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Listed below are the newsletters of Salem Agribusiness Company and Khula Sizwe South Africa:

Fick Family Accident Update 11 May 2009

To all the dear friends of Salem Agri, Khula-Sizwe and especially the Fick family,

Herewith a short note of thanks and a brief update.

You are all no doubt aware of the tragic accident that occurred on Thursday, 9th April. Martin and his family were travelling up to Maclear for the Easter weekend when their vehicle lost control during a heavy rain storm. A series of blocked storm drains which were overflowing onto and flooding a section of road between Lady Frere and Cala in the Eastern Cape caused the accident. The vehicle aqua-planed and rolled several times. Sadly little Timmy was killed on impact at the accident. By the grace of God, Martin sustained only a broken pelvis (several fractures) and ripped ligaments in his right knee. Martin has been on his back in hospital with complete bed rest since the accident while the physiotherapists have been working at rebuilding muscle structure and getting him to walk with a walking frame support.

It is anticipated that he will be discharged from frail care at Somerset Place in Grahamstown towards tomorrow (12th of May) after which he will most likely have to stay in town close to therapy for another 2 weeks. The road to full recovery is a long one and the healing process will be slow for one who is always up and about and generally can’t sit still!

Jess sustained a badly shattered collarbone and torn left shoulder muscles, as well as a bad gash over her left eye towards the ear, which the cosmetic surgeons have done a great job of dealing with. She also has severe whiplash and suffers from muscle spasm and resultant headaches. She has, however, been discharged from hospital, and is staying in Grahamstown with friends. Her loving family, who came from as far as Australia and Zimbabwe to be with her and Ruthie, cared for them for a few weeks after the accident. Ruthie only sustained a cut on her head and was miraculously saved from serious physical injury and is now back at school!

David was very seriously concussed in the accident and sustained a serious head injury and a badly fractured right arm as well as torn ligaments in the right shoulder. He was in a coma for several weeks but has since recovered amazingly and has been discharged from Frail Care and is with Jess and Ruth. The prognosis for him is that a complete recovery for him is possible with therapy and counseling. It will be a long road for him, especially having lost his best friend and playmate in Timmy.

For the whole family, coming to terms with the loss and tragedy is going to be long and difficult. They all, however, have their faith and trust in God, that He who holds all things, will also hold them as they cling to the hope that they will all be reunited when Jesus comes again. The family wishes to thank all who have generously donated towards the Fick Family Fund, as well as all those who have given support in so many other practical and emotional ways.

“We have been astounded by the amazing love and support that we have had from so many people. We are overwhelmed and we are humbled. How can we thank you all for your hospitality, friendship, love and support in this crushing time? We are proud to be considered a part of this community; we are inspired by your compassion; and you have restored and reinforced our faith in humanity.

All of you who have helped by caring enough to pray for us, to sms us, to call, to offer and give cars, lifts, food, homes, letters, visits, DVDs, games, books and things too numerous to mention – all in a genuine effort to show that you care. To all of you, we want to say thank you. This event has changed our lives forever and one of the things we have come to realize through it all was that you all care and in so many cases we didn’t realize how much.

What I believe is that the love and care that we have seen in these last weeks comes not because we are special, but because you are. We are privileged to be acquainted to and loved by you. Our frailty and vulnerability has made us so much more a part of you all. We praise God for each one of you. He has revealed His love for us through your care for us. We came here as strangers, not so long ago, and we have been embraced as friends in a community that we are proud to be part of! May God richly bless each one of you.”

For all of us.

- Martin.

Any further donations or help that anyone would like to offer can be directed through Malcolm Southey on 082 498 1697 or email southey5@mwebbiz.co.za

On the Salem Agribusiness side we have welcomed Henk Britz to the team. He is running the feed mill and has been thrown into the deep end but he has learnt to swim very quickly!

Thank you all again. To God be the glory. We will keep you abreast of the progress and developments of the family in due course.

The Salem Agri Team.