Devoted 16

Angelique du Toit is standing tall in a falling world

Heaven on earth‌

The Mnarani Club in Kenya!

I SSN2223- 473X

Issue 16

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Where have all the CHRISTIANS gone?

Fear and hatred equals

xenophobia

Honouring fatherhood

and paternal bonds www.devotedmag.co.za

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Go Further

Ed’s Letter

His

Celebrating

Let us carry

name and not live in shame

Mnarani Club in Kenya is our destination of choice this summer.

I have visited the country twice. Do yourself a favour and watch this video to see for yourself how awesome and tranquil the place is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB9-1XW-nGk

Devoted prides itself in serving as a platform for people to showcase their God-given talents. Over the years we have also provided believers the opportunity to share their spiritual experiences and insights with us and to reveal the role and influence God has in their lives. We have done this through publishing true life stories that fit the criteria of lifechanging experiences. Every now and then we receive testimonies of people who have been blessed as a result of the opportunities provided to them through this platform.

O

ne such a success story comes from Janet Potgieter, our cover girl from Issue 14. It comes as no surprise that she has been blessed on so many levels since she graced our cover. She is selfless in her interactions with people and uses all platforms available to promote her humanitarian work, as it is expected of a good ambassador! Read her magnificent story on pages 36 and 37.

The story of Tammy Ruggles on pages 12 & 13 is sure to inspire you. Tammy is a legally blind photographer from Kentucky in the United States. When she read the online version of the magazine, she was inspired by our photographic competition and wrote to us to share her amazing journey. It is humbling to know what a big impact Devoted has; and that we reach out to such a wide audience, nationally and internationally.

This issue is all about how to live out a Christian lifestyle. I have read many times that Christians are notorious for being hypocritical - that one of the most important perceptions of Christians is that they say something, but do (and mean) another thing! Jesus Himself referred to people who were hypocrites on numerous occasions; and in Matthew 7:15 He warns us, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

I do not believe that one can label Christians across the board as hypocrites.

But, unfortunately there are Christian hypocrites today just as in Jesus’ day! I have also been in interaction with “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing” over the last few years; and I was wondering how one can easily spot them so that we can prevent the hurt and disappointment

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that they bring into our lives. We speak up about the subject on pages 20 and 21!

Mignionette mentions in her article on page 40 that “certain people just don’t stick to things when the going gets tough” and encourages us to stay constant through every season.

Our cover girl, Angelique du Toit, is a prime example of how we should act as Christians. “Standing Tall in a Falling World”, Angelique is truly a woman of substance … a woman who has not only changed her own life, but constantly helps others to live a life of abundance, as God has intended it to be (read about her on pages 4 and 5).

Johan Terblanché reminds us that we carry His name (page 10); and Wim Fourie is a reminder that we have the power to change our lives for the better (pages 14 and 15).

Fatherlessness is one of the important issues that is brought into the spotlight in this issue. We honour fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence fathers have on society in general (see our articles on pages 6 and 7).

We also take a strong stand against xenophobia, or for that matter, any form of abuse and violence. We join many organisations that have spoken up against the attacks on foreigners in our society over the last few months. We can only pray that God intervenes in the hearts of the culprits so that, as a nation, we can stand together in opening our hearts, and homes to strangers! Read both Mmathabiso and Suzette’s viewpoints on this devastating evil in our society on pages 24 and 25 and 26 and 27.

To demonstrate our belief that we as South Africans will not embrace attacks on foreigners and that we want to open our hearts and homes to them, we invite you to take a trip to Kenya, our dream destination for this issue (see pages 28 and 29). I have visited the country twice, and despite its challenges and bad publicity, it has so much to offer, not only for visitors and tourists, but for Christians also – the believers there are also our brothers and sisters in the name of our Lord and Saviour.

I cannot help but end this letter by praising God for His many, many blessings and for constantly taking Devoted to higher levels. Since our previous issue, so many organisations and ministries have invited our team to become part of the bigger vision to unite Christians through this powerful medium; and also to play an important role in building the kingdom.

Thank you to my devoted team of writers, contributors and our family of advertisers for making the world out there notice us.

Together we are making a difference and we are changing lives – one soul at a time!

With much love and appreciation,

Gerda

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Angelique du Toit, our cover girl, is standing tall in a falling world. She is a life transformation speaker, businesswoman and writer. She encourages people to live with greater purpose, passion and productivity.

I n t h i s i s s u e

All photographs of Angelique were taken by Johan Spies Photographer

ED’s LETTER Let us carry His Name and not live in shame

2

COVER STORY Angelique du Toit is standing tall in a falling world

4

THEME Honouring fathers and paternal bonds

6

Credits

REVIEW The Drop Box

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LIVING FOR JESUS We carry His Name

MANAGING EDITOR Gerda Potgieter E-mail: editor@devotedmag.co.za

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INSPIRATION Blind, but seeing the Creator in her photography Obedient to the call of God

12 14

ACTUAL Growing up without a father

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ATTITUDE I know not Xenophobia is a sign of an unwell society Fear and hatred equals xenophobia

18 24 26

SPEAK UP Where have all the Christians gone?

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WELLNESS Integrating spiritual truths and scientific proofs…

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DESTINATION Heaven on earth, Mnarani club in Kenya

28

SPORT Devoted to God and goal

30

THE EQUIPMENT TALK Giving hope to the hopeless 32 BACK TO BASICS Fathers in the church

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TESTIMONY Devoted magazine, turning dreams into reality

36

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR War-ridden Eastern DRC

38

BUSINESS Without systems your business is managing you

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FAIR FLAIR Constant through every season

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Content disclaimer: Devoted is published by DeVine publishers. All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of information, the editor, publisher, and Devoted magazine cannot accept liability of whatsoever nature arising out or in connection with the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of any of the Devoted team and remains the sole responsibility of the writers.

Plagiarism disclaimer: It was confirmed by our writers and contributors that no part of the written submissions has been copied from either a book or any other source, including the Internet, except where such sections are clearly shown as quotations and the sources have been correctly identified within the text or in the list of references.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

LANGUAGE EDITOR Mignionette Fair ASSISTANT EDITOR Devereaux Morkel CREATIVE AND DESIGN TEAM Annerine Lubbe (Square d’zign studio) PRINTERS SA Print Group (Bloemfontein) SALES AND MARKETING Alicia Potgieter • Cell: 074 460 4123 E-mail: aliciajorge26@gmail.com sales@devotedmag.co.za WEBSITE DEVELOPER Tony Hendricks

Contact Details Editor: Email: editor@devotedmag.co.za Sales:

Book your advertising space for the next issue, contact Alicia or Suzette Email: aliciajorge26@gmail.com 074 460 4123

Angelique du Toit is standing tall in a falling world

By Gerda Potgieter

W

It is not often that one meets a talented speaker and author such as Angelique du Toit; and especially one who reaches out to others in such a profound way. She has been travelling extensively over the last few months for business and it is quite tough to get hold of her. Fortunately, she is not a total stranger to me; as I have had the privilege to listen to her speak at various occasions.

Angelique is beautiful and vibrant. The most striking thing about her - apart from her very attractive and petite appearance - is that she speaks powerfully and with so much confidence that she immediately makes a positive impact on those around her. It is clear from the moment you meet her that this is a woman who walks her talk and talks her walk… Not many people do that!

hat you see is what you get and she does not shy away from the fact that she has a deep relationship with God; and that she has received her salvation from His Son, Jesus Christ, who plays an important role in everything she does.

Angelique is a formidable writer and Standing Tall in a Falling World is already in its second print and available in retail stores not only in South Africa, but also in the USA and the United Kingdom – and on Amazon. We are also looking forward to her next book, What in the world are you waiting for? which should hit the market next year.

I do not believe in labelling people, but if I have to provide a brief description of Angelique, the phrase “a woman of substance” seems like the appropriate label to me. A woman of substance is a woman of significance - a woman whose life means something, not only to herself but to others as well.

A woman of substance has gone through adversity and passed life’s challenges with flying colours and she comes out on the other end stronger and smarter. She uses life’s lessons to empower herself and she also helps others in the process.

Looking at this beautiful and confident woman now, it is difficult to comprehend that she comes from a history of adversity and hardship that left her with little self-esteem and hope. However, she now strongly believes that her past does not define her, because she says “I do not live there anymore”…

Angelique did not have it easy but has learnt to withstand adversity.

She has no high school education, and was told by her own, abusive father at the tender age of 14 that she had to go out into the world to “earn her living”. She started to work at a hairdresser (she was under the legal age to work) by telling a lie about her age to obey her father’s orders. This lie was soon

revealed and she lost her job, which subsequently led to a number of other hardships. This left her with little hope for a better future.

The experience forced her to grow up quickly, and by the grace of our Heavenly Father, Angelique chose to use her past adversity to improve her life. She accepted Jesus Christ into her life at the age of 21 and has not looked back since. She came to grips with who she really is; and she founded her own personal and professional development company, Women Arise! in 1999. The business was inspired by what Jesus said in the Bible, to the little girl whom He raised from the dead, “Talitha cumi”, which means, “girl, arise!” She currently uses her own name for her business to reach out to both men and women to rise above their situations and to be everything God has created them to be. Through her work she continuously and purposefully helps others live a more meaningful life.

Successes

Angelique’s biography is short and sweet and is a representation of the humble nature of this amazing woman. It simply states that she is a life-transforming speaker, a seminar facilitator, an author and a businesswoman. Her business experience spans three successful decades in the world of direct selling. She has made many TV and media appearances. She is also an executive at one of the biggest direct selling, health and beauty companies, founded by the South African icon, Dr. Annique Theron.

But, her CV does not describe her as the unique and influential person that she is! The way she fulfils her purpose is the stuff that interests me… the way she lives a life of willingness and obedience to God. Through her many platforms, and in her daily interactions with others, she encourages people to live with

Cover Story greater purpose, passion and productivity; and to see themselves as the “kings” they are. She believes, and has demonstrated the truth in her own life, that “You win or lose by the way that you choose, in your life, in your business and in your future”.

Over the years she has built this belief into a growing and vibrant brand presence.

Through the right attitude she manages to forge an authentic path and she is living full-out what she talks about.

In a Nutshell

Angelique wanted to share the following special message with our readers. She said that she wishes people could see what abundance God has intended for them as human beings. It would be a sad day for her if she was called to the House of the Lord, only to discover that she settled for far less than what He intended for her!

I believe that people like Angelique, who have a mastery of themselves and a great leadership presence, are the most engaging and inspiring leaders Private Life of our time. I can only end this article Angelique has been married to Ernest by stating the obvious: Angelique du du Toit – a successful businessman and inspirational speaker in his own right - for Toit is an amazing, godly woman – an the last 20 years. It was a second marriage ordinary woman living an extraordinary life of purpose, drive and integrity. She is for both of them and they have four a woman who is indeed shaping hearts, grown-up children. It is clear from just shifting minds and sharing her successes looking at the body language between with the world. the two of them that the relationship As petite as she is, she is indeed is one of mutual respect… one that is “standing tall in a falling world” and healthy and blessed. To quote Ernest, “I through reaching out to others, she is believe marriage is a reflection of what we also an inspiration to them. Well done practice out in the world, in our life and in Angelique, the Devoted readers will the workplace”. Angelique, on the other be following your life’s journey with hand, believes that in marriage, it is not excitement and wish you everything of about finding the right person, but it is all the best in your future plans. about being the right person!

They say that behind every successful man is a supportive wife; but behind most More about Angelique Du Toit? great women is a resentful husband, but Website: www.angeliquedutoit.co.za this is clearly not the case with this couple. Website: http://www.annique.com/ It is only a successful man in his own right Website: www.devotedmag.co.za that can be such an ideal companion for Website: http://thelegacyproject. this woman of substance. Ernest clearly co.za/459-angelique-du-toit-interviewadores his wife and she provides him with speaker-author-businesswoman/ the emotional support and confidence Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngeliqueDT that he needs to be successful in his own LinkedIn: https://za.linkedln.com/pub/ world - and he is outspokenly proud of her. angelique-du-toit/

Ernest du Toit talks about his wife, Angelique How would you describe Angelique in one sentence?

Ernest: She is open and principled, based on her strong relationship with God. I see a woman who supports others and one who leads others. Would you agree with this?

Ernest: First, I would like to define leadership and then I will qualify my answer. John Maxwell defines it brilliantly when he says that to determine if someone is a true leader, you have to answer three questions of those you wish to lead: • Do you care about me?

• Can you add value to my life?

• Can I trust you?

