Devoted Magazine

Be a transformer, cast your vote!

Eduplex school, a life changer Spotlight on politics THINK before you INK!

Children

OUR future Issue 26

“ He changes times and seasons; He deposes of kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.�

(Daniel 2:21) ii

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In this issue “Select from all the people competent men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; you shall place these over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens,” (Exodus 18:21 AMP) EDITOR’S NOTE Our children, our future!

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PROFILE The ACDP has overcome what others think were impossible

ACTUAL Be a transformer, cast your vote ACTUAL Take a stance and be responsible LAST WORD Becoming an authentic leader

6 “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (Timothy 2:1 &2)

Be a transformer, cast your vote!

Eduplex school, a life changer Spotlight on politics

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IN CONVERSATION Steve Swart, a voice for Christians in Parliament 4 INSPIRATION Eduplex School, a life-changer

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THINK before you INK!

Children

OUR future Issue 26 Our children, our future. The picture was supplied by Eduplex School. Check out their Eduanthem Campaign.

CREDITS MANAGING EDITOR Gerda Potgieter

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LANGUAGE EDIT Mignionette Fair • Edita Services WEBSITE Tony Hendricks • Storm Tank DESIGN Anna • Creative Diversity The design of this issue was sponsored by:

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CONTACT DETAILS FOR DEVOTED Email: editor@devotedmag.co.za Website: www.devotedmag.co.za

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

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 quotes and the sources have been correctly identified within the text or in the list of references.

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Editor’s Note

Our children, our future!

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his issue is all about efforts to create a better future for us and our children. In this regard, Eduplex school in the tranquil suburb Queenswood (Pretoria) is a great example of how an institution can help shape children to become better citizens. This inspirational article is a must read.

Election is the buss word for now and we are also getting on the bandwagon (so to speak). Therefore, this issue is a must read if you are a South African, if you plan to vote in the coming elections (and I hope that you will be responsible enough to do so) and if you want to be part of the solutions and not the problems.

Children are our future and our choices affect them more than we know. This should be our motivation to go to the polls and to vote responsibly…

We simply cannot allow the enemy to succeed in his mission of destroying our country further through corruption and fraud - just because we as citizens don’t act and do our part to make a change.

“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing” (Albert Einstein).

Far too many people paint a picture of doom and gloom, hopelessness and despair for our country – the social media platforms are full of such examples. Most are all talk (negative) and no action at all. God is looking for people who are prepared to implement a lasting solution.

He is fully aware of the challenging situations and hurt we are faced with. I would like to see myself as one of His helpers by taking up the challenge of fighting corruption and the many other social ills we are currently facing. I would like to see myself as somebody who reaches out and joins others to glorify our Lord and Saviour. No man is an island, and we all need each other to make a difference – black and white, women and men, children and youth, Christian and non-Christian.

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It is no secret that Devoted takes a stand AGAINST corruption. We just cannot allow governments, the very same institutions and people that are supposed to protect us from it, to keep on looting our hard-earned money as they have been doing since they came into power. But remember this also: We cannot blame others for unethical practices when our own behaviour isn’t ethical and wise. If we do not understand the difference between right and wrong, we will not know who to choose as our leaders - and we will even make the wrong choices for the wrong reasons. We need to get back to the basics. We need to get back to the Source of all knowledge and wisdom.

South Africans are going to the polls soon. We now have an opportunity to show the current government that we are not content with their unethical practices, that we had enough of corruption and state capture.

We would like to invite you to join hands with us and also take a firm stance against the high levels of corruption in our country. Think before you ink… As President Jimmy Carter once said, “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something…My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

And this is what the Devoted team has been doing.

With love

Devoted team Visit our website: www.devotedmag. co.za and read the on-line edition Like our Facebook page: Devotedmag

Profile

The ACDP has overcome what others think were impossible Mainstream media do not provide platforms for discussions of Christian values and biblical principles. Political parties such as the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) therefore needs help to share good news and milestones. Many new ACDP branches were established throughout the country recently, and we like to share their successes.

