Believe Magazine

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LIVING AN X-TREME LIFE EXTREME SPORTS NICKY CRUZ FROM ORIGINAL GANGSTER TO DARKNESS INVADER RESCUED

PULLED OUT OF A LIFE OF UNCERTAINTY

PEAR PRESSURE HOW TO BE A SMELLY CHRISTIAN

Phil Joel REBOOTING THE SYSTEM

March / April 2011

RIANA NEL

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A TALENTED YOUNG ARTIST MAKING HER COMEBACK INTO LOCAL GOSPEL MUSIC

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ENHANCE A DURBAN-BASED POP / RAP BAND IS TAKING THE GOSPEL MARKET BY STORM

ADMIT ONE: REVIEWS & CROSSWORD BANELE MAHLANGU • AVIS NDLOVU • IN THE HOUSE • MATTHEW 10 • THE REBELLUTION

contents REGULARS

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EDITOR’S NOTE New Beginnings OFF THE WIRE What’s on the Gospel Scene SUBSCRIBE Get your mag delivered to your postbox

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KNOW JESUS The Bridge between two Worlds

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EXTREME SPORTS Living an Extreme Life

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FEATURES

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REAL LIFE: NICKY CRUZ From Original Gangster to Darkness Invader

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INTERVIEW: RIANA NEL Back on the Gospel Scene

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INTERVIEW: PHIL JOEL Rebooting the System

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CAREERS Turn your passion into a career

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INTERVIEW: ENHANCE Durban-based pop/rap band is making waves on the Gospel Scene

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SPOTLIGHT: THE REBELUTION Two Teens rejected Apathy and started a Christ–centric Counter-Culture

REAL LIFE: RESCUED–Leon du Preez Testimony

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Launch Edition

Rebooting the System

word up

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LIFT YOUR HEAD Keys to overcoming discouragement and depression

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PEAR PRESSURE How to be a Smelly Christian

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GIRL TALK Cherish Yourself

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GUY TALK No more Retreads

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ADMIT ONE

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MUSIC REVIEWS Phil Stacey, Jesus Culture

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BOOKS AND GAME REVIEWS Various books and Left behind Game

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MOVIES AND DVD’S Faith Happens, Nick Viju???

Load up

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GRAPHITI WALL AND FREEBIES Crazy answers and Give-aways

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WORDSEARCH Find the names of Bands

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CROSSWORD Stand a chance to win one of 3 DVD’s

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PUBLISH YOURSELF Fancy yourself a Writer?

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LYRICS & GUITAR CHORDS Phil Joel - The Man you want me to be

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COMING UP IN THE NEXT ISSUE

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FAITHBLASTERZ Encourage yourself or a friend...

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Meet some Contributors Hannah Gardiner

M A G A Z I N E

Hannah grew up in a Christian home. Both of her parents have been strong Christians and they have been pastoring their own Church for most of her life. So, Christianity and going to Church have always been a main part of her life. As she got older, she came to the point where she accepted Christ for herself.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Lesley Cartwright lesley@believemag.co.za INTERVIEWS Hannah Gardiner Contributing Writers Hannah Gardiner, Eezy Raaloe, Leon du Preez, Elviera Schreuder, Ivan van Vuuren, Lloyd Pearce Lesley Cartwright, Brett Fish Anderson, Adrian Wright, Utami Rostoll, James Preston

• Both Hannah’s parents have been involved in the Christian magazine industry for many years. Her dad worked as the editor of one of the major Christian magazines and her mom would do articles and interviews. Then a few years ago, they started a smaller purely word-based/ teaching magazine of their own.

COPY EDITOR Andrew Cartwright

ADVERTISING SALES Lesley Cartwright lesley@believemag.co.za Cell: 082 308 3910 MEDIA PARTNERS Andrew Cartwright andrew@believemag.co.za PRINTING River Rock Media

DISTRIBUTION RNA Bi-monthly

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@believemag.co.za BOOKKEEPING Dial-a-bookkeeper PUBLISHER Outloud! Media P O Box (TBA), Somerset Mall, 7137 Tel: (082) 308 3910, Fax: (086) 621 1554 E-mail: info@outloudmedia.co.za

www.believemag.co.za STATEMENT OF FAITH Believe Magazine believes in God, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, the Creator of the Universe. Jesus Christ, is the only Son of God who died and rose again– blotting out our sins, and opening up the door for us to come into God’s presence. He is the only way, the truth and the life. We believe that people can receive personal salvation through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross– making them sons and daughters of God. We are Heirs of the promise together with Christ. We believe that heaven and hell are real places. We believe in the second coming of Christ, that the dead in Christ will rise and be taken up together with those who have made Jesus their personal Lord and Saviour.

We believe that God’s Word is the final authority on all things. It is in it’s entirety– the Inspired Word of God and the standard that all Christians should aspire to live by. We believe in the Water and the Spirit-filled Baptism with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4). We believe that it is God’s Will to heal and to restore the body of Christ– wholly in spirit, mind and body (1 Thess 5:24).

MISSION STATEMENT Believe Magazine would like to see young people reach their God-given potential. We want to share the truth of God’s word in order to inform and empower them to live Godly lives. We want to inspire an awareness and an encounter with God , Jesus and the Holy Spirit through the use of Christian and non-Christian media, sports and entertainment from a relevant Biblical perspective.

ARTICLE POLICY We take great care in screening all articles, however, the views expressed in articles, letters and photos still remain the responsibility of the respective authors and photographers. The acceptance of advertisements does not indicate editorial endorsement.

*All Band / Artist sampling or promotions as well as article submissions can be sent to lesley@believemag.co.za

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Outloud! Media

• During her gap year, she ran an online youth magazine, but once she started studying and working; that had to be put on hold for the time being.

• She has a huge interest in the Christian music industry… growing up with a brother who owns something like 500 Christian CDs really exposed her to a lot of different artists and music styles. What she really likes is the fact that there are Christian artists making music of every style and genre and you can easily find a Christian substitute for any secular artists out there.

• Hannah desires to see this magazine grow and to touch the lives of young people everywhere! I think it is really important to get a magazine like this out to inspire and encourage young people to keep shining their lights brightly in a dark world and not to live lives of compromise where they just submit to peer pressure and the desire to fit in.

James Preston James is a 25 year old “pastor” with a passion to see the reality of God’s Goodness invade this broken world. He is called to tell the world the Gospel as it really is: Good News! James has been married to the beautiful Corinne Preston for 4 years where they both serve on the pastoring team at Highway Christian Community in Durban.

James also hosts a radio show on Durban’s Highway Radio as well as running the website Sonic Substance where he has interviewed great leaders such as Bill Johnson, Mark Driscoll, Chris Quilala, Michael W Smith, Johan Muller and others. His heart is the same as yours, to see more of the reality of God in this broken world of ours.

Brett Fish Anderson Brett is a youth slash student Pastory type guy at the Vineyard Church in Stellenbosch pastoring a congregation called enGAGE - his passion in life is mobilising the church into living out the things they say they believe - he is married to the beautiful Valerie and highly recommends marriage to the right person - he enjoys chocolate and mashed potato but hates raisins with a passion - he owns the worlds most famous stuffed dolphin called ‘No_bob’ who he was going to call ‘bob’ but he doesn’t bob!

GREEK DEFINITION– BELIEVE ‘aman (ah-mahn); Strong’s #539: To be firm, stable, established; also, to be firmly persuaded; to believe solidly. From ‘aman comes ‘emunah, “faith.” The most famous is “amen,” which conveys this idea: “It is solidly, firmly, surely true and verified and established.

EDITOR’S NOTE

LESLEY CARTWRIGHT

ON MY BOOKSHELF

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ow often do you (or your folks) clean up or defrag the home computer?

Chances are if you don’t do it often enough, the hard drive will become full and then start to slow down. Even more so if you are continually downloading or uploading stuff.

If you don’t do a clean-up– you can end up with a system that is not running at full capacity.

Our lives are pretty much like a computer.

We are constantly uploading or downloading information daily. We may or not realise it but we do this through allowing things in our ‘eye-gates’ or our ‘ear-gates’. If we upload the wrong things, it can affect us negatively. It can have a huge impact on our lives and shape our future. If we think on something often enough, it becomes our actions.

If we keep on repeating this cycle, we can get bogged down with ‘life’ and never seem to get ahead.

The good news is we can break this cycle and stop this type of outcome in our lives by simply cleaning up and rebooting our systems. Romans 12:2 says we should not be conformed to this world but we transformed by the renewing of our minds. How do we renew our minds? Well firstly we set up a

guard over our hearts, and then we fill up on God’s Word (Phil 4:8). Aim at letting the Word become more real than anything .

JAM-PACKED ARTICLES In this edition we look at the testimony of how God saved new york gangster “Nicky Cruz” years ago and gave him a heart for young people and for gangs caught up in the same trap. Read interviews with local artists ‘Riana Nel’ and ‘Enhance’. Hear where God is taking them and what their plans are for the future. We also have an exclusive interview with ‘Phil Joel’, ex lead singer of Newsboys who started a movement together with his wife, Heather, called ‘Deliberate People’.

Brett Fish Anderson encourages us to be Smelly Christians in his article “Pear Pressure”. Elviera Schreuder investigates what it means to be a Proverbs 31 girl in today’s soceity in ‘Cherish Yourself’. The mag is jampacked with powerful life-changing articles... so read on... when you done, pass it on to other young people or take out a gift subscription for your friends.

Till next time,

Lesley

HAVE YOUR SAY... STAR LETTER WILL RECEIVE LINKWAY CD Write to us... Send us your comments, suggestions and concerns to letters@believemag. co.za. The winning letter will receive a complimentary LINKSWAY CD curteousy of IGNITE RECORDS.

linkway

Readers will learn to understand and experience the extraordinary goodness of God! Gloria Copeland believes that far too many people—even Christian believers—are living with far too little of God’s provision for them. Why? For the simple reason that they’ve never discovered the true nature of God. By tracing God’s goodness throughout the entire Bible, she demonstrates to readers that because of God’s great love for them, they can receive salvation and so much more—healing, deliverance, peace, blessings, and every other good thing God has promised in His Word.

Gloria goes on to show the keys to receiving these blessings, beginning with the first step of discovering and embracing God’s true nature of goodness and kindness toward His children—not the all-too-pervasive image of an angry and condemning God. This is a must have book, which, will help Christians to grow spiritually and experience God’s absolute best for them.

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OFF THE WIRE

WHAT’S ON THE GOSPEL SCENE

ONTKIEM

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ntkiem grew out of the desire of five musicians that each felt a calling on their lives to use their musical abilities to touch a generation by serving their Savior, Jesus Christ. In 2008 Freddie Wessels, the lead vocal and founder of Ontkiem, came back from a tour in the United States with a prophetic word and a burning desire to do what God has called him to do. Freddie felt that God was taking him into a new direction of music ministry.

Freddie began his singing career at the age of three, when he took first prize at a singing competition. By the time he turned eight, he had recorded his first album “U WEET DIE BESTE”. A second album followed and by 1998, Freddie had joined Brettian Productions. The recording of “PLEK VIR TWEE” took place under the watchful eye of producer Danny Antill. The album did extremely well and was chosen as “Keur Magazine’s” Children’s album of the year. Freddie’s fourth album “MY ALPHA MY OMEGA” was released in May 2000. His most recent success was his latest album, “THESE WINGS” a collection of well-known and original ballades. Two of these ballade songs are featured on the

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CD “ ‘n Huldebyk Aan Jou... Vrou “. Freddie also forms part of the collaboration ‘Imagine’. Imagine has come a long way since the formation of the collaboration just four years ago.

With Leon Ferriera leaving the group at the end of 2008, Imagine consists of, Freddie, Raymond Cilliers and Mervis.

Since 2005 Imagine have released five albums, which includes two live DVD recordings. These artists all have established successful music ministries and careers on their own, but together their voices are dynamic and inspirational.

While Freddie was in the Unites States he received a text message from Piet de Wet, lead guitarist, asking if they could meet and talk about worshipping together as musicians. Freddie then met up with Piet, Matt Fourie (Drummer) and Driaan Coetzer (Bass Guitarist) at the South African Music Institute (SAMI), where all four were currently studying at.

Freddie then approached Rici Martins (Pianist) who was more then willing to join in the vision. “We really believe that God put us together by giving us the same dream and desire to minister and bring

hope to a hopeless world,” says Driaan.

Freddie then approached Danny Antill, his producer and dear friend, to share his heart and vision of Ontkiem. At that time Freddie was due to record a new solo album, but felt rather to pursue the heart and vision of Ontkiem. The album is an Afrikaans Praise & Worship album with a rock feel to some of the upbeat tracks. With the expertise of producer Danny Antill, and the inputs of Jake Odendaal, Tian Odendaal and Vernon Hodges, the guys have produced an album that is of top quality and will surely touch the lives of many. By then end of May 2009, Ontkiem released Straatkind, their debut album.

All the songs were prayerfully written

by Ontkiem, incorporating two powerful songs written by well known worship artist, Mervis. “We did not just write songs to fill an album, but the songs where birthed out of a heart of worship and spending intimate time with God,” says Freddie. Ontkiem believe that they can be an inspiration and example to their generation, and that the music they make will be a strong ministry tool in the Kingdom and for those who need Jesus most!

photo by Mike Heath @ Magnus Creative Photograpy

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ward-winning singer and bestselling author Rebecca St. James brings readers a collection of true stories and captivating testaments of God’s amazing love and forgiveness.

