Our Message

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Dear CBN Partner, I trust that whatever you are feeling right now, you will be stirred and encouraged as you read this edition of Arise – a small mosaic of thoughts, stories and testimonies which, seen together, reflects our team’s heart and ministry at this time. Rather suddenly, we all find ourselves in the middle of one of the biggest global crises in modern history. As I write this, I wonder how this tectonic disturbance to ‘normal life’ has affected you? I’m guessing that for many of you, things are very difficult right now. Our theme for May and June (planned long before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic) is Grace. Amazing Grace. Some of you might have watched Andrea Bocelli singing the famous hymn live to the world from Milan last month, on Easter Sunday. As this moving production flashed real-time aerial views from the hauntingly empty streets of cities across the world (including Cape Town), I found myself thinking about the well-known story of the hymn writer, John Newton. A selfish, ungodly sailor and cruel slave-trader, Newton found himself crying out to God for mercy one night as he clung on to the sinking remains of his severely storm-damaged ship in the Northern Atlantic. His life was spared. But besides experiencing God’s mercy that night, he also tasted the unexpected sweetness of Amazing Grace as he bowed to Jesus as Lord and Saviour for the first time. “How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!” He was changed forever. Even in his 80’s, shortly before he died, Newton remained amazed by God’s grace: “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour.” Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Based on his life up to that point, Newton deserved to die that night, but God spared him. That’s mercy. Grace, on the other hand, is getting what we don’t deserve. Despite our sinfulness, God through Jesus gives us

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unconditional love, royal identity, freedom, authority and eternity. That’s grace! Philip Yancey put it like this: “Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.” Like Newton on that stormtossed sea, our nation and our families certainly need to cry out for mercy at this time of great suffering. And we know (and have already seen) that God is able to miraculously spare South Africa if we humble ourselves and call out to Him. But then - may our nation also be surprised and forever changed by the power of His amazing grace during this unique time in history! I believe this is mainly going to happen as we, His children already living in grace, carry it and demonstrate it daily in our hearts, words and actions. And His grace is enough! No matter what you feel like and what you have or haven’t done. It’s enough for you – and it’s enough for those you are called to be Jesus to during this storm. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9

Ian Walton | Regional Director

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