Angelique to me, in terms of the above questions, is the embodiment of true leadership since she truly cares about people, adds value to their lives and they can trust her implicitly. Furthermore, to become successful in life in general, you have to develop appropriate strategies, but you cannot apply the same strategies when you are six years old, as those that you apply when you are 16, or 26, or 56 years old. You have to continuously re-think and re-develop new strategies that are appropriate to where you find yourself at a specific time in your life. They also have to be appropriate to you and your uniqueness, your unique role in life and your significance in the world. Angelique excels in that.

Do you think the description “a woman of substance” suits her and that it describes her strong character and depth of personality?

I agree wholeheartedly with this description. This is not a one size fits all statement, since Angelique is morally strong and unfailing in her love for God. She has a great depth of character and a strong personality and the Bible remains her final authority.

Outwardly you clearly have a beautiful and wellgroomed wife. Would you say that she also has beauty of spirit - morally and principally strong?

Many people pretend to be who they are not, like one of Aesop’s fables about the donkey in a lion skin.

He scared away other animals by his appearance, extremely proud of whom or what he represented.

But, when he opened his mouth, the only sound that he could make was a donkey’s braying. This revealed who he really was to those around him and he lost his power; since he was after all not the lion he pretended to be.

Angelique is the antithesis of this. From a Biblical perspective, she knows that she represents the Lord in all that she does. The fruits of the Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, comes to mind when I think of Angelique. Her spiritual fruit is real and relevant and shines outwardly for others to see and experience. Her outward beauty is a reminder of her continuous internal development.

What is the most important lesson you have learnt from Angelique?

There are so many, but if I have to select just one, it definitely would be that she believes in the power of choice. She taught me that “you win or lose by the way that you choose”. We all have choices. We all have to walk our own paths and take responsibility for the choices that we have made.

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Honouring fatherhood

and paternal bonds There is no doubt that both parents have an important role to play in a child’s upbringing, but while much has been said and written about the role of mothers in parenting, the role of fathers is sometimes underplayed. Fathering a child is the easy part of becoming a parent for some, but being a father, and a supportive and involved one, is the most important decision a man can (and must) make. There is no doubt that a positive male role model, especially a father, has a profound effect on a child. Sadly, many children will go to bed tonight without a father to tuck them in and read them a story, because too many grow up without a father

d o o erh

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t is said that a father is a boy’s first hero and a daughter’s first love. This statement emphasises the pivotal role fathers play in the upbringing of a child. The presence and involvement of a father in a child’s life is crucial to a child’s healthy development.

Fathers play an important role in the development of a girl’s self-esteem, confidence, and most importantly, her opinion of other men. For boys it is also vitally important to have a healthy and positive male model that will help them to develop healthy gender-specific characteristics. We hope you will enjoy the articles as much as we have enjoyed putting them together for you. Some of these fathers are more famous than others, but to their children they are the “coolest of all dads” on planet earth!

PIERRE SPIES

Pierre Spies is no stranger to our readers and we previously published his testimony in Devoted. Our focus then was his unconditional love for his Heavenly Father and also his fearlessness in declaring it widely. Since then, he and his lovely wife have been blessed with two cute little boys. And by the look of it, Pierre is taking his responsibilities and role as a father seriously and excels at it.

In an ever-increasing fatherless society, it is a fresh breath to see a father that is so involved with his little boys. Looking at pictures posted on his Facebook page, it is clear that the boys play a huge role in his life and that he takes his responsibilities towards them very seriously. Watching a special insert on a recent “good life” TV show, it struck me immediately that their family is comfortable being around each other and that they all find joy in each other’s company.

I had the privilege to hear and read Pierre’s testimony, and I know that he gets his guidance from the Bible. This gives me the comfort that this young father is on the right path and that his little boys are in good hands! I asked him a few questions…

What was your relationship with your father and what role did he play in your life?

Pierre: My father was an amazing person who loved the Lord! He also played for the Bulls and was a massive influence in my career. But, his role as mentor was probably the biggest influence in my life!

What is the best advice your father ever gave you?

Pierre: To take the pain of discipline over the pain of regret!

When it comes to the (sometimes) challenging vocation of fatherhood, where do you get your guidance from?

Pierre: Well, I think it is important to have a teachable spirit first. We are not going to do everything right from day one. I listen to and read up on men who

Theme bear fruit - men with happy family lives, and men who apply what they do. Then I add my own personal flavour to it!

What do you think makes a good father?

Pierre: Firstly, a father must be in love with the Lord to be a good father, so that he can love his children no matter what and so that he can understand what his children’s challenges are. He must then protect and discipline them and guide them into their destiny. Lastly, a good father will love and serve his wife with all he has.

What are your dreams and hopes for your boys? And does the picture include rugby?

Pierre: My dreams for them is to fulfil what God has called them to be whether that includes rugby, or not!

Is there a piece of wisdom you want to share with other fathers, or fathers-to-be?

Men must stand up and make their lives count in families, communities and in the church. The world needs men of hope!

Pierre Spies, the father (picture Facebook)

ERNEST DU TOIT

Father’s Day is a day for celebrations and joy. It is a day when (if you do not do it regularly) one should reflect on fatherhood. It is the day when one should take the time to confirm the love and appreciation we have for the husbands and fathers in our lives. Angelique du Toit (read our cover story) had a special message for her husband, Ernest, for Father’s Day 2015: Thank you for being so wonderfully you: kind-hearted, generous, discerning, wise, humorous, funloving, sporting and thoroughly charming. What a wonderful Father, Leader, Mentor, you are! I am so grateful that our children will enter their adulthood with role-model tangibles of how to create a loving, peaceful and successfully bright future. With love, Angel”.

The messages conveyed by Ernest’ children were just as special and a good indicator of how his children appreciate the important role he plays in their Ernest du Toit (middle) with his family lives.

“You’re the Best in the Bunch, Daddy. You will never know the amount of love I have for you, because there will never be enough words to describe just how much I love you and how much you mean to me. I am honestly and undoubtedly the luckiest daughter in the whole world because I was so blessed when God gave me a dad like you and I don’t know quite what I did to deserve so much but I am grateful and so thankful every day and will be always. Thank you for always being the most amazing man, father, friend and role-model in my life. Thank you for always being there for me no matter what and thank you for being the most special dad anyone could have. Lots of love, Claire”.

“Thank you for always being my guiding light, the voice of reason and my best friend. I truly value every moment I get to spend talking with and learning from you. You are a great inspiration. I say thank you every night as my life would have been completely different if you were not in it. I love you so much and I look forward to many more adventures together. Love Ryde”.

“Thank you for so willingly being my dad and my best friend. You are such a treasure. I am so proud of your achievements. You deserve every blessing and more. My life would be empty without you. Thank you for all the advice, love and encouragement you give.

This has been invaluable. You are awesome. Love you oodles. Bayley”.

HENDRIK VAN HUYSSTEEN

“My husband is not only a father to our 2-year-old daughter, Nicolay, but also her friend”, says Suzette. “He spends quality time playing with her and they have their own little games she is always excited to play, with only her dad. When need be he disciplines her in a soft and gentle manner, always explaining to her why he disciplined her and afterwards comforting her, wiping away the tears. He prays for her and provides for us as a family, feeling honoured to do so. He always listens to what she has to say even if she has repeated the same sentence seven times already. He guides her in love and helps her to reach her full potential without provoking fear. She always knows that he loves her to the moon and back and that he is her safe harbour”.

Fatherhood Hendrik and Nicolay

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Review

THE DROP BOX “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” (Proverbs 31:8)

T Devoted is honouring fatherhood and paternal bonds in this issue. Raising children involves love, kindness, empathy, sacrifice and compassion. I cannot think of a better way to demonstrate the power of fatherly love than to introduce our readers to this award-winning documentary.

The film tells the story about a South Korean pastor’s efforts to embrace and protect the most vulnerable members of society - abandoned children.

It is a heart-warming story that will touch you deeply, and that will hopefully urge you to also make a difference in society! The movie is a confirmation that there are fathers who not only play a pivotal role in the upbringing of their own children, but who have enough room left in their hearts to care for those who are abandoned by their own parents

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he documentary is about the true story of Pastor Lee Jong-Rak from Jusarang Community Church in Seoul, South Korea.

It focuses on his efforts to protect and care for newborn babies who might have otherwise been abandoned on the streets. He built a heated “baby box” which serves as a safe harbour to welcome and care for these babies, many of whom have disabilities.

What makes this story even more special is that the pastor and his wife have a son, Eun-man, who was born with cerebral palsy and a severely disfigured face, and they take care of him at home.

While others would be discouraged by such a burden, which normally comes with great financial and logistical challenges, taking care of their son has inspired Pastor Jong-Rak to also take care of other disabled children and those not wanted by their biological mothers. Pastor Jong-Rak installed the drop box in 2009, but at that time he was already taking care of a few abandoned babies. Since then he has saved more than 600 babies and adopted 16 of them. What a story of hope! What an inspiration!

What a reminder about what it really, really means to be a Christian and to take care of others!

“They’re not the unnecessary ones in the world.

God sent them here for a purpose”- Pastor Lee JongRak The Drop Box was directed by Brian Ivie, a graduate of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. Ivie was personally impacted as he directed the movie. At the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival in 2013, he was presented with the Best of Festival award for the documentary.

He then told the audience: “I became a Christian while making this movie. When I started to make it, and I saw all these kids come through the drop box – it was like a flash from heaven. Just like these kids with disabilities had crooked bodies, I had a crooked soul. And God loves me still.”

The Dove Foundation awarded The Drop Box five Doves, the highest rating available, in its review of the documentary.

Christian Art Media, in association with Focus on the Family and Provident Films, released The Drop Box in June 2015.

For more information about The Drop Box, visit http://www.thedropboxfilm.com/.

(Note: A portion of the DVD sales will be donated to South Africa’s Door Of Hope – Children’s Mission. – Editor)

What others had to say about this magnificent film: “We need stories like this one… to assert truth; that there are miracles; that heroes exist; and that love endures even amid daily tragedy.

Through this movie… I’m hoping that people see a type of love that spends itself on behalf of others and doesn’t expect anything back. Because that’s what God’s love is like. It goes to the gutters for the broken and the lost.”

(Brian Ivie, filmmaker) “The Drop Box reminds us that out of the deepest places of hurt comes hope, that every life has dignity, and that it is what we make of the lifechanging moments that determines how they shape our lives.”

(Madison Peace, The Federalist) “I can’t think of another modern example that so perfectly encapsulates Christian faith. This is a powerful movie that you should not miss.” (Donald Miller, NY Times Best Selling Author) “The Drop Box is ultimately a story of hope. Even in the midst of a heartwrenching situation, we see the heart of a father’s love in Pastor Lee. Not everyone is called to do what he’s doing or adopting a child themselves, but all Christians are called to care for orphans. Watching this documentary changes a person – it draws you to care even more deeply for the most vulnerable among us.” (Focus President, Jim Daly) “What I deeply appreciate about The Drop Box film (I saw it a couple months ago) is that not only does it acknowledge the complexity of these issues, it reminds us – beautifully and poignantly – that behind statistics and banter of issues – are real babies and infants that are created in the image of God. This needs to be a constant reminder lest we think this is just about policies, politics, and institutional systems. Life matters.

Babies matter. Unborn babies. Infants matter. Children matter.”

(Eugene Cho)

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Living for Jesus

We carry

His Name

by Johan Terblanché

A soldier was brought before Alexander the Great for improper behaviour as a soldier in his army. Alexander asked the soldier, “What is your name?”

To which the soldier replied “Alexander, Sir.” Alexander the Great repeated the question and received the same answer.

This happened a third time, and a very annoyed and irritated Alexander the Great pointed his finger at the soldier and said “Either you change your behaviour or you change your name!”

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he Bible says we have all fallen short of the glory of God. In other words, no one is actually worthy of God’s love, mercy and grace and yet God loves unconditionally, gives mercy freely and gives us sufficient grace. But does this mean we can abuse this to continue living in sin once we have been saved by Christ?

No! If you call yourself a Christian, you better start behaving that way, because people will label you – and Christianity – by the way you behave indeed, and not by the way you say you want to behave.

And today I wish to say to those continuing a life of sin and bad behaviour, while saying they are Christians: “Either you change your behaviour or you change your name!”

This is what the Word of God says. These things are not of God and should not form part of Christian behaviour: “Illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things”. (Galatians 5:19-21 God’s Word translation) But what forms part of Christian behaviour? What is it that we should do? Once again we turn to scripture, Galatians 5:22 -23 says: “But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” This list is comprehensive and clear. We cannot say we are Christians, but we refuse to be kind to those who are not; or if we continue with behaviour that is not in line with how the bible say we should behave.