The ACDP can defeat a big party in surprising ways, and therefore, a vote for them is not a lost vote. Their aim was, and always will be, to help build a strong, healthy nation based on solid economic and social principles and values. They translate those principles and values into good, clean governance, equality, respect and human dignity.

Over the years, the ACDP has worked on legislation and oversight of the implementation of it, challenging offending clauses and arguing for restraint and creative thinking on issues in many areas. They flagged issues that would impact negatively on freedom of religion.

Other ACDP achievements include, but are not limited to the following: • Homeschooling - giving Parliament access to relevant information arguing for homeschooling.

• Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV - ensuring access to antiretrovirals, especially prophylactics for rape survivors.

• The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy - consistently challenging the legalisation of abortion on demand and keeping the issue on the agenda of Parliament over the years in the National Assembly.

• Children’s Act regarding spanking - delaying a decision on this issue and eventually getting the clause “outlawing reasonable chastisement” removed from the Bill to amend

the Children’s Act. This ensured that parents can discipline their children in line with biblical guidelines.

• Street children - succeeding in making it compulsory for authorities to respond to reports regarding street children and to prioritise their safety.

• Early Childhood Development (ECD) -succeeding in making it compulsory for provinces to prioritise spending on ECD in disadvantaged communities (Children’s Act).

• Smoking in cars with children – making it illegal with a proposal which has helped protect more children from the negative effects of secondary inhalation.

• Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) - arguing against OBE as a policy and pointing out its failings, resulting in shortcomings acknowledged and OBE eventually dismantled.

• Sex education in schools and loveLife campaigns - mobilising SA in opposing encouraging sexual experimentation by youth, as well as challenging wording in the sex education curriculum in schools. The ACDP was directly responsible for stopping the loveLife campaign.

• Religion in education - opposing former Education Minister, Kader Asmal’s proposals to remove religion from schools and achieving countrywide awareness.

• Euthanasia - taking up the challenge in the early years of initiating debates

and arguing against proposals for an End of Life Bill which would provide for euthanasia and succeeded in getting relevant legislation put on hold.

• Decriminalisation of prostitution - arguing in the National Assembly, in hearings and in public debates for existing legislation to remain in place and for law enforcement to focus on those paying for services.

• Pornography - opposing the legalisation of and easy access to adult pornography and addressed the National Assembly on the harms of pornography to society.

• Trafficking - consistently calling on the government for legislation to help stop human trafficking, and they have worked successfully on legislation to ensure it would be relevant and present minimal unintended consequences.

• Expropriation of land - being active in the Joint Constitutional Review Committee, which has been dealing with a review of section 25 of the Constitution to allow expropriation of land without compensation. They support the biblical principle of restitution where past injustices have been committed, but they do not support expropriation of land without just and equitable compensation.

Information on their successes in other fields is also readily available.

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In Conversation

Steve Swart, a voice for Christians in Parliament

By Gerda Potgieter

In Conversation is a platform that allows like-minded people to converse about matters that are important. I have met Mr Steve Swart, well-respected parliamentarian and senior member of a Christian democratic political party and we shared the In Conversation platform with him.

Who is Steve Swart?

Steven Nicholas Swart has been a member of the National Assembly since 1999. As such, he has become one of the voices for Christians in South Africa. He is one of the leaders of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), and has a successful and impressive track record. A handful of Steve’s successes include: • Being at the forefront of promoting restorative justice principles that characterises the Child Justice Bill (as an alternative to retributive justice) • Having a positive impact in finalising the comprehensive law dealing with the scourge of sexual offences • Impacting constitutional amendments relating to the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Appeal and the Superior Courts Act • Playing a key role in finalising legislation combatting human trafficking • Participating in two significant Parliamentary Inquiries into corruption and state capture concerning the SABC and Eskom (visit his Facebook Page for further information).

