Strawberry Field Green Team plant 'Burning Bush' to commemorate Mission Directors

As a farewell gift to Mission Director Major Kathy Versfeld and Mission Development Officer Major Allister Versfeld, the Strawberry Field Green Team has planted a 'Burning Bush' to commemorate their leadership.

The bush was planted to mark the Versfelds' departure and celebrate their years of dedicated service. The Euonymus alatus, commonly known as the Burning Bush,  was chosen for its spiritual and visual significance. With its deep green foliage transforming into vibrant shades of vibrant red each autumn, the plant reflects both the natural beauty of the site and the enduring message of hope and transformation that Strawberry Field represents.

The symbolism behind the Burning Bush is rooted in the biblical story found in the Book of Exodus, where God speaks to Moses from a bush that burns without being consumed. At Strawberry Field, the planting of this shrub serves as a powerful reminder of the Versfeld's leadership, faith and the difference they have made.

As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, the Green Team at Strawberry Field continues to play a vital role in demonstrating responsible tourism. The team is actively working towards achieving the ‘Gold’ accreditation from the Green Tourism Awards, implementing a wide range of green initiatives – from building new habitats for wildlife, to reducing single-use plastics and minimising the use of harsh chemicals on site. You can learn more about Strawberry Field's commitment to sustainability here.

As the Versfelds move on to new deployment, their impact will remain rooted in the very soil of Strawberry Field – a legacy of leadership, compassion, and sustainability that continues to grow.