Yes, in Christ we are saved, delivered and healed. But, we are also taught to follow the example of Christ, to walk in His light, to do the things He did and act the way

God

He acted. Let us not be called Christian by name while living in shame. Let us not be called Christian while we still follow the ways of our flesh, the things of the earth or sin. Let us change our behaviour … or change our name.

“Lord, forgive me for I have sinned. Set me free from sin and let my life continue to be a testimony of your saving power. Help me, to behave in a godly manner and not harm the image of Christ – I pray in Jesus name. Amen”

There are many commands in the New Testament on what the Christian life should look like, therefore we are not lacking in guidance for how a faith-based life works itself out in the real world.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, however, contains a simple list of how we should behave as Christians: “Live in peace with each other....

Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong... always try to be kind....

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances...

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt.

Test everything.

Hold on to the good.

Avoid every kind of evil”.

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11

Inspiration

Blind, Creator in her

photography but seeing the

by Mignionette Fair

Imagine waking up, but when you open your eyes, everything is hazy and blurry.

Helen Keller once said “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision”. In the case of Tammy Ruggles, she might not have sight, but she definitely has vision

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ammy is a legally blind photographer and Christian, based in Kentucky, USA. She uses fine art photography, despite being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), to show others that God can bless any given circumstance. She says, “I give the Ultimate Creator the glory for giving me the ability to create. I want others to see the Creator in my work, from spring flowers, to snow-covered hillsides, to horses grazing in a field.”

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive blinding disease and although Tammy was born with poor eyesight and wore glasses that got thicker as she grew into adulthood, she only heard the words “RP” when she was 40 years old. This is when she was labelled legally blind.

Tammy says “The diagnosis made my symptoms - night blindness, little peripheral vision, little depth perception, decreasing vision over time - make sense. It isn’t that I loved hearing RP, it’s just that it now had a name, one I could learn about. Learning that I would probably lose more vision during my lifetime wasn’t easy, but I prayed about it, and learned to accept it as something God thought I was able to deal with, or He wouldn’t have allowed it.”

In 2013, Tammy became a fine art photographer with the help of a simple point-and-shoot digital camera set on auto, a 47-inch (119cm) computer monitor, and sometimes a little guidance from whoever accompanies her on a photo adventure.

Although she loves colour and does take colour photos, she prefers black and white, since she sees best in high contrast.

Tammy says “Sometimes I’m asked, ‘How can you take pictures if you’re legally blind?’ Well, my camera sees for me. I see the general blurry shape of something, and the camera captures what I can’t see.”

Some of her photos have been published in art magazines, literary journals, and photography publications. She has a Bachelors and Masters degree.

You might be wondering how Tammy manages to stay so positive, despite her circumstances. She says, “After I gave my life to the Lord in 1980, I was hungry to learn, and read the Bible over and over: The Old Testament once from beginning to end.

The New Testament, about 15 times from beginning to end. I allowed it to soak in. What the Bible says has helped me to stay positive.

A lot of God’s people go through things, and find ways to make the best of it. I’m just one of many who knows that God can make any situation better and use it. Everything I do now, I do in a different way, from reading, to using the computer, to writing. I’m in a constant state of adjustment and acceptance, and I think this comes from the positive attitude God gave me.”

Tammy was born in Kentucky and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. In second grade she attended a sight-saving school and everyone in the class wore glasses and had vision problems. After Cleveland, she grew up on her grandparents’ farm in a trailer home with her mother and siblings.

She went to college to become a social worker, and practiced art along the way, taking family snapshots, but hiding her secret desire to be a fine art photographer. She says

Inspiration “I thought it was impossible, and worried about what others would say: “A legally blind photographer? Get real.” I just left that dream alone and tried to continue my sketching for as long as I could.

“My childhood sweetheart and I had a son together and we had an off-again, onagain relationship, partly due to the fact that he went to jail for burglary. I made mistakes during those years, and thought I was unforgiven, so it was a tough journey back to the Lord, but I made it. I prayed for my son’s dad, to change, to give His life to the Lord, but I won’t know until the next life if it ever happened. He died in an accident when our son was 10. I’ve had ups and downs, but God was with me every step of the way, and I tried to keep going forward.”

Tammy earned two college degrees, experienced a lifelong dream of being a social worker and raised a son as a single mother to the best of her ability. After she had to retire from social work due to her vision loss, she wasn’t sure what to do, but she prayed, and about a year later, she decided to try using her talent for writing in a professional way. She’s been a freelance writer ever since and started doing her photography in 2013.

She says “My outlook on life is that we only have one life given to us, and we should enjoy it to the fullest and make the

best of it while we’re here on this earth.

Life is only here for a little while, and then it vanishes, as the Bible says. This kind of attitude is a choice I make. I like using the talents God gave me. I’ve always believed we should use the gifts we’re given. If God gave it to me, I should use it. A lot of my photography is of nature, and I think this is a way for me to honour God’s creation, earth, and His existence. In a way, it’s a way of worshipping Him, just like singing a hymn or raising a hand in church.

“Besides a form of artistic expression, photography is also a way for me to stay connected to the visual world around me.

A butterfly that I can’t see around a flower becomes two feet tall on my big monitor.

I’ll practice photography this way for as long as my vision holds out, or for as long as the interest is there. I hope others in a similar circumstance can read my story and find different ways to use the gifts they’re given.”

Our readers can go to Deviant Art’s website to see more of Tammy’s photos and to find out more about her art. Visit http://tammyruggles.deviantart.com/ gallery/46117265/Photography-Blackand-White If you want to enter for the Devoted/ Photowise photo competition, you can visit our website: www.devotedmag. co.za or www.photowise.co.za

Submit your photographs now and win a chance to have it published in the Devoted Christian lifestyle magazine THEMES: Faith, Hope and Love (Spiritual Growth) Grace (Social Responsibility) Portraiture, People doing what people do (Lifestyle) Nature (God’s creation)

Photo Competition in proud association with is running a photo competition.

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CATEGORIES: Junior (6+) and Adult (19+) DATES: Competition closes 30 November 2015.

For rules and regulations; registration; tips and tricks; as well as prizes - please visit our websites:

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13

Inspiration

Obedient

to the call of God

By Gerda Potgieter

The Bible is clear about how we should use our talents, gifts and life experiences to build the kingdom and to make a difference in people’s lives.

This Biblical principle is not only demonstrated

by Wim Fourie, founder of the Life-Centre™, a recovery and reintegration programme; he and his gorgeous wife, Madelein, who full-heartedly supports her husband to be obedient to his calling, continuously live out these principles

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im Fourie is no stranger to the Devoted readers. He regularly contributes articles to educate our readers on how devastating drugs and other forms of abuse can be for the youth and societies. He is one of a small group of supporters who has been there for our Devoted team from the beginning; and one who has been amazingly loyal. His enlightening, educational articles, written from a platform of authenticity, not only inform our readers, but it makes a difference in society and inspires many.

Wim has taken his calling a step further. He is now ready to put his money where his mouth is, so to speak, as he has obediently left a relatively secure flow of income and is trusting God to provide for him while he takes care of the urgent needs of others. He has recently started, the Life-Centre™ in Boschkop (Pretoria) by the grace of his Creator and help of a few strategic partners. He plans to put the centre’s slogan: “Love God, Love people, Love life,” into practice in his efforts to help those who need it, and to give them their dignity and pride back through his recovery and reintegration programme.

Although Wim, his wife and their team occupied the property in Boschkop on 1 July 2015 and intake initiated on 5 July 2015, the official opening of the Life-Centre™ will take place on 12 September 2015. The centre will focus on offering those addicted to illicit drug use an alternative way to live and to acquire skills so they can overcome their addiction and start playing an active and more productive role in society.

Being a self-proclaimed, ex-abuser of drugs himself, Wim is not only fully recovered, but he is dedicating his life, as a result of his love for God, to work with people and to use his own life experience, knowledge, skills, talents, and above all - his love for people, to make a difference in his field of expertise. Wim runs various programmes amongst the youth of South Africa and other African countries in collaboration with stakeholders and strategic

Wim Fourie partners to educate people (especially the youth).

Over the years, he has also spearheaded a number of successful endeavours such as Youth Against Drug Abuse (YADA™), a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) Section 21 organisation running since 2004; Drug Education Agency™ (DEA), a platform equipping parents, lecturers, teachers and loved ones; Amnesty-Week™, an initiative launched in two pilot platforms in 2014 and has now expanded to a national platform in some areas; Unite 4 Victory™, offering awareness interventions to unite communities to be victorious over addiction and the latest addition being Ingonyama Skills and Development Programme. All these programmes will be continued from this new platform as an ongoing process towards successful reintegration of the recovering drug addict.

Drug abuse is directly related to one of the biggest challenges of our times, namely fatherlessness. Too many children are neglected and forced to grow up in an environment without the presence and support of a strong father figure and they get involved with drugs in the process. Wim understands this well as he comes from a background where he had first-hand experience of an abusive father and neglect. He also used to think that drugs would help him overcome his problems and would numb the pain he felt as a youngster. By the grace of God, Wim has changed his life and now dedicates his resources to help others; so that they can know others care about them.

The Devoted team is proud of Wim and the good work he and his team does in the communities. When I first met him, I instantly knew that – notwithstanding his macho external appearance – here is a man with a big heart. The bond I established with this great man of God has grown into love and affection that has no boundaries in the kingdom. I am proud to be associated with him and his dedicated team that will – without any doubt – take the Life-Centre™ to greater heights.

Inspiration Wim, from your experience, could you tell us what the relation is between a child growing up without a strong father figure portraying the correct values and the abuse of illicit drugs?

Manhood is directly transferred from the father to his children over time through very strong bonds and reference frameworks instilled over time. It’s up to the fathers what they consciously transfer or abstain to transfer.

I remember on 13 February 2014, my mum, my two sisters and my future wife and I had only four days with my dad. We had to work through 20 years of baggage in order to reconcile before he passed away early the next morning.

I told him where I have journeyed in life since the day he placed a revolver to my head and forced me out of home, two weeks prior to my prelims in 1993. While lying on his death bed with stage four liver and kidney failure, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said: “Son, do you know why you got involved in drugs and drug dealing?” to which my reply was “No sir, bad friends?” To my surprise he said: “Not just that, but when you were three or four years old, I used to take drugs and deal in front of you.” So tears were shed, forgiveness was appropriated before he passed away…

I know from experience that a calling such as yours is sometimes an idea that one cannot comprehend. When was the desire to make a difference in society by opening the Life-Centre™ for drug abusers born?

I was an addict for 14 years and I have been in the starting blocks of preparation

for about 14 years now - and for that, God gave us 14 hectares to use for His glory.

We had many falls along the way, but a righteous man may fall seven times, but gets up the eighth time. We have arrived at this time. I must say that my wife and I have been ready, willing and obedient for many years. However, God uses people to advance His kingdom and we had to wait for the right people He intended to be both willing and obedient in order for His plan and will to be divinely exucuted; and to allow us to eat the good fruit of the land.

What I know for sure is that God would not call you for a task as great as this one without giving you the resources and help that you need. However, how can our dedicated Devoted readers help you in making this enormous task much easier and in what way can they contribute?

People can pray for us in our endeavours.

Secondly, they can spread the word about what God is doing. Thirdly, come say hello and spread some love to the people on the programme, as they desperately need it. Fourthly, due the excessive demand for help, even prior to us opening our doors, many of those addicted cannot afford recovery programme costs, despite our fees being moderate compared to industry norms. We would ask for individuals and or companies to get involved in our AssistAn-Addict™-programme. This AAA™programme is unique to our Life-Centre™ and this offers corporates or individuals the opportunity to contribute by investing in the life of individuals for a minimum of 6–12 months, in exchange for a Tax Exemption Certificate and a number of

visible benefits for their brand identity.

The negative consequences of drug abuse are huge and do not only affect the individuals who use the drugs, but the families, friends, and society as a whole. It has a serious negative effect on resources and destroys lives, sometimes permanently. For individuals it has serious health problems (physical and emotional); sickness and can also end in death. For families and friends, the effects are just as devastating and in cases where parents are the drug abusers, children not only suffer physically and mentally, but they are sometimes abused and seriously neglected.

The abuse of illicit drugs is not only the individual’s problem. It is a societal challenge that will only be solved if the real issues are taken care of; and if society and individuals collectively take responsibility for this serious ill in our communities. It is for this reason that Wim and his team will follow a holistic approach to taking care of the Life-Centre™ inhabitants, in collaboration with the families. Together we can do so much more!