He has been married to Louise for thirty-four years, and they have three children, Siobhan, Joshua and Nathan.

Steve is a devoted Christian, is a regular conference speaker and lecturer in leadership. He is highly committed to promoting Christian democratic values in Parliament and ensuring that legislation addresses the common good of society. He also facilitates access to Parliament to Christians to pray for the nation’s leaders. This man is taking a stand for biblical principles and Godly governance. He believes that he has been able to fulfil his purpose and destiny at Parliament, but that much more needs to be done.

Steve is the longest-serving member of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services. He is also a member of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, the Standing Committee on Finances and the Joint Committee on Constitutional Review. He has a BA (Law) and LLB degrees and practised as an attorney for 15 years before being elected to Parliament. He also subsequently obtained his B.Econ (Hons) degree.

Steve was inspired to move to Parliament because he believes that individuals can make a significant difference to the future of the country. Given his legal background, he believes he can make a positive impact in law-making as well as to hold government accountable by exercising parliamentary oversight.

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Steve Swart, MP for ACDP, together with his wife Louise, and daughter Siobhan.

“And so to the breach we go!” ( Isaiah 58 – 12) “You shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to dwell in.”

In Conversation Steve Swart on the spot

It is now a wonderful opportunity to hold such politicians accountable – at the ballot box. Change begins with the individual voter, we all are responsible to vote for the best people to represent us in Parliament, where crucial laws are passed and decisions made. What will it take for this country to be a better country where all feel safe and prosper? The answer is simple: Take responsibility for your own future and vote for capable men and women.

The ACDP offers solutions to all those citizens who have had enough of the widespread crime and corruption, poor economic growth, high levels of unemployment and poverty, poor education and health services, and other social ills. The ACDP offers our citizens hope for a better future. The ACDP offers our citizens the opportunity to unite, to build and to grow our nation. Give us the chance to work with you and for you to change our country for the better.

Q: Which political party do you think can transform our country and why?

A: The ACDP is based on Biblical principles and is, as such, the voice for Christians. We value unity in diversity, and offer servant leaders who understand the principle of good stewardship of the state’s resources – leaders of integrity who are trustworthy, passionately committed to address the needs of all the citizens in South Africa.

If you were to ask me which political party can transform this country positively, I believe it is the ACDP, whose leaders have proven they are capable men and women who can govern this country with honesty and integrity so that all South Africans can prosper.

The ACDP will, when given the chance (like the Biblical David) immediately start dealing with the giants that face the nation. We have excellent strategies to deal with the high unemployment rate; poor economic growth; inadequate education and public health services; escalating crime and corruption; and threats to property rights and rural development.

It is time, as we have said in Parliament, for the “poachers to be poached; the looters looted; and the state capturers captured”. It is time for justice and righteousness to prevail in our nation!

We cannot do it alone, we need your vote and the assistance of every Christian to establish and maintain Godly governance in our nation! Help us to help you…

Q: Christians do not want to become involved in politics because they think that Christianity and politics should not mix. What is your opinion?

A: Christians can make a tremendous contribution in the political landscape. In fact, they should become involved as we are called to be salt and light. The political platform is but one of the many platform where we, as Christians, can build the Kingdom for His glory. It is all about God. The Christian worldview speaks to all areas in life. Politics is a huge part of it, especially now with the upcoming elections in May. These elections provide us with a wonderful opportunity to deal effectively with the ills of corruption, state capture, and many other wrongdoings of the current government.

Politics are unavoidable, especially now, but we as believers can positively impact the political landscape. Christians cannot afford not to be involved. If they do not get involved, they will miss an opportunity to be part of the solution and to change things for the better.

Q: People think that voting for the ACDP is a lost vote. Is voting for a minority party effective?