Women of all ages who have fallen away and then rediscovered the love of Christ speak of God’s forgiveness and incredible healing in these stories of modern-day prodigals. Some follow a path much like Jesus’ parable, turning their backs on family and faith in exchange for money and power. Some slip into a more subtle slide away from faith, allowing doubt or apathy to pull them away. Some make huge mistakes and are forced to pay painful penalties. Yet each story reveals God’s amazing love and the miracle of a life saved by Jesus Christ. This book will capture, inspire, and encourage anyone who has ever wandered away from God or doubted their faith.

Other Rebecca St. James Projects...

• Rebecca’s boo, Sister Freaks has sold more than 50,000 paperback copies. Wait for me and SHE Teen both hit #1 on the CBA bestseller lists.

• In January 2008, CCM Magazine named Rebecca favourite Female artist in Contemporary Christian Music for the seventh consecutive year. Christian Radio Weekly magazine named her one of the 50 Most Influential People in Contemporary Music and Crosswalk. com recognized her as one of the Top 50 Evangelical Leaders under age 40.

• In 2009, Rebecca St. James became a prominent television face with Billy Graham Ministries. Her new film, To the Wall, released in September. She also released the movie Sarah’s Choice.

complimentary copies We have two complimentary copies of Rebecca St James’ book ‘Loved- Stories of Forgiveness’ available to give-away.

More details on page 68.

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OFF THE WIRE

WHAT’S ON THE GOSPEL SCENE PHOTO: The INTHEHOUSE brother and sister duo – Pierre Vee and Marlie ‘Ice’ van Oudtshoorn aka ‘Vee & Ice’

in the house S

o many bands start out with great enthusiasm, but break up within a few months or even weeks. Not so with the pop-duo IN THE HOUSE, who celebrated their 10th anniversary in fulltime ministry during 2010. One could argue it’s because they are brother and sister and can therefore never really ‘get away’ from each other! On the other hand, maybe an ordinary brother and sister fight every single day! “We have very different personalities from each other, but somehow, when it comes to ministry, God gave us the exact same vision!” exclaims Ice.

No-excuse rendering of the Gospel

They hate picking a specific market for which their music would apply, because “the message is the same for young and old alike,” says Vee. “We just want to put up the best show we possibly can so that both Christian and secular audiences would agree - it’s spectacular. As far as the lyrics, music and label go, we are a Christian group without question, make no mistake about it.”

Their message seems to keep coming back to Mark 8:36: “And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]”. (AMPLIFIED VERSION).

Their new album’s title: “Amazing,” has recently been confirmed. This album is once again, as IN THE HOUSE is renowned for, a no-excuse rendering of the Gospel, with in-your-face lyrics and incredible funk sounds. Although they perform at literally any function, they agree that upper-class teen rebels are their preferred audience. “Like we’ve said before, we don’t talk down

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to anyone from up on the stage, we talk WITH people. We are young ourselves and we know all too well about the temptations out there. We believe that we can prove to the youngsters that, not only is God real, but He is obvious!” says Ice. The album, released in March 2010, speaks on topics such as dating, forgiveness, dancing and bombs(?), amongst others.

The Question that Vee asks everyone...

“What would you say if somebody asked you why you BELIEVE in God? It’s easy to say a lot about God. It’s also easy to use other people’s stories of miracles God did for them in their hour of need, because we hear a lot of stories. There’s a whole Bible full of who God is and what He did. But what does He mean to YOU? When last did you hear Him say something to you and just for you? Do you have that kind of relationship with Him or do you know Him because of what you’ve heard?” asks Pierre.

“Our message is straight up Gospel – the message of the Cross.”

But it takes nothing away from how much fun their live shows are – the kids go crazy for them! IN THE HOUSE loves visiting churches, schools and halls where they set up their gear and rock the crowd with their pop sounds. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d seen something from MTV with the great sound, spectacular lighting effects and electric dancing!

If you’re planning an event such as a Youth gathering at your church, be sure to book these guys for an amazing show! Contact IN THE HOUSE @ 082 731 2925 or email inthehouse@lantic.net.

A CHILDHOOD DREAM

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uandri is a young and vibrant Gospel singer that had to go through trials and tribulations to get where she is today.

Raised in Boksburg, Gauteng, Luandri always dreamed of being a Christian singer. Little did she know the journey she would travel and how many people’s lives will she touch with her voice one day.

She received voice training from the age of eight and her talent grew from strength to strength. Her ambition and will to succeed has driven her to where she is today and received numeral accolades along the way.

She entered several music competitions whereby she got 94% and received a gold diploma. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Luandri. She received a great deal of disappoinments along the way and wanted to quit her ministry numerous times. She soon realised that the music industry is not a friendly place to be. But time and again she received confirmation from God that this is the place for her and that He wants to use her. XrossBeat Media released a compilation album in 2010 for unsigned Afrikaans Christian singers and it is there where they discovered Luandri.Out of all the musicians on the album, XrossBeat Media offered her a distributing deal for her album ‘Come Now Is The Time To Worship’. The title of this album is what discribes Luandri the best, as she has a heart and a passion for worship. She wants to use her voice to glorify her Saviour Jesus Christ and to exalt His name through her music.

She is also involved with the worship team at her church.

She is a true testimony that if one works hard and believe in the plans God has set out for you…. YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS! Luandri in the Press: Luandri appeared in the March 2009 issue of the Christian magazine Finesse and on numerous radio stations such as: Trans World radio, East rand Stereo, and Radio Pretoria. Her album is available at selected music stores and from:–www.XrossBeat .com, www.GospelGlobe.co.za and www.RhythmOnline.co.za.

MATTHEW 10 M

atthew10 first came onto the music scene in 2004 when he started performing at numerous schools across Durban, touching hundreds of teenagers with his music.

Matthew10 is a one-man band, as weird as it may sound, and consists of Eon De Bruin who is reponsible for the lyrics, production, arrangements, recordings and mixing.

Eon got saved when he was 17 years old and only three months later God revealed to him that He wants to use Eon in music. After school, Eon got a job and slowly built up a small recording studiowhere he started experimenting with music production. He wrote his own songs and try to make music for it. So, in 2004, his career kicked off and Matthew 10 was born. His main focus is a message of Hope for the youth of today and to inspire them to rise above their situations and become history makers and world leaders through their talents and their dreams. The style of Matthew10’s music can only be described in his own words - “If by the middle of the first song, your head is nodding and your feet are stomping, then mission accomplished” 2008 marked a new chapter for Matthew10 as his debut album ‘Where It All Starts’ were released. This debut album reached great success and 1st single ‘Dance’ reached the charts on 3 radio stations nationwide. Not only was South Africa buzzing with his music, but an American Record Label asked Matthew10 if they can use the song ‘Dance’ on a compilation album only to be released in America.

This album is to raise funds for the Nuymbarie Clinic in Uganda. Matthew10 is the only artist from the African continent that features on this album.

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OFF THE WIRE

WHAT’S ON THE GOSPEL SCENE

Meet Avis

Ndlovu

–by Eezy Raaloe– Mnanzi Gospel

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he is well pruned, matured and she has been in the industry for over a decade now; she is a gospel music minister of note, who needs no introduction. She is humble, passionate and comfortable with her God and who she is. Put all of that together and you’ve got Avis Ndlovu.

“Stay true to yourself and your calling,” says the warm hearted Ndlovu.

The “Jehovah” and “Kanye Nawe” former Joyous Celebration songstress boosts two albums and a compilation DVD under her belt. The Glory Award winner has worked with big names such as Judith Sephuma, Mthuzi Namba, just to mention a few and has toured countries such as Holland, France and many more. When asked what her vision is for the near future, Avis says: “I’m trusting God for Africa, a live recording featuring artists from all over the African continent is what I’m thinking and trusting God for”. “There’s so much treasure in Africa”.

The Swaziland born ordained Psalmist’s enthusiasm and ability to tackle different styles with authenticity will definitely take her an extra mile.

L

LP Louw

P Louw was born in Pretoria in 1985. From early on in life he showed a love for music, and he sang his first solo during a primary school talent show. Only in 1997 though, did LP start singing seriously. He sang in the local Arts Festival throughout high school and achieved great results.

After matric, he followed his dream and went to work with a local gospel artist, Cor Uys. He assisted him on all his performances and sometimes got to share the stage with Cor. He started taking voice lessons in 2005 with Liz Pass, and, convinced of his imminent calling into music ministry, he also enrolled at a bible college in 2006 to deepen his theological understanding.

In June 2006, he entered and became a finalist in Radio Pulpit’s National Jubelate and Tehila competition. Soon afterwards, he married his sweatheart, Jackie. They had met in 2005 at an orphanage, and by 2007 decided to get married. They stayed in the Johannesburg area where LP had started a promising career in real estate. Although initially successful, the downturn in the market made him turn to God in total dependence, and it was then that God called LP to serve Him in the ministry.

In 2008 they heeded a call to Bronkhorstspruit to be involved in the starting of a foster home on the family farm, and avidly worked alongside LP’s parents to get the project going. It was during that time that, after 3 years work, under the expert hand of Johan Heystek, LP’s album Enigste Gebed was completed and launched in October 2009.

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BANELE MAHLANGU

–by Eezy Raaloe– Mnanzi Gospel

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elieve it or not, this is his debut offering. He is an energetic, very optimistic young man, 23 years of age; his unique soothing voice and stage presence will inspire you to re-candle your relationship with the maker. The young minister has just recently scooped an award at the SABC Crown Gospel Awards for category, best new-comer.

ing to the ear, with a soothing accapella intro, followed by a nice groove, the praise jam surely compels one to clap hands and move to the beat.

Secondly “Ngibonga uJesu”, the title track is enticed with a lot of soul, thanking God for being our saviour and for seeing us through all our troubles and short-comings.

He is arguably one of South Africa’s most recognisable and prolific African Urban/ R&B artist if not the only one currently visible. Banele Mahlangu, the Kwa-Thema, east of Johannesburg last born of 8 children singer has taken the gospel genre by storm.

“Uyanaka” a ballad with encouraging lyrics, reminding us how much God cares about our situations and how He answers at the right time.

“It’s by your Grace”, a track that inspires you to lift up you heart and just worship God, and Banele just takes his ministry to another level.

Banele launches his ministry with his first studio release “Ngibonga uJesu,” an eleven track project that meets international standards. When you listen to the album, you are blown away by his professional sound, vocal style and profound song writing technique.

As the opening track, “Dumisa” is pleas-

“It’s not by might nor by power, but by the grace of God,” testifies Banele.

Banele penned most tracks assisted by Ditshepiso Motaung with Mandla Nkosi, who also handled the production. The offering is well received nationally and it’s slowly making Banele Mahlangu a force to be reckoned with.

ERNIE AMOS E

rnie Amos, worship leader in Pretoria just released his latest album called “Falling More In Love”. The only son of former bank robber André Stander has been in fulltime ministry for almost 15 years, of which he also spent some time being a worship pastor in Florida.

He believes his sole purpose in life is to bring attention to Jesus, so that people’s hearts will be changed as they behold Him. Ernie: “Jesus is my focus and I want to make him known and attractive to all through my life but even above that I believe my highest calling is to be a husband and father.”

He has been married to Hanlie for ten years they have two children; Joel, age 5 and Abigail, age 18 months. Ernie’s latest album; “Falling More In Love” is presented in stripped-down bluesy-acoustic style, with guitardriven songs combining Julius Magan’s intensity of worship with the vocal sound of Jeremy Camp, giving wings to the unutterably deep desire for intimacy with and closeness to the Saviour living in the hearts of worshippers. Ernie’s music will appeal to fans of Mervis, Julius Magan and Jason Upton, but above all; to anyone who pursues a lifestyle of worship!

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SPOTLIGHT

COMPILED BY LESLEY CARTWRIGHT

the

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PHOTO: Alex and Brett Harris

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he official definition of the ‘rebelution’ is “a teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture.” When you look around today, in terms of godly character and practical competence, our culture does not expect much of us young people. We are not only expected to do very little that is wise or good, but we’re expected to do the opposite. Our mediasaturated youth culture is constantly reinforcing lower and lower standards and expectations.

COUNTER-CULTURAL YOUTH MOVEMENT

The word ‘rebelution’ is a combination of the words “rebellion” and “revolution.” So it carries a sense of an uprising against social norms. But in this case, it’s not a rebellion against God-established authority, but against the low expectations of our society. It’s a refusal to be defined by our ungodly, rebellious culture.

Actually, we like to think of it as rebelling against rebellion.

And it’s exciting, because the Rebelution has really become a type of counter-cultural youth movement among Christian young people from around the country, and even around the world, who are not only rejecting the lies and the corruption of media-saturated youth culture, but they’re returning to biblical and historical levels of character and competence.

In 1 Timothy 4:12, the Apostle Paul tells Timothy, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” In other words, as young people we are called to be exemplary in all areas of life.

Our generation is falling incredibly short of that calling. Instead of serving as the launching pad of life, the teen years are seen as a vacation from responsibility. We call it the “myth of adolescence.” And the Rebelution is all about busting that myth.

The battle cry of The Rebelution is just three words, but it’s an explosive concept: Do Hard Things. That’s it. And “do hard things” is a mentality. It’s a mentality that flies right in the face of our culture’s low expectations. The world says, “You’re young, have fun!” It tells us to “obey your thirst” and “just do it.” Or it tells us, “You’re great! You don’t need to exert yourself.” But those kinds of mindsets sabotage biblical character and competence.

you have a community of young people mutually committed to doing hard things in their teen years for the glory of God, that’s an incredibly powerful thing.