CONTACT DETAILS For more information, contact Steven Brooks on steven@yada.org.za or 078 274 8926.

For intake and or admission forms, you can contact Carmen on carmen@yada.org.za

Devoted has joined the war against drug abuse, instead of just observing the battle from the side-line. Our team will be involved in this amazing programme to make a difference in the communities in which we serve.

We will also start the Devoted library, donating and maintaining a library with uplifting and inspirational books and material so that we can give hope and inspire the inhabitants of the Life-Centre™. If you have any books to donate, please do not hesitate to contact us at editor@devotedmag.co.za. Your small contributions can make a huge difference to somebody else.

I firmly believe we are the head only and not the tail; and I would like to implore you, should you wish to donate to this worthy cause, not to donate anything you would not use yourself. I believe everything we receive is an offering unto God; so don’t give your second best. - Editor

www.devotedmag.co.za

15

Actual

Growing up without a

father ssteen

by Suzette van Huy

w ssteen, our ne Suzette van Huy r he d an , ributor writer and cont beautiful family

As my daughter lies with her arms and feet hanging carelessly from the swing while staring at the blue sky, and laughing every time her father gives the swing a push, I cannot help but think that she is so privileged and blessed to have a father that loves her so much. There are so many children growing up without ever experiencing or knowing what a father is

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his perfect love a parent has for their child gives me a glimpse of how much our Heavenly Father loves us as His children. It also took me back to my own childhood where I had a father, but not a present and involved father. I do not have one single childhood memory of my father ever playing with me. The memories I have of my father is of alcohol, maudlin, anger and resentment. The lie that took foothold in my heart was that I was never good enough or worth spending time with. It is a lie I lived with for way too long.

But God came into my heart and healed it while speaking truth into my life - saying I am worth it and that God is my Father. In this article I want to encourage every father to step up and be the father God intended you to be. If you do not, you will leave scars and heartache in the hearts of your children; impacting their future decisions in a negative way… and leaving them trapped and living in lies.

Sadly, many fathers do not grasp the incredible honour it is to be a father. As author and educator, Kent Neburn, said “it is much easier to become a father than to be one”.

Many children have a biological father, but he is not present or interested - which inevitably leaves them fatherless. The question of what a father should be like is often asked.

Well, since God is our Heavenly Father, who better to look to than Him as a role model?

If I think about my Heavenly Father,

I think about love, patience, trust, mercy, sacrifice, serving, being present, joy and feeling secure. The fruits of the Spirit come to mind as seen in Galatians 5:22-23. I know that my Heavenly Father will guard my heart and always want what is best for me, He is never selfish. Out of this loving and secure relationship, respect and obedience comes naturally. Respect is not enforced out of fear for my Father in Heaven.

Angus Buchan says that our children hardly ever do what we tell them to do. They actually do what we do. So, the best example we can set for our children is to be like Jesus. We love because He loves; we forgive because He forgives; and we give because He gives. We should start imitating God so that we can set the correct example for our children.

Very often the cycle of an abusive father; a dictator; a drunkard, a father that is not present or involved; or any type of father that is not in line with God’s principles of a father - keeps on repeating itself because of the example a man’s earthly father has set for him.

In earlier generations, the father figure was mostly a figure of discipline, where children were scared of their father. Many fathers were also not at home due to work challenges or an economic crisis as the father still had to provide for his family. In those days children were not to be heard or seen. It left too many children with feelings of neglect, which they either passed on when they became a father themselves; or by the grace of God they broke

Actual the cycle. Sadly too often – even though circumstances have changed - some men still repeat the cycle today.

In Ephesians 6:4 the apostle Paul says “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord”.

According to the dictionary, the meaning of the word admonition is a firm warning or guidance in other words. In a few words the Holy Spirit speaks of responsibility and accountability. Therefore, in order to be a good father, a father should first of all have a personal relationship with God. God not only gave men the incredible privilege of imitating Him as Father, but He also placed a great responsibility onto fathers.

According to a study of Ephesians 6:4 by Jonathan L. Perz, children in many homes have been provoked to wrath because of a father’s absence. It is due to neglect, irresponsibility and selfishness of a father that his presence is not felt in his home. He is either too busy to be a father because he is more focused on his work and personal hobbies. Perz added that in some cases the father is abusive, both physically and emotionally. Or the father is hypocritical, demanding things of his family that he does not demand of himself. All of these things can and will provoke a child to wrath and must be avoided. Colossians 3:21 says “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged”.

Another vital statement made by Perz is that under Christ, the father is the spiritual head of the home. “But I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3).

The presence of a father should be felt in the home, in its rules, its worship and through the father’s gentle love, leadership and example. Perz added that one of the biggest problems is that too many fathers are not spiritual men.

Training and admonition also means more than mere discipline or punishment for wrongdoing.

A father should spend time instructing and training his children to do the right thing and ultimately to willingly submit their life to their Heavenly Father.

Therefore an incredible challenge lies before a father.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3). Fathers must realise that God gave them a great blessing, but with this blessing comes accountability. Therefore fathers are accountable for the spiritual growth of their children and will one day have to account to God as it is not the responsibility of a mother, grandparents, teachers or churches, but the father’s

responsibility to guide his children spiritually.

By the example and grace of God, every father is able to build a strong bond between him and his children so that even though we live in a destructive world, his children will grow up to love God and their families because their father was a spiritual man leading a spiritual home.

Fathers can demonstrate to their children that they care by making them a priority and spending quality time with them on a regular basis. Spending time with a child makes them feel protected and loved. You can also read the 10 key things Scripture says about being a father on pages 8 and 9.

Being a father is not a burden, but rather a honour and blessing. In being the best father you can possibly be, you have the opportunity to serve and honour your Heavenly Father out of love and respect.

I pray that God will speak into the hearts and souls of every single father, opening their eyes to what His will for a father is. I pray that God will give every father the wisdom and guidance needed to bring their children up in the training and admonition of the Lord. I pray for an unbreakable bond between every child and their father so that all fear and hurt will be cast away and the empty space will be filled with God’s perfect love, for Him and for one another. Amen.

Flipping tyres for good causes Help us making a difference in children’s lives

TeamChris consists of Chris Liebenberg and Chris Batts. These two businessmen have been using their tyre-flipping skills to make a difference in the communities where they serve; and they smashed a few world records (Source: www.recordsetter.com): • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fastest time to flip a 209 kg tyre for one kilometre (April 2015) Most times flipping a 100 kg tyre in one hour (March 2015) Fastest time to flip a 85 kg tyre for three kilometres (September 2014) Fastest time to flip a 150 kg tyre for one kilometre (August 2014) Fastest time for two people to flip a 100 kg tyre for five kilometres (August 2014) Fastest time for a father-and-son team to flip a 85 kg tyre 30 times (July 2014) Most time flipping a 85 kg tyre in 12 hours (June 2014) Fastest time to flip a 85 kg tyre in 12 hours (June 2014) Fastest time to flip a 85 kg tyre for five kilometres (May 2014) Fastest time to flip a 85 kg tyre for 1.6 kilometres (May, 2014) Fastest time to flip a 85 kg tyre for 2.5 kilometres (April 2014) Fastest time to flip a 100 kg tyre for 3.5 kilometres (March 2014) Fastest time to flip a 100 kg tyre for three kilometres and ride a wheelchair (January 2014) Most times flipping a 100 kg tyre in six hours (November 2013) Fastest time for 12 people to flip a 100 kg tyre for 4.5 kilometres (July 2013)

TeamChris will always do their best to get involved with the communities and help where they can. Their sponsors have been great so far in helping them achieving their goals. They depend on more sponsors to get on board to help!!

TeamChris wants to do a another 10km,15km and a 21km World Record Tyreflip for charity.

Devoted will be sponsoring them to promote their events but they also need YOUR support! Join the Devoted team in helping TeamChrist to make a difference in our communities and to have fun at the same time!

Together we can make a difference!!

CONTACTS: Chris Lienenberg - 083 396 0115 • Chris Batts - 072 026 7862 • Facebook: TeamChrist

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17

Attitude

not

I know

By Lele Khumalo

Being able to humble yourself is probably the first step to gaining knowledge and being on the right track. Life is something we are all doing for the first time. We need to be able to look to our Creator and say “I know not”, for God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Life is like driving to a destination you have never been to and your walk with God should be like driving with a GPS navigator on. Every time you take the wrong turn it instructs you to turn back. It also instructs you when there’s a left turn in 300m, but when it does not say anything, you are on the right “road”. The same with God. He knows your final destination in life, allow him to navigate you to it

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n Romans 1:8 the Bible says “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” After reading this verse, I am certain that I am not judged and condemned.

Condemning yourself is worse than another person doing it. After you receive Christ’s forgiveness, nobody and nothing else matters. He paid the full price and He came to set you free, therefore you shouldn’t allow yourself to live a life of bondage and be a prisoner to the worthless opinions of irrelevant people! Romans 8:35-39 reads “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

These Bible verses emphasise that NOTHING could possibly separate

us from God’s love, NOTHING. He will never leave nor forsake us. We are His beloved children. Here is a little analogy: We need to see God’s love as a sandwich. The top of this sandwich is the fact that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. The middle of the “sandwich” is all life’s uncertainties, troubles and hardships and the bottom of the “sandwich” is the fact that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Humble yourself before God does.

It is often people who act tough and pretend to have everything figured out who are the most broken and clueless. You need to be honest with yourself and God. You don’t have everything together, you need Him! There is a tenderness and kindness about people who have suffered so much in their lives, but have decided to let the Lord’s will manifest in their lives. They are the most broken, but also the most whole at the same time. He wants to help you, He loves you so much that He gave you His only Son.

Will you let Him in?

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THAT’S

Speak Up

Where have all the

Christians gone?

C

Christian

Communication is an art, which involves knowing what to say and when to say it. Far too often, people just sit back and say nothing when somebody really needs to say something about an idea, suggestion, observation, criticism or a message from the Lord… We believe that silence is deemed as approval, and we agree with the statement of Dr Martin Luther King Jr that “life begins to end the day we keep silent about matters that are important”.

Therefore, this series is all about standing up for what you believe is right and making your peace. In this article I want to speak up against hypocritical Christians

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s Christians, we are expected to share the Good News with others so that we can win souls for the Lord. For a follower of Jesus it is required that we make changes in all aspects of our lives. We cannot say one thing and do the opposite.

Someone recently shared her shocking opinion of Christians with me. She said, “When somebody tells me they are a Christian, I want to run away from that person because I know I will eventually be disappointed or hurt! The actions of so-called Christians have prevented me so far from becoming one myself.”

This lady is not alone in doubting the genuineness of some Christians.

However, how do we win souls for the kingdom when people think this of us?

Growing up among Christians, or rather people who called themselves Christians, I also did not want to be associated with them. The reason for this is that for many years my biggest hurt, disappointments, loneliness, desperation, et cetera, et cetera (the list of negatives is far too long to mention here!), were caused by these hypocritical people. As a child I became fully aware of the fact that only Sunday mornings seemed to be earmarked for Christianity for some, while the rest of the week was spent within a freedom from the

responsibilities that are associated with Christianity.

It was only many years later that I came to understand that Christianity cannot be blamed for people’s mistakes and wrong actions… Once you really discover the purity of the unconditional love that Jesus represents, you want to do better; and you continuously want to become more like Him. Once you discover what Jesus can do for you, your focus is on how to become the person He wants you to be; and not the person you want to become! Luckily I also have, by the grace of God, met people who did not even have to tell me that they are Christians – because their actions already “told” me that!

CHRISTIANITY TODAY

When I was called to start a Christian lifestyle magazine in 2010, I did some research to find out how big the target market was. This means that I deliberately Googled statistics about the Christian market, especially in our own country, in an effort to try and determine how many people would have an interest in reading articles that contain lifestyle matters from a Biblical perspective.

At that time I discovered through Wikipedia, in 2001, that 80% of the

Speak Up population professed to be Christians, which made it the most prominent religion in our country. Of the national population of more than 44 million people in South Africa, a total of 35.8 million people described themselves as belonging to the Christian faith. The statistics represented all race groups. But I was quickly reminded that professing that you see yourself as a Christian does not necessarily mean that you LIVE a Christian lifestyle! I quickly had to come to terms with the reality that being a Christian does not necessarily mean the same for everyone.

