bokke.  Shosholoza.  Andy.

Reply from Dad

We walked into Dotti’s office feeling a bit low and depressed.  There on the table was your sunshine message.  Bless you!

I go just now to have my first radio-therapy on lung plus brain so will probably feel pretty zonked out for the next five days.  By 2/8 it will all be over and we head for Natal a few days later.

Please pray for my book, strength for Rubes and the boys, and that I will live to see 1997 (at least)!!!  Emotions: fear of having a fit in public, for Ruby and boys.

Otherwise we are amazingly strong.  Let the flag fly high…..love ya Boet.  Neil.

Having spent time with Hugh, this was his response.

 

Hugh

Dear Stos and Rubes

I’ve just read your letter, and thought that it would be an opportune time to both reply and put some of my own thoughts on paper – something that I’ve been meaning to do for a few weeks now.

It’s a pity that it sometimes takes a major event, crisis, time of sadness or of joy, or whatever, to galvanise one into the action of committing thoughts, emotions or ideas to words (be they on paper, or just ‘said’.)  I don’t convey the above very easily to people near to me – which is a pity and a problem!

Stos, you’ve always been a friend, a mentor, a buddy, a confidant, a source of inspiration.  I’ve admired the way you are a husband to Rubes, and a father to Timothy and Luke.  Your style of parenting is something I wish I could emulate.  I’ve read Dobson’s books, and I’ve then proceeded to control my children with anger and wrath, instead of giving them encouragement, love and a sense of self-worth.

While I’ve struggled to maintain monetary and material wealth, you’ve gained riches that elude capitalists in the commercial world.  I envy you for having done this, whilst also believing that I wouldn’t be able to do it ‘your way’.  Nonetheless, it remains an inspiration to me.

Your courage and optimism since you’ve been diagnosed as having cancer, and during your hospitalization and treatment, has been a wondrous thing to observe.  As I’ve said to many people, I’ve been humbled by your philosophy, strength, fortitude, and faith.  Your admirable qualities have touched many people, and they can only be the richer for having known you, and being close to you.  You are a legend in your own time.  While you tackle problems of a truly daunting nature, I’ve been getting into a pathetic stew over absurdly unimportant issues.  My business pressures spill over into the home front, where, as you know, I bark at my wife and children like an uncouth lout.  The treadmill of financial, and other pressures sometimes seems like no escape, and I wind up inside like a tightly coiled spring.  Instead of focusing on good and positive things, I seek out the bad and the negative.  I tell you this only to share my feelings of inadequacy that are compounded by your own show of personal strength.

I can tell you candidly and comfortably that I do not subscribe to a formal religion, or written code of belief.  Yet, if there is a God, then perhaps he’s demonstrating something to me via your faith.  I’m happy with that thought.

Stos, I love you, and I salute you!

Hugh

And after we’d been back to Mkushi in June so that Dad could say goodbye...

Toto and Eric

Not a day has passed since we returned that we have not thought of and prayed for you.  We have known all that has been going on, through letters and phonecalls from Anne – and Ian’s prayer request letter, and more recently the wonderfully plucky and informative one from you dated June 9^th.  We long for news and we think of you this weekend, so bravely traveling up to Mkushi and do hope all goes well.  You are both amazing.

Gareth and Helen Rowlands (missionaries, Fiwila)

Time passes so quickly when you are busy and it seems no time at all to us since we sat in the country club and listened to your marvelous joint sermon.  But, I suspect for you who have had to put up with the effects of chemo/radio – therapy, time doesn’t slip by so quickly.  It is a while since we heard any news of you; by coincidence we happened to be at Chengelo when you phoned one Sunday morning with a bulletin about 2 months ago.  This doesn’t mean that we have forgotten you though and we often think of you, pray for you and wonder how God is working out His plan in you. Don’t worry about replying to this card as we know your correspondence pile is formidable.  We just wanted to drop you a line to wish you well and assure you of our spiritual support – and admiration.  Keep faith.

Max Mumbi

What a glowing report I heard of your recent visit to Chengelo, the place you helped found.  You are constantly in our prayers and in our hearts.

Pelle and Ruth

It was so good to talk to you on the phone the other Sunday and to hear that God is still sustaining you and giving you His peace.  It’s still difficult to go to Ndubaluba and see it empty and poor old George moping about wondering when she will have someone to look after….  Your leopard orchid is in full bloom and looking magnificent.

PS Donations for your airfare etc were as follows:

Greyvensteyn (snr)      300 000

Shrosbree                    100 000

Parshotam? (I’ll let you know)

Skinners                      100 000

Diakosavas                  100 000

Moffat                         250 000

Young (snr)                 150 000

Barry Shenton             50 000

One or two others indicated that they wanted to give but have not paid yet.  I gave a cheque for K1 050 000 to Brian Bentley who was going to give forex to Barton Young to give to you.  Hope these arrangements work out.

Rachel (RJ) Wadsworth from Hong Kong

From all accounts it sounds as if you challenged a great many people at the club service at Mkushi – what an amazing witness you and Ruby must have been to a very real and loving God in your lives whatever the outcome of your treatment.

It’s part of the great British tradition not to show your feelings too openly and I think sometimes I’m guilty of that.  So I’d like to say now how special you and Ruby are to me.  I know I only spent 18 months with you in Mkushi but it was a very important time for me.  I did a lot of growing up at Chengelo and there are times I often wish I was back there.

Brian Bentley

I went up to your beloved cross and prayed for you there – sounds a bit odd, but it felt right.

And so August came…

Rich

I’ve moved into Ndubaluba – it’s so relaxing and I’m enjoying the tranquility – there are lots of plans to develop the place but I’m determined to keep the atmosphere and peacefulness of Ndubaluba the same as it’s always been.  The guest cottage is almost ready and I’ve put a booking sheet on the notice board!

The cats are still very demanding (they even pounce on me when I’m sitting on the toilet – did you teach them that?)

The term calendar is full of Ndubaluba fixtures which is very encouraging and I’m sure it will get fully booked at weekends.  All the flowers are healthy and although it’s very dry, it’s looking good.

I was sitting on your verandah and watched the night sky – in the distance the hills were aglow with flames as the bush burned.  The air was full of noises (thankfully not form 5’s showering as I was used to!)

You have both been in my thoughts and prayers.  At Ndubaluba I’ve already realized that even when nobody is around I still have God very close to me.  He is more than enough…

Nev Pietersen from the UK

Since we spoke on the phone I have tried to raise the money in order to visit you.  I did consider asking my bank to loan me the airfare, but after talking this through with Suzanne (wife) I decided that I could not afford to pay them back!  I did ask the pope (Nev’s brother!) who was very kind enough to say that if he had the spare cash he would of gladly given it to me.  He also offered to help me pay back a bank loan should I obtain it.  I have decided that I am not going to borrow the money, but I am spending ₤1.00 a week on the lottery in the hope that someone may think me worthy of the stewardship of a load of dosh!

I have so much to say to you both and I am not sure that my skills on paper will do justice to the thoughts in my head, but I will give it a go; Neil I have never met anyone since or before meeting you who has so much energy.  You could get excited over a glass of warm water and what’s more you could get me excited over the same glass!  I can see you now and the choices are endless – for instance one could turn it into warm tea/coffee, share it, watch it cool, freeze it, watch it evaporate or just drink it warm!  And I am sure you could think of lots more uses.  It’s your drive and enthusiasm that founded Chengelo, and you have touched so many young people in your work who will always draw on their days at school when memories overtake events in everyday living.

Some things trigger me off into a daydream like Tracy Chapman, hills, blue cars!, early summer when the air is full of expectancy and the onset of newness is about to break out and thrill me up with memories of a different time.

In all of this you are in my mind’s eye and have been since I left.  I owe you so much and yet you have never asked me for anything and I sometimes wonder if I would be able to match like for like – I doubt it.  Nevertheless, please ask me anyway.

Ruby, us men go through life seeking out womenfolk like you – I should know, I’m on my third wife and I think if all of their good qualities were put together it would still have a way to go to catch up with you.  But don’t tell Suzanne I said so!  I have never seen you angry and I have never heard you say anything bad about anyone.  Solid is what you are – Neil is a very fortunate man and you can sing, and you make milk tart! In fact yours was the last one I ate.  Enough of that!  Ruby you really are the best – you have given me sound advice in the past and you have great judgment on when to give advice and when to say naught.  I miss you.

Neil, I love you mate, I am not angry that you are sick, I don’t have that right, but I cannot at this moment face the thought that I may not see you.  I am sure that I am being selfish in this but I have so much that I want to learn from you and to say to you and to give you a hug.  Neil, God or anyone can take my life if you can keep yours.

Please keep your tongues out! And have the most mega experience on me!

I love you both to bits.

Lou Thomas

Now – how are you both?  We long to see you and chat.  I’m sitting in my rocking chair with the morning sun streaking down on my paper and this reminds me of times when you used to drop in and have a cup of coffee and we’d discuss ‘important’ issues, be cynical about it all, laugh and then just have a gas!  I guess this is what memories are all about and they are so very precious.

Anne vG

Dearest Neil and Ruby

I had the most wonderful phonecall with Mum and Dad yesterday, when they told me about bumping into the two of you.  Wasn’t that amazing?  It was so good to talk with them, and feel as though I’d been there with you too.  I only wish I could be.