A: Every vote counts and is added together in the allocation of parliamentary seats. There is as such no such thing as a wasted vote, particularly when it comes to voting for smaller, growing parties. Christians are, according to statistics, in the majority in South Africa. If every person in this country who claims to be a Christian, voted for a Christian democratic party, such as the ACDP, we can rapidly turn things around for the better. In addition, many people of other faiths subscribe to the ACDP’s value system and support the party.

We are aiming for Godly governance, but are committed to co-govern (only if the need arises) with other parties, as we do presently in certain metros, to prevent the ANC or EFF from governing.

I want to appeal to all South Africans to assist us. Start by spreading the message about the ACDP on social media or in your daily conversations. Convince other citizens to become members and vote for the party. If each one of us spread our message and consciously spoke to two other persons daily, we could achieve our goal of Godly governance. Help us also with funds and by volunteering to man voting stations on election day. This will prevent our votes that have been cast from being wrongfully allocated to other parties.

We have sound policies to deal with unemployment, corruption, poor healthcare and education, and poor service delivery and other matters that are currently taking this country down a road of destruction. This includes policies on moral issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and pornography.

It is time to rebuild the walls of our nation. A vote for the ACDP is not a wasted vote; each and every vote makes us stronger and helps us grow. A vote for us is a vote against corruption and mismanagement of the hard-earned tax that you pay.

Q: Politicians seem to be blaming others for their own mistakes. Do we have responsible politicians who will admit their mistakes?

A: I can just assume that bad politicians are in positions where they should not be because good people do not vote, or voters do not vote responsibly. It is disgraceful that many parliamentarians and ministers who have been implicated in state capture and corruption have been retained on lists for the May elections. The governing party must be held accountable at the polls for this reckless decision which ignores the concerns of many citizens about the state of our nation.

Q: Do you have a final thought for our readers?

A: We call on all South Africans to rally behind and support the ACDP at this time. Proverbs 29 v 2 states that, “when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice; when a wicked man rules, the people mourn.” It is time for the righteous to be in authority!

Please contact us at the ACDP National Office on 011 869 3941 or access our webpage at www.acdp.org.za

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Inspiration

Eduplex School, a life-changer

By Gerda Potgieter

Schools play a major role in society, and the right school can make all the difference in the life of a young person. Schools are also transmitters of subject knowledge, skills development and education as well as norms and values.

The right school, with dedicated teachers, can enhance the experience of the interactions for learners.

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have interacted with many schools in my lifetime, but I want to single out Eduplex School, situated in Queenswood, Pretoria. I am very fond of this school, and the reason why I want to focus on Eduplex is that it is an authentic and exceptional Christian school with a high success rate. It stands out from the rest of the private schools, and has many successful and wonderful stories to share.

Eduplex follows a model for inclusive education, and has added value to its learners and also to communities at large on many levels. This mainstream, parallel-medium, Christian-based school (separate English and Afrikaans classes) is a world model, not only in their educational programme but also their school design. Their programme is in line with today’s emphasis on inclusion in education, and Eduplex is a leader in this field. Every class has a small number of deaf children to help these children acquire normal spoken language alongside their hearing friends.

This ensures that all the children reach a level of linguistic maturity that lays a firm foundation for literacy and academic success.

Their broad curriculum and exceptionally high academic standards make Eduplex one of the leading educational facilities in South Africa.

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Inspiration The acoustically treated classrooms are unique and ensure a quiet learning environment. The high staff-to-pupil ratio, high academic standards and amazing interactive gardens make Eduplex a learning paradise for every child. The three schools (pre-, primary and high school) offer from Grade 0000 up to Grade 12, and the emphasis on listening skills ensures good attention in class. Eduplex also boasts a training institute (ETI), which is a distancelearning institution. Programmes on offer include online, self-directed learning combined with contact and practical sessions.

