I found this old blog posted by my father and just felt that I should repost it – least we forget.
This blog was opened in the memory of Bob Sweetman who, in the early hours of Wednesday morning 26 April 2006, went home after a courageous battle with a brain tumour. As he touched many peoples lives all over the world it was felt that an opportunity should exist for those who want to, to tell his children and grandchildren what you remember the most about him. You can either post something on this blog or contact me – Pierré – on rockcrust@telkomsa.net
I met about 11 years ago, when I was just born-again. He took me under his wing and and taught me so much of the Bible and especially about spiritual warfare. There were many times as a single parent that I would need help or advise and Bob never failed to be there for my son, Damian and myself. He had so much wisdom and often gave us practical advise which I still use today. I remember when my family were still living out of town and so when Christmas approached Bob invited Damian and I to join his family. He and his family made us feel at home and part of his family and for that I will always be grateful. He was just that kind of a person. Always wanting people to feel loved and cherished the way that Father God loves and cherishes us. Bob your great example of the way you lived your life, as well as your strength and courage will be an inspiration to me always. Thank you so much.
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May 4th, 2006 at 10:37 pmBob made me laugh, helped me cry but more importantly he taught me about love.
His love for our Father and the Body inspired my own.
He led from the front, never gave up and was the first to admit when he was wrong.
He had a big smile, a huge heart and was always quick to encourage.
I can’t believe I had the privilege of knowing such an awesome person and
am honoured to be counter as his friend.
May 5th, 2006 at 4:41 pmBob was my spiritual Father. He taught me a lot in the7 years I knew him. In the beginning I was quite afraid of him and in awe of him, but I can honestly say that in the last two years of his life I really got to know him and was privileged to see how the Holy Spirit was changing him and the love that came out of him. He was totally committed to God and totally obedient. I also remember him by all the jokes he played on people and the ability to make people laugh! I feel honoured to have been under his teaching – his teaching changed a lot of areas of my life. I am going to miss you Bob. Till we meet again.
May 5th, 2006 at 6:45 pmBob has been part of our family for the past 27 years and during that time he proved to be a wonderful friend, brother-in-law and uncle to our children. We have many great memories of Bob and his family. When we first moved overseas in 1992, we spent extended holidays with Bob and Christine at their home in Rexford. The two families melded well together and in due course when we bought our first house in Belvidere, Bob and Christine lived in it for three years and the tradition of combined annual holidays continued. We shared many Christmases together over the years and our children learned to water-ski and surf together and remain firm friends to this day, even though they live on various continents.
His passing is a great loss to us all and he is sorely missed. He was a sympathetic listener and a wise advisor, but most of all, we will miss his great sense of humour and his humanity, for Bob was a man of the people and did not place himself above others. He was not a human being having a spiritual experience, but rather a spiritual person having a human experience and willing to share his struggle with all who were in need.
May 7th, 2006 at 5:26 amMy Friendship with Bob – Ken Maade
It was at a gala at Knysna Primary School that I first met Christine and was impressed by her soft nature and this led me to meet up with Bob and subsequently join his church. I had the privilege of getting to know Bob and his family closely for a number of years under his ministry. Jonathan and my son Derryn became close friends and enjoyed much rivalry in sport with Jonathan invariably piping Derryn at the post each time.
During my relationship with Bob he encouraged me in my faith and was a wonderful example of how one should selflessly serve God. It was his desire to one-day stand before Jesus and to hear the words, Well done my good and faithful servant. I believe that he achieve this with the exemplary way in which he followed God and his word. Jesus said that we show our love to him when we know and are obedient to his commandments. Bob always strove to know Gods word and to live according to it.
During my relationship with Bob I found that it was the desire of his heart to always seek a deeper experience with God and to make himself available to help others find Jesus and broaden their Christian experience too. Bob stood out as an ambassador for God. When Bob prayed under the anointing heaven moved and things happened. Of the many Christian teachers and leaders I have known over the years Bob was not afraid to stretch his Christian faith, and wanted to seek, find and exercise Gods will firsthand and did so regardless of the cost. In this regard he was not afraid to put himself at risk in putting Gods word to the test. Consequently we often saw Gods hand move to get the necessary result. Because of this I was able to personally see and participate in, firsthand, the way God moved in his many miraculous ways in bringing deliverance, healing and salvation to the many people who were touched by Bobs ministry. Whenever, my family, or I were ill, or had a serious problem, Bob was always there to encourage us and pray for us and I greatly appreciated his own and his familys self-sacrifice in this regard.