It’s terribly difficult to start writing when you feel so much and don’t know how to put it.  Can I throw away all conventions about ‘warming up’ to things and tactful ways of putting things and stuff and just write as I feel as I write?  My overwhelming feelings when I was talking to Dad were real, pit-of-the-chest pain mingled with a ludicrous exhilaration that how he was describing the two of you was exactly as I’d expect you to be in this sort of situation!  When I first heard from Pelle, he said that the prognosis was maybe no more than a week or two, and one of my first reactions was to think that you’d probably immediately be planning outdoor pursuits for the angels, Neil, with Ruby helping you to sort out the details.  When Dad said that you’d written a book, I wondered why I hadn’t thought of that first.  But the thing that struck Dad most – and for Dad this was an amazing thing to say – was that he’d never met any couple coping the way you two are.  He’s seen a lot of patients in his time, but he said the mutual concern was one thing, and, being Dad, he was particularly struck by you saying what a fascinating experience this has been, Neil!  That made such an impression on Dad – for me, it was just exactly you.  I don’t think I know anyone who lives as thoroughly as you do.  So, although in some ways it’s a side issue, but in others it isn’t – thanks for giving my Dad probably the deepest witness to faith that he can remember having.

Since hearing from Pelle, the four of you and Chengelo and all those times have never been far from my consciousness.  It’s interesting to realise that there are very few of my most enjoyable memories which don’t have the two of you in them somewhere!  Driving to Lusaka and getting two punctures along the way, but that didn’t matter, since we just took the opportunity to look at the ghastly stuff being sold in the roadside stalls.  No problem.  Slip into Zam time.  Watching the two of you set up camp each night on the canoe trip, and choosing your spot for the perfect shower.  Bird watching.  Getting some crazy idea and coming along to the headmaster without it even occurring to me that he’d say it was crazy – and he didn’t.  Anything was worth a go, and the more visionary it was, the better!  Watching some video at your place that involved single women being murdered one by one, and at the end, finding Neil next to me armed with blankets so that I could kip on your sofa.  Calling the girls together because they had been complaining that the staff didn’t trust them, and all my assurances that it was really just that there were some we weren’t sure of, and had to treat them all the same, did nothing to help.  Neil comes along and says, “I hear that some of you are concerned that we don’t trust you. Of course we don’t trust you.  I wouldn’t have trusted me at your age, so why should I trust you?”  And they blinked; thought, “Fair enough”, and that was the last I heard of it!  Standing in the girls’ hostel after those two boys had been breaking in regularly at night for a while, and watching Neil say, “Anyone who doesn’t know what I’m talking about may leave,” and then, as one girl got up, “You brushed against them in the corridor.  Sit down.”  One group of terrified females, faced with an omniscient headmaster!  Listening to Neil ‘selling’ his idea of a running club (the ‘15 minute’ one), and whereas 90% of people would extol the values of running and the reasons why getting up at 5 am wasn’t a problem, and it would really be easy and wouldn’t they like to join in my nice idea etc, Neil lays down the strictest rules he can think of that they have to agree to before he’ll consider accepting them.  And they flock to join.  Squash nights.  Plans for extensions to a mud hut.

And that last reminds me of something which pretty well sums it all up. In the last letter I got from you in Zambia, you wrote about your bathroom wall falling in, I think.  A perfect opportunity for creating an outdoor bathroom, you wrote!  I don’t think you two can have any idea of the extent of your influence on me, and how dearly I’d love to have your gifts for turning collapsed bathroom walls into an opportunity for something even more exciting.

And how much I want to keep your….I can’t get the words.  What I’m trying to say was epitomized when we carried out the crazy scheme of driving to Lusaka for breakfast.  How many people would do that?!  And how rich a life is when that sort of thing is always possible.  If there’s something to do, then let’s do it, regardless of the staid, conventional ‘proper’ way life should be plodded through.

You know, it’s been therapeutic for me just writing this and ‘being with you’ as I did so.  God’s been giving me a crash course in life recently – much less intensive than yours, but from the number of ‘crashes’ I’ve had even on this introductory level, I know I wouldn’t be capable of your advanced course at this stage.

You dear people – I love you, and am so, so grateful for all the fun, support and learning of those three years and beyond.

God bless and keep you both very, very close.

Peter Green

What a wonderful time you are having!  That would sound utterly callous if I did not believe, as from your letters you clearly do, that we belong to a God of wonder and grace, albeit also of mystery.  The example of you both is one that I shall look to should I ever be placed in a similar position to either of you.  Thank you for the way in which you are supporting the faith of so many of us who look upon your strength with admiration.

Stephen and Kristi Baker

Greetings.  We were so sorry to hear of Neil’s illness through the circulars sent out by Liz Wyatt here in the UK and a photocopied fax message from Ian Richardson.  It was a real shock to us as a family because although we did not know Neil well, we have been full of admiration for him as he has pioneered the development of Chengelo School.

Dad’s faxed reply to Gavin after sending climbing news

Dear Gavin

Sorry!  You know me.  I will improve, I promise.  We plan to install email in our Mooi River house by the end of the month.  Thanks for the climbing blurb.  As usual read with great interest.  Don’t stop.

Treatment is over – one week here to recuperate and then back to Mooi River.  They treated my brain and two lesions on the lung.

We are strong!  Cheers, Neil

Gavin Peckham

Hallelujah! We are all rooting for you.  Look forward to your email message from Treverton, but look forward even more to being in the hills with you again.  Keep in touch.  Cheers, Gavin.

Joy and Michael Gale (parents of Dad’s best friend at school)

We did so appreciate your letter and I can assure you that Jona treasures the memory of the time he spent with you and was so glad that he’d been able to get to see you before he left (for New Zealand).

Amit Desai (ex-pupil)

I received some shocking news recently from Mildred Muyaba in Washington.  At first I was shocked, then in deep thought.  All those memories of your family returned.  I don’t even know how to describe my current feelings, because they are different, I’ve never felt like this before.

I kept detailed diaries for every year since 1991.  In that 1991 diary, I recall that Mr Solomon used to give us those sex education talks, where you would explain the meaning of Rock ‘n Roll music and other aspects like AIDS.  On one of your Tuesday evening talks/lectures after prep, you once said, ‘I don’t mind dying now, but it would be sad for me to leave my wife and kids behind.’  I don’t know if you can remember that…

In June of 1994, you announced that you had turned 40 years old, and you added that ‘Life begins at 40’ (in the morning assembly).  I think it was that year that I gave you a shiny red birthday card where I spelt ‘exciting’ wrong – without the letter ‘c’  I remember many of my experiences with you just from the top of my head only.  I have always regarded you as a very professional person; probably that’s why I remember you so often.

Somewhere in my heart I believe that Neil shall be healed.  I have not opened a Bible or prayed for a good many weeks, but I shall sit down and pray hard tonight for Neil, as he is one man who probably unknowingly made a big difference in my life.

John Robertson

Dear Ruby

What a lovely name you have. May the Lord bring out the full brilliance of this glorious precious stone in your character at this time.  Your voice was clear and victorious.  More special love to your dear husband.

25 September and another newsletter went out

It is so difficult over the phone or in a letter to say how I feel, so when people ask, I usually end up saying ‘Well, but…’ or ‘Fine, thanks’ or ‘Strong’.  All of these are true, but don’t or can’t give the whole picture.

When I am with people I can give the impression of being normal, but alone I do succumb to the effects of the pills I have to take for fits and brain swelling.  I also have quite a few aches and pains but not so bad that I need pain killers all the time.

The main point that emerged yesterday in my thinking is that I have reached a point of ACCEPTANCE of death.  Let me assure you that acceptance does not equal despair.  I see it as a point of strength and one from which I can accept healing.  I am actually tired of using the word, ‘healing’ – at one stage it dominated my life above all else.  Is it significant that yesterday was the day that Ruby started fasting for me that God’s will be done?

The other thing I came to realise was that I was subconsciously measuring my time in months because of the medical opinions I’d been given.  God is giving me the will to escape that now.

So be assured; I am strong and fighting but, for now, I feel strength in the direction that God has led me.  The Treverton Board have appointed me as English teacher from January 1997 and I have been preparing lessons and getting the setworks to read in advance.

As I write I have a lovely spring morning outside to inspire me and I hear Ruby’s voice raised in happy song as she sings along with a tape Annie sent us from NZ.  ‘I surrender to you, everything I am and ever hope to be.’

Max Mumbi

Much water has passed under the bridge since last we saw each other.  (Doesn’t that sound like something you would say, Neil?)  You may find this next statement surprising, but I want you to know that I think of you often, and I thank the good Lord for more than just your time.  You have given – not just to me – so much!  Only now that I’ve looked back do I realise I would not be where I am if it were not for you and all you’ve done for me.  So keep doing what you do best – and that is being the special people that I know you are.

Anne VG

Just a note to touch base and tell you you’re never far from my thoughts and prayers.  I got out your two letters again just now and re-read them – they’re very precious to have.

…I’m planning (hopeful as usual) on doing lots of letter writing in 3 weeks when the 22,000 words I’ve yet to write are finished, but I did just want to send this off more as a ‘Hi’ than anything else.  You’re prayed for every day in chapel here, and I’m actually going to read parts of your letters in a devotions session I am taking this morning – so know, as I know you do, that you are both very loved from this part of the world, and touching people even at this distance!