What makes Eduplex even more outstanding is its optimal use of world-leading technology in every classroom. Each classroom has cutting-edge sound-field amplification systems that enable all children to hear the teacher clearly. Focus units enable children with attention deficit disorders to hear the teacher’s voice above the background noise and help them to concentrate in class. The use of Smart Boards and Wi-Fi in the school also enables teachers to make their classes interesting and stimulating. They spared no expense in recruiting the best teachers and investing in leading technology to enable every child to reach their full potential in a secure, well-equipped and stimulating learning environment.

“What you are doing here is changing tragedy into triumph.”

– Nelson Mandela at the official opening of Eduplex in 2002 The Eduplex programme is holistic and current. It follows modern trends in curriculum development (Independent Examinations Board in the high school), as well as technology and linguistic development. Facilities abound, motivating the learners from an

early age to be self-disciplined in the acquisition of knowledge.

Every effort is made to sow the seeds of servant leadership among these learners from a young age to groom them to become faithful leaders in their homes and communities in the future. At Eduplex, children are taught to be more concerned about enriching the lives of others than their own.

They also offer a wide range of sport, and cultural opportunities to the children during and after school hours. Although Eduplex is a relatively small school, many of its learners have over the years attained provincial or national colours in a host of sporting activities. Eduplex’s amazing sports facilities include one of the world’s biggest and safest inner-city pump and mountain bike tracks, that are open to the public seven days a week.

For a country to grow, education is important. And Eduplex has taken the lead in developing a nation that can compete with the best in the world as far as knowledge, skills and expertise are concerned.

“I know you well, you aren’t strong, but you have tried to obey and have not denied my Name.

Therefore, I have opened a door to you that no one can shut.”

– Revelations 3:8 (God’s encouragement to Nico van der Merwe, the founder of Eduplex)

I spoke with a few learners of Eduplex to find out what impact Eduplex had or still has on their lives. Keep an eye on the Devoted Facebook page for their heart-warming stories of Eduplex learners.

Want to know more about Eduplex?

Visit www.eduplex.co.za Also, check out these YouTube videos on Eduplex: https://youtu.be/tK6X1EBMBUA https://youtu.be/SxbzEK_QHFw https://youtu.be/OsTtOj_4AMQ https://youtu.be/o8Q5AxbGsEs

All pictures were supplied by Eduplex School. www.devotedmag.co.za

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Actual O V E T O V E T O V E T O V E T O VOTE VOTE V VOTE E T O V E T O V E T O V E T O V VOTE OTE VO V E T O V E T O V E T O V E T O VOTE V TE VOT O V E T O V E T O V E T O V E T VOTE VO E VOTE T O V E T O V E T O V E T O V E VOTE VOT Godly governmentE VOTE E VOT T O V E T O V E T O V E T O V E VOTE VOT OTE V E T O V E T O V E T O V E T O VOTE VOTE VOTE V TE O V E T O V E T O V E T O V E T VOTE VOTE VOTE VO

Be a transformer, cast your vote!

By Wilhelmina Bekker

Election time is a time of many struggles on various levels. One of the most common questions Christians ask is if they should vote, and after that who to vote for.

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any Christians feel they want to distance themselves from politics. Unfortunately, it does not help the landscape because then you are part of the problem and not the solution. Christians can positively influence the political environment and they have a mandate to select (vote for) capable leaders. As responsible citizens, it is, therefore, an obligation to cast our votes. To not cast a vote means that you have added a win to the wrong party by default – a party that does not share your same values and therefore do not represent Christian values.

It has become more important to speak up through exercising our civic responsibility to vote. It is apparent that we can no longer turn a blind eye to the social ills that have impacted over the last more than twenty years so negatively on good governance, our economy, our

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families, and our day-to-day lives. There is so much of what we see and hear around us that can be classified as the after-effects of corruption, greed, mismanagement of taxpayers’ money, and state capturing…

The list is endless and exhausts us!

