The rainbow never sets

Having lived through the war under the Nazi regime made me very suspicious of authority of any kind. To become aware so early in life, that public figures tell you big lies, that they are selfish and will not stop at exploiting the innocent and vulnerable for their own gain, robbed me much of youths usual idealism about any political system. Then, living under communism, I felt that not much had changed from the Nazi period. People were still being exploited, there was no justice, and the worst was the lack of freedom. I came to the conclusion, that the war had not solved anything in Europe. Millions had died for nothing. War was not the answer. The answer, it would dawn on me slowly, was peace, a peaceful resolution of conflict. I believed in the power of the word, not of the sword.

When I found a new Heimat in Australia, it was like being planted in a new soil, where my soul could heal, grow and mature. Thanks to that maturing, Alison and I found each other. With our love and respect for one another, we both set forth on a journey together which is still going on. We were blessed with a wonderful family. The family tree, replanted in Australian soil as it were, formed branches, and is still forming ever new branches.

In the security of our family bliss I was searching for a deeper meaning in life. Spiritual clouds were forming around me, and I was groping for some light. Since childhood I was aware of how to look for the light, I sensed a presence in the universe which was above and beyond me, but also within me. Sometimes I didn't see it, sometimes I wasn't aware of it, at other times it was there, strong and visible, like a clear rainbow against a dark cloud. Many times I had seen it fade away, but it always came back. Then I was helped to see the link between the rainbow and that presence. This gave me the assurance that no matter what, that presence will never leave me. The rainbow has been the sign of this, the symbol of reconciliation, of peace and harmony. I am thankful that I have been allowed to experience, that for me the rainbow never sets!

When I realised that, I became very dissatisfied with my life in the wool trade. It offered no lasting values. I needed to find the true life, one in which I could be myself, one in which I could be in tune with the higher presence. Nothing in all creation would satisfy that strong longing. It was like a call to a new life, a new direction with a new dimension. It was the call to the full time ministry in God's church.

Studying theology opened a completely new horizon for me. Bits and pieces in my life came together like a jigsaw puzzle. It all made sense, for every aspect of ones life is connected with God, whether we see it or not Ñ like the rainbow. This became a major focus in my ministry, to present the spiritual life as part and parcel of life itself. There is no aspect of life which does not have a spiritual dimension. I began to see that life without the concept of God is unthinkable. Human nature is far too vulnerable and too fallible to be independent of that higher presence. Some call it

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