DO HARD THINGS and START HERE BOOKS

Building on the success of their first book Do Hard Things, there emerged a need for a practical guide in response to the over 35 million hits on their website and more than 13,000 teens, parents, and youth workers attending their conferences nationwide in places like Louisville, Kentucky; Orange County, California; Chicago, Illinois; Birmingham, Alabama; and Washington D.C. In the past year rebelutionary teens: • Raised $11,000 to bring the gospel and clean water to the people of Sudan • Claimed the $101,000 grand prize at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival • Graced the Cover of ESPN The Magazine.

rebelution www.therebelution.com

“Do Hard Things” is just the opposite. It’s how we build character and competence. It won’t drop to meet the low expectations, it won’t just do what comes easily, and it won’t become complacent.

It applies no matter who you are or what level you’re on, because there’s always something harder to do, something that will take you outside your comfort zone and cause you to grow.

The Rebelution is made up of three fundamental parts. We’ve talked about two of them: character and competence. The third one is collaboration. It’s not enough for us to be individual exceptions. It’s not enough for us to try to ignore the culture. We have to create a counter-culture. The way we do that is by networking, exhorting, and encouraging one another in the fight. By God’s grace, that’s what The Rebelution has become. And when

With thousands of young people around the world inspired to make the most of the teen years and join the Rebelution, upcoming events in 2010 include places such as British Columbia and the Philippines.

Now, the Rebelution continues. Young people around the world are moving out of their comfort zone—whether that means mending relationships with parents or younger siblings, or raising money to build a dormitory for orphans in China.

Filled with real-life stories and insights from Alex, Brett, along with other teens who were tired of mediocrity, Start Here is a powerful and practical guide to doing hard things, right where a person is. Are you ready to take the next step and blast past mediocrity? Then START HERE.

15

REAL LIFE

Nicky Cruz

FROM ORIGINAL GANGSTER TO DARKNESS INVADER –COMPILED BY LESLEY CARTWRIGHT

16

HOW GOD’S MERCY SAVED A DANGEROUS SOUL

A

s one of 18 children born to witchcraft-practicing parents from Puerto Rico, bloodshed and mayhem were common occurrences in Nicky Cruz’s life. He suffered severe physical and mental abuse at their hands, at one time being declared the “Son of Satan” by his mother while she was in a spiritual trance.

Nicky’s heart turned to stone and he vowed that he would never cry or show emotion ever again. At age 9, after finally being rejected by his mom, he attempted to end his life. Nicky believed it to be the only way out of the mess that his life was in. However his suicide attempt was fouled by one of his brothers. Even though he didn’t know it yet, God was protecting Nicky.

When he was 15, his father sent him to visit an older brother in New York. Nicky didn’t stay with his brother for long. Instead, full of anger and rage, he chose to make it on his own. He began to live dangerously on the streets of New York. By age 16, he joined the notorious Brooklyn street gang known as the Mau Maus.

Within a short time, he became their president. Cruz fearlessly ruled the streets as a warlord of one of the gangs most dreaded by rivals and police. Lost in the cycle of drugs, alcohol, and brutal violence, his life took a tragic turn for the worse after a friend and fellow gang member was horribly stabbed and beaten and died in Nicky’s arms.

that can only come through Jesus. During the altar call, Nicky, his friend Israel and each gang member responded. That night, Jesus gave Nicky spiritual open heart surgery. Nicky recalls “I was choked up with pain, and my eyes were fighting and tears became to come down and more tears and I was fighting and then I surrendered. I let Jesus hug me, and I let my head rest on His chest. I said I’m sorry. Forgive me, and for the first time, I told somebody I love you.” The love Nicky got in return radically changed his life.

Nicky left the gang scene. He enrolled in Bible college and met Gloria. The two married and moved back to New York City where they ran “Teen Challenge,” a program to help troubled teens.

Since then, Nicky has raised four girls and traveled all over the world as an evangelist and head of Nicky Cruz Ministries.

Through Nicky Cruz Outreach, he has been telling about the miraculous transformation that occurred in his life for nearly 50 years. His team regularly target urban environments in order to reach out to those who are most frequently trapped by destruc-

When Nicky was all alone, he was lonely and vulnerable. But when he was with the gang he didn’t let down his guard or his defences. He refused to let anyone know how he was really feeling. As Cruz’ reputation grew, so did his haunting nightmares. Arrested countless times, a court-ordered psychiatrist pronounced Nicky’s fate as “headed to prison, the electric chair, and hell.”

THE CHANGE BEGINS

No authority figure could reach Cruz - until he met a skinny street-preacher named David Wilkerson. He disarmed Nicky - showing him something he’d never known before: Relentless love. His interest in the young thug was persistent. Nicky beat him up, spat on him and, on one occasion, seriously threatened his life, yet the love of God remained - stronger than any adversary Nicky had ever encountered. A boldness rose up in the young preacher that really caught Nicky’s attention. Wilkerson replied, “You could cut me up into a 1000 pieces and lay them in the street. Every piece will still love you.” The message penetrated Nicky’s heart but he refused to let on to anyone.

Wilkerson then proceeded to organise a youth rally in a nearby hall. He invited the local gangs to attend the meeting. Everyone attended fully armed and ready for action.

David then asked Nicky and the Mau Mau’s to take up the offering. Which they did thinking that he was so naive asking a gang to take up the offering. But what they didn’t know was that the Holy Spirit was setting them up. After taking up the offering some of the Mau Mau’s wanted to split with the money but Nicky surprised them by saying that is what people probably expected them to do and that they should do the opposite.

Finally, Wilkerson’s presentation of the gospel message and the love of Jesus melted the thick walls of his heart. When Wilkerson began to describe the cruxifiction of Jesus and the pain that He had endured because of His love for a troubled soul like him.

Nicky relented and received the forgiveness, love and new life

17

REAL LIFE

tive lifestyles and who are caught in a downward spiral of intense violence, drug abuse and gang activity.

He says he reaches today’s youth because they relate to his background, trust his peer authority, and respond to the message of hope he delivers with both passion and conviction. As one kid said after an outreach into his neighborhood, “All I knew was he was an original gangster and he was having this big meeting tonight.”

“These kids are young, hardened criminals who don’t respond to parents, teachers, or the jail system. They receive a glorified message of gang activity everyday in rap music, television, and films. They need to hear a different message - and they need to hear it now! They come to our ‘invasions’ looking for an alternative to the hopeless cycle of drug abuse, alcoholism, and violence. We must offer them an alternative source of security than the one they find in the gangs. They won’t surrender to authority figures that have let them down all their lives. But, believe it or not, they will respond to a message about God if it comes from others who have survived their same living hell.

I am the most happy human being because I have reached thousands upon millions of people that have come to Jesus through my message,” says Nicky. “But the greatest success of my life was when I brought my mother to Jesus and my father and my brother.”

Nicky chose to forgive his parents, and he asked them to forgive him. Nicky writes about this in his latest book Soul Obsession.

“When true forgiveness comes in and out from you, that dark cloud will disappear,” says Nicky. “You have access straight to the heart of Christ

RUN BABY RUN

His autobiography, published in 1968, became a best-seller, and his life provided inspiration for “The Cross and the Switchblade” a 1970 movie starring Erik Estrada.

But Nicky Cruz remains relatively unknown to the general public. That may change soon when a feature film about Cruz’s life is scheduled to hit movie theaters.

David Urabe, president of Convolo Productions in Los Angeles, wants to bring Cruz’s story to a mainstream audience, not just a Christian one, as was largely the case with the 1970 movie.

The new film, tentatively titled “Run Baby Run: The Life Story of Nicky Cruz,” has a $12 million budget, Urabe said. It is going to be produced on a larger scale.

Once an “animal” filled with hate, today, a lover of souls. Now if you met Nicky Cruz on the streets, you probably wouldn’t run from him. You’d run to him, and here’s what he might say: “You can turn all this deep pain, hurt, and rejection and do what I did. Give it to Christ. You are going to be more happy with your life!”

Never underestimate what God can do with a surrendered life and with someone who is willing to go into the trenches. You were born for a purpose and that purpose is to love others with the love of God. And who knows, perhaps the person you reach for Christ could turn out to be a world changer like Nicky Cruz.

18

Info courtesy of www.nickycruz.org, his interview with the 700 club and through hearing his personal testimony in person. Images courtesy of www.runbabyrun.com.

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INTERVIEW

hannah gardiner speaks to

RIANA NEL 22

BACK ON THE GOSPEL MUSIC SCENE A

bout 10 years ago, a talented young musician burst onto the local Gospel scene with her debut album and people were impressed with what they heard. Then, a little while into her career, she stopped making albums and left the Gospel music industry altogether. But, don’t worry because now Riana Nel has made her come back into the industry and is ready to travel and play her music for the world again. She has even begun work on her new album; an album which she promises will reveal the real Riana for the first time… sounds like something to look forward to, right? So, without further introduction, take a read as Riana gives us the scoop on well, Riana…

Q: It would seem that music is something that runs in the family with your sister being the well-known local singer, Nianell. Was it something that you both developed a passion for from childhood? Are your parents musical too?

A: Yes, both my parents are musical. My sister always knew that she wanted to do music; I wanted to chase tornadoes in Oklahoma.

Q: And when did you first start playing an instrument?

A: I played piano through primary school and only later attempted the guitar when a group of Australians convinced me to play mbob for them.

Q: What is the first song that you can remember that really inspired you?

A: I would have to say some old country song called “Beaches of Shyan.” My dad loved country and I do too and, no matter what anyone says, country touches me deeply.

Q: So, when did you decide that music was something that you wanted to make a career out of?

A: I won a songwriting competition and kind of didn’t have any choice in the matter. God has a way of getting you into things and I’m glad for it now.

Q: How and when did you first get discovered and signed to your record label?

A: I started out doing backup vocals for Louis Brittz and he helped me to get the deal with Maranatha Recording Company in Pretoria. People often ask me how I made it and what they have to do and my answer is often that God will make a way or He won’t.

Q: And you were still quite young when your first album came out?

A: I was still around 19 years old and personally, I think that was too young. You only really discover who you are much later and I agree with Martin Loyed Jones: “The worst thing that could happen to someone is that they would get promoted before the

time is ready”. God had mercy on me because a year after I got into music, I was burned out and didn’t want to sing again. Only after being in a good solid church that loved me for who I am and not for what I can do, did God mature me more and more to handle a small amount of fame through His grace.

Q: Can you still remember when and where your first gig was?

A: Nope...sorry. Wait… now I remember, it’s something I didn’t want to remember. It was at Langstrand in Namibia with Nadine, Elzabe Zietzman and some others. It was on the beach and Elzabe didn’t have a top on and Nadine altered the words to “Barbie girl” because it was too suggestive for her.

Q: Let’s move onto your Faith... how and when did you become a Christian?

A: I was little and some would say “born into a Christian family.”

On the other hand, I only really understood the true gospel 2 years ago… shocking! The Gospel without grace is no gospel at all, where’s the good news in that?

Q: Over your years as a Christian... what’s something that you have come to learn about the Lord that you may not have known in the beginning?

A: That He accepts me. Everything He thinks and feels and says towards Jesus is what He thinks and feels and says about me.

Why? Because I’m in Christ!

Q: Now, a while ago, you moved to the UK – what made you decide to go there and how long were you there for?

A: I went for a couple of months to check out opportunities and so on, only to go through the hardest time of my life and see God shape a sacrifice of praise, joy, favour and trust in me. Life isn’t easy, but if I was God I would most certainly do everything exactly the way that God is doing it, even though we don’t understand now, someday we will!

Q: And then what made you decide to come back to SA and get back into the local music industry?

A: Once again, I had no choice! I came back and started teach-

23

INTERVIEW

ing, thinking that I wouldn’t be on a stage again. I decided to just get a normal job and serve God in the private, but God and His ways are not like ours. So, now I find myself on stages all over SA again, but not for the same reasons anymore. I don’t care about the old things; I’m simply compelled to preach.

provide for me. I started selling out a bit, but I realize that even though it’s not wrong to write secular songs, it’s not where my anointing lies. I might end up giving those songs to other artists to sing, they still preach Christ in our living, but might not be exactly what I want to do.

Q: How many albums have you done in total so far?

A: 3 of my own and then, you might be surprised to know, I’m on many others that will remain unmentioned.

Q: What would you say is your favourite part of being in the Christian music industry?

A: If I could have my way I would give everything away and I probably will one day! I think the Gospel should be free, but I also know the labourer is worth his wages. I just think the line is too thin and our motives can easily get distorted. So, the industry is good for getting the albums to the people so that they can hear the word… and that’s why I like the industry.

Q: And has any particular album or song stood out as a favourite for you or is it too hard to choose?

A: Every new song I write is my favourite song… just like revelation comes so do songs and they just fix that revelation into my life.

Q: You have written many songs over the years... when you write a song do you usually start with the music or the lyrics?

A: Every song is different. There are so many ways of writing songs; in my teaching I have come across even more ways and I’m loving being able to discover different ways of expressing myself. I don’t think there is a formula… just get what works for you.

Q: Speaking of writing songs... you seem to have been busy writing lots of songs recently, can we expect a new album out any time soon?

A: You know… I would like to bring out a new album, but I’m not going to rush this one. It will be too intense and personal to rush, but whoever is willing to wait will see the real Riana for the first time; the Riana after God revealed His grace in abundance. Woohoo! I can’t wait either! Some people might hate the new album but, as a good friend told me, all that matters to me is being true to yourself.