We all know about the high level of corruption and how it is destroying and dividing the very fabric of our society: especially the huge numbers of job losses taking place within the mining industry and killing of farmers who provide us with food; civil unrest; load shedding; escalating food and petrol prices; and increasing transportation costs to name but a few. Every one of us is also a victim! We can change South Africa for the better, and the way to do it is with our votes.

Actual The answers to the question ‘Should Christians vote?’ are plain and straightforward. It is your duty to vote; the Bible is clear about that!

We cannot call ourselves followers of Jesus, but we neglect our basic obligations to select capable men and women to lead us.

Exercising a vote is a civic responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Everybody must obtain information on how a party votes on those critical issues which impact the destiny of a nation. This information is freely available, but should you need to find out more about a Christian democratic party that represents Christian values, then visit www.acdp.org.za for more information.

They have created many, many challenges and left it for others to now solve.

Who to vote for?

South African voters have become mature and will no longer vote out of some sense of blind loyalty or historical obligation. We are tired of political leaders who divide us at the expense of our tax money. As usual before elections, we are already being bombarded by a pre-election rush to implement quick-win projects and employ temporary workers to fix roads, etc. These projects will again all vanish very soon after the elections, therefore it is important that we are not bamboozled.

In South Africa, we have freedom of choice: Freedom to choose whether you want to vote or not – and whom to vote for. With the national elections around the corner, we will soon vote for those we think should be leading us.

This is serious business because after the elections we will be stuck with the leaders we chose, or not, and they will be our voice in Parliament … OR NOT!

Our faith and politics should be aligned. As Christians, we cannot hold a Christian worldview and have a political view that is rooted in the secular world’s values and morals. God’s values must guide our involvement in politics also. Therefore, we need to adjust our political views to align with His word.

Voters cast their vote for a political party for many different reasons, and sometimes voters tend not to vote for smaller parties for fear of not making an impact. This is a wrong perception because smaller parties make a difference in Parliament and can fight above their weight on issues that matter. A small party can also grow with your vote.

Every vote counts and Christians must have a voice in Parliament to be heard. Another good reason to vote for a smaller party that shares the same values with you is that opposition parties work together on issues of common concern such as the expropriation of land, abortion, same-sex marriages, etcetera.

Christians should actively seek a party that share the same moral values and worldviews – a political party that uses the Bible as their moral compass. In South Africa, our choices are limited, but then again, there is only ONE BOOK of truth, and we do not need a variety of political parties to choose from! Christians should seek guidance from God through prayer when they exercise their vote like everything else in life.

Our country is in turmoil South Africa has plummeted to great depths under the previous and current leadership. The leadership of this country has put the country and its people in turmoil.

As much as Christians do not like to judge others, nobody can deny that the devastating consequence of especially the Zuma-era will be felt for years to come and by generations that have not yet been born!

Participating in the national elections is a right of citizenship. But in the current landscape, I would go as far to say it is also a citizen’s civic responsibility. We should never forget that to secure the right to vote, people have been beaten, tortured and even killed.

As Christians we are expected to vote for capable men and women who can be our voice in Parliament.

As followers of Jesus, we do not recruit for a specific party or person, but we must – • Actively seek to be involved in the political arena; • Stand for justice and God’s moral truth; • Serve the least (the poor, vulnerable women and children); • Help people find and follow Jesus; and • Be morally obliged to vote for God’s values. www.devotedmag.co.za

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Actual

Take a stance and be responsible!

By Wilhelmina Bekker

Your vote makes a difference. If everybody votes, we can change the way governments do things. Do not be a random voter. Get to know who will transform our country and select capable men and women.

More than ever before, South Africa requires a strong leader to heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights – all based on biblical principles.

Christianity changes the character of political debate.

It brings the moral standards of God’s kingdom into the secular realm. It breaks the vicious cycle of violence, crime, self-interest and injustice. Christianity conveys messages of moral value, and it is especially here where we all have a connecting point – to have conversations about issues that matter and convey the biblical viewpoint so others can have hope in these desperate times.

