Nexus News is the newsletter where we share news and updates from our direct partners. “Nexus” means network.

Creating a network of like-minded friends and professionals to make a difference in society is a laudable enterprise. In this network, we foster our unique connection to offer timeous services and promote long-term relationships.

The six important considerations of our network are as follows:

1. Shared Vision and Goals

We ensure that the members of our network share a common vision and goals. The reasons for the distinction between the entities are legislative requirements, field of expertise and governance structures. However, the purpose of the network is the positive impact we aim to make in society. This alignment will create a strong foundation and sense of unity among members and excellence in service to you.

2. Open Communication

We are passionate about creating an environment of open and transparent communication. Although the partners have specific identities, social media presence and offerings, together we create a wholistic vision to adhere to our God-given calling. We encourage members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns freely. We regularly have communication and meetings, both in person and virtually, to provide a platform for discussions, brainstorming, and planning. One example of our commitment to daily interaction and inspiration is Friends of Inter Trauma Nexus (English) and Vriende van Inter Trauma Nexus (Afrikaans). We offer our partners, friends and clients complimentary daily inspirational messages with a short piece of scripture, a prayer and a beautiful poster.

3. Diverse Skillsets and Perspectives

In this network, we seek to enhance diversity in the skills, backgrounds, and perspectives of the people involved. This diverse group can bring a variety of ideas and approaches to problem-solving, making the network more adaptable and resilient.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork

We value the importance of partnership, collaboration and teamwork. We created mechanisms for members to work together on projects or initiatives. We encourage a culture of mutual support and resource-sharing to maximize the collective impact of the network. This network also seeks to take hands with local and international partners to fulfil the collective vision of the leadership.

5. Strategic Planning and Execution

Any network needs clear direction, and we achieve this by developing a strategic plan outlining specific objectives, milestones, and timelines. There is a clear roadmap for how the network will achieve its goals. Regularly assess progress and are willing to adapt strategies as needed to address evolving challenges. At this stage, we have to navigate the challenges around electrical power supply, the ever-changing internet security requirements and the increasing cost of living.

6. Community Engagement

We keep on linking with the broader community to understand their needs and aspirations. We actively consult and input from the clients and people we aim to serve. This engagement will boost the relevance of our initiatives and foster a sense of community ownership and support.

Nexus News brings you updates from:

Aquilla Training

Inter Trauma Nexus NPC

Aquilla Financial Solutions

Association for Christian Ministries

Aquilla Wellness Solutions

Kailo Training Institute

BluEagle eShop

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Looking back over 35+ years of ministry is like reviewing a journey of vision, faith, and compassion. Wynand and I are so blessed to be able to be on this journey together. However, this journey wasn’t a simple path of travelling from being young bright-eyed students to success. No, we made mistakes and said wrong and unwise things. Our learning curve was steep.

The bumpy road really started when we had to stand on our own feet and decided to honour the calling of God in our hearts. Learning about ministry starts when you got the book knowledge, and you start to roll up your sleeves to help others. Learning about life starts when you kneel to help someone else to their feet. This understanding is illustrated in Inter Trauma Nexus’ logo.

The concept of being friends got new meaning when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our people. We lost so many precious people over the past two years. Now it is our commitment to encourage our friends every single day with the Friends of Inter Trauma Nexus. This daily electronic newsletter consists of a short scripture, short thought from us, a colourful poster, and a prayer. Short and to the point, to encourage and build you up.

Why do we talk about friends? The friends in our lives are the people that crossed our paths, even if it was for a brief moment, as well as the people who have walked along with us for parts of the road. This includes acquaintances, colleagues, clients, partners, students, and learners. My heart-definition of a friend is that person you pray for when they come to mind.

The archive of all the previous Friends-newsletter is a treasure trove that you can delve through at your leisure on the Inter Trauma Nexus website.

The Inter Trauma Nexus website is like a living magazine. This website is not a one-pager, but you can page through various aspects of our story in English and Afrikaans.

Let’s talk about ANGER

The world is a very confusing place to live in and people are losing hope or bursting with anger. Everyone longs for a sense of normality, but there is no ordinariness like we use to know.

The anger that is boiling over on so many levels is a normal response to some situations because there are so many things going wrong. Some people lose their jobs or contracts without fair compensation. Others have jobs but they don’t get the salaries that they rightfully earned. Health problems are rife and while some focus on the COVID challenges people with HIV, TB, cancer and other ailment don’t get the treatment they need. These threats are made worse by the news about war and international conflict and local corruption.

These events and problems are not the ‘normal’ things that can grind your gears, but anger is a normal human emotion. However, normal is not good when we start lashing out, slamming doors, or using impulsivity to drive it away.

Half of your battle to conquer anger is starting to notice that you are getting angry. You know when you are moving into a negative headspace because your anger cycle starts long before you lash out.

Pay attention to your body when the anger is creeping closer. Your heart beats fast, you start sweating, you breath shallower and shallower. You can’t think clearly because there is not enough oxygen in your body. This reaction is so profound that the emotional outburst you allow today can cause a headache days later.

Taking a deep breath and then concentrating on breathing deeply actually makes a difference. This small change can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and can help us calm down. If you are already raging in anger another tip to help you calm down is to make another physiological change such as to hold ice cubes in your hands. This will help at that moment when you must calm down.

You can’t drive your car in first gear all the time without causing severe damage. You can not be angry to the point of rage all the time either. The intensity of what you are feeling is not good for you or your relationships.

If you're angry about something specific and don't have to respond quickly, getting a different perspective through a trustworthy, rational friend is useful. However, if you are noticing that you display patterns of unprocessed anger that bubbles up all the time, you need help. These patterns include:

• Denigrating other people and yourself
• Increase sarcasm and verbal abuse
• Diverted physical abuse, like hitting the table or smashing cups
• “Forgetting” responsibilities
• Passive-aggressive behaviour

The goal is not to get hide or suppress anger, but to find a way to express it appropriately. “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day” (Ephesians 4:26).

Although you can’t avoid troubled times, you can learn to respond in faith and see God bring deliverance and provision. The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105 NIV).

You can deal with the immediate emotional reaction and if you know the anger you feel has deeper roots and established patterns, we can help you. There is always help and hope. We can help you to deal with the anger and the crippling fear. The is always hope and help if you reach out.

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Training in an Ever-changing Society

Formal education was traditionally considered the key to success and lifelong job security. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made us more aware that our world is continuously changing. The era we live in demands more adaptability and agility in everything we do.

An individual may start working in a position based on their formal qualifications. As time goes by, their other human skills are essential for career progression. Their human skills allow them to be promoted or deployed into different roles, or to start new ventures.

Today’s society requires that people upskill and be equipped with the knowledge and know-how for their various roles. The experiences we had during the COVID-19 pandemic proved how important it is for Christian Pastoral Counsellors all over the world to specialize in a single field of expertise. These counsellors had to help people with grief, illness, suffering and shockingly high levels of domestic violence.

Read more: Training in an Ever-changing Society