God keep you both strong and happy.

Tony Siddle

It was so good to hear from you all in your letter/file.  Believe me, you really are an inspiration to us here, and we do appreciate your correspondence.  May God continue to bless you with His presence and comfort and allow you to do all you wish for.

Sally and Raubie

Dear Neil, Ruby, Tim and Luke

Good to hear from you in your August letter – must be great to be back in Mooi River, your home.

When you were still here we gave you a note saying that we would continue praying and supporting you in prayer – little did we know then what the Lord meant when He dropped that in our laps as that was before your journey to SA started.  We just want to encourage you that we are still committed to that note – we still keep the Lord informed about you as a family and keep on asking and believing Him for a miracle.  Both Sally and myself do not give up or quit when it comes to believing God for miracles – we have had 6 years of practice praying for a child and we are as full of faith now as we have ever been.  Daily we come into the wonderful presence of God on your behalf – I am telling you this not for any other reason but to encourage you to hang in there and not give up.

When I was flown out to SA with hepatitis the main thing that encouraged me was knowing that back in Zambia there was a fellowship that loved me and who constantly brought me before the Lord.  The same is true for you – let that be your courage.

Mrs Andersen has just returned and filled us in and said how well and happy you both are – thank you for being such shining examples of Christ – your testimony was and is being used by the Lord in Mkushi amongst the farmers – we now have the Alpha course videos starting up on two different locations in Mkushi with another one in its infant stage – this is all exciting stuff!

I often remember that song you taught the fellowship on return from your trip to the UK:

‘Let us rejoice and be glad

For the marriage of the Lamb has come

And the bride has made herself ready.’

Thank you for your great encouragement to us – Rick Godwin says that it is when we ourselves are most needy that is the time when the Lord is able to use us most effectively.

We love you.

Priscilla (from Ndubes)

The time I received a letter, I was very happy and I am still happy.  You know, Madam, the guys here every day talking about you, Ha! Mrs Solomon was good, that people was very good.  Pass all my greetings to Mr Solomon, Luke and Timothy.  My husband is greeting you all.  Nothing I can add.  May God bless you all.

Merrick Mitchell (another of Dad’s friends from ‘Varsity, now in New Zealand)

Neil, I really enjoyed being around you back in our student days.  I only regret that our paths separated as I went on to vet school.  You were a fun guy and I remember many incidents and happenings from our days at Maritzburg varsity with great fondness.  You were always a good climber and these days might be your greatest climb yet – into the presence of our great and living God, our Father who cares so much for each of us that He knows how many hairs we have on our heads!

I pray for you every day.  I will miss you if you don’t pull through, but I will rejoice too because you can get to heaven first and throw a top rope down and help me!  Go in peace, my brother, I love you and I miss you.  Until we meet again.

Aunty Anne

Thank you for sharing so candidly, Neil.  I am sure it can’t be that easy to do, but it certainly helps us to know how to pray better.  I felt your major word in the letter was “ACCEPTANCE” – so easy to write, so hard to hold on to.

A benediction for you both, from this same book (Amy Carmichael’s ‘Gold by Moonlight’):

‘Enter the day ahead with joy, determined to be available for Jesus to live His life through you.  Relax to its hardships working on you, trusting God to mould you, and carry you through them.  The climb can be tough, but take each event as from the hand of God, and praise Him, leaving the results in His hands.  Then watch for the signs of the lilies in the hard ground. AMEN.

Special prayer for strength and staying power – and a tangible, overwhelming peace.

Claire McKellar (ex-pupil)

I wanted to write and say how much you have meant to me as a kind of mentor.  Your enthusiasm and energy has always affected me.

Message in a bottle – a talk by Hugh Solomon

I’ve recently had the enriching and humbling experience of watching a brave, optimistic, philosophical, grab-life-in-both-hands-its-an-adventure-person of 42 come to terms with his diagnosis of terminal cancer.  In spending precious and even fun times with my younger brother, Neil, I’ve come to assess and reappraise the meaning of change.

Matthew Raymond (Sakeji Principal)

…you have ministered in a wonderful way to us in writing as you did, sharing intimately about your illness and the weaknesses, anxieties, pain, torment and the peace of God that it has brought.  No matter what else has been brought about through all this you have allowed God to use you by writing so honestly and openly – drawing us into your lives at this time of great crisis and inspiring us to respond to the Lord’s great love for you and ourselves.  You have been very brave and generous to do this and I pray that God will continue to use you in this way, no matter what the outcome of your illness is.

What more can I say?  Except to let you know how much Alison and I personally appreciated your encouragement and expression of support and friendship when we first arrived at Sakeji in 1994.  I pray that you will continue in this ministry of encouragement, no matter what your physical state, and I believe you will.

Ginnie Goodfellow (ex-parent)

I heard your sad news on the way to Sakeji and wrote to tell Freya.  You, Neil, have achieved more in your lifetime than most would manage in 10 lifetimes, and Ruby, you are part of that achievement.  ‘What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.’  I think of you often and hold you all in the Light.

Freya Goodfellow (ex-pupil)

You were/are one of the very positive things in my life – you taught me about who I was at Chengelo – it seems that those people who are most special go first.  I wish that I could see you but America is a long way away.  You are very much in my thoughts right now; I pray that you are at peace with yourself.

Well be strong – there are a thousand of us out here thinking of you and praying for you.

Ida

It is amazing how the Lord works.  I really felt how much you, Neil, had helped me.  Friends of ours who are in their mid-40’s that I’ve known since I was 8 – Bill, has just developed lymphoma and was having chemotherapy.  We spent quite a bit of time with them – they asked questions about so many things and were also quite afraid.  Because of you, the words of advice, comfort and hope just came flowing.  You had taught me so much without my realizing it.

Mike Robinson

…Your newsletters are nothing short of fantastic.  They have had a very great impact upon Beverley and I and Katie who is with us now, but off to UK tomorrow…Indeed, Neil, you are a head teacher of the highest stature, even if you are on your back!  That is the testimony of Neil Solomon, supported by a real brick of a wife and two lovely sons.  We have nothing but sheer admiration for your courage and determination to see this thing through whatever that may mean.

Isaac Chabinga

Dear Solomon family

How are you?  Here we are fine, all my family is fine.  How is Mr Solomon?  Someone told me he was in hospital again what is going on.  Mrs Solomon keep on living in hope and live (leave) everything in God’s hands because he knows what will happen.

And spiritually we are much encouraged to hear that Mr Solomon is happy to receive the cup which is coming upon him.

And again I say I am still looking forward to have your family picture.  Most especially Mr Solomon.  Give my greeting to the boys Timothy and Luke Solomon.  Also I don’t forget Mr Solomon’s parents.

Linda Siddle

You two never cease to amaze me with your ability to think of others in the midst of your own crisis.  Bless you Ruby for all the little gifts.  I saw a few people pulling out packages from pigeonholes and your letter, Neil!  I could not believe you wrote all that as you lay there going through another hell.  I must admit I have not as yet read it all but I wanted to write to you now while I have a few free lessons.  It was great to see Alistair. He said something amazing last night while he was up visiting.  I said: ‘It must have cost a lot of money to do this big trip’.  He said: ‘Yes indeed, but when I saw Neil and Ruby it was worth it’!  WOH!!!!!!

Neil we wish you great courage for the chemo.  I know that when I had my little scare, that was the one thing I dreaded happening.  I believe that God has taken you through such deep despair and pain, He knows what you can handle and YOU WILL COPE because HE IS WITH YOU.  That sounds very cliché-ish I’m sure, but it’s what I believe.  I think we have to be grateful that there is something else to try and I know I would want to give it a go.  I am so glad now that Andy and Lou are coming down at this precise time – isn’t God’s timing amazing?  This makes it all the easier for me to let them go and the same goes for Tim and Hazel.  You will never find better friends than these, believe me.

Brian and Anne Bentley

Thanks for your letter and the long newsletter.  I must confess to getting angry with God on your behalf and on my own behalf – thank you for your faith and encouragement.

Sally and Raubie Greyvenstein

Well you guys are amazing letter writers.  What a gift.  So good that we all have different gifts to make the body of Christ.  You are so special!  We read the letter done for Buks and Christine and I’m really sure you must be a witness to them.  Thanks so much, they do need to know there’s more to life than here.

Annie Carrington

Hiya there, my friends!  Thanks so much for your letter and your latest newsletter – one cannot get through it without a few tissues.  Yes – it is an amazing testimony of the Lord’s love and goodness and blessing. You very much deserve it, but it also testifies to the people you are, how you have touched so many lives.  I wish I could have been there to see Neil get off the plane in the wheelchair – it would have been a sight!

Vangela Dakis (Reeve)

Neil, I think of you both always, and especially during this hard time in your lives.  Please know that I am always here for support, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  There will always be a place in my heart and in my home for you, should you ever need it at any time.  I will never let my memories of Chengelo fade.  They were the best four years of my life and you brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.  I will always love you both for what you did for me there.

