The theme of emigration touches the lives of South Africans at two different levels. On the one hand, since 1994 we have had to face the enormous challenges of “emigrating” into a new democratic South Africa. This has meant, for many of us, taking a deep look at our calling to become nation builders. On the other hand, thousands of families have been affected by loved ones choosing to live overseas. This painful reality has brought a whole new set of challenges and opportunities for those involved. In his book, Living Oceans Apart, Delme Linscott seeks to bring a word of hope and encouragement to these separated families. I valued a number of things about this book.

First and foremost, I appreciated Delme’s pastoral care and concern for those whose lives have been impacted by emigration. As he points out so rightly the subject of emigration permeates the conversations of countless South Africans. To his credit Delme reflects a genuine pastoral heart for those dealing with the consequences of a loved one moving overseas. He is the first South African pastor that I know who has sought to reflect on this issue in a written way and we are in debt to him for his labour of love and concern.

Secondly, I was grateful for the way Delme encourages those affected by the experience of living oceans apart to nevertheless live creatively into this experience. We can only experience God where we are. Failure to embrace our present experiences and circumstances usually means that we miss out on the God who is present in them. Somehow we have to learn to accept the life that we are living now, with all its challenges and difficulties, if we are to experience the life that God wants to give us. Delme offers much helpful guidance in this regard.

Lastly, I enjoyed the down-to-earth, homely and practical style of Delme’s reflections. His writing will be accessible to folk from all backgrounds – those very new to the faith and those perhaps who have been journeying with God for some time. He brings to his writing wisdom gleaned both from the Scriptures and those authors who have been his teachers over the years. The reflection questions and exercises at the end of the book are particularly helpful.

A timely, encouraging and hopeful book on a deeply relevant subject.

Trevor Hudson