In lighter moments I did find the opportunity to tease him about his faith him when he exceeded the speed limit and I placed him under great conviction when I asked him why he didnt obey the laws of the land as these are also Gods laws, according to his word. Some people thought that because he was Gods representative he was perfect. Bob was an imperfect as the rest of us are and had as many faults as well, but despite this he always took a stand for God and relied on him to change his nature.
Because of the stance Bob took and the conviction of his heart he caused much controversy at times. Since we are all fallible and need Gods patience, grace, mercy and love to carry us through our lives and like him we need to also have patience with others and extend these qualities to them too. Jesus said that When we stand up him, this would invite criticism and persecution; Bob was no stranger to this either and had to constantly struggle to keep his equilibrium through many painful misunderstandings, accusations and personal issues.
I also had the privilege of being under his prophetic ministry and when he led us through the different moves of the Holy Spirit. I can remember how we rolled around on the floor in fits of laughter at some meetings as the Holy Spirit filled us with joy and the many inner and physical healings that many of us received as Gods anointing was present and then later on towards the end of Bobs life when the second wave of the Spirit brought inner change and cleansing to our hearts. How we discovered that the closer one gets to Jesus the greater the tests and trials become to make us more like him. This is by far the most difficult part of the Christian walk and it cannot be avoided if one wants a relationship with Jesus. Bob gave us a Christian adventure experience and we seldom knew what was going to happen next.
When I recently spoke to Bob he told me how he had reached a stage in his life when he had just about reached the end of his tether and had asked God just before going to sleep one night to change him on the inside. He told me that when he woke up the next morning it was as though he was looking at the world through new eyes. God had answered his prayer and given him an inner dusting and spring clean and a new heart. He told me that inwardly he was a totally changed person through this experience. He also told me of his love for his children and Christine and his concerns for them.
Just before Bobs life came to a conclusion he phoned me and thanked me from his hospital bed for the message I sent to him and apologised that he had not phoned me sooner. This was after his surgery, when he had barely surfaced from its effects on him. Such was the man who God called home; always appreciative of others and ready to sow into their lives. I will miss Bob as he has taught me a great deal about Gods word and I will always remember and be encouraged to follow his example in serving Jesus and in following a living and caring God. Bob was a true soldier, servant and friend of Jesus and a true Israelite. It was very fitting for him to be taken home over the Easter period, perhaps even prophetic and I will look forward to seeing him again in heaven one day and walking on golden streets with him.
Ps 23 The Message
God, my shepherd!
I dont need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
You find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
Im not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherds crook makes me feel secure.
Your serve me a six course dinner right in the face of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
Im back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
May 7th, 2006 at 5:47 pmAddress delivered on behalf of the home church in Pretoria/ Centurion at Bob Sweetman’s Memorial Service in Knysna on 5 May 2006:
My wife Patty & I only knew Bob for about a year, and yet he left an indelible impression on us, and on EVERY ONE IN OUR HOME CHURCH!
Dina van Vuuren, who hosts the church meetings in her house, is also here. Dina and her husband Danie had established contact with Bob while they were on holiday here in Knysna, and have known Bob for about 20 years. With her is her son Oloff & his wife Chrisna.
Reflecting on Bob’s life – just the recent past – I will always remember the occasion when Bob washed the feet of our whole group.
It happenend during a week-end retreat when he ministered to a group of us from Centurion, at a bush camp called El Shammah – which appropriately means “The Lord who is present”. Our home church had not yet been established and we were seeking direction. Bob agreed to facilitate our discussions that week-end. He faithfully guided our discussions the entire week-end, and then came the closing meeting….
Picture this – this man with an imposing stature, this leader amongst leaders in the knowledge of God – humbling himself and becoming a servant to us all – washing each one’s feet and giving them profound prophetic direction that will remain with us forever. Not counting himself above any of us, but demonstrating Jesus’ love by truly serving us.
One of our other members – got a scripture this morning which we believe is very appropriate. It is 1 Kings chapter 19:9&10, 13&14, & 16.
His mantle is now on us…
Bob finished strongly. A wise man once said – it’s not how we start, but how we finish that matters. He often rowed against the popular stream, and therefor faced many obstacles and challenges.
We know Bob is in a better place, but we will still miss him. The Lord achieved much through Bob in our lives, and I pray that the good work that he has started in us will grow and reach full maturity – so that God’s purpose may be fulfilled in us & through us.
Well done good & faithful servant!
Good ‘bye Bob – till we meet again!
May 7th, 2006 at 10:33 pmIt is one of the most difficult things, to summarise your memories of a great and wonderful friend and teacher like Bob Sweetman, as they are so many and varied.