Peter Green

I was interested to note how much you have missed the relationships you have built up in Zambia.  I think I can understand that as I still miss the Basotho.  I felt that there I was loved by them in a way which I do not feel in the cultural materialism of Europe and the harsh pragmatism of Russia or the sectarian divisions of the Middle East.  I recently had a letter from David Foster (declining my invitation to join the Board of Trustees) whom I imagine you know. I do not know him but he indicated in his letter to me that one reason for declining the invitation was his difficulty in settling in the UK environment.  In a small city like Durham we are relatively sheltered from the worst aspects of the present European influenced English culture, but for how long?

Steve Baker and his namesake Bob Baker were both asking after you last Saturday.  You are remembered with much affection by the Trustees and we continue to uphold you in prayer and thanksgiving.

Barton Young

Trust you are all holding on in God’s grace.  Ruby – was very special just hearing your voice, regret not being able to talk to my brother Neil.  We miss you all very much, as I’ve said in my last letter – Mkushi will never be the same again for me, the emptiness for me to go to Chengelo - does not mean a fraction of what it meant when you were there.  We have not been to Ndubaluba yet, will go this Saturday for the farewell of Andy and family and Tim and Hazel Cripps.  …We had a farewell for them and their friends at our house, and once again Neil we missed you so much in leading the party.

Neil, Ruby – I so often ask myself why has this all happened to us.  Neil, your illness, my accident…when I believe we have both meant well with our Lord and Saviour…do all these trials happen to us on this earth for a purpose, our Gracious Heavenly Father wanting more and more to refine us for greater glory in eternity?  So often I stand back and wonder and can only say why, why, why, Lord? As I’ve written this the Lord has given me Psalm 62, and I’ve read one of my favourite psalms - Psalm 91.  Let’s latch onto God’s love and mercy because this test is only temporary and His angels are guarding us in all our ways…

… Praise God you shared 2 Cor 1 at the club – yes Neil what a testimony…

Neil, Ruby you’ve been able to give so much of yourselves to Mkushi, Chengelo and all in Zambia, never holding back for anything for yourselves.  How great our God is…

Anne Anderson

I’m afraid this is a very belated letter.  Not, I might add, because we do not think about you.  It’s difficult to put onto paper all that we feel for you at this time.  You have been so much in our thoughts, both individually and as a family.  Your testimony of God’s love has been very real and the expression of your faith has touched so many people in such a very special way – far and wide.

…As Andy mentioned, we have been watching the Alpha videos and as part of the course which involved 3 talks on the Holy Spirit, we spent a night at Ndubaluba.  Naturally you were very much in our thoughts and we felt very close to you at that time.  On the Sunday morning I was up as the sun rose and I spent some time sitting in ‘your’ amphitheatre.  It was enchanting, and I could see the allure of the place to you.  The ultimate moment was when the loerie came and perched on a tree above my head and began talking/cackling.

Andy Anderson

…We understand that you are not as strong as you have been, Neil, but you must know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers here in Mkushi, and hope that your pain eases.  You are such an amazing example to us all.  I know that Keesjan and Carla, and Tim and Hazel are planning journeys down your way in order to spend time with you there.  We all wish you so much and ask God to bless you all.  Nicky was watching the video I made of the opening of Chengelo, and your song was playing, Ruby – there is so much there that has ‘Solomon’ stamped on it!  Hopefully we will get some rain soon, and I will be on my tractor again – so I’m going to wish you a special Christmas together – my family sends their love and greetings.

Peet and the elders of New Life Church, Howick

This comes with much love from your family at New Life Church.

Both of you, and Timothy and Luke have been a wonderful, but stretching example to us.

You remain on our hearts and in our prayers – may the Lord encourage you at this time.

We love you lots.

Tobias Schempp

It has been a long time since you heard from me.  I just want to say thank you for what you have done for me.  Even though it seemed at the time a distraction of my life, I think it has been one of those building blocks – without it my life wouldn’t be complete.

Ruby

To my beloved husband and friend, Neil

Let’s stay in that place of acceptance – God is working out His purposes that will ultimately be for the best.  God whispers, “Trust my love” – and He makes certain enough light shines on the path for us to take the next step.  Ps 119 ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.’  One step at a time, Babes, just one.

Precious angel – I love you so much – so much that I am able to release you into God’s perfect purpose for your life.  But before I do that, I wrap you and cocoon you in strands and strands of my strong love for you.

I’m so glad a woman is a reflection of man’s glory – because as you have seen me grow and blossom and radiate love, joy and peace, it is a direct consequence of your acknowledgement of Jesus as your head, and your nurturing and covering of me.

My Darling, I can never thank you sufficiently for the husband you have been to me – so strong, yet so gentle; so forceful, yet encouraging me to also speak out and show my feelings; so much the head of the family, yet always acknowledging my support and role; so romantic, so sensitive, so full of fun and creative ideas, so incredibly brave…

Elsa Wilson

What a lovely visit I had with you both today – thank you for the encouragement you continue to be to me – I know the reality of where you are at but I also know the reality of God’s goodness and grace!

I’ve sent you a mirror, Neil, so that you can see if the sun is shining and if your heart is still beating!  Also this tape – it is a selection of ‘Fear Not’ scriptures.  Please accept my small contribution towards your daily expenses – perhaps that ‘treat’ I was going to get for you!

You have come to mean so much to me, and I thank God ‘for every remembrance of you.’ (I hope I haven’t misquoted the verse).

Pelle

…Well it’s good to hear news of you and to know that God is still supporting you.  I continue to pray for your healing, Neil, and trust that you will have the strength you need for each day (both/all of you) and that you will continue to have minor victories and advancements every day.  I also pray that more and more people will turn to God as your lives affect theirs and they see God’s power manifested in your lives.  It would be great to see you again.

Ruth

Thanks for your general letter.  We finally got to read it over the retreat.  I am so encouraged by your faith and perseverance.  We pray for you every day.

Brian Smithson

Neil – you are always my hero – did you see ‘Dances with Wolves’?  The friend who shouted from the hillside “He is my FRIEND!  He did Great Deeds!  Look at Him!”  This is a little about how I feel about you.

My sorrow is your present health.  I learn from you.

Know that you are frequently in my thoughts – with a warmth that has no comparison.

Buks and Christine

Thank you for your lovely letter and making us feel important.  Trust you.  Any case it must be nice to be in your own nest.  Hope you are still getting better, Neil, we have so much to be thankful for.

Andy

Dear Neil and Ruby and the two Soli Rambo’s

You should have received an email from me about 5 days ago.  At this end of the woods we are twelve days and counting.  I cannot hold the girls down and as for Lou she is already spending the family fortune!  They have mapped out the route through the most expensive shops and will leave a trail of destruction behind them as they go.  Why not join them, Ruby, at least you could be a restraining influence.  Neil you and I could suck on the end of a bottle at a suitable venue where the mood is mellow, the music tender and the very best of female company to parade delicacies before our well trained eyes?  I hear that you have been in hospital again, Neil.  That will be a blow to you, but remember that we have not been promised an easy life.  Through much pain we enter the Kingdom of God.  It happened to our Lord, and it will happen to us.  The Adamic curse lingers upon us all.  God’s grace is sufficient.  You will continue to touch the lives of needy people and you will be encouraged in that ministry.  Once we are settled, you can all take a break and stay with us…in fact why don’t you consider spending the first week of the term with us while Ruby settles in at the school?  We can both work on our books and develop a ministry with needy people there.  We could visit the Hospice and get to minister to the people there.  I do not have any great inspirational message for you…but according to Saint Thomas, when the prophets no longer speak, judgment is about to happen.  That is the theme of my thinking yesterday.  Now a little something for you to think about.  At the fellowship meeting the elders wife said…’and we give God permission to change us.’  Are you convinced that she is correct?  If so why and if not why?  I love you all like I love life.

Anne Carrington

Hi there me mates. I received your letters yesterday when I went to get my mail.  It was really special reading them, catching up on your news, and especially all the handwritten bits, knowing, Neil, that it must take a bit to write as you do.  Thanks, that’s so special and meant a lot to me that I just couldn’t contain the tears as I read through them.  You guys are being so strong in the toughest and most trying circumstances, but you’re having an amazing victory in it – I can see why you are touching so many lives and the Lord is blessing you so much. Yes, I will continue to be strong, although I find it so overwhelming sometimes – I wish I could be there with you to help, support, share this with you.  And yes, I continue to pray for each of you, for complete healing, for strength in and through it all, wisdom, for realness, knowing the Lord’s nearness and total sufficiency, and for good friends.

Pete and Jane

I always hate saying goodbye to you two – it’s a shame that our time together always has to come to an end, but one day we will all be together laughing happily and the times then will not finish but go on forever – what fun – I look forward to that with all of my heart!

Newsletter from 28 October

Dad wrote:  I suppose I should have expected it.  After a period of comparative victory and acceptance of my lot, I plunged into a terrible few days of despair I always said I would evade.  This was coupled with the continuation of extreme pain in my legs (thrombosis, phlebitis, circulation?), the inability to stay awake during the day, dizziness and nausea.  Ruby and I clung to each other and wept and it was from this state that God has lifted us gently to a point that we can both admit that I am in the process of dying.