“As much as corrupt leaders are to blame, we as South Africans are as much to blame if we are doing nothing to prevent them from corrupting our country further, therefore we have to take a stance and vote responsibly.”

Gerda Potgieter, Devoted Lifestyle Magazine.

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Actual The time has come for ordinary South Africans to hold our leadership accountable and judge them against a higher standard.

And that standard is biblical principles.

The Bible is our ONLY answer to our leadership challenges - not our constitution, any political manifestos or sweet talk of politicians. The Bible directed its readers thousands of years ago, and today it is still relevant. Why? Because the Bible is God’s book.

It is inspired by God, and it is our moral compass for today and the next time when we are casting our votes, in fact all the time we are castings our votes.

“BAD politicians are elected by GOOD people who do NOT vote.”

(Unknown) And, it will remain so for many more years to come.

Dr D James Kennedy from the Centre for Christian Statesmanship believed if Christians don’t get involved, politics will forever be dirty. I agree that Christians have the responsibility to get involved in politics.

And we can do that by merely casting our votes for that party that represents Christian values.

If we do NOT fight for what we stand for, we do not stand for anything.

Consider this: • Each time someone doesn’t vote for the ruling party, it is a small victory for the opposition.

Vote for one party to deny

the ruling party a two-thirds majority.

• Citizens are free to exercise their right to vote, and if they are motivated to vote, they must empower themselves to know more about the candidates, the parties and policies they represent.

• Look for a party that remains true to its founding principles and has not compromised its stance on moral issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, legislation of pornography and prostitution, relationship with Israel, etc.

• Exercising a vote is a civic responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Everybody must obtain information on how a party votes on those critical issues which impact the destiny of a nation. This information is freely available, and in Issue 25 of Devoted (visit www.devotedmag.co.za) you can also read more about a political party built on godly principles and which uses the Bible as its moral compass. It is worth a read!

Every one of us is a victim of corruption, state capture, looting! We can change South Africa for the better, and the way to do it is with our votes.

Christians and politics The Bible guides us on how we should get involved in politics.

Psalm 96:3 says: “Declare His glory among the nations. His marvellous deeds among all people.” What better platform to do it from than the political platform? The political platform also provides us with opportunities to talk about His grace and deeds. This is a platform to openly and publicly glorify Him through our talents.

• Christians should get involved in the politics of the day. When Christians abandon the public environment, ethics and values of communities go down the drain. So do the moral standards.

• The Christian worldview speaks to ALL areas of life. This includes our perception of the world from a political standpoint. Decisions made by governments impact our lives on all levels. The way governments interact with the people impacts people.

• The Bible tells us to love our neighbours – and to love one another. This includes that we should reach out, and speak out for the poor, the orphans, the widows – those without a voice. It is through the political platform that we can impact others and make a difference.

• Government restrains evil and promotes good, or it is supposed to do that. Christians’ positive influence in government is well documented in Alvin Schmidt: How Christianity changed the world and William Wilberforce’s influence to abolish the slave trade is an excellent example.

• Read Timothy 2:1 and 2 if you still consider not to get involved at all. www.devotedmag.co.za

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Last Word

Becoming

an authentic leader

By Mignionette Fair

Authenticity is a word that gets thrown around a lot in leadership, business and life. As with most things in life, we all define authenticity and authentic leadership differently.

For some people “authentic leadership” might be:

And for others, this cat might be their spirit animal:

thought I had to be a leader who was the exact opposite of who I really was. It was only later that I learned there is just as much power in talking gently than talking loudly. Being an encouraging leader is just as powerful as being a visionary. There is power in admitting when you don’t know something. It is absolutely fine to be real, vulnerable and genuine.

The graphic below is based on Bill George’s definition of authentic leadership, and I think it’s a good representation of what an authentic leader is, namely being aware of who you are, leading with passion and heart, and developing and practising solid values.