Hypocrisy comes into play when someone pretends that they are something they are not. This simply means that someone hides malicious intent under the guise of kindness. Sadly it has the implication that one cannot necessarily trust someone who appears to be kind and friendly on the outside, because on the inside they could be hiding evil intentions.

ABUSING PLATFORMS

Over the years I have received many testimonies from people who want to use the Devoted platform to advance their charity projects and make a positive difference in societies; and I provided them with the platform in good faith. I have since realised that “trying to do good” in many cases - is only a smoke screen for advancing private agendas. I have realised that some Christian people see themselves in a superior position to others, and they will use any platform to promote themselves for the sake of their own egos… even a Christian platform! They will, deliberately, abuse goodness and kindness to promote their own agendas under the label of Christianity and humanity.

I have to admit that I have avoided writing about the topic for a long time. But recently a good friend of mine shared the devastating news that he has been taken for a ride by Christians who made promises to help with a centre that could have a positive influence on illicit drug users. This will take the planning and implementation of the much-needed facilities backwards, to the detriment of people who desperately need help.

After hearing this news and having been on the receiving end of many disappointments and continuous empty promises to help grow Devoted from Christians myself, I just knew that I had to speak up; that I will jeopardise what this magazine stands for if I keep on ignoring the subject. I just know that my journey to help others discover real life through the Gospel will also be senseless if I keep putting off writing about topics that can be regarded by some as pointing fingers.

Now, let me immediately put you at ease. This article is not about judging others; it is only to help people remember what Christianity is all about. People do not like their mistakes pointed out to them, but here’s the thing: If we want to call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ, we are held to higher standards and therefore people will watch our actions.

It is true that nobody is perfect; and that – as human beings – we will make mistakes, even though we generally live a good life as Christians! What I am talking about is the general lack of integrity; the anger and hate; mistrust; fraud; corruption; hurting others that we see and experience wherever we go and whatever we do in this broken world! It is almost as if a tsunami of unchristian-like behaviour has hit our country!

The fact remains that actions speak louder than words. Children do not learn from what we tell them to do, but mostly from watching what we do and copying us! Therefore, when you have declared openly and frankly that you are a follower of Jesus; and if you want to win souls for our Lord Jesus, you have to make sure that you practice what you preach.

To be fair, I have to point out that one can assume that hypocrisy is definitely not limited to one religion only. In addition, it is also fair to assume that we are all people and are flawed. The reality is that if you are a religious hypocrite, you are indeed – by definition – a non-believer. Christianity does have behavioural standards, or to put it bluntly, a Christian is expected to demonstrate Christian-like behaviours.

We are commanded in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”.

Let’s not forget what Christ and Christianity is all about. Let us continuously remind ourselves and others what God tells us in James 1:26: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”

We have been put on earth to live for Christ, not for ourselves (2 Corinthians 5:15). Christ in us leads us by the Holy Spirit towards obedience; and it does involve changes in the way we live. In simple terms, we as Christians should bear the fruits of the Spirit, the nine attributes of a true Christian lifestyle.

The fruits of the Spirit, as stated in Galatians 5:22-23 are: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

In real life, the fruits can be implemented in our day-to-day lives so that others would also want to become followers of Christ. Do not allow your actions to be a contradiction to these fruits.

Jesus spoke about hypocrisy and hypocrites often. Here is a list of the hypocrisy that Jesus spoke out against: • Giving to the poor to be recognised by others • Praying in public to be recognised as godly men or women • Letting everybody know you are fasting to get recognition from others • Complaining about other’s behaviour when yours is even worse • Pretending to honour God through lip service only • Testing other people to try to make yourself look superior • Deceiving people and keeping them from knowing God • Repressing the poor and widows • Teaching proselytes to be hypocrites • Tithing (giving to the church), but neglecting justice and mercy • Doing everything for show, while really being self-indulgent and unrighteous • Treating stock animals better than fellow human beings • Being able to analyse the weather, but unable to distinguish between right and wrong Sources: http://www.godandscience.org/ apologetics/why_are_christians_hypocrites.html

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Wellness

Integrating scriptural truths and scientific proofs in

Christian counselling

By Dr. Hanlie Meyer

As Christian counsellors we have the responsibility to avail ourselves of the latest scientific evidence regarding counselling techniques.

There are various ways how one could approach this momentous and extremely important undertaking.

This article represents only my personal approach. It is not intended to be compared to any other approach or to discredit any other approach. The process I use is the result of an intense personal journey of healing, inspired by my frustration from my own brokenness and the treatment-resistant anxiety, self– judgement, abasement and warped convictions about God plaguing my clients - despite all the knowledge contained in the scriptures which I know so well and quoted with so much passion and persistence!

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was raised on a farm in a wonderful, conservative Afrikaans household. My parents were dedicated churchgoers – Christians who knew the word of God, but they still suffered from a lot of anxiety that apparently led to bouts of depression. I could not understand how it was possible that one could know so much about God, believe so wholeheartedly in the sacrificial death of Christ and yet be so anxious and fearful about God’s provision or lack thereof. And then I experienced the same: such intense conviction about the reality of the triune God, Jesus our Saviour and the Holy Spirit in us – yet such intense anxiety with depression from being overwhelmed by the paralysing self-analysis in an effort to get a grip on the anxiety!

No amount of Bible reading, praying, church services, commentaries or even “traditional” healing prayers could ward off the ever-present anxiety with ensuing depression and self-blame.

A few questions constantly bugged me: • Why did the feelings of not being loved by God as a Father turn into a conviction – but the conviction of God being a father did not turn into feelings?

• Why did the good feelings, based on solid knowledge delivered in wellprepared sermons, not “stick”?

• Why did I always feel I had to perform to earn God’s love – despite the knowledge that it is not necessary?

• Why did everything in me protest against the comforting words of God’s love and care, while at the same time

my whole being craved it?

• Why did these comforting words always seem to apply to other people – never to me?

I learned over the years that these burning questions also filled the minds and hearts of my clients and I was paralysed by the knowledge that I could not reach their hearts because my own heart was just as unbelieving!

Then I discovered the wonderful world of our brains…

Sensitive and attuned caregiver-child interaction: • Improves the child’s emotional security, sense of self and cognitive development.

• Regulates the autonomic nervous system - this allows important control systems to develop.

• In the absence of this: depression and/ or anxiety develops.

Babies express themselves through instinct and emotions. A baby’s’ brain only develops in interaction with another (mature) brain.

Early relationships form the basis of every aspect of internal and external functioning throughout our entire lives.

Without healthy, early attachment, life is later characterised by infantile dependency needs that weren’t satisfied; and the inner world is filled with internalised objects with which intense emotional relationships exist.

Early relationships form this internal world and these patterns are maintained throughout the rest of our life. Our reactions are constantly governed by

Wellness an emotional inner reality which stays immature! This renders the individual more or less powerless to respond to mature relationship invitations/ demands.

The nervous system scans the external environment to prevent overload and only takes in information for which it has been prepared by its own unique internal patterns, formed from birth. The experiences are encoded directly in the circuits and can be triggered by incidents in the present moment. The true reality is filtered by emotions and past learning. Emotions thus constantly regulate our experience of reality.

Healthy development of attachment relationships leads to the child’s brain

taking over the regulation of emotions in order to self-regulate. This regulation is developed through brain interaction, not verbally or on a cognitive level.

These non-verbal perceptions and interpretations encoded in the right hemisphere form the context for verbal communication. It includes the interpretation of tone of voice, facial expression and body language.

This encoding and interaction between the adult brain and child’s brain forms attachment templates.

The neuronal networks thus contain models or “templates” of how relationships work, based on the prototypes of relationships formed in early childhood. Read more about this topic in the next issue of Devoted.

Neurobiological findings confirming Scripture

Attachment and attuning: how do we learn to love?

The emotional control system learns through relationships; visible and tactile examples, stories and love – not through rational, prescribed truths and moral teachings. How does this happen?

Our bond with others (attachment) is the building block for emotional stability and our ability to have relationships. A few subcortical structures and their interactions seem to play a vital role in this process: • Nucleus accumbens – the pain and pleasure centre of the brain. It lights up when we bond with others.

• If there is no response, we experience pain, rejection, we feel discarded, alone and unwanted or unloved.

• The next control centre is the amygdala, which has to evaluate the experience as safe, unsafe or scary. This evaluation is totally subjective and permanent once it has been made.

• The third centre of control is the cingulate cortex, situated just above the corpus callosum. This area provides an important interface between the cortical and subcortical areas – it helps us to interpret our environment, helps to orientate ourselves therein and guides us towards the proper emotional response.

• The highest centre of control is the orbital medial prefrontal cortex (OMPFC).

This area integrates information from external and internal sources and enables us to interpret complicated social information and synchronise it with our own emotions. In this way, attachment patterns are formed and autobiographical memories are created.

• With the correct early development, the OMPFC can then control the emotional areas, guide our choices, initiate creativity and even improve our immune systems.

About the writer: Dr. Meyer did her internship during 1978 in the Student Counselling Centre at the University of the Free State. Her responsibilities included: • Counselling students who had difficulty adjusting to University life • Do therapy with students who suffered from severe depression, anxiety and bipolar mood disorder • Help students perform more efficiently in their studies • Provide students and Grade 12 learners with career counselling • Upskill lecturers to empower them to rise to the then new challenges of modular teaching Dr. Meyer has been involved in the training of lecturers at the University of the Free State to embrace and facilitate a modular teaching model. She has been a supervisor of student counsellors and intern psychologists since 1985. All students supervised by her have successfully completed the HPCSA Board examination. This is a testimony to her professionalism, ethical conduct and academic excellence.

She has been a facilitator of women’s camps, day seminars, workshops and short courses since 1980.

She also has extensive experience in supporting clients to manage their mood disorders and anxiety.

As founder member and chairperson of Counselling@ she excels at negotiation, networking and strategic planning. She is wellknown for her ability to see through what she has started.

Dr. Meyer has been one of the first psychologists in South Africa to practice from a Biblical perspective and is well known in the Christian fraternity for her ability to integrate scientific knowledge with Biblical truth and principles.

082 550 0167 • hanlie.meyer@mweb.co.za

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23

Attitude

Xenophobia is a sign of an unwell society

By Mmathabiso Khalema

In April, South Africa experienced a flare up of violent attacks against foreign citizens again. This time, the wave of the xenophobic attacks started in Durban and subsequently spilled into various parts of Johannesburg. Naturally, the cataclysmic events incite a myriad of issues in the hearts and minds of many. Xenophobia is by no means a unique phenomenon – particularly in the South African context, and, unfortunately, if its deep-seated drivers are not thoroughly addressed, the flare ups will present themselves in various forms in the future

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oon after the recent attacks, Pastor Glenn Schroder from Christian Revival Church (CRC) in Durban delivered a message to the church.

The crux of his message was that fear is a learnt response. The only two fears that human beings are naturally born with are the fear of falling, and the fear of loud noises - these instinctive fears serve the purpose of protecting us from harm. However, as human beings, all kinds of fears are thrust into our consciousness, demanding our attention on a daily basis. God’s word provides generously in that area - there are 356 commands of “do not fear” all the way from Genesis to Revelation. Three hundred and sixty five - one allocated for each day of the year. This proves just how serious God is about His people refusing to give into fear.

Pastor Glenn used Mark’s depiction of the time when one of the synagogue leaders pleaded with Jesus to heal his ill daughter (Mark 5:22). On His way there, a group of people came from Jairus’ house saying to Jairus “your daughter is dead, why bother the teacher anymore?” Jesus’ response? To overhear, but ignore. He simply told Jairus, “don’t be afraid, just believe”. He only let a few people follow Him into the house because he knew the contagious nature of unfounded, negative beliefs.

Jairus’ daughter would likely not have been healed if Jesus had listened to the fearful group. In the very same vein, God’s body will not heal if we consistently accept information based on incomplete truths about those among us who are “strange”, “different”, or “foreign”. Xenophobia, or any kind of prejudice, does not suddenly appear from nowhere, it is symptomatic of an unwell society. In the South African context, prejudice and discrimination along the bold markers of race, ethnicity, tribe, nationality have been deeply entrenched as a result of our segregated past. However,

there remains hope, as these lines gradually come down.

As the church, ours is a proactive role - to present a picture of the church that God had in mind, a united humanity, God’s human family. A family that “overhears, but ignores” irrational fears, and actively embraces all races, tribes, classes, for the healing of God’s people.

Part of CRC’s dream is “to be an oasis of life where the hurting, depressed, sick, frustrated and confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, healing, forgiveness, guidance and encouragement”. The church’s dream, which is gradually being realised, goes beyond rejecting fear; it includes an activist dimension to it - to show kindness, compassion and hospitality to “the least of these” amidst the negativity and fear. It is in this spirit that the church is actively involved in various social reformation projects in the many locations across the globe.