Bob said to me not so long ago ;Sue I’ve changed my format for funerals, I am no longer going to stand up front and sing peoples praises, that is for the living.”
So Bobjo I feel qualified now that you aren’t there to do so.
Of one thing I am extremely grateful, whenever Bob ministered to or encouraged me or members of my family, I never neglected to say to him “you know I really, really love you Bob Sweetman, thank you” Sometimes I got the impression he did not quite know how to respond to that, I doubt outside of his loved ones, many had the courage to say to the big man “I love you “.
I’ll always recall the last meeting Antoinette, Dave and the children attended before leaving for the UK. Bob called them to the front, as was the custom, and how Antoinette wept, and through her tears said “Bob you’ll never know how many times you stood there and ministered just to me, as though I was the only person present, how she wept.
That was Bob Sweetman, he ministered and taught as though he was having a one on one with you and only you, because see he was always pressing the right buttons.
How devastated we were when the evening meetings were disbanded. One evening with only a handful of us present, during praise and worship, I heard a roomful of voices praise and worshipping, listening intently I realised the angels had come to join us in worshipping the Lord, Bob stood in front and worshipped with every fibre of his body, the angels had no choice but to join in.
During a morning meeting Antoinette left the room and coming back had the distinct feeling she had to remove her shoes before re-entering the room, she was on holy ground like Moses before the burning bush
That was Bob Sweetman. Whenever he ministered or taught the Three in One, Father-Son-and Holy Spirit were not only present, they were tangible. Thats what made Bob such an awesome teacher.
He was completely and utterly sold out to his Lord Jesus Christ. He was spiritually so humble, always striving for much more. He had so much to give and never hesitated to do so with much love and patience.
He really loved his “little body of people” Die Here se mensies, as he called us. At each and every meeting he ministered and taught with such authority, wisdom and enthusiasm, I always left the meetings with the impression he was willing his sheep to be impregnated with his vast knowledge and wisdom, and for us to inherit the Kingdom with him, he knew where he was going and wanted us beside him and say Lord here WE are.
It never ceased to amaze me, his vast knowledge and love for the Word, he not only “ate the Word,” he devoured it, He knew the Good Book inside out backwards, forwards sideways, any which way you pleased. Bob was a living walking encyclopedia of the Word.
Lastly, about a month before he fell ill, he phoned me and said “Sue I really want to come and visit you and Julian at you plasie, as he called it, which was amazing as he did not readily travel on the gravel road to our small holding, I said well we are coming to Knysna the following Monday, we could visit him then, but he insisted, so I arranged to meet him where the dirt road began and he could leave his beloved car at the shop.
What a memorable afternoon the family spent with our friend. Who could have guessed it would be the last.
None of us knew it then Bob, but you actually insisted to come and say your farewells to the family in our own environment.
What a magnificent friend, comforter, amazing teacher, and great prophet you were.
We are all so much more richer for having known you
Yes we really love you Bob Sweetman and will sorely miss you, but take comfort in Is57;1-2
Suzi Q and Julian.
May 7th, 2006 at 10:40 pmUncle Bob I never did get the opportunity to say “thank you” as you know we moved to the UK almost 4 years ago.
My mommy tells me, when her and my ouma were still “visitors” to the Knysna Community Church, as it was then known, she was 4-5 months pregnant with me, and at one evening meeting while you uncle Bob were busy teaching, you always had the habit of walking around the room, you stopped next to her chair, looked at her and asked “Is there something there?” pointing to her tummy.
Very embarrassed she said yes. You stopped your teaching,called aunty Jackie over and asked her to lay hands on my mommy’s tummy, uncle Bob you then started praying for me and asked God to bless me, my mommy says her and aunty Jackie was smiling so broadly, because while you were praying I put up the performance of my life.
Well uncle Bob since that very moment I was completely sold out to my Jesus and still am, that was 7 years ago.
Someday uncle Bob when we meet in heaven I will thank you personally for introducing me to Lord Jesus when you did, because I think it is hard to find Him here in the UK.
May 8th, 2006 at 9:32 amUncle Bob was a good man and he did his job on earth, but he always had a good laugh now and then
love
Mike
May 8th, 2006 at 10:15 amWhat an awsome gift Bob was to our lives! We are truely blessed to have known him as a Brother, Teacher and Friend! When Shanelle and i decided to get married, we had great joy in asking Bob to lead us into our “new life” of marriage and what a fortunate and beautiful memory we have of our special day with such a special person standing by our side! Bob never failed to amaze us in his Agape Love he had for us, the Body of Christ and his fellow man. A true legend that will be truely missed!