Q: You have also been writing some songs for the secular market, what made you decide to do this?

A: I was scared of not having money and I didn’t trust God to

24

Q: And what do you hope to achieve and portray through your music?

A: If I can just make people see how much they are accepted and forgiven and set free by preaching the truth, I believe that I have accomplished something. My music is first of all for the Glory of the King and for the edification of the Bride, if I can be spiritual. It’s to encourage, lift heads and to come against the lies of this world and speak truth into situations.

Q: I have heard that you have musical sessions where you make up songs as you go along for hours at a time... how on earth do you manage that? And fitting the words to the melody?

A: Some things just come naturally… it’s like talking, but singing. You just bend your words to the phrasing and it fits in. Believe it or not, but making up songs is far easier to do for me that actually sitting down and writing something and this way I sing right from the heart.

Q: So, if you had to write a song on the spot right now... what are the first few lines that would come to mind? Perhaps something about how awesome Believe magazine is or how much you are enjoying answering these questions?

A: Haha, well … OK, did you hear it?

‘DON’T BELIEVE THE LIES FROM THE DEVIL, OTHERWISE YOU WILL EMPOWER THEM, RATHER AGREE WITH THE TRUTH...’

Q: And at the moment you are also offering singing lessons – how can someone sign up or these and are they open to anyone?

A: The details are on my facebook group and I will have a chat with whoever should be interested.

Q: What are your opinions of the local music industry – do you think it’s at a good place at the moment?

A: The market and way of doing things are changing hectically.

Less and less, new artists are being released because there is too much financial pressure on the companies. Now, they also keep on bringing out the music that they know will sell for sure and, in my opinion, this is stunting the creativity and progress of the arts. I don’t blame them, but that’s why so many other avenues are opening up; Facebook, Myspace and iTunes. People are loading up their music and it’s an amazing way of getting your music out there, but if your motivation for doing music is money then… good luck!

Q: Do you have any advice for other aspiring Christian musicians, based on your own experiences?

A: Like I said, God will make a way for you. Do your best and be faithful and stay in church… gosh! The worst thing you can do is think you don’t need church and I guarantee that you will go off on your theology and you will become self centered and unpleasant to be around. The industry gives artists too much attention and this attention just leads to disaster. If you stay in a healthy church that loves you for who you are and not for what you can do, they will keep you real and down to earth. We also need to stay humble servants in the house of God; if you don’t want to sing in the choir or pour the tea anymore then you have a problem.

Q: And what else do you get up to when you aren’t writing, singing or teaching music?

A: I like shooting targets, ice skating, horse riding, watching National Geographic late at night, drinking decaf coffee, driving and having people over all the time.

Q: What are your future hopes and plans for yourself as a musician?

A: I would like to finish this new album and be satisfied with it.

I would like to travel to the states and rent a car to drive from Nashville to Oklahoma all the way through to Utah, stopping at every diner and singing on the counter tops. Meeting Miley Cyrus is also a big dream of mine! If I can write honest songs with good theology and joy, I will be happy. Success as a person and musician has got nothing to do with big crowds; it’s all about enjoying and making the most of every moment of your life. From teaching my 6 year old student to chatting with the bank teller…everything counts and if you can’t live like that your life will be pretty unsatisfying and empty.

Q: And any final pieces of advice or inspiration for the South African youth in general?

A: Stop trying to be somebody else and be yourself. Don’t do what isn’t right. Don’t believe lies from the devil otherwise you will empower them, rather agree with the truth… that you are accepted in Christ. Self pity is sin so stop it. Do everything a 100% or don’t do it at all and have no tolerance for anything that comes against the gospel. Don’t let your joy be stolen and…..

STAY IN CHURCH!

INTERESTING FACTS Fav Scripture?

Rom 8 v28 and 1 John 3 v24 Last song you listened to?

5FM… some rubbish tune Fav Christian artist at the moment?

The Fray Best Gig? 2 Oct, Madison Café… first time my dad and mom saw me sing live.

Worst Gig? I blocked it out.

Last movie you watched and would recommend?

Can’t think of any Weirdest/ Craziest thing you have experienced?

Leading worship in French in Annecy France, I can’t speak French.

Best thing you have experienced?

Blowing the heck out of an apple with a gun.

What was the last thing you were doing before answering these questions?

Thinking that I have to answer these questions One last random fact about yourself?

I use to be melancholy and now I’m more sanguine.

25

LIFT YOUR

HEAD

KEYS TO OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT AND DEPRESSION –First JOYCE MEYER chats to us and then UTAMI ROSTOLL

26

JOYCE SPEAKS:

D

oes your happiness depend on everything in your life being just right? If you think you can’t be happy until all your circumstances are right, you will never be happy. We all experience times in life when we feel down for various reasons, but we can’t allow our circumstances to control our emotions. Satan seeks to fill our minds with negative thoughts and emotions that cause us to feel down. He is a discourager, and he pulls us down emotionally, spiritually, financially, and in every way he can. But Jesus is our Encourager, and He came to lift us up. He came to give us righteousness, peace and joy, and all these things cause us to feel up!

Everyone experiences times of frustration and distress over unfulfilled hopes and dreams. When things don’t go according to our plans, it is normal to feel disappointment. But we must be careful how we deal with that feeling, because disappointment is the beginning stage of depression.

If we remain in a state of disappointment for too long, it can turn into discouragement, despair, and finally depression. Psalm 30:5 tells us that ...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Things may make us feel sad temporarily, but we must not stay sad. Just as we cannot afford to stay mad very long, neither can we stay sad very long. If we do, Satan takes advantage of the open door and pushes his way further into our lives, bringing more serious problems with him.

DON’T TRUST YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS Our number one enemy is emotions. We tend to be led by how we feel, but we must realize that feelings are fickle; they change from day to day!

We should be careful not to follow every thought that comes to our mind because our thoughts and feelings don’t dictate truth to us. For many years of my life, I experienced regular depression. I would awaken many mornings with a little voice in my head saying, “I feel depressed.” I believed this was my own thought, not realizing that it was Satan making suggestions to me through my mind. Later, when God drew me into a closer walk with Him and I began seriously studying His Word, I learned that I didn’t have to follow every feeling and thought that I had. I began to speak aloud and say, “I will not be depressed.” I learned to put on the garment of praise spoken of in Isaiah 61:3. We may not always feel like praising, but a victorious person does not have the luxury of living by feelings.

I’ve learned that staying disappointed can cause me to start feeling discouraged, which is a deeper problem than disappointment. But I’ve also learned that you can’t be hopeful and discouraged at the same time. So as soon as the devil attacks us with disappointment and we start feeling discouraged, we need to turn to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to fill us with hope. A brief period of discouragement may not have a devastating effect, but long-term discouragement can lead to depression—a very serious problem.

RESIST THE DEVIL AND REJOICE IN THE LORD! Depression is defined in part as “a hollow; being in a low state; a state of sadness; dejection.” The real cause of depression is not where we are, but our attitude about where we find ourselves. It is possible to learn to live on the other side of your feelings. We will always have feelings; they will never go away, but we can make our feelings line up with our decisions. That’s why God gives us the fruit of self-control. James 4:7 tells us to resist the devil, and we must also resist depression, and anything that resembles it, because it is of the devil. Philippians 4:4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! If we stay filled with the right thing, the wrong thing has no place.

If you don’t let the devil impress you with what he does, then he can’t oppress you; and if he can’t oppress you, then he can’t depress you. So choose to be led by the Holy Spirit and you can have victory over depression. We can choose to keep a hopeful attitude by renewing our minds *Article used with permission from Joyce Meyer Ministries

with the promises found in God’s Word. We can claim the promises as our own and stand in faith, believing God to help us overcome our feelings and move forward into better things. We can’t control all of our circumstances, but we don’t have to let what happens today ruin tomorrow. We can actually turn things around by making a decision to let go of the situations that caused the disappointment and discouragement, and move toward the good things God has planned for our future.

Many people are depressed because they can’t face truth, but the Holy Spirit came to reveal truth to us. We can’t get past depression until we quit making excuses and blaming everyone else. We must face the truth and take responsibility for our actions. When we do that and ask God to help us, the spirit of heaviness leaves us and we feel light and free. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:30, ...My burden is light and easy to be borne. Being depressed about circumstances does not change them, and it is a total waste of time and a thief of joy. So we must stop letting our feelings, mind, body, and past experiences rule us and allow God to give us a fresh plan, a new idea, a new goal! You can experience victory over your emotions by being led, guided, controlled, and ruled by the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent to us as our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby to remain with us forever (see John 14:16).

Thank God, we don’t have to be disappointed, discouraged, despondent, depressed, or in despair. Jesus is not only the Way, but He is also the way out! Jesus is our healer, our glory, and the lifter of our heads.

[Turn over page for Utami’s Article on Depression]

27

DEPRESSION:

WHEN IT’S MORE THAN JUST A FEELING DOWN

UTAMI SPEAKS:

Y

ou are woken up, after a bad night’s sleep, by your cellphone alarm – the sound of your favourite song, which for some reason doesn’t bring about the same good feelings it used to. You try to get dressed but hate your hair and the way you look in your clothes. You think of the Saturday that lies ahead – a movie with your friends should be awesome, right? But you’d just rather stay in bed the whole day… You wonder how life has become so dark, so lonely and so utterly hopeless.

Most of us have our down days, but when is it more than just feeling down? When is it depression? And when should you consider seeking help?

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION If you experience quite a few of the following symptoms for at least a few weeks, you might be suffering from depression: • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Feelings of sadness Constant crying Hopelessness Irrational thoughts Lack of energy Problems sleeping (insomnia or sleeping much more than usual) Lack of or increased appetite Anxiety Inability to enjoy things you usually do Feelings of worthlessness Loss of energy Thoughts of hurting yourself Thoughts of suicide

I THINK I’M DEPRESSED, WHAT NOW? Take action: Don’t leave it to fester. Speak up now!

Talk to someone: Speak to your parents, or someone you trust

28

who will see to it that you will get the help that you need from a Christian counsellor or psychologist.

Be healthy: Eating healthy, getting enough exercise and sleep can do wonders for your mood.

Are you angry?: Depression often stems from unresolved feelings of hurt or anger. If you are keeping something inside it’s time to let it out. Speak to a friend or trustworthy person and work on forgiving those who have hurt you.

Think right: When you are depressed you tend to think things that aren’t true about yourself and those around you.

Work on identifying which thoughts are true and which ones aren’t by speaking to a good friend.

Change what you can change: There are often things we can’t change about our lives and situations. Work on changing those things which are bothering you which you CAN do something about. And learn to deal with those things you can’t change.

Bring it to God: Don’t forget that God sees your every tear, your hurts, worries and everything that is going on inside of you. There’s no hiding from the All knowing One, so you might as well pour your heart out and tell Him exactly how you feel.

After all, He is our wonderful counsellor and comforter.

IS DEPRESSION A SIN? No and a thousand times no! Depression is NOT a sin. If you are depressed feeling guilty about it is the last thing you need. Many bible heroes faced depression at some point in their lives. Just think of Job, David and Jonah to name a few.

Even Jesus was very sad and distressed in the garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion and was described as a man of great sorrows.

If you think that you might be more than just down, you need to speak to someone you trust ASAP. Remember that God sees your every tear and cares about you deeply and even though it might not feel that way, there IS ALWAYS hope.

Utami Rostoll is a registered counsellor and psychometrist.

She is passionate about people, music and bright colours and is enjoying her journey with the Lord.

BRETT TALK

by brett fish anderson

30

ARE YOU AN INFLUENCER OR ARE YOU BEING INFLUENCED?

W

hen i think of fruits – which i don’t do all that often, let’s be honest, but i decided to just before i wrote this article – i thort that most of them have a kind of order to them.

And most of that order is round. Sure, there is the banana which is designed perfectly so it can rest in your hand, and the watermelon which is a round thing that has been stretched so that more people can eat from it, but apples and oranges and grapes (ish) and coconuts are all round or roundish. Even the kiwi fruit and the pineapple and lemon, although not round have specific shape and form. And then you get the pear. The pear is a weirdly shaped fruit. I bet if there was a fruit soccer match and the different fruit picked sides, then the pear would be there right at the end, probably with the litchi, and the one team captain would say to the other team captain, “nah, you can have both of them.”

This is quite possibly the bizarrest beginning to an article ever and you’re wondering where i am going with this (at least you stopped thinking proudly to yourself that you found a typo in the heading when you thort it should be titled ‘Peer Pressure’) and it is pretty ‘out there’ but here are my thorts: The pear is a strange shape but it gives off the idea that it was not always so. To me the pear looks like a fruit that was round or roundish and then some giant-handed person grabbed hold of it and squeezed and so the top bit is all thin and the rest has squished out of the bottom of their hand.You get where i’m going with this? That’s what i call ‘Pear Pressure’ – what amount of force would need to be exerted on the pear to completely squeeze in the top part while allowing the bottom part to flow out and form a bigger piece. But all this without damaging the fruit?

It’s a hypothetical surmise obviously because that’s not how pears are made. (i don’t think). But just thinking about it led me to thinking more indepthly about the topic of this article. What amount of force (influence) am i having on the people around me and is it: A] changing who they look like, and B] leaving them undamaged as a result?

GOD CALLS YOU TO FOLLOW HIM, TO GROW HIS KINGDOM

As a follower of Jesus, there is probably always someone we look up to as the prime example of a Christian and then see ourselves as less than. So i will never be a Billy Graham or a Mother Teresa Shane Claiborne (author of ‘The Irresistible Revolution’) or a Delirious band member or Matt Redman or a Brother Yun from ‘The Heavenly Man’ or... or... or...