This admission of death, although it has distressed some friends, has brought us a relief and lightness of spirit from which our whole attitude to my cancer has adjusted.  We are grateful that Timothy and Luke can also be relaxed when we discuss it, and thank God for them as a source of strength and compassion.  We are enjoying life together as a family.  My legs have gradually improved and, at the moment, no dizziness and I stayed awake all of today.  Who knows what tomorrow holds. (Matthew 6:34)

I wrote:  Praise God – after a particularly difficult few days when Neil was extremely tired and so low, and I was equally exhausted and despondent, He gives us a week like the past one.  Neil has been bright and cheerful, able to go on with life again – and when he smiles all our spirits lift.  We play the ‘I’m glad’ game, and the darkness and tears are instantly tucked away, out of sight.

Dad added another 6 pages to the newsletter on 30^th October after we’d driven to the ‘berg and he’d ended up in hospital with deep vein thrombosis

The week in hospital was most enlightening and wasn’t a wasted week – (I will include just 3 of the 10 points he made)

v  I was able to lead a Hindu in my ward to the Lord.  His daughter and her parents-in-law are Christians and there were tears at visiting time when they discovered he’d taken the step.

v  I realised how valuable hospital visitation is as a ministry.  I will try to return to see a young chap in two months traction on his leg and a man of my age who had a bad stroke 3 months ago and can’t speak or read and has no family support at all.

v  Plenty of opportunity to smile at lots of people.  There are so many long faces in hospitals.

So now I’m back home again, very grateful that I can walk again.  I wear special pantyhose stockings to provide pressure on the veins to do their job properly.  Can you imagine me pulling on Kalahari-coloured stockings each morning.  I asked for pink ones, but they only stock one colour!

There are times when I say to Ruby, ‘This is it’ and I quote Psalm 6 ‘How long, O Lord, how long?’.  So yes, life is hard when you’re living on the edge, more difficult than anything we have ever faced but we can still praise God and try to do so often – loudly.

Mkushi Christian Community Prayer Calendar November 1996

Wed 6 Continue to pray for Neil and his healing.  Pray for strength and refreshment for Ruby.  Give thanks for the help they have received and pray that they and Timothy and Luke will go on knowing the Lord’s provision in every way.

David and Christine Moffat

And so Chengelo keeps going with all the ups and downs, lows and highs, tears and laughter.  We are just continually reminded of the amazing gracious love of the Lord who continues to bless us despite our weaknesses and failures.  How we thank Him for the foundations that you laid during your years here.  We are constantly being reminded of the many many, many patterns and practices that you introduced that have stood the test of time and have become part of that indefinable ethos which makes Chengelo what it is.

We have so appreciated your letters.  It has enabled us to identify with you as you pass through this time of trial and testing.  God bless you for the way you have been willing to open yourselves to us.  You have been an inspiration to us all and have challenged us to examine ourselves and recognize how we take so much of God’s mercy and daily provision for granted.  We pray for you constantly.  The valley must seem very deep and lonely at times but we know that the loving Saviour is always there even when the heaviest clouds obscure his presence.

RJ

I wanted to write to you as soon as I received your letters, but I felt that anything I could say was so inadequate.  Giles and I were both so touched by your courage and faith in such adversity.  How fantastic that you can lead people to the Lord in such circumstances.

David Gooday

I hope that I shall be contacting you again very soon (re opening a Christian school in Swaziland).  Meanwhile, go on inspiring people.  You are doing a wonderful job.

Keith

We send Ida and Ruairidh with our love and blessing.  It is a privilege for us to do this.  We pray that we are able to encourage you but in our hearts we know the encouragement we get and have got from you.  Despite all your sufferings we have seen and still see that though the outward man may be weak, the inward man is renewed from day to day – wherefore we faint not.  You encourage us more tremendously than you probably realize and that is the experience of all who have visited you.  You give us assurance that the things that are seen are temporal, the things that are not seen, eternal.

Neil, I imagine it is frustrating for you lying there – not being able to do the things in the way you want, but from your letters and your witness it may be that you are doing the greatest thing by just going gamely on, proving the Spirit’s existence a reality.  There is a poem by Francis Thompson full of paradox and truth about that intangible world that somehow we can touch, when He breaks through to us.

O World invisible, we view Thee

O World intangible, we touch Thee

O World unknowable, we know Thee

Inapprehensible, we clutch Thee!

Not where the wheeling systems darken,

And our benumbed conceiving soars –

The drift of pinions (would we hearken)

Beats at our clay-shuttered doors.

The angels keep their ancient places

Turn but a stone, and start a wing.

‘Tis ye, ‘tis your estranged faces,

That miss the many-splendoured thing.

But (when so sad thou canst not sadder)

Cry; and upon thy so sore loss

Shall shine the traffic of Jacob’s ladder

Pitched betwixt heaven and Charing cross.

Yea, in the night, my soul, my daughter,

Cry; clinging heaven by the hems,

And lo!  Christ walking on the water

Not of Gennesareth, but of Thames!

Newsletter from 18 November, written in Grey’s Hospital

Music: Billy Joel

Time: 22:45

I can’t sleep so decided to ‘improve the shining hour’ by writing to you.  The fact that I am battling to focus on the page (tiredness, medicine or a need for spectacles – take your pick) may mean that I finish this tomorrow.

Six months ago today I was somewhere near Harare with Andy on the Trans-Zambezi bus.  How God has blessed us since.

And continuing the saga of this hospital stay when Dad came close to having to have his foot amputated, I wrote:

Neil described the pain as- ‘it feels as though a car has driven onto my toes and stopped there.’  To stop himself from screaming aloud, he had chewed the cord of his bell to call the nurses, and then one of his pens – he wants to frame it, of course!  Teeth marks and all!

A friend brought Timothy and Luke down and they managed to see Neil before he dropped off.  It was good to see them again – I’d found the separation from them quite traumatic.  Kids are amazing – I asked them how they were coping, and they said: ‘Fine’ – then Timothy came and put his arms around me and said: ‘But how are you coping, Mom?  They also wanted to know how we’d managed to get so many good friends!

Later Dad wrote again about being in CCU

Sister Smith and I guess how much there will be in my ‘piepie bottel’ 750ml is a good record.  Great dexterity is involved in this pursuit and a total lack of dignity too.  I have both!

Living with five wires attached to one’s bod and two tubes to one’s wrist plus so-called blood pressure band permanently to arm (I take it off) also calls for untrained skills.

Ruby has brought me a small mirror to see the graphs dancing across my screen.  I can’t turn to look backward at all the ‘machinery’.  The boys and I play-fight to watch the bleeps change.  Serious, isn’t it?

I’m glad Alistair will see you now to dispel the rumours of my gangrene, amputation and coma.  My poor Mother actually kissed me thinking I was on the way out.  No ways – we fight on.  These little obstacles are to strengthen our resolve.

Quote from friends: ‘God is a specialist at making something useful and beautiful out of something broken and confused.’

Is 24:20 tomorrow, or, horror, should it be 00:20?  Anyway, me awakes with liquid running from me pipes (how do ya’ kna’ me tape is Ooirish?)  Panic – don’t want to waste government money – it’s R250 a bag.  Also stinks of cat urine: genuine.  Rubes will back me up on that – she smelt the last change over.

‘Sister’, I trill, loudly, no note of panic, of course.

‘I’m here’, comes a soft voice behind me.  Felt such an idiot, so had to give her a challenge.  ‘Do my automatic BP check without waking me at 2:00 and you get a bar of choc.’  One has to have such games and save face.  Being ‘young’ with cancer has definite greater outreach possibilities.  ‘42’ – the face furrows, the head shakes and I nip my story in between the lowered head and the searched excuse to leave.  Makes them feel better – I need a personalized tract.  There’s an idea!

Yesterday I tried to use the pads on my chest as headphones (no joking).  They wouldn’t come off and then I realised what I was doing.  I was under sedation.

I’ve been transferred to a general ward.  No more attachments to my chest.  I sleep in two hour stretches – wonderful.  I’m now on a strong anti-coagulant with the result that my drip oozes blood all night and somehow ends up in my beard – yuk.  As for my urine bottle – it was rosé now it’s dark burgundy…sorry…I did say my letter was intimate.

It was only last night that I discovered how close I had been to having my foot amputated.  The bold facts of it all, which I had missed by the strong sedation, hit me hard and ½ hour later I went into delayed shock.  I recovered from that but the enormity of it all has not left me.  God has a purpose for me I know that if I had had such an operation, I would have given up.  I was saved it.  There is still something for me to do.  I wait on God for the answer.

Special, special greetings from us all, and much love.  May He bless you as abundantly as He has us.

Ruth Hill

Alistair has arrived with your long epistle – I took time all by myself in the staffroom to read it.  Brian Bentley saw me reading it, and he said I’d need a hanky, and I certainly did.  Words cannot express how we feel – the pain and the anguish you both must be experiencing, and yet the strength that the Lord alone is giving you, Neil and Ruby – it makes me feel totally that I haven’t started to experience the power and strength of the Lord, and that I want that closeness to Him that you are both able to testify about.

Thank you for sharing yourselves so deeply with us – through all the pain we see the ‘old Neil’ shining through.  I can just imagine the game guessing the mls in your bottle!

It’s nearly ‘generator off’ time, so I’ll close, reminding you of the esteem in which you are both held by us.  Our love too, to Timothy and Luke.

Les and Bronwyn Mutton

Our memories of you are very vivid.  We remember you both as inspirations to us both.  Ruby, I remember you as the confidant that so many of the Chengelo students could turn to as a listening, understanding, caring, advising friend, particularly the girls and especially the girls in your discipleship group.  Neil, I will always remember how you managed to keep several jumps ahead of the Chengelo students and speak at assembly with such skill that the students were mostly eager, or compelled to abide by your requests/demands, even if their first inclination was to take no notice, ignore you, or do what they really preferred to do ie be rebellious.