We are living in a nation and continent that is in crisis, and we have been mandated, as the church, to bring about God’s kingdom on the earth “as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). In overcoming the divisions caused by the irrational fear of the “other”, we as the church “overhear, but ignore” all supposed differences. We are all God’s children, and we have the responsibility to stand for our brothers and sister in a country where they are often, due to circumstances not under their control, aliens.

Paul encourages us in the book of Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to show hospitality to believers you don’t know. By doing this, some believers have hosted angels without being aware of it.”

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Fear and hatred equals xenophobia

By Suzette van Huyssteen

Xenophobia refers to an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers.

It is an irrational fear, but one that destroys lives and relationships. As a country we cannot live in isolation, but we need our neighbours and people from other countries to grow and to make the world a better place for us all

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few months ago, xenophobic attacks flamed up in KwaZuluNatal and even parts of Gauteng.

The immense violence of these attacks not only shocked South African citizens, but also the world. Even innocent children became victims of hatred and unreasonable fear. Several videos have been captured and shared on the internet and on social platforms, some are extremely brutal to watch. In one video a group of migrants were rounded up and burnt alive, including a child. In another, a man was dragged onto the streets naked and then stoned to death.

School children even helped to stone the man. A 14-year-old boy was also murdered in a wave of attacks. In all those cases a groups of spectators watched without doing anything about the violence!

In these attacks there were definitely no respect shown for human lives or humanity to others, not to mention peaceful coexistence.

Tears streamed down my face as I watched great cruelty captured in some of these visuals and the passage of 1 John 4:18 nestled in my heart, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

The spirit of fear can definitely be seen in these attacks. George Washington Carver once said that “Fear of something is at the root of hate for others.” This hate for immigrants developed out of an unreasonable fear people carry in their hearts. Fear that immigrants have come

to take over their country, their resources, their jobs and will cause crime. They fear domination. The sad thing is that they are already dominated by fear. “Faith activates God – fear activates the enemy”, says Joel Osteen.

No amount of fear could ever justify the hard-heartedness and harshness of what happened in the xenophobic attacks. As Christians our reaction to xenophobia should be that we are commanded to love one another as God loves us. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).” In Galatians 5:14 God also says “for the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbour as yourself.”

The question of who is my neighbour comes to mind. God gives us a great example in Luke 10:29-37 with the parable of the Good Samaritan. God specifically chose a Samaritan, who was a foreigner in those days, despised by the Jews. In verse 36 God asks, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” In the next passage the reply of the expert in the law was “the one who had mercy on him”. Jesus then told him to “go and do likewise”.

In other words, everybody is our neighbour as love covers all sin and we must love one another as God loves us. We are commanded to not only be like the Good Samaritan, but also to love the foreigners in our midst, to love our neighbour and to do to others what we would want them to do to us.

Attitude “You shall neither mistreat a stranger, nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 22:21). We were also once strangers, but because of God’s mercy and love we were set free.

To honour God we must show the same mercy and love to everybody in our lives.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).

Our response to xenophobia should be to love our neighbour as ourselves, as love casts out fear. We can use one of the most powerful tools we have, prayer. We can pray that the love of God will stop the spirit of fear in our land and in the countries of immigrants and that hope for the future will take life. We must pray for the leaders in our country, that God’s perfect love will be cast into their hearts.

We can live a life demonstrating God’s love for one another and show humanity to others.

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12).

We often find ourselves feeling helpless and looking from a distance at what is happening in our country. But we are not helpless, we are serving an almighty God and we can intercede and help fight this battle in prayer. It is also very important to search our own hearts and guard our hearts against the spirit of fear. We must protect our hearts from fear being rooted within because of what is happening around us.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Pray and declare the peace of God not only in your own life, but also in those of others According to prayer guidelines for xenophobia attacks posted on an international prayer network called Jericho Walls, we can intercede for leaders to have authority to bring about peace to individuals on both sides. We can declare the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to guard the hearts and minds of all who feel threatened.

“The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:34).

Ask God to restore the mutual respect among all people in South Africa and

that every lie will be exposed by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of all individuals. On both sides, local citizens and foreigners, many lies and twisted truths are believed.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict right and wrong and sin that leads to true repentance, declaring forgiveness to those who hurt and oppress.

“One law and one custom shall be for you and for the stranger who dwells with you” (Numbers 15:16).

Pray for accountability. The fact that many immigrants are in the country illegally also creates havoc. Pray for measures to be implemented so that foreigners can be held accountable by the law and also contribute to our nation by paying their taxes.

Lastly, pray for forgiveness and reconciliation. Much wrong has been done by both foreigners and South Africans as the fuel of xenophobia is fear and not love.

Our Almighty God can turn the tide of

wickedness of xenophobia as we pray for mutual forgiveness and reconciliation in the hearts and minds of our people.

God is love and He always turns the bad into good for those who love Him. Our God wants the best for us so we must cast away all our fears and trust our Heavenly Father and always have hope for the future.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Destination

Heaven on earth…

The Mnarani Club in Kenya!

The marketing slogan of the Mnarani Club in Kilifi, Kenya is “Come and share our piece of heaven on earth”. Believe me, once you arrive at this dream destination, you realise that words fall short of describing the beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. This oasis of tranquillity is just the place to chill out and unwind

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ilifi is situated halfway between Mombasa and Malindi on Kenya’s south coast. I visited this very special resort for a second time during the recent December holidays (thank you my children for the spoil!).

The coastal areas are hot and tropical, tempered by cool ocean breezes that time of the year.

You may ask: Why would one visit the same place twice when there are so many other beautiful destinations to see? The answer is simple: Mnarani is the most relaxing holiday ever, in the most awesome surroundings!

This visit was fulfilling a promise to myself that I would visit Mnarani again.

As I was driving from the Mombasa airport in a Mnarani pick-up van, I remembered my first experience and thoughts, five years before, when I drove to my, then unknown, destination. I have to be honest… back then we arrived in the middle of the night and the darkness did not completely hide the beauty, but it also did not hide the relatively unsightly and underdeveloped villages and roads that we saw on our way to our final destination. The ride was quite bumpy and uncomfortable, and I thought to myself: “I’m sure that I made a mistake coming here!” Believe me, all my reservations disappeared when I arrived at Mnarani resort and met the staff.

The second time, I arrived in the middle of the day – now accompanied by my family. From the moment I stepped out of the vehicle in the hot summer sun, the ambiance made me feel welcome.

The feeling was enhanced by the friendly “Jambo, Jambo!!” from the staff (meaning ‘welcome’ in Swahili), the welcoming speech and drinks presented to us when we were met by key staff - and then our comfortable and well-prepared rooms…

I felt like I belonged! I felt as if I had arrived at a family member or friend’s house and that everybody was just waiting for ME to arrive!

This is what I saw upon my arrival the second time around: a beautiful carved entrance door; the openness and the space of the thatched area where all the activities and meals were presented; the well-kept swimming pool with its beautiful view over the ocean; the fragrant Frangipani blossoms. The ocean breeze was delightful. I just instinctively knew that I had arrived at a place where I can reconnect with myself and with my family.

Mnarani excels as a family resort, but at the same time it is popular among honeymooning couples. The resort is situated on the cliffs of Kilifi Creek, just where the creek meets and merges with the Indian Ocean. The simplistic, yet elegantly styled buildings, reminds one of a bygone era: a time of tranquillity, peace and a slower pace. This is exactly what Mnarani represents.

A holiday at Mnarani caters to all the senses. The beautiful creek is a wide estuary and the powder-white sand of the beach between your toes has a swooning “holiday feel” to it. The abundant bird life, small animals, especially the ever-present monkeys are fascinating to watch. Then there is the pleasant scent of Frangipani

and other flowers as well as the well- prepared and delicious food… it truly represents a “piece of heaven on earth”.

There is so much to do at Mnarani if you do not want to just lie around to soak up the sun and beauty. You can visit the spa for some well-deserved pampering. The entertainment team is responsible for daily activities such as Swahili lessons, volley ball, daily excursions to interesting places in the area, exercises, all sorts of games and activities and they take their responsibility to entertain seriously. Their friendly encouragement to join in on the action is hard to resist and I found myself participating in water aerobics and other fun activities many times, and it also helped to eliminate the bad results of overeating. At night, after a scrumptious meal, entertainment from the locals ensured a good ending to a wonderful day! The talent there is magnificent.

Snorkelling is something my family enjoys and Mnarani boasts a magnificent and vast coral reef at its doorstep. This allows for hours of enjoyable exploration of the water world. What a feast for the eyes!

The club offers a wide variety of services and activities and it includes wedding and honeymoon packages, a spa, buccaneer diving, sailing and surfing. There is a wide portfolio of water sports and a diving school. It is hard to be bored, but easy to become lazy in the serenity of it all!

It is also easy to make new friends while at the resort and what really stood out for me after talking to some of my new friends was that many of them return to Mnarani over and over again. Some of them have enjoyed their retreat for the past 10 years! As a regular traveller, this truly said something about Mnarani to me!

Although Kenya has suffered from bad publicity as a result of terrorist attacks and has challenges to attract tourists, but there was no sign of any of those at the resort or the nearby village. The sad thing is that if you are worried about Kenya because of what all the media reports say, you will miss out on the best holiday of your life!

The Mnarani management is just awesome. They are ever-present, but not in an imposing way! They have their fingers on the pulse and it comes as no surprise that Mnarani was the winner of the 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Traveller’s Choice awards.

Most of the time it is the simplest of things that make a visit worthwhile: the friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness of the rooms, excellent management of the facilities, delicious food, tranquil atmosphere, the experience in general – all things that Mnarani is “guilty of”! But, if you still do not believe that Mnarani resort should be your next travel destination, go see what others have to say on TripAdvisor, a website I value a lot and which has provided me with some valuable feedback on destinations over the years. (Visit www. tripadvisor.co.za and search for Mnarani beach cottages in Kenya) What is left to say from my side? Just what I promised the staff and management at our departure: “Hakuna Matata, don’t worry…

My travel advice, notes and tips: • Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory • Malaria is a risk all year round and prophylactics are recommended (but Mnarani has mosquito nets and other precautions in place also) • Stay for two weeks to make the travelling worth it (it is cost-effective also) • South Africans do not require a visa yet • Rainy season is May and June, with expected short daily showers • Drink bottled water only, and keep hydrated • Take sunscreen and hats • Switch off and enjoy what is on offer: a piece of heaven on earth!

• Visit their website: www.mnarani.co.za or e-mail them at info@actravel.co.za or call (012) 941 8522 for your booking

I will be back AGAIN! This is not farewell, but goodbye, until we see each other again.” www.devotedmag.co.za

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Sport

Devoted to God and goal

by Willem de Beer

Athletics, as an individual and very personal sport, tends to instil and develop an array of role model qualities in its participators.

This is a statement which I base upon personal experience from being involved in competitive athletics for a long time. In the case of the young athlete, Rynardt van Rensburg, I also find this statement to be true. Rynardt, who is now 22 years old, not only displays kindness to his friends, but also to his competitors.

He treats others with respect, whether it’s during competition or training. Rynardt was born in Kroonstad in 1992 and now resides in Bloemfontein. There he devotes himself to his dream of becoming a professional track and field athlete.

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As a young man, he is also thinking of the future and is currently enrolled in marketing at the University of the Free State. While studying marketing and going to classes in the morning, he spends his free time on the track in the afternoons.

However, this wasn’t always the case and Rynardt wasn’t always an aspiring athlete. As a scholar of Grey College in Bloemfontein, he used to be a rugby player and enjoyed it more than athletics. His opinion is that team sports are more fun than individual sports. At the age of 16, things changed when he decided to leave rugby in favour of athletics. He resolved that his future as a track and field athlete looked clearer than that of a rugby player.

In April 2012 he ran a personal best time in the 800m, his specialist event, at the National Senior Championships which was held in Port Elizabeth and secured the bronze medal. His current best in the 800m or personal best, as it is referred to in the athletics world, is 1:46.68. This performance, which he describes as one of his greatest moments in his athletic career to date, also secured him a spot in the national senior team which competed at the African Championships in Port Novo, Benin during June 2012. This was the first time Rynardt received national colours. The other time, which he cherishes as another of his greatest moments in athletics, he represented the country in the 800m final at the 2013 World Student Games (also

known as the Summer Universiade) in Kazan, Russia.