And if i don’t sell all my stuff and go off and be a missionary to China or Iraq or central Africa (you know, where all the REAL missionaries go) then am i being an effective enough Christian?

Well, think about it this way. China and Iraq and central Africa all need people to go there and tell them about and demonstrate the love of Jesus. But if every Christian went to China and Iraq and central Africa, then who would there be to tell those who are left behind?

WHAT INFLUENCE AM I HAVING?

Everyone has influence over people. Whether you are aware of it or not, whether you are being intentional about it or not, and whether it is positive or negative, you have influence. It might be crowds of people if you are a celebrity and they are watching your every move (and rifling through your garbage) or it might be the people in your office or your class at school, or it may just *Grammar left unchanged – authors emphasis

be your younger brother or sister who watch how you live and how you talk and then often do the same. And so the question you need to wrestle with is not ‘do i have influence?’ but ‘What influence am i having?’ And then once you have figured that out you can move onto ‘How do i ensure that i have a positive influence on the people i am influencing?’ and ‘How do i increase my influence?’

With the rise of cellphones and email and now network groups such as MXIT and Facebook the world has become a smaller place and our sphere of influence has increased. I now have a greater access to a wider range of people.

If i am an active follower of Jesus i have to be asking the question, ‘How do i make the most of that?’

In Matthew 28 Jesus, talking to His disciples for the last time before leaving them for heaven, commands them to, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” And in Acts 1:8 He talks about when the Holy Spirit comes upon them they will be “witnesses in Jerusalem (where you are) and in all Judea and Samaria (nearby places) and to the ends of the earth.”

If you are a Christ follower, then that means you. You are called to be an influencer of other people towards God. A spreader of the love and freedom found in Jesus Christ.

YES, BUT HOW?

[1] LIVE A SMELLY LIFE – in 2 Corinthians 2.14 Paul writes, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” The number one thing is the way we live our lives. Does the way you live your life (your attitude, your treatment of other people, your words, your actions) lead people towards Jesus or away from Him. In Romans 12, Paul calls us to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Jesus called us to be light and salt – people who shine out the love of God and who add flavour to life and preserve what is right and good.

[2] GET CREATIVE – Years ago i wrote an email about some challenging thing i had read in the Bible and sent it to a bunch of my friends. Then i started doing that once a week. Then i started sending it to more people and advertising it in more places so people could sign up. And so ‘Thort for the Week’ was born – what started out as an email to a couple of friends now goes out to more than three and a half thousand people plus all the people it reaches on Facebook. God may not send you to China (or he may) but maybe He will send you onto MXIT and ask, ‘How can you use this service on your phone to lead people towards me?’

Remember the story of the little boy when Jesus feeds the five thousand men (plus women and children)? All he has is his lunch of two fish and five loaves of bread. And he offers it to Jesus. And Jesus feeds more than 5000 people. Take the little that you think you have and offer it to Jesus and see just how much He can and will do with what you offer up to Him. Remember the lesson of the Pear Pressure: How do i affect those around me without damaging them? You have so much influence in the world. The question is, have you offered that to God to help bring about His kingdom or have you buried it somewhere in the sand, thinking it is not good enough?

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INTERVIEW

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“God wants a relationship with us, a real one. Sunday… Church… that’s good, but it’s not enough.

R

elationships don’t just happen and our relationship with God is just the same, it’s a two-way thing. It goes both ways and we’ve got to put effort in if we are going to see it become what it’s meant to be. Every day we are meant to walk with God, it’s the design of it, but it does take time.

So, at the end of the day what does this all boil down to, what does this all mean for me and for you - to be deliberate in pursuing God? If you’ve reached that place and you’re saying: ‘I want more, I need to reboot the system… I want this relationship, how do I go about it?’

For us, someone gave us something very simple, a very basic tool – a one-year Bible reading schedule that we grabbed and really began to use and still use. Nine years later, we still love this and we still get up every day and use this reading schedule as a catalyst and a tool for meeting with God… ‘God I’m coming after you, I am going to seek you and take that time to re-prioritize my life and get to know you.’

When we start drawing near to His heart and wanting what He has, it changes our relationships with those closest to us and for me that’s my relationship with my wife and then it’s begun to change my parenting and it’s changed my friendships, the way I do my job and the way I relate to the world in general and the way I see it. The reality is all of these things and all of those roles will suffer if I don’t get the key relationship in my life set at the top of my priority list.

This is the message we bring… being deliberate in our pursuit of God, it’s about me and God, it’s about you and God and it’s about us taking the responsibility of pursuing Him and building that relationship with Him because when we do, it changes us and that aint a bad thing right?”

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INTERVIEW

WORDS: Hannah Gardiner

A

bove is a quote from Phil Joel on www.deliberatepeople.com. Now, you may or may not recognize Phil Joel as “that guy with long blonde hair who used to be in Newsboys” but either way, hopefully that quote got you excited enough to find out more…

At the end of 2006, after being with the band for about 10 years Phil Joel made the decision to leave Newsboys, one of the biggest and most successful Christian bands of all time. Since then, he has been keeping busy with solo albums, spending more time with his family and with the “Deliberate People” ministry started by him and his wife, Heather. As you might have gathered, “Deliberate People” is really a movement to encourage people across the world to spend quality time daily with the Lord and being more “deliberate” in getting to know Him and building that 2 way relationship.

Believe Magazine had the chance to find out more from Phil on “Deliberate People”, his music career and latest solo album…

Q: Maybe you could just start by telling us more about the “Deliberate People” Project and how it all came about?

A: Right, the “Deliberate People” project… I made the album towards the end of my time with Newsboys and it was the first record that I made after a long break of really feeling that I shouldn’t write songs. The songs came out of a real personal testimony of the Lord really changing me in different ways and continuing to change me. That change came about from a renewed passion to just spend one-on-one time with God, through reading the word and prayer, just really simple stuff but there was a profound change as I began to draw near to Him and He drew near to me. So, the songs from the “Deliberate People” album really came out of that time period so, it’s really a testimony CD.

“I THINK WE NEED TO SOMETIMES JUST ALLOW GOD TO PUT OUR LIVES UNDER THE MICROSCOPE AND ASK HIM WHAT HE WANTS OUR LIVES TO LOOK LIKE” Q: So how did things develop and come about from there?

A: Well, I realized after making that album and after beginning to share a little bit with other people; the profound impact that the Lord had made on my life through setting aside time every day to meet with Him. I realized that there were millions of people around the world that are stuck in the status quo of going to church and going through the motions; who want more but just aren’t exactly sure what that looks like and how to go about it. So, I have become very passionate about telling people that we need to use our time well and part of that time in our lives needs to be one-on-one time with God which is how we draw near to Him and how our relationship with Him begins to be nurtured. So, I like to encourage people to be more deliberate in their

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pursuit of God and so “Deliberate People” as a ministry came out of that passion.

Q: OK, so who all is involved with “Deliberate People”…is it just you are there other people too?

A: Well, my wife and I began the “Deliberate People” ministry and we realized that people need basic resources just like we did. So, we set up a website and we put together a reading schedule, a prayer guide and some really basic tools to help people jumpstart their walk with the Lord and to get into the routine of spending time alone with God everyday.

Then I began to write songs and the CD came out of that and as I go out and play concerts this is the message that I am passionate about sharing and it comes out through the music and through what I say. Different people have come along side me and are really sharing the vision now, the band that I have are all very passionate about this message and so, I have the band and a few people that work in the office. So, it’s not huge and we aren’t really looking for a huge, crazy thing because it’s just a very simple idea – the idea of building a relationship with God and taking the time to do that and it’s not something that’s flashy or fancy… it’s all very simple.

Q: You released a new solo album “The New Normal” a while ago… could you tell us more about the album?

A: I have a studio behind my house just outside Nashville, in an old carriage-house/garage and it’s just a little area where we can record stuff.

Our friends can come and go as they please and my kids can run around and be part of things and it’s a lot more relaxed than the usual Nashville recording-studio situation, which we really like. I have made my last 3 records there – the “Deliberate People” album, “The New Normal” and a “Deliberate Kids” album. For “The New Normal” we bought the drums into my house because it has really tall ceilings and so we used the natural acoustics of the house which you can’t produce in a studio.

It’s a record about resetting the machine, about challenging what is normal in culture, in society and even in church and how that plays out in our everyday lives and it’s really a cry to the Lord to show us what His standard of normal is and what real, normal Christianity needs to look like and what it really means to walk with Jesus and be a follower of Him. Q: You gave the album away for free download on Noisetrade.com, is that correct?

A: Yeah, we gave the album away for about 3 months because we don’t have a record company and we just do as much as we can ourselves. So, we thought: “Why not just give it away?” and I liked that idea. I like to do be able to give us much away because especially Christian musicians should really be here to serve and not be served and so with the onset of new technology you can open up new avenues to serve. Even now, we are giving away a Christmas song as a nice little gift on our website that we recorded in our little studio Q: And did you find that giving the album away on Noisetrade was a successful way of getting the word about the album out?

A: Yeah, we did. It worked out really well and it got the CD out into people’s CD players, which is really what we wanted. Obviously it costs money to make CD’s, but at the end of the day what we really want is for that music to get out and into people’s ears Q: Could you tell us more about the “Pink Elephant” (as depicted on the album cover and the title of one of the songs) and what that represents and it all about?

A: I really just noticed in the last few years that there are things in our culture that are huge stumbling blocks for us as individuals, us as Christians, us even as human beings and a few of things that have really become “Pink Elephants” and they are here, but no one us really talking about them. A few of those things are: the over sexualisation of our culture,

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M A G A Z I N E

The New Normal

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

the over materialization, the “me”ism that is being perpetuated by the internet… it’s all about me; what can I get?

There are a number of things where we just need to say: “Hey! What’s going on here? This is nuts… is no one seeing what I’m seeing?” There are crazy things here that just need to be addressed, but we’ve taken them aboard and just decided to call them “normal” when they’re really abnormal and the Lord is calling us to a higher standard. So, that’s really what it is… I think each individual can decide what the “Pink Elephants” in their lives are and what it is that God wants to draw our attention to Q: Also on the album your song “DWYL” (Don’t Waste Your Life) … you encourage people not to waste their lives with distractions on the internet like social networking and things like that, that really also ties in with the whole “Deliberate People” theme; going back to spending quality time with God? A: Yeah, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. The internet is a wild creation and it really is incredible and miraculous to me, and it’s a neutral entity because it can be used for good, but also for evil… just like money; the internet in itself is not evil, but it can be used for terrible things. Some of those things that I think are really bad are seemingly harmless on the surface, but they suddenly creep in and suck the life out of us. I believe that the internet is a great place for information, but not really for communication and

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community. It’s really a place for limited entertainment; I’m not really pro the internet in that I don’t think we are stopping and questioning what we are doing enough and end up in situations which are really troublesome. So, that’s what the song is about – not wasting your life in amidst of the cyber world; there’s a great world out there with real flesh and blood people and real relationships that we need to be loving and enjoying; not just the ones on the web.

Q: So, what would your advice me to people who want to move on from these distractions and get back to spending quality time with God? A: I think simplicity is a key and I think we need to sometimes just allow God to put our lives under the microscope and to ask Him what He wants our lives to look like. “What do I need and what needs to go? What do I need to stop doing, what do I need to start doing and show me the first step?”

When we do that and when we really cry out to God and ask Him what the new normal in our lives needs to be, you better believe that He will show us especially if we open our ears and our hearts to him. So, that’s what being deliberate about God is about… it’s about telling Him that you want Him and what He has and you want His ideas about life and not your own. It begins with a simple desire for a real-deal relationship with God.

Q: There’s also the song “Go Home” which is about families reuniting and fathers saving their families before they try to save the world… would you say this is also another aspect to the Deliberate People movement?

A: Absolutely, yeah it is. The last verse of the Old Testament talks about returning the hearts of the fathers to their children and that that’s what’s going to happen in the Last Days. So, I am praying that we get to see this; that father’s see and begin to understand the amazing position that they have been put of leading their families and shaping young lives because I am a dad. I have 2 kids and I realize that it’s tough and it’s a real challenge; there’s a real enemy out there that’s working over-time to be discouraging and to bring fear and not Faith into the hearts of fathers. Yeah, so that’s a real passion of mine – to see men becoming more deliberate in the walk with the Lord and more deliberate in the daily relationships that they need to be engaging in.

Q: Now going back in time a bit, what was it that made you decide to leave Newsboys?

A: Well, you only have so much time in life and you can only do so many things. When you grow up in a band, after a while things change – you get married and have kids and stuff changes and you don’t have time for everything that you need to do and your priorities shift. I just felt that the Lord was calling me to reshape some things and He was also calling me to pursue some different things; claiming the Deliberate People message and becoming more deliberate in my relationship with Him. So, it was a tough decision, but at the same time a really simple one to make.

Phil Joel on Piha Beach

Q: What do you think of the recent developments in the band with Peter Furler no longer touring with the band and Michael Tait (formerly of DCTalk) replacing him as the lead vocalist?

A: I just wish them all the best. Michael’s got a great voice and I think it’s a really great thing.

Q: Any future plans and upcoming projects for us to look forward to?

A: I am still touring and I still play concerts and we are going to be working with “Focus on the Family” next year which I am really excited about; just strengthening the family unit and so, that’s the plan for next year and who knows beyond that… I’ll definitely be making more music though.