It is very un-Aussie to speak with admiration of people while they are still alive.  It is therefore with difficulty that I do speak my mind with praise for you so directly.  One of the main lessons God taught me through the Zambian people was to be more expressive in my affection/admiration for people.  Another thing we learnt from the Zambian people is their ability to cope with sickness and tragedy around them without collapsing in a crumpled emotional heap.  Maybe having been so long in Zambia yourselves, you have also learnt this quality – something I don’t think I could ever emulate!

Alistair Hookings

It was lovely to see you both in Pmb.  Thanks for your warm hospitality and your love.  I was very encouraged by the time spent with you.

Axel came to visit two hours before Dad died and wrote the most beautiful poem which he later read at the memorial service.  It tells the whole story:

Oil of Myrrh

For Neil on this amazing day

8 January 1997

I

I stood there mute and useless,

Having arrived at the wrong time;

Curtained off in your hospital bed,

Your coming end a paradigm.

How it hailed from a leaden sky

As they jabbed those tubes in you;

Ice thumped cold fists on the roof

I stood up to catch a better view.

Abstracting this your final storm,

From the churning mass of cloud

Beyond the ward white with nurses

And such visitors as were allowed.

And all this while your brave wife

Swabbed your trembling skin,

And held you as you bled in pain

Soothing the turbulence within.

Unable to bear your crucifixion,

With inadequate excuse I fled

Almost stumbling on the bottle

Into which your lungs had bled.

The storm had cleared a little

When I finally reached the car

I edged into the roadway wearily

As the rain wept on the tar.

I drove up the hillside numbly,

I turned the traffic circle twice,

A rusty iron spike driven through

My heart transmuted into ice.

Why is this thing happening?

I have such promises to keep.

Is my heart too used to death

That now it cannot weep?

They ask, now that the news is out,

How am I, am I alright?

My loss is nothing, compared

To the world’s loss of life.

I have lost too many now –

My heart is numbed to death,

And soon the time will come

For God to stop my breath.

I don’t know which is worse:

Instant death, no readiness at all;

Or the long struggle over months

When the disease is terminal.

The greatest tribute I can give

God gave me pen to write:

To us you were love, life, and joy-

To God you were delight.

You laid His foundations everywhere

On which other men shall build,

I hope they’ll share your giant vision

And try to fill the space you filled.

We must weep for your early loss,

And rend our clothes in twain:

But we have greater cause for joy,

When we celebrate your life again.

One bright angel with another

Lifts with you in radiant light:

The time for tears has passed now

You have achieved God’s sight.

When they ask me, I’ll tell them you were

A visionary, a realist - resilient and tough;

Let them put up a stone for you, Neil:

To me your life was monument enough.

II

I saw how your dark eyes burnt brightly in your face.

You were anointed with myrrh two hours before you died;

The vial had come from Israel, or some such holy place,

And the sacred chrism glistened on your hot forehead as it dried:

I begged God then that you should be spared or else released –

I did not know for a minute that my prayer would be heard:

Within the space of two short hours I was told you were deceased –

A fact so unapproachable, so enormous, now it has occurred.

After your brave journey I know you’ll rest on Heaven’s tree –

How does it stand with you since you have gone away

Through the spangled helix of the stars lifted to eternity

To achieve the Christ you loved on this amazing day.

It’s best not to say much more than this, and in silence part

For grief is silent and should come quietly to the broken heart.

Fax from Chloe George (ex-pupil)

Neil Solomon was my English teacher almost ten years ago.  He was also my mentor for my current career – adventure sports and travel magazine journalist/assistant editor for OUT THERE magazine, Johannesburg.

From the day I entered his class, Neil inspired me to write – not only to put words on paper, but to think and feel from my soul.  I remember one English lesson:  he handed out Fruit Chew sweets to the entire class and asked us to suck on it – then write what we felt.  Mine was grape flavoured.  I never knew one could feel so many sensations while eating a sweet.

He was also a deep man of God who set an example through his simple yet without-compromise way of life.  Although he never pressured any of his students into a relationship with Jesus Christ, his deep love for the Lord was evident to all and through all he did.  Every mountain we climbed, every dark night spent on solitaire, every early morning Polar Bear Club or Midmar Mile swim that he encouraged us to accomplish, brought us closer to our Creator.

I recall our standard eight week-long trip to the Berg, Neil pointed out the ‘Pot and the Handle’, the number of zigzags on ‘One Tree Hill’ and the names of every curve or shape plus wildlife, birds and plants.  He was there when one of our team members suffered hypothermia symptoms.  He was there when we forgot our tent poles and nine kids had to share a tent in the driving rain.  He was there when we learnt about leadership – scrambling over wooden walls at Veld and Vlei, or abseiling down the cliffs above Wagondrift dam.  He was there when we completed our weekend solitaire, handing him an envelope filled with our goals and dreams only for him to return it to us a year later.  He was always available to talk to and he certainly encouraged us to explore within ourselves, to discover our God-given talents, our God-ordained destiny.

It is with much sadness that I learned of his death.

Neil was certainly an outdoor junkie and fits well with Out There magazine’s spirit of adventure.  Daily, as I work, I remember that my foundations are largely owed to the patience and solid teaching skills of Neil Solomon.

All my love and thanks for sharing your husband with us.  He was a wonderful man, and he surely has a wonderful family.

Mr Harland

When some time ago, I heard that Neil and his family were returning to Treverton, I was particularly gratified.  I remember your positive contribution in the development of Harland House and in the Outdoor Pursuits Programme with pleasure.

Then we learned of Neil’s serious illness, followed by his brave face against a dread disease, and of your own dedicated attention to him.

I was glad again to meet you and Neil at the opening of the Barlow Building in early December, and I spoke to my wife about your own cheerful attitude in extreme adversity.

I learned over the week-end that Neil had passed away.  I just write this short note to let you know of my high esteem for your dear late husband…

Tim and Hazel

Somewhere in that truly uplifting service yesterday, it was said that Neil greatly loved his wife.  It is not hard to see why!  You were a priceless blessing to him and still are to Tim and Luke and many others.  Our abiding memory of the three months we were privileged to live with you, was of the tireless energy you devoted to every facet of being the headmaster’s wife.  To us it was one of the clearest instances of ‘a three strand cord is not easily broken’ – the Lord Jesus Christ, Neil and you formed a terrific team, who gave a uniquely homely flavour to Chengelo.  I remember marvelling at the constant flow of visitors and how each was made to feel so special and welcome.  I remember the prefects, and thinking what superb nurturing they were receiving, as you and Neil gave them not only wise counsel, but also an unusual measure of respect and trust.  The positive, adventurous, happy family spirit of Chengelo was very much attributable to the Solomon team, and it was a powerful witness.  The team has sown much good seed and through Neil’s illness, and culminating in that inspiring memorial service, much more good seed has been sown recently, especially among unbelieving relatives and friends, who could not fail to have been convicted and touched to the depths of their hearts.  ‘Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints’; not least because of the powerful evidence it provides to persuade unbelievers, and the encouragement it gives to believers.  The Lord will not let that seed be wasted.  You will see the fruits of it and be glad.

Brett Scoones (one of Dad’s friends from ’Varsity)

I’m sorry I did not go down to Mooi River this weekend to be present at the memorial service.  I would expect that despite the sad event there must have been an element of happiness though in celebrating and acknowledging a life that was as worthwhile as Neil’s was.  At varsity Neil was someone whose enthusiasm made things happen, and although I lost touch with him for a long time after varsity what he achieved at Treverton and in Zambia seems to have certainly been a valuable contribution both to the schools and the many pupils he taught.  His book, ‘Reach beyond’ occupies an important place on our bookshelf!

It has been a privilege visiting and speaking to you and Neil in the past few months and witnessing how cheerfully, pro-actively and wisely you have dealt with the situation you have both been faced with.  I am sure that life will not be easy in the foreseeable future, but what you have all been through must have equipped you all to face whatever life may bring with confidence.  Timothy and Luke have a fine father to remember.

Joy and Michael Gale (Solomon family friends)

What a wonderful witness Neil’s bravery during this long illness has been to everyone.  I know that Hugh told me how it had impressed him.  He certainly ran the race and will now receive the crown.

Walter and Cynthia Hift (Solomon family friends)

How wonderful that you had such a caring relationship.  Ruby, from what I heard, you were a most caring and supportive wife.  And, dear sons, I was very impressed when I was told by Gran Marianne that when you were told of your Dad’s serious illness, after reflection, you remarked that he was lucky because he would be with Jesus Christ before you.  You were obviously brought up in a Christian family.

Denis Drennan (one of Dad’s outdoor ed contacts)

We celebrate with you that nothing can rob you of great memories, phenomenal achievement and the fact that Neil is whole, painless and at home in the presence of his Friend and Saviour.

Ian and Alison

Yesterday was unusually chilly and overcast – sombre weather that reflected our mood – and as I cycled around Chengelo I could not help but feel that something was missing.  I lowered the flag to half-mast in respect for Neil and all that he was and did for the school.

