A Fish Hoek resident is celebrating the launch of his new book.
Gerry Adlard, a volunteer at the Fish Hoek Valley Museum since last year, unpacked the research and travels that inspired his latest work, entitled Beholding the City: Adventures with God, to People’ s Post.
The 78-year-old resident of Peers Village was born in England and grew up in Zimbabwe, where he obtained a BSc degree and years later received a doctorate in collaborative development from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
He pioneered a Christian ministry, a collaborative development, in deprived communities and facilitated large multi-faceted housing solutions for communities and government.
He also helped with strategic planning in Southern Sudan and led garden guides in Kirstenbosch.
“I decided to volunteer at the museum as my main interest as a team member is in fostering caring and developmental collaborations between the diverse communities that exist in the valley and its museums and libraries. I expressed an interest in discovering and documenting how and when every area of the Fish Hoek Valley became occupied and was subdivided. I was given the freedom to get on with exploring the history of the area.”
According to Adlard his spiritual journey began in his 30s and stemmed from an experience he had of God speaking to him.
“I felt I was being told to leave my employment and career prospects and trust him with everything, including a family holiday by train, which had been booked-up six months previously.”
Asked what had inspired his latest work, he cited preface from his book, “God had never been on my shopping list”.
It reads: “One evening, more than 50 years ago, I learned I was on God’s shopping list. I accepted the challenge and our adventures began. We become so embedded in the ways of the world that trusting God seems both pointless and reckless, like walking the plank. “The more I walk this plank the longer it grows; it has become a bridge to a thrilling and fruitful way of life.”
He published his first memoir in 1991, entitled Great Things He Has Done.
He shared what inspired him to write the book.
“The inspiration behind this book was, firstly, to prevent me from forgetting all that God had done in the life of an ordinary family and, secondly, to encourage others to believe that God not only loves us but desires a relationship with us and has all sorts of exciting jobs for us.”
Museum spokesperson Sue Maude said it was a pleasure working alongside Adlard and congratulated him on the launch of his book.
“We are lucky he has found his way to the museum. I value working with him to future-proof our small museum and extend our networks to all the communities of the Fish Hoek Valley.
“I am grateful he is so ready to share the depth of his experience for the good of the valley. He is a valuable member of our museum-volunteer team. He brings a wealth of experience from a life in service and a PhD in collaborative development.
Maude said she is delighted to see the publication of his book, which details his significant achievements and many successes.
Adlard’s book is available from the museum and can be collected during operating hours, Tuesdays to Fridays, 09:30-12:30, at 59 Central Circle, Fish Hoek.
. The book is also available from the Kirstenbosch Book Shop, Scripture Union Bookshop in Park Road, Rondebosch, Christ Church, Kenilworth and Fish Hoek Valley Museum.