‘The main thing about Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the atmosphere produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to look after, and it is the one thing that is being continually assailed.” - Oswald Chambers, 1874-1917, Scottish Preacher

Phil Joel and the Band

For a free one-year Bible reading programme and other resources to help you become more deliberate in your walk with the Lord visit www.deliberatepeople.com.

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THE BRIDGE

BY JAMES PRESTON

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

Y

ou were created for Heaven. Yes, you! You were born to enjoy the eternal pleasures of God’s Glorious Presence and His incredible Kingdom. It’s why He created human beings.

God created Adam & Eve because He longed for emotional beings that would love Him out of choice. And true love isn’t love at all unless there is a choice, right? Hence He placed the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil to give them that choice. Unfortunately, Adam & Eve believed a lie and chose to eat of that tree. And since then, the world was never the same.

Because of what they did, each and every human being was born separated from God. Unfortunate, but true. Nothing any human being ever did could make them righteous on their own.

And then came this man named Jesus. You see, because a man had messed things up, a man had to make things right.

God knew that no man could ever make things right in their own strength, so He sent His Son Jesus in the form of a man.

Jesus lived a perfect life. Tempted, just like you and I, but without any sin whatsoever. He then died a horrendous, gruesome, murderous death. Why? Because He had to satisfy the courts of the Universe. Jesus, who knew no sin whatsoever, became sin itself. (2 Corinthians 5:21) That’s why it was so gruesome.

He died a horrendous death, so that you can have unbelievable life! It’s not fair is it? That’s why it’s called Grace.

My friend, because of what Jesus has done, you and I can cross the bridge into a whole new world and live in His Kingdom! By simply putting your trust in the Cross of Jesus Christ, today you can become a brand new person from the inside

out. Don’t worry about whether you’re worthy enough or not. It was never about what you’ve done! It’s all about what He’s done!

By putting your faith in Jesus and His Work on the Cross, you will literally become a new person, and enter into a life of enjoying His most awesome Kingdom! And it starts today!

Your dead heart will come alive, and you can start a relationship with the Creator of the Universe as your Dad, today!

Don’t hesitate! This offer shouts of God’s Love and Mercy.

And it is too good not to accept! That’s why it’s called Good News!

If you feel like you have never been made a new person from the inside, or been “born again”, then pray this pray out loud: Dear God, Creator of the entire Universe!

I recognise that because of my sin, I can never make right with you on my own. I accept your free gift of Grace. This incredible gift of new life. I accept that Jesus was your Son, the anointed One of Heaven, and He took my sin on Himself.

And because I realise what He has done for me, I ask that you make me a new person today. I don’t want to live separate from You anymore! I want to know You as my Father!

Please give me a new heart. That I may start a brand new life of living in your Kingdom. Give me the Holy Spirit, to lead me in this life, and show me Your Love.

From this day forward, I say I love You! And I am yours forever! Thank you Father! In Jesus’ name, Amen If you prayed this prayer, then we would like to hear from you. Please e-mail us at info@believemag.co.za

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GIRL GIRLTALK TALK

CHERISH YOURSELF FACE IT! YOU ARE VALUABLE! STRAIGHT TALK WITH Elviera Schre端der

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BEING A Proverbs 31 girl today M

ost of us struggle to accept the truth that we are valued by God and others. We constantly look for ways to enhance our image and we never feel satisfied with our achievements. We are broken on the inside and we try extremely hard to hide the pain that torments us every moment of the day.

The Virtuous Woman that we read about in Proverbs 31 is a strong and mature lady. In fact, the Hebrew word for virtuous is “chayil” which means: a) strength; b) ability, efficiency; c) wealth; d) force, army

Characteristics of a virtuous woman

Let me point out that God works in processes, thus you should not allow feelings of incompetence to overwhelm you. Becoming virtuous doesn’t happen overnight! (What a relief!) Being virtuous is attainable! The challenge is how to get from where you are to where you want to be. I would like to provide you with some tools to get you started on this beautiful journey. Let us look at some of the traits found in a virtuous woman.

She comforts, encourages…” Proverbs 31:12 AMP Having someone encourage you is something that does not happen frequently these days. It is as if everyone is focused on themselves, their dreams, their desires, and their hurt… I challenge you to look away from yourself and look at the people that surround you (even now as you read this). Have you ever encouraged or comforted any of them?

Recently I used three opportunities to encourage people I met for the first time! On the one occasion, I was really impressed by how a lady conducted herself and I encouraged her in that and in what she aspires to do in future.

“She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.” Proverbs 31:17 AMP When you look at this verse, you see that she empowers herself.

She does not rely on other people or opportunities to take her into her promised land. On a practical note this means that she finds ways to better herself. This can be done by reading books, studying the Word, spending time with people that challenge you to grow, focusing on activities that allow you to develop new skills, etc.

If there is one thing I do not know how to emphasize enough, it is the fact that each one of us must take full responsibility for our lives. In the words of Victor Frankl - “When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Loose your victim mentality! Strengthening yourself means relying less on people and more on God who is your “firm Strength in Whom” you must “trust and take refuge” (Psalm 18:2 AMP). It also talks about maturity. Babies are in constant need of an adult to look after them, but adults can “pull themselves together” and

make things happen!

“She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].”

Proverbs 31:20 AMP She has the ability to recognize people’s needs and then to jump in and help them. I truly salute her for this kindness!

Many times we fail to recognize what people around us need - I think it is mostly because we do not take time to look around us. I am not talking about starting an orphanage or going on a missionary trip! Take what you have and use it where you are to benefit others. Share your knowledge, share your money, share your jokes, share your friends, share, share, share!

“Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future…” Proverbs 31:25 AMP This verse shows to me that God plays a huge role in her life.

When you read the whole chapter you will notice one word that constantly shows up and it is the word “strength”. Psalm 18:39 AMP says: “For You have girded me with strength…” and Psalm 18:33b AMP says: “He sets me securely upon my high places”.

The fact that she rejoices over the future is pretty amazing if you ask me! When the future is unclear, it is hard to smile simply because you feel insecure. This is where we need to trust God completely! We must confess with our mouths that we believe His way is perfect and that we choose to follow Him no matter what happens! The truth is He is greater than any challenge that lies ahead of us.

“A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman-who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.” Proverbs 31:10 AMP At the beginning I shared what the Hebrew word “chayil” (virtuous) means and now I want to go a bit deeper! The root word for “chayil” is “chuwl” and this means: “to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained”.

I want to highlight the word travail. This amazing woman had to go through much pain in order to bring forth everything we read about in Proverbs 31:10-31.

When you go through pain (“chuwl”), it is merely to form a virtuous (“chayil”) woman in you. Remember that God cherishes you because you are “far more precious than jewels” and your “value is far above rubies or pearls.”

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IT’S LIQUID

ENERGY

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X-TREME SPORTS

LIVINGAN EXTREMELIFE

by Ivan van Vuuren 46

H

ow would one really define the word “extreme”? Could it be jumping

out of an aeroplane and soaring through the skies, riding a wave the size of a mountain , or maybe skateboarding down a hill at 140 km/h. And who are these people that attempt to defy gravity and put their lives at risk with each breath? Definitely people that are on some cheap drug or have no reason to be alive, one would expect anyway. But wait, take a closer look- this girl is on TV talking about, who? , no ways… she said the name “Jesus”, was she blaspheming? Must have been, I mean just look at her, she couldn’t possibly know who Jesus is- Could she??

Across the world today, one of the biggest lies of the enemy has been that once you become a follower of Christ you have to give up everything you love to do and become a boring Sunday Christian. Well I got good news for you, that mentallity is slowly vanishing as we see young men and women rising up in the sports world and making a bold stand with a statement: “I’m a pro rider and give all glory to Jesus!”

Wow!! What a strong message, but along with this comes the big question we hear all the time, “I wonder what God thinks about this?” Well that’s a real good time to turn to His Word and see what He says about being extreme.

Psalms 104.3 says “You make the clouds your chariots, and you ride on the wings of the wind” Here we get a clear illustration of how extreme our God is, and if you really grasp this picture it will change the way you look at not only extreme sports, but life forever. Our God is radical, and everything He does is beyond what we could even imagine. You see God’s word goes on to say that He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would dare ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20) What are your dreams? Does it line up with God’s word? Well then chances are God has

an XTREME LIFE in store for you. You might be thinking, I’m just an average person, I can’t even play table tennis, never mind do a back flip on a MX bike, how can I live an extreme life?

DON’T BE AFRAID TO DREAM

The first thing is to realise that God has made each one of us uniquely and with a purpose. That means that we don’t have to walk in anyone elses shadows.

God will use us if we submit to His plan for our lives.

I personally remember growing up on the South Coast at a place called Southbroom. I mean what good could ever come out of a little village like that, it didn’t even have a traffic light (robot). But God in His love looked down at a young boy that had given his life to Jesus at 4 years of age and who had a dream to be a professional windsurfer.

By the age of 17 I was announced the first SA Surfsailing champion and within the next few years would win numerous contests, 4 more SA titles, become the first Springbok surfsailor, be one of the most highly sponsored athletes in the country with free Golf Gti’s and travel around the world, front

covers of magazines and TV exposure on a weekly basis- Why? Simple, I wasn’t afraid to dream and most importantly, to give God the glory. So go ahead, dream and dream big!

EXERCISE / TRAIN

Now it’s one thing to have a dream, but to just sit back and think about it usually doesn’t get you very far. I could have just sat watching surf videos all day pondering on my dream to be a professional, but no, I had to get out there and train, sometimes for up to six hours a day. In the same way, to live an extreme life with God, we have to exercise. “Huh?? What’s that got to do with me being used for God”- Simple, we need to apply certain principles that will enrich our spiritual lives. Think of prayer for example- some-

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X-TREME SPORTS

times it feels like you just want to close your eyes and have a little sleep instead- but if you press on, you reach a place where you can walk away saying, “man, I really felt like I met with God today” – sometimes it takes discipline, but the results are literally “out of this world”.

GET A COACH

The first thing that most athletes do when they want to turn pro is to find a coach. Now this coach is usually someone who sees potential in the athlete and will go out of their way to see the individual reach their dream. In the same way God has placed people around you that see potential in you, if you would only give them a chance. That youth leader that keeps “bugging” you every week to come hang out with them, or the pastor who everytime he sees you wants to know how you’re doing at school- these are the kind

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of people that probably want to see you be all that God made you to be.

BE SPONSORED

Ok so we’re up and running, living an extreme life for Godit’s time to realise that we are sponsored. As I was competing I reached a level where I had companies like V.W, Continental, Oakley and others wanting me to represent their logos, and pay me at the same time. But there was a requirement- I had to represent them well and at all times. It kind of got me thinking, how are we representing Jesus and are we representing Him at all times or only when it suits us? You see something interesting happened- As I promoted them, and stood unashamed with their logo on me for TV or a photo shoot, they would be more and more satisfied and back me

honouring my requests. The bible says that whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God (1Cor 10:31) so we dare you to stand unashamed and see how God uses you.

do it”!

KNOW THE RULES

There’s been times while competing in huge 30 foot waves in Hawaii that I’ve fallen off and lost my board during the heat and just want to give up but a small glimpse of the prize motivates me to keep pressing on. There might be times in your life where it just feels like you can’t go on and you want to quit your Christian walk or even this life. Well we want to encourage you to keep your eyes on the finish line and the prize of eternal life that awaits you.

After enduring to the end there’s nothing like receiving a prize. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to win many great things like cars, medals, attained fame and things that satisfy for a moment, but you know what, nothing compares to that of living an extreme life for Christ.

Before I could win any contest I had to know the rules and the guidelines. But not only did I have to know the rules, I had to stick to them otherwise be disqualified and lose the race or heat.

2 Timothy 2.5 says, “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victors crown unless he competes according to the rules”- what rules?? God’s Word, the bible, is a guide that will not only help us finish the race, but assist us in making the right decisions that can assist us in living extreme for Him.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE CLOCK

The siren goes off, the heat starts, looping, bashing, riding the wave to the fullest but all the time keeping an eye on the clock. One of the most important aspects of winning a contest is timing. If you just go out and do whatever, whenever, chances are it won’t be too impressive on the judges.

In the same way, timing is crucial when living an extreme life for God. Psalms 90:12 says “teach us to make the most of our time”- You see we don’t know what tomorrow holds.

As I travel around the world, producing Extreme Sports TV shows, I bump into some of the world’s top athletes and at times have a moment to tell them about the Good News of Jesus’s free gift of eternal life and ask if they want to receive it- many times the answer is “thanks but not right now, maybe one day when I’m older” – How it breaks my heart when I hear a week or so later that the person died never accepting Jesus. Keep an eye on the clock- if you’re living a life that you know is not pleasing to God, maybe it’s a good time to reevaluate while you have time, or maybe there’s that friend you’ve been wanting to tell about Jesus, we never know when their “heat” might be over- so “just

GET READY FOR THE PRIZE

THE CHALLENGE:

Ok so you’ve decided that you’re tired of just “existing” and know there must be more. Questions like, “what am I here for? What should I do with my life?” , keep coming in your mind- Well it’s a good time to try this extreme life and meet your personal trainer- the most extreme person that ever lived, and that is God’s son - Jesus. No one has done, and no one will ever do what He did and what He still does today - He forgives us of our sin and offers us eternal life if we believe and follow after Him. So the next time you see that weird looking guy standing with a skateboard in one hand and a bible in the other, don’t be shocked- it’s probably someone whose decided to make an impact living an XTREME LIFE for God. So thanks for watching our movies, but most importantly, as you do, know that Jesus loves you, and has a plan for your life....and remember, “IF YOU DON’T GO, YOU’LL NEVER KNOW”

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GUY TALK

No more

retreads straight talk to guys by lloyd pearce

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etread tyres are a great deal. Much cheaper than the real thing, most will say ‘as good as’ and of course, you can’t really tell the difference unless you take a close look. I suppose thats the problem isn’t it - you couldn’t really tell straight off if these are the real deal or just a cheap imitation. You see, there’s a great similarity between retreads and what we call Christianity.