May 8th, 2006 at 4:36 pmI am so sorry for your loss, it I wonderful that you have decided to honour him in such a wonderful way. I have a friend who is in Hospice losing his battle to multiple types of cancer, and has fought the good fight for almost 10 years!
Celebrate Bob’s life and take time to rememebr what he meant to all of you, each person who comes into your life brings something unique, so embrace what that was for you and celebrate it everyday.
God Bless you all, and may he give you the strength to cope with your pain and loss.
May 8th, 2006 at 4:39 pmSorry, I meant to say that I did not have the pleasure of knowing Bob, but I stumbled across this site and was compelled to write something, your kind words and love for this man was touching, he was obviously a spectacular human being!
May 10th, 2006 at 9:09 pmIts been 2 weeks since my dad entered eternal life in full! I miss him a lot and can still hear his voice around every odd corner. I just want to say thanks to all those who have supported us as a fam: marion, the korstens’, els’,scivens’, harts’, creasys’, griesells, pretorious’, gibbings’, conradies’, andy and elaine, van vuurens’, jimbo and kerslakes, melodie s(carisma), jerome n(grcc), maades’, anton j, adin, martin w, grant l, grant b and nige, leggates’, alan and all at the fellowship…u kno who u are. There are many more. My prayer is that we can remain strong and can share the love my dad showed us. I know i have come to a new understanding of Gods love. The last thing my dad wrote in his journal was….I LOVE U JESUS! Speak to ya’ll again soon. LOVE jonno
June 26th, 2006 at 6:43 pmIt is two months today since Bob left us for higher service. To know that we will never see him this side of eternity is a tough one as he touched all our lives at some point in time. It was a privilege and an honour to have known Bob. I am also humbled to know that God would have used me to serve Bob in his last days. Bob never complained, and never asked why me?. He repeatedly said that he was so blessed to have so many people in his life who really care. He did however not like to be the centre of all the attention and said so on many occasions.
Our family got to know the Sweetman family way back in 1988 when we joined their fellowship in East London known as the Stirling Baptist Church. Bob was a true servant of Lord and he awakened a desire in everyone to want to know more about Jesus and a deep hunger to read the word. Christine was brave woman of God who despite any situation that she might have been experiencing would minister to anyone in need and had a genuine love for Gods people. My special Friend. Not too many people, who warm the seats each Sunday, know the turmoil that those in the ministry sometimes have to endure. Just shortly after becoming members at this fellowship, Bob dropped the bombshell that they were leaving the Baptist Union. I experienced a feeling of terrible loss and for many weeks mourned as though for someone who had died. To have found an oasis in the dessert only to have it plucked away was more devastating than I can even give words to. Not only did I grieve the loss of this special family in my life; but the huge void and the question of who was going to expound on the Word of God like Bob was anointed to do? Bob was truly anointed to speak and he would bring the word straight from the throne of God to our hearts. Bob was not a perfect human being, there were many shortcomings and failures (which he would openly acknowledge), but when it was time to speak the word or pray for someone, I believe that heaven paid attention. Bob I will miss you. You touched the lives of all who knew you; and especially mine. Christine, Mandy, Jonathan and Rebecca my heart is one with yours as you journey on this road of healing. All my Love; Always!
June 27th, 2006 at 12:38 pmGreeting from Norway,
i am so blessed to read what an impact my father made on so many lives. as a family one often misses those things as we are so caught up in being a family, if that makes any sense. It is 2 months and one day since my dad went to be with the lord and it feels as if it were just yesterday. i miss him dearly and somedays am overwhelmed with the need to talk to him and give him one last hug. i am so blessed to have my mom close by as she is my rock!!!! im so grateful to be a legacy of strength and endurance and living proof that the lord is always by our side. i have witnessed so many amazing things in my life, so far, and the greatest to date is witnessing the help and kindness from all those back in SA. I thank you so much for your support and love through this time.
i give god all the praise for my family and friends!!!!!
/rebecca
September 15th, 2006 at 2:59 pmHe broke the perception of the mystism and unapproachability of the “Set Man” ; the “Pastor” or “Leader” for me..
He was real. A real man with real issues, but the greatest thing was that he never let it keep him back from his pursuit of Jesus.
Bob started me off in this direction of talking to God for myself and developing a one on one relationship with the ONE who will ultimately be the love of my life… JESUS.
I thank God for the time i got to spend on this earth learning from such a great man.
see you soon.
love benn