Andy and Eira Patching and girls

We think often of Neil with fond memories of the dear person he was and the way too that he took this illness with such bravery and utter dependence on God.

Rob and Nellie Prentice

You once said, Ruby that Neil had been a super Dad and we are thankful that we know that.  We could see it and we heard it.  Neil was one of those people who packed his life full of things and whose appreciation was rich and thoroughly articulated.  This was part of the personality that God gave him.  What is more, he was so ready to share.

We here were greatly blessed by our time with Neil.  He made a contribution to so many lives.  There were many sad faces this morning at break time, and not a few tears.

Rod and Laura Parvess

We have such lovely, treasured memories of Neil – his life was an inspiration, especially his witness during his illness.

Neil has climbed his final mountain to his eternal home with his Lord.

Mike, Beverley, Simon and Katie Robinson

Words at this time are not a lot of use.  I wish we could wrap our arms around you, hug you and say nothing.  You have been absolutely fantastic, all of you – including Neil especially in his terrible time of suffering.  We love you.

Uncle Otto Solomon

Dear Timothy James and Owen Luke

At this sad time my prayers are with you.  You must be brave, and look forward and do the best you can.  To comfort your Mother.  To do your school lessons well and to behave like gentlemen.

Notties, Mooi River, Rosetta Homegroup

How we thank the Lord for you – your amazing courage and forbearance, your strength under severe pressure, your vulnerability and the way that you manage to be yourselves no matter what.  We have been privileged to share a small part of your pain, and more than that – to share your hope in a God who knows us and loves us all with an intensity that Neil is experiencing right now.

We honour our friend, Neil.  He has taught us much, sharing his life over the past months.  Watching Neil and you, Rubes, we often felt like privileged intruders, being allowed to watch little cameos of glory – the kind of love the Lord intended all of us to experience.

So our love is for you, our commitment to you, and our lives, hidden with yours and Neil’s in Christ, in God.

Ann and Lyndon Rust (Jonny’s grandparents)

…what a wonderful and courageous end to a splendid life of achievement in the service of his God – he must have influenced so many young people for good, and Chengelo stands as a lasting memorial to him – to you both.  It was to him that the school owed its inspiration and success…

Nan Smith (Solomon family friend)

I keep in touch with Neil’s Mum and Dad and they can’t praise you enough for all you have done for Neil and the way you have coped with his illness.  They love you very much.

Vonnie

I’m thankful for the example of your calm, gentle and loving spirit.  I have missed dearest Neil – it feels as if he’s been on an environmental trip and will be back – so unreal is his parting.  During my Bible reading this verse stood out as an encouragement to me:  Daniel 12:3  ‘And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the STARS forever and ever.’  So it is for dear Neil now…

The Bebbs (Treverton family)

May all the special times you shared and memories you made, help to ease the heartache and loss you feel.

Saxon Solomon

Neil’s funeral was a wonderful, wonderful tribute to an exceptional person.  No-one at the funeral could have failed to be uplifted by the tremendous courage shown by the three of you.  You are an example to all of us, as was Neil before you.

Gordon and Peggy Suckling

I thank God that you have your two boys – they will be a dear comfort to you.

Tony and Linda Siddle

Neil, I can honestly say, was the best friend we have ever had.  I wished I could have said ‘thank you’ to him for those times when he came to my rescue.  He had such a wonderful manner with people, young and old alike.

I really felt for Andy today, as well.  He loved Neil so much.  When our David heard the news, he came home at rest and just came for a big hug.  He too loved Neil so much.  When I saw the school flag at half-mast that day, it brought the news home even harder.  Part of Chengelo has gone with Neil.  He put so much of himself into this place.

Anne VG

I find there are so many things I can’t do without remembering you or Neil or both.  Everything from how to land on your foot when you’re jogging, to setting up a campsite shower, to buffet breakfasts – remember the Intercontinental one the morning I flew off?  As I get more accustomed to Australian birdlife I always think of you at Pelle’s or on the canoe.  Wouldn’t it be super to go on a birdwatching expedition sometime together!  Those were precious, precious years for me at Chengelo – crammed with memories.

The Taylor family

You must be missing him terribly.  He was a special person.  We thank God for the input Neil and you had into Benjamin’s life and the help you gave to all at Ndubaluba – not to mention Chengelo.  We’d love to be with you and give you a hug.

Ben Taylor

Yesterday we rung the Wagers and were informed about Neil.  I’m finding it difficult to write this letter, and I can’t begin to guess how you must feel.

I just want to thank you for everything you and Neil touched in my life and for all the memories.  The time at Ndubaluba was the best time of my life so far and the lessons I learnt and the friends I made will never be forgotten.  I want you to know how much we all love you and that we’ll all be praying for you.

Nikki Wyatt

Neil was a cheerful person with sometimes whacky ideas that always seemed to work!  Isn’t it wonderful that we will all be seeing him again soon where he will be in perfect form!

The Deans (ex-parents)

We were very, very upset to learn that Neil had passed away.  Johnny had told us that Neil had been at Chengelo last year on a visit and talked about his problems with great courage and fortitude.  We had all hoped so much that he would recover and continue to teach as well as doing the things he wanted to do in his life.  He was a wonderful first headmaster of Chengelo, and we admired him greatly for his vision for the school, his relationship with the pupils, his enthusiasm, energy and determination.   We all missed him when he retired his post.

Les and Jean White from Nyangombe

Neil did wonders for Chengelo and this will remain in people’s memories for a long time.  ...we pray you will continue to be a blessing to others as you were at Chengelo.

Brian and Karin Kerrin (ex-mountain club friends)

We are praying for you and the boys always and we just thank you for your wonderful witness.

RJ – before she’d heard the news

We’ve really appreciated all your news...despite all the setbacks and pain, His love and strength are so abundant in all your letters.

Thanks for your family photo – your boys are looking so grown up now.  You must be so proud of their achievements at school and their maturity in dealing with Neil’s illness.  Ruby, your energy sounds boundless – can I have some?!

Keith Waddell

On Sunday the school held its memorial service for Neil. It was an edifying and uplifting time, a time of remembrance and thanksgiving but, nonetheless, tinged with sadness.

The day itself was beautiful – clouds, sun and gentle rains.  Inside the dining hall I unfortunately could not see out, but I am sure there must have been a rainbow too.

Russell opened with the welcome, using as his call to worship Rev14:13.  The secondary school were all present and there was a good turn-out from the ‘block’, testifying to the love and esteem in which Neil was held locally.  The 23^rd psalm was read by Caroline Nicoll after the first hymn and prayer.  There followed a second hymn, and then the eulogies.

Barton was first and he delivered a moving appreciation of Neil, his son’s teacher and how the Lord brought you all to Zambia, Neil being God’s man for the time.  It was a heartfelt tribute to Neil, the man.

Michael Bentley gave a touching account of Neil as headmaster from a Pupil’s perspective.  This he did very well.

Ian Richardson then paid tribute to Neil as a colleague and to his influence on the school since its foundation.  He appreciated Neil’s help both as headmaster and after.  He recalled Neil as the man of ideas and vision.

David Moffat said the prayer of thanksgiving which was warm and loving.  David was clearly moved.  Tony sang ‘O Love that wilt not let me go’.  He sang it strongly and clearly.  It is a wonderfully poetic affirmation of personal faith and devotion and is a personal favourite of mine which as you can imagine touched me greatly.

Rob Stacy next read 121^st psalm, stressing trust and faith in God.  I was then called to give the response which was a privilege and honour. (Copy enclosed)  It is a small, small token of our love for you all and I think you can agree with the sentiments rather inadequately expressed.  Auntie Anne read Neil’s poem from his book, ‘Reach Beyond’, which again tied in nicely with the hills and mountaineering aspect of Neil’s life.  Brian spoke well and brought together all the different strands and also used it as an evangelistic sermon for those outside the fellowship who were attending.  I am sure Neil would have been delighted.  We closed with the final hymn.  The pupils sang ‘Be a Joshua People’ and everyone sang the school song.

Humphrey and Margaret (extended Solomon family)

Henry showed us Neil’s and your last few circular letters.  What a tremendous witness your family have been, and are.

Jane Stoner (ex-teacher at Chengelo)

On the wall next to me is a lovely Christmas present of Zambian stamps that Neil gave me and I will certainly never forget playing his ‘sausage’ or Miss Gossage!  I am so grateful that you and Neil were at Chengelo when I was.  It was a privilege to get to know you both.

Claire McKellar (ex-pupil)

I wanted to say how deeply Neil’s life affected me in a positive way – he represented someone with so much energy and enthusiasm – a born teacher.

Mum said how brave the boys must have been to read the lesson.

Buks and Christine Greyvenstein

A month has gone by since Neil left you, and we hope the wound is getting better by the day.  Knowing he is in good hands, and looking down on us all, and maybe having a good old chuckle about us being stupid or silly.

Duncan Guy (journalist who popped in at Chengelo)

What a wonderful person we had on earth, and for my memories, in Zambia.  Chengelo was the most positive thing I ever saw on my travels, and to me it all seemed such a Solomon creation.

Vangela Dakis (ex-pupil)

When I heard, my heart dropped to my stomach and I couldn’t stop crying.  Memories of Chengelo and your kindness and love towards me came flooding back and all I wanted to do was phone you and share your sorrow.