When he is in top form and not representing the country, he travels to Europe and competes on an international level, where he is gradually making a name for himself. He describes these travels as the best time of the year for him. According to Athletics South Africa’s (ASA’s) current standard for selection for the World Championships in Beijing, China which will be held in August 2015, Rynardt needs to run a time of 1:45.39. This benchmark, as well as the 2015 World Student Games, is his goal for 2015. And until then, we can be sure to see him running as a student in the Varsity Cup series, amongst others, while chasing these goals.

Early in 2015, he already made headlines by winning the annual Eagles Club Classic Shootout 600m event which was held at L.C De Villiers, sporting grounds of the University of Pretoria (Tuks). He finished in a lighting fast time of 1:15.58. The current South African record is 1:15.03 set by André Olivier in Birmingham, England at the end of the 2014 season.

Rynardt describes his talent to run as something he received from God, although he acknowledges that one still needs to work hard in order to use this gift. But it is not all work for him: “I play cricket whenever I can just for some fun and I really enjoy it.”

WIL JY GRAAG JOU LEWENS/AFTREE - VERSEKERINGSPORTEFEULJE NAGAAN EN SIEN WAT JY IN PLEK HET? BLY OOK OP DATUM MET DIE NUUTSTE PRODUKTE. REEDS 21 JAAR IN DIE BEDRYF. SKAKEL MY EK HELP GRAAG: INA CONRADIE 082 360 9191 OF 011 478 5947/9 HFC FINANCIAL SERVICES FSP7695

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Epos: faith@faithduriekussings.co.za Web: www.faithduriekussings.co.za • Sel: 082 334 6384

The Russian Ballet and Dance Academy of South Africa is one of the premier classical ballet companies in Africa with an identity and multi-culturalism that fully reflects the unique vitality of our country. Auditions for the 2015/16 season of the Academy will take place in early autumn of 2015.

The artistic director, Madame Slou Akimguereeva, leads the company’s artistic team of ballet lovers from around Tshwane. The Academy’s ballet repertoire is performed both at home and abroad and combines 19th century classics with 21st century acclaimed contemporary works and newly commissioned ballets.

Calling for auditions

We seek dancers with a passion for ballet. We welcome applications for the Corps de Ballet, soloists or principals. We will accept auditions of dancers of any nationality or ethnicity. The auditions will take place during April 2015. Auditions will be held in Suite 102, Doringkloof Mall in Centurion for dancers at the soloist and principal level only. Beginners are welcome to join and no audition is required.

A 12-month contract for the 2015/16 season would start from May 2015.

For more details, contact Marina on 082 653 4843 or marinaf@ruach.co.za

The Equipment Talk

Giving hope to the hopeless

By Disebo Pesa

Penny Ndlovu

This column is primarily to serve as a communication platform that intends to give hope to the hopeless so people are inspired to rise in life. The messages shared through this column will persistently challenge us to find a mentor.

We need to allow God to structure our lives through inspirational people so we can stay on the right track - even in the midst of troubles

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o matter what happens, God is always with us. We have to know our purpose in life, because purpose is the only thing that will keep us hopeful. It stimulates new energy levels within us. To work toward a vision, we need to pick our starting point so that our visions can keep us focused and alert at all times. When we do that, God will work with us. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Philippians 1:6 says, “Be confident of this very thing, that He who begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

It makes us better people to trust!

Thankfully, we can trust our Heavenly Father without a second thought. He is the only One who we can fully trust. And the more we trust Him, the closer we can become to Him. Proverbs 11:27 teaches us that, “He who trusts in his riches shall fall, but the righteous shall flourish as a branch”. When you trust, you can do and achieve many things because your heart is settled in the place of love. When we move from the place of love, we move away from victory. In John 14:1, Jesus reassured us to let not our hearts be troubled and to believe in God. Trusting the Lord should be easy. But it is also important to trust those we love.

Penny Ndlovu is one person who inspires me. She is a lovely person who understands her purpose in life and one who is faithful to her vision and obedient to God in her day-to-day interactions in the world. She uses the platform of a radio presenter to

mentor young people and inspire others.

She recently won a MTN Radio Award for her good work. I asked her a few questions and she shared her inspirational testimony: Please share the lessons that winning the award have taught you?

“On 18 April 2015, I won an award that I never even dreamt of winning: The MTN Radio Community Presenter of the Year.

What a shocker!!!

Yes, media was a career path that I wanted to pursue, but I could never even imagine myself sitting in a radio station broadcasting to a whole community. Who would want to hear what I have to say? And wait… What would I even say?

The road that led me to that night, that moment was 100% God’s hand. From the moment I met my church mate, Reuben Opperman, at a random shopping centre that I’ve never been back to again, the person who told me about Impact Radio looking for a new presenter. To the day I handed in my demo and got the job, these were all just divine moments.

• Where I had to volunteer for about three months, I faithfully volunteered for only two months before I got the job as a presenter.

• Where most people start their radio career doing the “graveyard shift”, I started during the daytime.

• I started with the one-hour slot in October 2013 and by January 2014 I was asked to do a two-hour slot and stand-ins for the two main drive shows.

As I walked up to receive my award that night, after having met some of the

The Equipment Talk who’s who of the radio industry, again I remembered Jeremiah 29:11, basically saying that God’s plans for us are good and His plans for us are always designed to bring us good.”

If you were to mentor someone who had given up in life, how would you inspire that person to not miss an opportunity that will change the rest of their life?

“I would probably ask them if they’ve given their life to the Lord. I do believe that’s where everything starts. God created us and therefore He gives us hopes and dreams and He directs our paths. If I had to think where I’d be without the Lord today, I would probably also have given up. With that said, I would further encourage that person to trust in God, do the possible and do it faithfully, be alert and allow the Holy Spirit to lead.

That’s often how we get opportunities and divine encounters.”

How can one encourage the youth to stay positive in the midst of negativity?

“There are so many things in life that can get us down, such as the economy, the state of unemployment, Eskom, crime, the current government, etc…But all these things don’t determine who we are right now or what we will become.

Staying positive is a mind-set. It’s all a matter of attitude. Perhaps I can just share a few ways that I stay positive: • I surround myself with positive people who help me stay positive when I face negative situations. There are plenty of negative people out there — avoid them!

• Even in the worst of times, we realise that we still have things in our lives for which we can be grateful. Voice those blessings and practice gratitude.

• Joyce Meyer always says, “Any time a negative thought comes into your mind, replace it with a positive one.”

It’s not always easy, but we have to be careful of whose voice we are listening to. Even in the mind Satan aims to steal, kill and destroy.

• And lastly Romans 12:2 says “Don’t conform to this world or let anyone convince you otherwise, stay focused on your goals, stay focused on the Lord and you will know what is His good and perfect will.”

The interview I had with Penny opened my eyes to a few truths.

Firstly, no matter what happens, God is always with us. Secondly, we should know our purpose. Thirdly, to work towards the vision that we have for ourselves.

It is my hope that this article will inspire you to see beyond every possible obstacle and to climb over all mountains as you stay on your journey that leads to your ultimate dreams. I therefore urge that you keep reading this column so you can read more testimonies from inspiring people who share the world with us. These are the people who believe you carry enough potential to win in building your future today.

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Back to Basics

Fathers church

in the

You can’t build a strong house without a strong, basic foundation. Devoted is going back to the basics of Christianity with this series. We hope to help you build a relationship with God which cannot be shaken and to help you be more effective in reaching your world for Jesus.

Hosea 4:6 says “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”

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n Hebrews 5:12 the Bible says “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s Word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognise the difference between right and wrong.”

One of the themes of the Stolen Lives campaign is fatherlessness. People have biological and spiritual fathers. But, in order to solve the problem of fatherless, we need to equip people in the church to become fathers in the church! So many people choose to stay immature instead of maturing into adults as Paul writes in Hebrews. There may be many reasons for them not to mature, but the truth is, they will be set free if they choose to start eating solid food!

In Genesis 18:19 the Bible says “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” The fathers inherit the blessings from God and they are the ones who lead their “children” to receive everything they can from God. So, we already know what it means to be a father in the church. But how do you become a father? Well firstly, fathers have to show themselves faithful. They can do this by serving in the house, staying loyal and

earning trust and respect. They talk the talk and walk the walk. Fathers are not hypocrites - they are loving and understanding. They pick others up when they have fallen.

I want to encourage every single person to challenge yourself … get out of your comfort zone and work on becoming a father in God’s kingdom. Always remember there are people on the other side of your obedience. God has called you to be a mature Christian (father), who will make an amazing difference in His kingdom, caring for the “widows and orphans” in the church.

Henry Ward Beecher said “We never know the love of a parent until we become parents ourselves.” As a closing thought, I hope the poem below will inspire you to become a father in a fatherless world and to imitate our Heavenly Father.

A Father’s Love A father is respected because he gives his children leadership...

Appreciated because he gives his children care...

Valued because he gives his children time...

Loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure most - himself

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Testimony

turning dreams into reality!

by Janet Potgieter (Photo by Gustaf Wentzel)

Devoted prides itself for being a dependable platform where people can showcase their unique passions, gifts, talents, and love for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Over the years, we have provided believers the opportunity to share their spiritual experiences and insights and to reveal the role and influence God has in their lives to others. We have done this by publishing true life experiences and stories that fit the criteria of life-changing interventions. Janet Potgieter, our Issue 14 cover girl, is one of our biggest success stories and we are very proud of her. Not only is she - through the right lifestyle choices - the ideal ambassador for a Christian lifestyle magazine, we are also proud that she has such an impact on people and that she is making a difference in the communities. It is also humbling to know that Janet’s life, since we published her life-changing story in Devoted, has been impacted in many positive ways. She has also been successful in using the Devoted platform to enhance her humanitarian work.

This is what she had to say…

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evoted Christian lifestyle magazine enriched my life on more than one level.

The honour to grace the cover of the 14th edition, as well as having my story told was only the beginning of wonderful things that exceeded my wildest dreams!

The first miracle that happened soon after Issue 14 was published, was Esna Colyn, CEO of Imbalie Beauty, contacting me to become one of Placecol’s Illumine Range brand ambassadors, after she saw me on the cover and read my story. She was inspired and as they were looking for a new brand ambassador, it seemed like the right choice – based on my story in Devoted.

I also became the brand ambassador for Dignity Dreams; a South African Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) that manufactures and distributes SABS approved, washable sanitary pads to thousands of girls who can’t afford it. We were recently endorsed by The Nelson Mandela Foundation to distribute 18 000 pads for Mandela Day. I introduced the project to Placecol and they established a SMS line that contributes R20 to this worthy cause per SMS sent. They endorsed the project throughout their 160 branches in South Africa and with their support, we reached our target.

Devoted also played a role in this project by donating a number of copies to be sold to the public in an effort to raise some much needed funds for it.

Nico van der Merwe, CEO of the H.A.S.S. Group, attended the Celebrating Life event that was hosted by Devoted in May to create awareness for the Stolen Lives campaign. I was a keynote speaker

at the event and it provided me with the valuable opportunity to build relationships and to promote my humanitarian work. Nico not only became one of our very valuable sponsors; he also introduced me to Gerrit Wolfaardt who arranged a visit to a reconciliation village in Musanze Rwanda with the Rwanda Prison Fellowship during my recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It was another precious moment in Africa to see how women in Africa can work together and improve their lives together. And, it was Devoted that made all of this possible!

As Pageants SA’ Mrs. Africa 2015, I will represent our beautiful continent at Mrs. Universe in Minsk, Belarus in August against 50 other contestants from around the world. To get me into perfect shape, Placecol not only sponsored my skincare range and treatments, but also arranged for sponsorship from Needleless to Say, for natural firming and anti-ageing treatments.

Because Devoted magazine is also available online, thousands of people, nationally and internationally, have access to it. This is not only an amazing platform to advance the kingdom, but the possibilities are endless in terms of promoting one’s worthy cause! Because of the online presence of Devoted, my story reached homes across the globe and my humanitarian work in Eastern Congo received international attention. I am currently in negotiation processes with various international NGOs in Goma, North-Kivu and Kinshasa, to distribute our environmentally friendly Dignity Packs, instead of the normal sanitary pads, to thousands of women in displacement camps. In

Testimony conjunction with Latlong International, we have established Latlong NGO, a charity organisation in the DRC that will focus on the distribution of Dignity Packs. On top of all this we will, in collaboration with HEAL Africa, treat women in Central Africa who suffer from Endemic Goitre Disease. Thanks to the national and international coverage

by Devoted Magazine, we will be able to get funding abroad.

