Book on reconciliation comes at the right time

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Veteran missionary, evangelist, bridge builder and counsellor Roux Meyer has written a book on reconciliation.

Meyer, a Mossel Bay local, has been on outreaches to China, North Korea, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Egypt and other countries. He has been involved in smuggling Bibles into parts of the world where Christians are persecuted.

His Afrikaans book, Gedring tot versoening, is about the characters James, a black activist, and Ronnie, an Afrikaans man involved in politics.

Giving some background on himself, Meyer said he was born in 1945 and grew up with conservative political views, under the guidance of his father, who was born in 1904.

But as time went by, Meyer learnt "there were so many things wrong with Apartheid".

Meyer's passion is to see people of different cultures and races sitting around the same table and getting to know one another closely.

He said it was important not only to meet in groups, but one-on-one, in one another's homes, and to become friends across cultural and racial boundaries.

All spheres of life
On his travels, Meyer realised there were "beautiful" people in all spheres of life and belonging to all religions. For three years he organised multi-cultural meetings in Mossel Bay, where people of all cultures and races could come together to chat.

In his book, James and Ronnie find common ground because they are both Christians. As they get to know each other they realise they have many similarities despite their different races and backgrounds.

The book plays out against the backdrop of the traumatic effects of Apartheid.

Gedring tot versoening is available at the book store, Stunning, next to Doughy's restaurant at the Hartenbos Seefront. It is also available from Meyer (082 564 1576).

It is written in a highly descriptive, but accessible style and will be enjoyed by English speakers, not only those proficient in Afrikaans.

Meyer feels the book is particularly relevant in light of the plundering in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July. "Reconciliation across racial lines is badly needed."

The book would make a good birthday or Christmas present. Although a work of fiction, Meyer has based the book on real characters and events.

The strong, bold book cover is a statement itself.