I remember so much of Chengelo and my time there seems so vivid in my mind.  I will hold Neil close to my heart forever, for he made me into what I am today.  Never have I had more respect and love for a teacher and headmaster.  I looked through my photographs last night and so much came back to me.  How amazing it is that four years of my life have changed me forever.

George and Jenny Wheatley

You might not remember us?  We met you good people up at Mkushi, when we toured Zambia in September ’93, with the intention of going to settle up there.  We were greatly blessed by the warm reception which you folk gave us at the Chengelo School, and you have been very much in our thoughts and prayers ever since.  Although we knew Neil for only a very short time, we remember him, as he was one of the best, most decent men one could have the privilege of knowing, the likes of which this world can ill-afford to lose.

Stephen and Kristi Baker

We would acknowledge the tremendous work that Neil did at Chengelo, doing far more in his short life than many others achieve over generations.

We remember when you stayed overnight with us en route from South Africa to Mkushi with canoe in tow.  Our visitor’s book tells us that you passed through on 12 June 1988.  We remember staying in your house at Chengelo one holiday and also when I came up with the children in October ’92 for a weekend.

You and Neil were prepared to give up the security of your posts at Treverton and step into an unknown situation.  God honoured that decision and blessed your commitment.  It must be specially hard on your two boys and they must wonder why this should have happened.  But then, you and Neil have given them both such a wonderful and varied upbringing that must stand them in good stead.

Peter and Pam Green

Last Saturday in Zambia House, London, we had a meeting of the Chengelo Educational Trust when we received the news of Neil’s death.  How wonderful it was that we should be together when the news broke, and how appropriate that we should hear it when we were on the only Zambian territory in London!  Whilst the trustees (and Pam who joined us for devotions) were sad, there was a sense of rejoicing in the knowledge that Neil had served our Lord so splendidly here and knew His comfort and blessing throughout his illness.

I shall not write in length now but I do want to say a special ‘thank you’ to you for your constant support of Neil both during his time as headmaster of Chengelo and also during his illness.  I am sure someone closer to you than I am must have said that already but it stands repeating because without a loyal partnership the achievement of excellence in the school and of fortitude in illness could not have been accomplished.

Michael and Sylvia Chesterman

I’m just back from the memorial service held at Chengelo today.  It was a privilege for me to be present among the many who, like myself, came to pay tribute to Neil, as we remembered him in the place which meant so much to him and you.  There was no mistaking the depth of feeling, and many a tear was shed – not because we were miserable and without hope, but because we were identifying with you in your loss of a loved one.

Debs Bevan (ex-colleague)

I’ve been thinking of all the good times – when I first met you both.  Everything was so new and confusing and I’d arrived in a strange land to do a job I’d never tried before.  I remember Neil’s birthday and him inviting me because, quote, “You always say hello to me when I come for coffee at Chengelo breaktime.”  I remember saying goodbye at Ndubaluba with my Mum and Dad.  Neil promised me he’d always give me a job if I wanted one.  He was a visionary and an inspiration – I’m honoured to have known him.

Eric (Ida’s brother)

Keith sent me a letter telling me the sad news about Neil’s death.  It was a few days afterwards that I received your letter which gave me a lot of comfort.  I did not know Neil long but during the brief time we spent together I enjoyed being in his company and I recognised that he was a very kind man who in his quiet but firm way tried to get the best out of everyone he met.

Liz and Geoff Blake (The Wyatt’s daughter)

We feel privileged to have known Neil – although not closely, and to know what an effect he has had on the lives of so many young people.  What a legacy!

Eric and Toto (Anne Anderson’s parents)

You must feel very proud to have shared so much with Neil, who in a shorter life than many, achieved so much.  You were both very special people and with the obvious closeness of your family, God showing Himself to be so real, you must have been tremendous inspirations to many people.  Memories of Neil and his deep faith and love of God will be ever in so many minds.  Thank you and Neil and your boys for all that you have been and done...

Bob Baker (Chengelo Education Trust)

It was a privilege to know Neil and there is no doubt that Chengelo is the school it is today because of the very talented and dedicated leadership that Neil gave to the school for five and a half years.

Pat and Rua Taylor

Neil was such a special person and even when I saw him the last time, he made me feel uplifted with his wonderful cheerfulness and faith.  I also remember being greeted by him as a schoolboy at Hilton, and even then, it would make my day.

Rick and Clare Cornell (Chengelo volunteers)

We only knew Neil for a few months, but he was one of the best!

Julia (Wyatt’s daughter)

Neil:  enthusiasm, photography, daring, records, fun, sport, achievement, loved the Lord, loved his family.  He is missed.

Sue Battison (Scripture Union)

We appreciated meeting you when you brought Tim and Luke’s friend to camp, and we admired your courage.

We also trust that we will see Tim and Luke again.

Rami Galli (Chengelo volunteer)

Your family made such an impression on me during my time in Zambia.  So gentle, peace- and fun-loving.  My memory is not good but I won’t forget when Neil hosted Open Day.  There was so much tension from all sides, but Neil was a wonderful ambassador of Christ, bringing peace in a very difficult situation.

John and Gwyneth Symmonds

Our contact with Neil was only limited but we remember him with great affection and clarity because he instantly made a mark on everyone he met by his vivaciousness and enthusiasm.  We met him largely here in England on his brief and rapid tours and he seemed to snatch up staff all over the place including the London Underground!  I feel that he was the ideal person to pioneer the new school and clearly it is a great heritage that he has left after being so suddenly removed from us.  I feel that he was ideal in that he, at heart, was a pioneer and not scared to take risks and boldly go ahead with all sorts of new things.  Obviously, he had wished to again be pioneering something new in Ndubaluba with ideas, of what to me sounded risky and dangerous! – adventure holidays in the bush and down the Zambesi.  I thank God for knowing Neil and for the special joy and inspiration it has been to know him if only in a passing way.

Gareth and Helen (Missionaries at Fiwila)

We didn’t know you for very long, but Neil’s enthusiasm for what he did and the vision that led him that way was something we found quite amazing.  Gareth especially always gained encouragement and inspiration from conversations with him.  As we get ready to leave Zambia, your family and Ndubaluba will be one of the very definite and happy memories which will go with us.

Andy Thomas (from his sermon at Dad’s memorial service)

We want to thank you, Ruby, Timothy and Luke, and family, for the unspeakable privilege that you have given us, in enabling us to be enriched by Neil’s life – a true friend with the wisdom from above.  A sensitive, discerning friend who could sense and share in our hurts, but still retain a vibrant ‘joie de vivre’.  You shared with us this man of incredible creative vision who constantly inspired us to seek adventure and who in both his life and his death, challenged us.  You gave him to us freely and without reserve.  We thank you and honour you for this.

Ps 116.  There is an uncanny similarity between the experiences of the psalmist in this psalm, and Neil, and so it has become for me at least, ‘Neil’s song’.

Neil’s declaration  vs 1  ‘I love the Lord’

Certainly Neil stands out as a great man in his own right, having accomplished many things through his natural ability, but it was his profound love for and relationship with God that ... made him the man that he was.

Neil’s love for Ruby was unique.  I know of very few couples who loved one another as they did.  What inspired this love?  Surely it was his love of God?

Timothy and Luke were so exceptionally privileged and blessed to have a Dad like they had – an inspiring role model.  It was Neil’s love for God that laid the foundation for this beautiful relationship.

Neil’s determination  vs 2 ‘I shall call upon Him as long as I live.’

I heard Neil call upon the name of the Lord many times, but I never heard him ask the question, ‘Why?’  Like the great man of faith in the Old Testament, Job, Neil could say without reservation, ‘Shall I accept only good from God, and never adversity?’

Neil’s trial  vs 3  ‘The cords of death encompassed me...I found distress and sorrow.’

If anyone was able to show us how to stand firm despite his terrible situation, it was Neil.  He was a living testimony to the reality and power of the gospel.  What God has written in the Bible for our benefit was seen worked out in this dear man’s life.  All who walked into his home could not have been but touched by this.  There was something there that was inexplicable.  To go into the Solomon home was to meet with God.  God was there in and despite the suffering of His servant.  As the days passed into weeks, and the weeks into months, so Neil’s relationship with his Lord deepened and he was lifted up and carried by the Lord Himself in ways that we can’t understand...  About two weeks before he died, he told me that he would not swap his situation for anything.  Certainly, he did not want to suffer or have the pain, or see his wife and boys hurting.  He was saddened by the thought that he could not go fishing with the boys or canoe down the Mooi river, but he did not want to let go of the closeness that he was experiencing with God.  It was a great gift.  God had unreservedly given Himself to Neil.

Neil’s gratitude  vs 12  ‘What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me?’

I conclude with the first verse of one of the old faithful hymns:-

‘O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end.

Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend.

I shall not fear the battle, if Thou art by my side

Nor wander from the pathway, if Thou wilt be my guide.

Dad has left us an incredible legacy.  I hope and pray that you will continue to build on the foundation with the same strength, fervour and focus that Dad showed.  Live life to the fullest!

I leave you with our favourite psalm that sustained us during this enriching, growing and difficult time in our lives:

Psalm 139

O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. 

You know when I sit and when I rise;

You perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

You are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

You know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in – behind and before;

You have laid Your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

Too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Where can I flee from Your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, You are there;

If I make my bed in the depths, You are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there Your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast

.