If I just take a look at God’s creation manifested in sunrises and sunsets, different kinds of animals, plants, how the earth turns, the planets, solar systems etc. it just freaks me out how huge God’s imagination is. But here’s something even better - He used that same imagination that created every living creature to recreate you and me when we became a Christian. We’ve become new creations, not touch ups...not retreads...completely new!

WHAT DEFINES US? We define people’s spirituality by how loudly they pray, or by how many scriptures they can learn parrot fashion, or better yet, how well they speak our christanese lingo. There is a great misconception that the greater we look outwardly in our walk, the more spiritual we are. The fact is that most of us can’t even tell the difference between the flesh (retread) and the spirit (new).

Paul puts it like this: 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

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WHAT’S OUR DISTINCTION? We were given a new carcass, a new spirit, a new heart, a new life and a new hope to live for. He didn’t take a look at you when you got saved and said to Himself: ‘Hmmmm, I can work with this’, or in my case: “This ones going to take more time than I thought” - No! He tossed that old stinking nature in the trash and started fresh, completely new. The problem is that most of us don’t really grasp this whole ‘new creation’ thing. We seem to think that Christianity suddenly gives you more will power to get rid of those things that you used to do. How does that make us any different to the person that hasn’t received Christ? We’ve missed it completely. The price was paid over 2000 years ago

so that we don’t have to struggle and fight to get rid of all of our hang-ups. He did it all on the cross, He became sin who knew no sin, He paid for it all so that we don’t have to rely on our flesh to try conquer the battles in our lives.

HOW DO YOU USE THIS NEW SYSTEM? You see, no matter how strong our flesh is in changing us, the fact is that its still the flesh. Nothing we do in the flesh can be pleasing to Him. The flesh wars with the Spirit. All our worldly talents, our good speaking voice, our creativity, our worldly intellect, all opposes God. Before you get despondent - Yes, God can and will use the talents that He has given us for His glory, however, only if they are done by the power of His Spirit. No flesh can glory in His presence. This kind of makes it tough for us guys, cause we have this sense that we need to be better than each other: stronger; fitter; more suave (thats fancy for being able to chat up chicks).

All of that doesn’t really matter though once we’ve been newly created. All that matters is whether we’re pleasing to the One who gave us the opportunity to start afresh. The problem we face is that it isn’t automatic - most of those who are newly created

decide that they don’t like the new creation that they’ve become or don’t know how to operate it and rather operate out of their lower, fleshly carnal nature.

OPTIMUM USAGE Well I’ve got good news for you - your new operating system came with a manual. It’s got 66 books and a great read. That’s right, I’m talking about the Bible. All you have to do is take a little bit of time to find out what it says about the workings of your new creation and you’ll get optimum usage out of it. It’s easier than you think. You don’t have to do anything but know what the Word says about you and accept it, believe it, and act like it. It’s so much easier than trying in our own stinking flesh.

Its time for us to put our new man on so that we can be what He said we are - God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Throw those retreads away, and starting using your brand new set of tyres. Selah! (Pause and think about that)

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CAREERS

TURN YOUR WORDS: LEON DU PREEZ Finding a Career is not as clear-cut as it used to be.

When our folks were growing up - it was a given that you would go into the family business or at least be the one in the family that would make it big or make it through high school or college. The pressure of making a living always dictated which path you would take. What you would end up with is people who were always looking to do something else. When you live someone else’s dream... you will forever be trying to maintain it and you won’t ever have true job satisfaction.

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re you at a career crossroad in your life right now? Are you faced with the decision that can affect the rest of your life?

Choices, choices, choices! I remember when I was in high school, how everyone made rash decisions as to what they will be studying when they get to college. I remember feeling pushed into something that I wasn’t completely sure of and being told to choose my entire life and career in a matter of months. I remember seeing young people go off to college, making rash decisions on what to study, only studying for the purpose of getting a job, stability and security in life, but leaving the weightier principles of gifting, talents and dreams out of it. I remember seeing many of those young people drop out of college even before their studies were finished, or worse - they ended up in a career which they never really wanted in the first place.

After my salvation, I realized that God has a destiny for every single human being, and that usually our gifts, talents and passion goes hand in hand with that destiny. There is a major difference between a career and a calling. Many have good careers, few are currently doing what they are called to do.

Thomas Carlyle once said,” The person who has found his vocation in life is a blessed human being. Let him ask for no other blessedness.”

Success can come your way when you choose your career not on the basis of what you know, but on the basis of who you are.

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Since choosing a career can be such a mammoth task, there are a couple of options that you should look into. Firstly, why not consider taking a gap year after you leave school and attend a “Year long program”. These programs are designed to reveal the inner truths of your heart and lead you in the right direction. These gap years usually precede Bible College.

Secondly, you can look at several options that are based on your passions. Never just do a job for the sake of getting a job. Make a list of possible careers and then do the necessary research to see whether it would definitely be something that you would consider.

PASSION INTO A CAREER WE LOVE WHAT WE DO..

I took the opportunity of lining up two interviews with people who have combined their passion and calling with their careers, and the success they have attained through that:

Wesley Fischer Wesley Fischer is professional bodyboarder and is currently in the top rankings world-wide having competed in countries such as Hawaii, Australia, Dubai, Singapore, Indonesia and the United States. He has also achieved victory in world championships. Wesley has been featured in every top bodyboarding magazine in the world, including Riptide and Movement. Wesley is currently being sponsored by Hot Buttered bodyboards and he also has his own signature board model in South Africa called “HB Wez Fischer”. He also made the South African team for bodyboarding and a stand-up flowboarder.

bodyboarding for as long as possible. Unfortunately their aren’t much finances in this type of sport in South Africa, but the passion to pursue it has always been burning in me!

I especially love to compete, it forces me to improve much quicker and perform better under pressure! It’s beautiful! I still want to be the world champ at it, God willing! That is my ultimate goal for it personally. My desire is to raise up athletes, not only bodyboarding, but all sports, in the future and impart into them to reach the same level of success. We learn in church that God always will raise up leaders and successors, that’s awesome!”

Wesley is also currently studying 1st year Bible College at CACE, College for Advanced Christian Education at Destiny Harvest Centre, Umhlanga Rocks.

Leon: “What did it take for you to get where you are today?”

Q: “Wesley, would you say that bodyboarding has always been a passion, goal and desire in your life?”

A: “I have always loved bodyboarding and will carry on

Wesley: “I would love to be one of those people who would say it only takes hard work, but for me it has been a lot of sacrifices, insecurities, discomfort, lots of sleeping in airports and months in tents! What God has taught me is not to focus on my circumstances, but to rather enjoy them and the journey!

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CAREERS

He also taught me to learn from all my mistakes, and most importantly, to have what I call a ‘Joseph’ attitude to it all! Your attitude is everything, it’s your perfume and spiritual aroma.

God especially taught me to enjoy all the ‘hard work’!

Q:“You’ve most certainly reached the top, now, what advice would you give to young people so that they can reach their God-given destiny and purpose?

A: “Listen to grown-ups! I say so because they know more than you and me. When we do what they say, we will tend to make less mistakes. Also enjoy whatever you are doing, people say smiles are free, but my smile is of much value, Jesus hung on a cross so that I can smile! I smile everyday because of Him and what He did for me. All of you who are reading this now have dreams locked up inside of you, forgotten and put away, but God has the ability to resurrect those dreams. As I right this article, I have just arrived in Singapore to visit an amazing church and also to go surfing! I didn’t deserve this at all, imagine what He can do for you!

“Choose the job that you love and you will never have to work for a day in your life.” presenter for a new Christian Lifestyle program “PEDALING PILGRAMS” on SABC2 and endorsements with Billabong, Element an VonZipper.

CJAY is currently employed by Destiny Harvest Centre, under the leadership of Marc Bredenkamp and is also an active performing artist in the youth group of Destiny Harvest Centre called “The Movement”

CJAY

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orn and bred in ‘Surfers Paradise’ - JBay, then moved on to PE to complete his high school education. This is where his love for music, especially hip hop and r&b grew, on the streets of PE. Because hip hop had such a negative message at the time, he decided to use this style of music to get a positive message across of hope in his community.

Cjay has recorded 5 Albums to date including “The Revolution” which featured the hit song “PE”, as well as “Urban Praise” – his latest album, released this year. He has already been gaining international experience as a performing artist , traveling abroad appearing and working with bands such as Delirious, One80 and MIC, TXL, Jub Jub, Shugasmax (Skwatta Camp) to name just a few.

Cjay is married to his beautiful wife Natalie and have two kids, Amber and Joshua. He also started his own Audio/Visual Production Company called: “Tonedef Productions” under which he has become one of the most sought after producers for both TV and Music.

Cjay is currently involved in a number of projects, including being a

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Q: “Cjay, would you say that you are right now where you always wanted to be, is this what you have always dreamt of?

A: “I’m definitely living my dream, Praise God. As a teenager growing up in P.E; I use to produce my own beats at the time. I use to see myself performing my songs in front of thousands of people and people getting saved through my music. I grew up in a poverty striking area so when I use to tell people my dream, then they would tell me that music does not pay the bills. Because of circumstance I almost lost my dream. I can see the light because my future is bright and because I am a dreamer. Never stop dreaming. You will only reach as far as you can dream...”

Q: “What did you have to do in order to get where you are today?”

A: “I can kinda relate to Gideon…The lord saw him as a mighty man…but he didn’t see him as someone that could leave a mark and do something amazing for God. I had to see myself the way God saw me and still sees me. He’s always had a plan for my life, the question was whether I was gonna except that plan and purpose or let my circumstances dictate my future. I also had to step out of my comfort zone. I packed my bags and moved to Joburg and because of my step of faith God began to open doors for me in the music industry.”

Q: ”What advice would you give to young people so that they can also reach their God-given destiny and purpose?

A: “You have a destiny, you have a future, that’s what the bible says so stop letting your circumstances dictate your future. God saw Gideon in his future. If you don’t know your purpose or destiny get into the word of God. “The will of God is The Word of God. To be lead by the Holy Spirit is to do The Word of God”

INTERVIEW

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With all the ‘plastic pop’ around finally there is a group with a sound and a message that will be sure to enhance the lives of every person that listens to their music but what is their name, quite simply: Enhance. by Hannah Gardiner

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nhance are a Durban-based duo, made up of Ronald Wienand and Vincent Asher, who are taking the local Gospel music industry by storm. The catchy lyrics and infectious beats of songs off their début album “Here we Go” have been heard throughout the land and they have achieved many things musically since their start in 2004.

But, as good as their music is and as much as they love making it, for them it’s more about the message they hope to bring through it as they look to enhance and enrich the lives of the youth of South Africa by not selling the “me, me, me” culture but rather the Jesus Christ culture. It’s not about them being seen on stage, but rather letting people know that they can be there own person in Christ and change the lives of everybody around them.

So, read on as we chat to Ronald Wienand, band member and founder, and get the low-down on everything you need to know about them…

Q: Enhance is made up of yourself and Vincent Asher... Now, were you both brought up in Christian homes or did you find Jesus later on in life?

A: Vinno and I both grew up in Christian homes and were taught good morals. Even though I grew up in a Christian home and went to church every Sunday, I found it was more of a ritual thing than anything else. I found Jesus at the age of 16 for myself and finally understood what it meant to love Jesus. I still find that I am getting to know more of His love on an everyday basis. He is so faithful and if only people could understand how much he loves everyone. My family didn’t use to Jesus and now all of them serve God, He is so faithful in keeping His promises.

Q: So how did the 2 of you meet and first decide to form the band?

A: I was Enhance by myself and did gigs all over and we often gigged with Spin the Flava (another Durban-based Christian band) and Vinno was dancing for them at the time.

We became good friends and shared a passion for young people. Vinno then left Spin the Flava to work for a bank and he decided it was time for that. He was often asked to feature in the gigs that I did and I found we worked well together musically. One Sunday in church he came and told me that he felt that we should work together and, after praying about it, here we are.

Q: And what are your roles in the band... who does what?

A: Vinno is the rapper, he is in charge of the dancers and sequences and he also writes some of the lyrics for the songs. I am the singer in the band, I do the organizing and compose all the music and also write lyrics for the songs. Enhance is a team effort though as our manager, Ravaughn, does so much and is often not accredited, we love and appreciate you! Also thanks to Cari (my girlfriend) and Reeann (Vinno’s wife) - we could not do this without you!

Q: Could you share with the readers the reasoning and meaning behind the name “Enhance” and how it was chosen as the name for your band?

A: The story is quite simple really; the name for the band comes from a beauty deep inside. The message that we bring is that you are unique and there is no other like you, God made you in His image and there are no mistakes. We find so many young people have an identity crisis and have no clue who they are. We find that knowing Jesus as Lord brings an identity, a true satisfaction and a deep reality of how unworthy we are of the love afforded to us by His sacrifice on the cross. Enhance means to bring to life who you really are, in Jesus, that’s where you will find yourself.

Q: And what is the vision and mission behind the band... what inspires you to do what you do?