Self-awareness

Authentic Leader

Lead with Heart

Whether you lead with perceived

and actual confidence or only perceived confidence... whether you know where you are going or faking it ‘til you make it... the most important thing is to stay true to who you are.

Paul Sohn wrote, “In essence, authenticity is where our external actions align with internal beliefs. It’s the congruency between who you are and who you appear to be.”

This is something I struggled with for a very long time. I was insecure and

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Develop & Practice Solid Values

So, now that we have an idea of what an authentic leader is, let’s consider some of the important aspects of authenticity:

• Communication If you cannot communicate authentically and effectively, you will lose your audience. Why would you say something in three sentences when you can say it in one? Or why would you become a walking thesaurus when you can use simple language? Also, think about

authenticity in your verbal, nonverbal, and written communication.

“When you write in plain language, your target audience can easily read, understand and take action the first time they read your content.” (Genevieve Conti, https://zapier.com/blog/plainlanguage/)

• Trust Trust is a verb. The more people trust their leader, the more risks they will take and the more changes they will make. Organisations thrive under leadership who can be trusted.

• Competence Why under-promise and over-deliver?

As leaders, we should live lives of excellence.

• Character We always wish to be further along than we are. We wish we could be like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Michelle Obama or Thuli Madonsela. And there is nothing wrong with that, but you are running your race! Authentic leadership is being the best you where you are at right now. You don’t want to end up in a place where your character cannot sustain you.

Struggling to get your point across?

Your story deserves to shine brightly. EditA Services will help you communicate with confidence.

WRITING. PROOFREADING. INTERPRETING WE DO IT ALL!

Contact us: www.edita.online PHONE: 081 757 0843 EMAIL: admin@edita.online

Travel with a purpose Join us in discovering the Promised Land

Walk in the footsteps of our Lord in September!

In Genesis 15:18-21, God made a promise to Abraham, then confirmed the promise to Isaac in Genesis 26:3, and then to Jacob, the son of Isaac, in Genesis 28:13. Devoted is now offering you a tour where you will discover the roots of Christianity and walk in the footsteps of our Lord.

I

srael is regarded by Christians, Jews and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land.

Israel is significant for Christians as it represents the historical region of Jesus’ ministry.

while discovering Israel, the land of God’s promise to Abraham and his children. We want to invite you to come and join us for an once-in-alifetime experience.

The Holy Land is associated with the birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour.

We support Rejoice International Ministry in bringing you this authentic tour. They have years of the right experience, knowledge and tools to create a tour that will suit your needs.

People visit Israel for different reasons.

Here at Devoted, we travel with a purpose and the purpose this time is to ensure a life-changing experience

Israel, and especially the city of Jerusalem, is sacred and has

tremendous religious significance for Christians. To help you discover your Christian roots and make the story of early Christianity come alive, our promise to you is: • Spiritual insights • Historical connections, and • Natural wonders Have a look at the advert below, and when you book, please mention Devoted to secure your booking.

Email: editor@devotedmag.co.za to secure your booking.

www.devotedmag.co.za

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The Chr istian voice in parliament

“We need to get back to God and live a holy life if we want a fulfilled life. Let’s obey the Ten Commandments. God put them in place for you and me so that we may live joyful lives in abundance.”

(Angus Buchan)

“The Bible is our moral compass for today, for tomorrow and forever.”

(President of ACDP - African Christian Democratic Party - Dr Kenneth Meshoe)

The ANC fought against apartheid … the ACDP will take you to peace and prosperity!

Website: www.acdp.org.za Tel: 011- 869 3941 Email:office@acdp.org.za QUESTION: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WIN AN ELECTION IN FAVOUR OF A GODLY GOVERNMENT?

ANSWER: ONLY 28 DAYS IF ALL CHRISTIANS PERSUADE 2 OTHERS TO VOTE GOD INTO GOVERNMENT

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“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless.

Not to speak is to speak.

Not to act, is to act.”

“Dietrich Bonhoeffer.”