The “celebrity status” that my cover brought me also lead to the establishment of my own brand Janny Djan that will focus on health, beauty and fashion, always with a touch of caring. My sponsors, Devoted, Latlong International, Imuno-Active, Jose de Canha Couture, Jose Eber Matlosana Mall, Afrofist and S&B Shoe design, are all on board and are supporting me all the way. This is because of the wide publicity my causes have received, but also because

I was able to provide them with hard evidence of success stories that make a difference in other people’s lives.

Devoted magazine also decided that I am worthy of being their official international ambassador and to cover international stories under my brand name. What an honour! Devoted readers can look forward to some very exciting news from abroad in all future issues; and it will also be published on the website. I am looking forward to be part of the amazing Devoted family of influential people for years to come…

Everything great starts with the first small step.

My face on the cover of this amazing magazine is, however, no small step, and it has led to amazing things. This is just another confirmation of how God

guides me to fulfil His prophetic words to me in January 2012: “You are going to change nations and shift kingdoms”.

I am constantly walking on water with everything I undertake, but with my eyes firmly fixed on Jesus Christ, I am not afraid to go where angels fear to tread. And this is only the beginning…

My sincere gratitude goes to the Devoted Christian lifestyle magazine team. And to the editor, Gerda Potgieter, whom I had the honour of working with almost 25 years ago, and now once again. Thank you for listening to the Lord’s voice to find me again after all these years and for trusting me with the image and brand of your magnificent magazine. We have the same passion and dreams and I know together, we are a force to be reckoned with that will take this magazine across the border into Africa, and other places.

War-ridden Eastern DRC… One company

making a difference

By Janny Djan

nga a in Viru

in gorill

ounta gered m

Endan

Janet Potgieter is the international ambassador for Devoted. Her humanitarian work has taken her to the DRC where she is making a difference in the lives of communities, in collaboration with sponsors and stakeholders. Janet will update us regularly on the progress of her work under the name Janny Djan, the new brand for her humanitarian work

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r wi

ional Flai t a n

Statistics on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• The DRC has been in the top 10 recipients of humanitarian assistance for nine of the last 10 years.

• Forty-nine million people (88% of the DRC’s population) were living in extreme poverty (PPP$1.25, World Bank) in 2006.

• The DRC was classified as a fragile state in 2013 in the 2014 OECD Fragile States report.

• According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the DRC was estimated at 2,7 million in September 2014.

• As reported by EM-DAT CRED (data downloaded May 2014), an average of 33 212 people a year have been affected by natural disasters in the DRC over the last 10 years. Epidemics have had the largest impact, affecting 147 532 people between 2004 and 2013.

Source: www.globalhumanitarianassistance.org

B

etween load shedding, Marikana, Nkandla, e-tolls and yet another disruption in Parliament, South Africans are worried… very worried. But maybe it is time to start seeing the positive around us and go on our knees and thank God for what we still have. Looking at the statistics I found on Global Humanitarian Assistance’s website and physically standing between 42 000 people in an IDP Camp in Eastern DRC, it is easy to feel like Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in the movie, Blood Diamond, when he said: “Sometimes I wonder... will God ever forgive us for what we’ve done to each other? Then I look around and I realise... God left this place a long time ago.”

But God hasn’t left this place.

Instead, He is sending angels to be rays of sunshine in a seemingly endless storm… angels like Dries Coetzee from Latlong International.

Driving into Goma from the Rwanda/DRC border, you immediately see the signature blue and white intervention vehicle with the guards immaculately dressed in their black

and blue uniforms. Further up the road of the capital North-Kivu, with a population of 1,5 million, you see the same neat guards standing proudly in front of huge gates and you realise this is something different.

Dries Coetzee, a South African who grew up on a farm between sand and dust near the Botswana border, has been living in the DRC for the past eight years. He speaks French fluently and he likes the weather in Goma that is an average of 23 - 25˚C degrees all year round. Mount Nyiragongo (which is still an active volcano) erupted in 2002, leaving the streets of Goma in a rocky mess. Lake Kivu can invert anytime with deadly consequences; and there are constant conflicts in the area. However, Dries was not discouraged and he built a successful life in one of the worst-affected places on the African continent.

Four years ago, Dries started with only 12 guards in a NGO-dominated city with huge technological and other challenges. Today he can look back proudly with currently 350 guards; and more business development in the pipeline. From

From abroad

Janny Djan enjoying good South African wine with the owner of Latlong International, Dries Coetzee, in Goma, North-Kivu, DRC

Latlong International Management Team

the start he decided that his entire operation would be run with Congolese people and with the highest level of professionalism and technology. He wants to help people by giving them opportunities to help themselves; and help them reach results they can be proud of.

Dries is very quick to point out that the success of his business is thanks to his magnificent team of people, whom he regards as family. They in return have nothing but the biggest respect and praise for him.

Henry Mupita is the Director General (DG) and has known Dries since 2011. According to him, his life was without vision but his work gave him purpose and he is currently the youngest DG in all of Goma, something he is very proud of. He is assisted by Henri Musafiri, who was unemployed and struggling for over a year before he started working as a guard. He was promoted because of his potential and today he is the HR manager. Henri is full of praise for the company who gave him his dignity and value back.

The other member of the management team is the friendly and outgoing Dolly Kudi. He is in charge of marketing & operations.

Women have little rights in Central Africa, but this company broke through the gender barrier by having two Congolese women on their management team: Gudule Hangi is in charge of administration and you can’t miss Sarah Mulumba when you walk into the head office. Sarah is very straightforward about how the company, which she regards as her second family, changed her life. She arrived in Goma in 2010 and was unemployed for two years. Dries saw her potential in 2012 when she also started working as a guard. She was then promoted to a Controller and today she is in charge of Finance. She says the company gave her stability and confidence about the future.

Uplifting and changing the lives of the Congolese people is clearly a high priority. Another great example is the current Logistics Assistant, Julienne Furaha Ramazani, who came and applied for a job as a cleaner in her tattered, dirty clothing. With each month’s salary she bought herself a dress, then new shoes and then a hair piece, up to the point where she is a sophisticated woman, proudly doing her job today.

Although Goma is situated in a conflict area, it is also a place to have fun on Lake Kivu - with good restaurants, drinking good South African wine, climbing the Nyiragongo volcano and viewing the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. You don’t have to be afraid to visit this piece of paradise in Central Africa. The company provides secure travel and tourism support and has done VIP protection for various international clients such as Jude Law, Akon and the development team of Starbucks Coffee, to name but a few. Ben Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative Organisation is one of their prestigious clients.

Apart from currently employing around 350 Congolese people

who provide for about five family members each, future plans include the placement of more than 1 500 guards in Eastern DRC and a clothing factory to manufacture uniforms for the company’s use, as well as for outside clients.

Latlong NGO will also focus on the treatment of women with endemic goitre conditions in conjunction with HEAL Africa, as well as manufacturing and distributing washable sanitary pads to unprivileged women in the DRC. While talking to Dries on the veranda of his house with a magnificent view over Lake Kivu, you realise the world needs more strong people with vision and incredible hearts like him. There is a need for people like him to establish great enterprises in the most unthinkable places on this planet. Indeed, an angel has been sent

by God to change lives through result-driven aid.

For more information on visiting Eastern DRC, you can send an e-mail to info@latlongcongo.com

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Immaculate guards

www.devotedmag.co.za

39

Business

Without systems your business is managing you

By Fergus Ferguson

Systems are the most misunderstood area of business. Yet it’s one area that’s paramount to implement. Systems at every level of the business will make you and your team more empowered and committed. Systems will dramatically increase your business’ productivity and profits. Most importantly, systems allow your business to work without you

Our definition of a business is: A commercial, profitable enterprise that works without its owner. This may be 180 degrees from what you’ve been taught in the past, but think about it – why build a job for yourself when you can build an income stream that keeps on growing whether you are involved or not? Wouldn’t you like to say to your staff: “You guys look after things, I am taking three months off?” Simply put, systems allow you to extricate yourself from the business so you can strategize further growth, pursue other ventures or play golf.

So let’s look at some of the scenarios that are standing in most business owners’ way.

Almost every business owner I have met works overtime. That’s because their business don’t work - they do. They don’t assign new tasks to their employees because they retain everything about the business and how to do it in their heads. They believe they can do the job quicker and more efficiently.

Business growth will be limited if the business owner personally has to train every new employee. Without systems, most owners can’t even remember the things they taught the last employee when they started and the things they taught them all along the way?

Often, uninspired employees are retained in the business rather than having to devote the time to hiring and training - again.

As a business owner, you presumably did not start a business to become a slave to it. There’s only so much that you can add to your to-do list before your time and your health runs out.

If you recognise yourself in these scenarios, then you will forever work IN your business instead of ON your business. So what is the answer to freeing yourself from your business?

– Systems; and learning to DIVIDE to grow your business. We call it DIVIDE to MULTIPLY. The essence of dividing to multiply is systemising your business.

What made the industrial age in the 19th

century so exciting and so successful? They had to introduce systems to cope with the speed with which their factories began to produce products. Henry Ford discovered that if he introduced a systemised production line in his factory, he could produce cars even faster.

Industrialists knew the power of the systems approach and they made good use of it.

Go back to when you started your business - you probably built it in your mind. If you had drawn a picture of it – imagine what it would look like finished. That’s right – you have got to finish a business at some stage so you can profit handsomely from the sale of it one day. If you don’t finish it you will be left with only a job and you can’t sell a job. Look at Bill Gates, he made a lot of money selling software, but he became the richest man in the world by selling shares in his business.

Take a moment to imagine a business that you didn’t have to work in. Would the business still function efficiently? Would all the systems and people integrate to achieve the result you and your customers or clients want? Of course it would, with the proper systems in place.

The four major areas to systemize your business are: 1. People and Education Systems 2. Operations and Distribution Systems 3. Improvement Testing and Measuring Systems 4. IT Systems and Technology Over the years, we have assisted many hundreds of small businesses to introduce systems and the results have been nothing short of stunning. So, start by identifying which areas to systemise and you will ultimately transform your business from a job to a growing enterprise that makes you a leader in your field. All you need are the right systems to run your business and the right people to run your systems.

Fergus Ferguson is a franchisee of the global business coaching company – ActionCOACH. He is an accredited business coach who assists business owners to significantly grow their profits and develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Main: +27 12 665 1015 • Mobile: +27 82 650 0867 • Email: fergusferguson@actioncoach.com

Website: www.fergusferguson.co.za

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Constant through every season

By Mignionette Fair

My husband and I were recently speaking about staying constant through the seasons. One thing we realised is that people, in the church, and in life, come and go. Very few stay committed to something through the ups and the downs. If you have been alive for a little while you will know that certain people just don’t stick to things when the going gets tough.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 the Bible says “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”

When the pastor says something that offends you, do you renew your mind or leave the church? When you’ve gone through two or more homecell multiplications, do you step up and become a leader or just plod along to the next homecell? King Solomon says the following in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” And that is what I believe the secret is to staying constant through the seasons. It is realising that you have to keep going to church, keep giving, keep praying, keep reading Bible, keep being kind etc., no matter what the circumstances. No matter if it’s the same old story over and over again, you have to keep going!

The key to a happy marriage? Keep

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over a 12 month period.

doing the small, but important things through the winter and summer seasons. Keep going on dates, keep communication flowing freely, love each other unconditionally and keep serving God together. How to keep your relationship with God on fire? Go to His house often, talk to Him all the time, listen when He talks and love Him with all your heart and soul. And the amazing thing is, if you can keep doing these small things constantly, you will not only survive any season, but thrive.

In 1 Timothy 6:12 the Bible encourages us to “fight the good fight of faith” and to “hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you.” I would like to encourage you to stay constant through every season and your award at the end of the day will definitely be worth it.

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Go where some roads don’t.

NOW THAT’S

Spirit

R224 900

FROM

1.3 MT

Retail price includes 4 year / 60 000km service plan

Shop 84, Menlyn Motor City, Road, Menlyn Dealer address here: Tell: 079 262 3951 Dealer name here: 248 Garsfontein Dealer telephone here: Dealer website here:

www.mccarthysuzuki.co.za

Mandatory insurances are excluded. Pictures shown are for illustrative purposes only.

facebook.com/SuzukiAutoSA 9779/E/Penquin

@Suzuki_ZA

Suzuki South Africa

Suzuki_ZA

incl. VAT

SUZUlite

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We can’t get you the hot date, but we can provide you with the DESTINATION.

LPA members enjoy relaxing holidays at top quality resorts all over the world, every year.

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