A: Young people are our inspiration and the reason why we do what we do. Of course we love music, but the main reason is that we have a message; we have been loved by Jesus in a crazy way and we wanna relate this to anyone that will listen.

There is a definite mission behind our music, we are Christians and are not scared to proclaim it. The good news of Jesus is powerful and we have seen God use people like us to touch and change so many lives for His glory. Praise Jesus!

Q: How would you describe your style of music to someone who has never heard it before?

A: Jumpin’ pop/ hip hop with a fling of R&B… feel good music; music that is easy to understand, easy on the ear and has a great vibe to it

We have a message; we have been loVed by Jesus in a crazy way and we want to relate this anyone that will listen.

Q: Can you still remember where and when your first gig as a band took place?

A: The first gig was for thirty people at a school as part of our “Activate” program.We took a pastor along with us, did about 8 songs and then shared the gospel. 18 people got saved and the rest recommitted and that confirmed for us that God is in this as we cannot save people, only Jesus can.

Q: Could you tell us more about your “Activate” program, what’s it all about?

A: “Activate” is all about encouragement in schools - so many young people always hear negative things like they have no future because of random excuses. “Activate” seeks to build relationship with schools as a tool to speak positive things into young people’s lives. The young people are the

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INTERVIEW

future of the country and are an investment. the Lord has great plans for our young people.

Q: Enhance is based in Durban.... what’s your favourite part about living and being a band in Durban?

A: Man, Durban has the best weather and is also very beautiful.

Things get very hectic as the band can get really demanding sometimes (plus the fact that Vinno and I both have full time jobs) so we find that Durban is a very relaxed place and we both love to chill.

Q: Speaking of Durban... you won the 2008 Durban stage of the Radio Pulpit “Jubilate” singing competition...what was that experience like for you?

short bio Ronald Wienand Date of birth: 28th September Nickname: Jubsey Place of birth: Harare, Zimbabwe

Fav Colour: Black and Blue

Fav Pass time: Spending time with Cari Home: Hillcrest, Durban Bands: TTW, Scarlet Kitchen, Nostalgic and Enhance

Vincent Asher Date of birth: 31st December Nickname: Vinno Place of birth: Durban Fav Colour: Red Fav Pass time: Producing Music Home: Chatsworth, Durban Bands: Divine Praise, Spin the Flava and Enhance

You can book Enhance by e-mailing enhance@vodamail.co.za or call Ronald on 074 102 3621.

A: We went to the auditions and were not expecting to really get anywhere because there were so many people with awesome talent and well, we won the Durban leg and then went to Pretoria for the finals and never thought we would win there.

We were called up and we were so thankful. The testimony is that we didn’t really have money to go there and God provided for the tickets to be sponsored and so, we flew over. There we were asked if we would like to be part of Godly Revolution and that happened in June this year. Just to show that God is faithful and there are so many people that have blessed us and helped us along the way… thank you to all, this is not our band but God’s.

Q: So, did your performance at Godly Revolution go well? What was it like performing at one of the biggest events of the SA Christian music calendar?

A: Wow and wow! What a crowd and what a great ministry event - the main thing that blessed me was that it wasn’t about the bands, it was all about Jesus! The testimonies are awesome, so many young people recommitted and others accepted Jesus for the first time and that’s the greatest reward: young people accepting the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Q: So you have released your first album, “Here we Go”.... could you tell us more about the album and how it all came together?

A: Well I had many songs ready for the album, but then Vinno joined. So, we just kept “Jump” and started afresh; we wrote most of the other songs in the studio. The songs are real and the whole album speaks of a relationship of love between us and Jesus and how it’s so amazing to belong to Jesus. The album was put together in 8 weeks of recording, it’s high energy and had 4 hit songs: “Here we Go”, “Jump”, “Love Sounds” and “Superstar”. The album also has some poetry set to music.

Q: Do you have a favourite song on the album or are they all equal in your eyes?

A: Many of the songs are special, but my favourite is “Pleasing You” and Vinno’s is “And More”

Q: How do you find inspiration when you are writing a song?

A: Inspiration can come from anywhere: a cool beat, a concert where God moved, a movie, anything…

Q: Have you started any work on a second album yet?

A: Yes we have two songs already: “Never” and “Bounce” We

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have performed them live and have had a great response. When we are doing an album we like to see the response of the audience to what we have to offer.

Q: How can people book you as a band and what reasons would you give for people to come to an Enhance gig?

A: Come to an Enhance gig to have a great deal of fun, but mostly because Jesus is there and wherever He is there is bound to be a party because He loves people so much. I really cannot describe it at all- it’s great fun and there are lots of lights, etc….

Q: What do the 2 of you get up to apart from being in the band?

A: I love being with Cari and just spending time with her… walks in the parks, horse riding and movies. Vinno loves Soccer and braais with friends

Q: You have also done some solo projects under the name “Nostalgic”, with music that differs from the Enhance songs.... could you share more about these projects?

“GOD HAS A GREAT PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE, DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME TRYING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE” A: Simply, believe God; do not depend on man or anyone for answers. God is real and loves you so much, no matter what you have heard about him, I dare you to take a chance on his love and I promise that you will never regret it. Live your dreams and use your tools or gifts as worship to Him. It’s all about Jesus!! God has a great plan for your life, don’t waste your time trying to be someone else, do what Jesus has called you to. Be real and walk humbly with your God!

A: Nostalgic is actually a bit on the back burn at the moment because Enhance takes first place. I write a lot of songs, but not all of them suit Enhance. I also love to write deep poetry and I feel that the audience that Enhance has are a different audience to what Nostalgic appeals to. I am working on an album called “Matters of the Heart”… which is a mix of songs and poetry.

Q: What has been the highlight of you career as a band so far?

A: 3 specifically: Activate Port Natal- when 30 Kids gave their hearts to Jesus; Godly Revolution – wow! Go Jesus! and then winning our group division in “Jubilate”

Q: If you could collaborate with any Christian band or artist, who would you choose?

A: Here come the dreams….. Steve, Kevin Max, John Ellis, TobyMac

Q: And apart from them... who else do you admire and find inspiration from in the Christian music industry?

A: Tobymac, not only is he a great performer, but his ministry is real and there is no fakeness. He really lives the message he breathes and he was a part of DC Talk, only the greatest ever Christian band. Outside the music industry is Angus Buchan, I had the opportunity to see him preach and everything was about Jesus and I love it when God draws close to His people.

Q: What are your future hopes and plans as a band?

A: Our business is to touch people’s lives with the power of Jesus Christ, starting in South Africa and even touring the world. To make many great albums and to raise up other young people to do this type of work. We also wanna see revival and hope to be a part of what God is doing in these last days.

Q: Any final messages to the reader and to the youth of SA?

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REAL LIFE

LEON DU PREEZ

RESCUED

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AS TOLD BY LEON DU PREEZ

PULLED OUT OF THE DARKNESS INTO THE LIGHT

L

EON remembers that from a very young age, his parents told him that before they had decided to conceive him, the doctors told them that it would be impossible for his mother to fall pregnant. Despite the enemy’s plan to never allow him to enter into this world, he was born in 1984. This is his story:– FUTURE ASPIRATIONS When I was a young child, I had many future aspirations. I dreamt of making a lot of money. I dreamt of having a good family life. I even had dreams of speaking in front of thousands of people in crusades or huge events. Even though I was too young to fully comprehend the truth that was revealed to me, I knew deep within me that there was some sort of purpose behind my life. God was showing me events and plans for the future that He had for me without me even comprehending it.

A DOWNWARD SPIRAL However, without me even acknowledging it or being aware of it, satan also had a purpose for my life.

Like many others today, he began to strangle and choke every single one of those dreams that God had given me. As a result, at the very tender age of 12, my life went into a downward spiral of darkness, loneliness and depression which could easily have led to death and eternal separation from the source of life- Christ. The enemy set many shrewd traps for my life in order to ensnare me and because of this, certain painful events in my past ensured that I would get caught up into severe rejection, rebellion and dejection and caused me to frantically search for an identity from the age of 12. My melancholic personality at the time caused me to keep many issues and problems to myself and hindered me from going to my parents, despite the fact that they were kind and caring parents! I would shut myself up in my room night after night where I would experience many, terrifying demonic manifestations.

A PULL TO THE DARK SIDE This resulted in a strong pull towards the dark side for a reason that I never knew. Knowing that it was wrong, I was still very intrigued as to what it could offer me. As the loneliness, rejection and rebellion kept kicking in, with much demonic influence, I decided that my life was not worth living and as a result, I tried to take my life on numerous occasions.

I would cut myself in my room late at night, experiencing such relief as the blade would cut deep into the skin of my arms or legs, numbing the pain deep within my heart.

During the same year, I looked for other ways to numb the pain in the form of alcohol, drugs and any addictive substances that I could lay my hands on. As I got to the age of 13, just before entering high school, my initial experimentations with substances became much more regular and then turned into substance abuse of almost every kind.

A REPUTATION Peer pressure added to all of my insecurities at this stage. As much as we try to make this phrase light, it is very real and evident in the lives of young people – I experienced it first hand. Basically, I wanted to do things simply because my friends did it. It was even better if they hadn’t done it yet, because if I could be the first of my friends to try something new and dangerous, then I would build up an image and reputation for myself. By now, alcohol abuse was commonplace in my life. Weekend after weekend, myself and my friends would get completely wasted!

The things which I saw happening with young girls and boys at only 13 years of age is so horrific that it would not be suitable for me to speak of in this article. What shocks me more is that this happened 12 years ago... I wonder what is happening now?

PHOTO: Leon leading ‘The Movement’ at Destiny Church, Umhlanga

ACCEPTANCE As I entered high school, I was a complete vicious, rebellious and hurt young kid. I wanted to destroy anything I could and run amock everywhere I went. I lived only for the weekends and the partying! During this time, I got introduced to a drug den where I started spending most of my time. At that stage of my life, having older friends that accepted me for who I was meant the world to me. Finally, I got “acceptance”.

Finally, I got “love”. Finally, I got “security”. Or so I thought! Days would go by in that drug den and all we would do day after day, was use drugs and abuse our bodies with harmful, mind -numbing substances. It even got to a point where I would go there before school every morning.

Eventually, the school that I was attending labeled me as a delinquent and wanted to expel me. Fortunately for me, I decided to leave the school just before the expulsion took place.

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REAL LIFE

PHOTO: Ministering at The Movement MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS As I reached the age of 15/16 I started seeing the horrendous affects of drugs in people’s lives. I’ve seen girls being taken advantage of right in front of me. I’ve seen my friends die by virtue of drug addiction and foolish acts. I’ve seen teenagers of 18/19 years of age who have had their minds “fried” by the amount of drugs that they had taken!

All of a sudden, I realized with startling clarity, that this was no longer funny. This was no longer cool, and no longer could I carry on this way. I came to a realization that this could be the destruction of me, of my life, even to the point of death. I remembered trying my hardest to come free and break away from the bondage I was in, trying my best to leave that lifestyle behind, but unfortunately the pull was just too strong and I couldn’t break free, not on my own.

Through this, I would attempt many ways to come right. I tried to go to church, but unfortunately the church did nothing for me. After a while I started thinking about God, and without me even knowing it, the Holy Spirit was drawing me towards Him. He brought me to a place, where one day, while driving with a friend in his car, I told him that I wanted to change. I told him that there must be more to life than this, that there must be more to life than what I was currently experiencing. What I didn’t know was that I was being set up for a radical encounter!

“I am NOW part of a generation of young warriors, taking ground, moving forward, who will stop at nothing to see the young people of this world pulled out of darkness, into the Light.”

As the next evening dawned upon us, the same friend and I were sitting in his house, chilling and doing the usual – getting “out of it” on alcohol and drugs. As we were getting out of it, I saw an old friend of mine walk in. This friend used to take drugs with me at the drug den a few years before, but now, there was something different about him.

There was something “light” about him. He came walking towards me with a strong resolution, with purpose, with power! Before I could even open my mouth he began talking to me about God. I still inter-

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rupted him by saying that I didn’t want God or any form of religion. That didn’t stop him. As he spoke, I realized that the words that came out of his mouth had power. I had experienced encounters from the spiritual realm when I was younger, but never before had I experienced the power that was coming out of him. I was arrested in my seat and there was no way that I could deny anything that he was saying. All of a sudden I heard the following words bubbling out of my mouth: “Please, pray for me, I want my life to change”.

As he laid his hands on me and I prayed a prayer of salvation, I felt that same power fall on me, a power that wiped away every single sin that I had ever committed, a power that contradicted every feeling of hurt and rejection that had been with me for years, a power that gave me the identity that I was looking for all along. I remember it as though it happened just yesterday. It felt like ice, electricity and fire, all at the same time! I still sat down and asked him what had just happened to me, what it was that I felt?

He said to me: “It is the power of God, it is the Holy Spirit”.

From that night on, my life changed forever! In an instant, I was completely set free from alcohol abuse, drug abuse, rejection, suicide and a life of darkness and hopelessness. All of a sudden, I left that place with a purpose. I left that house knowing that God is real and that He has a destiny for me. That was the first night where someone could show me the true power of God, and it was the first night in my life where I experienced the manifest presence of God embracing me as if I was clean, forgiven and His child, regardless of my past!

RAISED UP TO BE A WARRIOR A few months after my salvation, as I was struggling to fit into the church world, I attended a meeting of a man called Marc Bredenkamp, a man of which I had heard much about but knew very little. Out of a crowd of 1000’s he called me out and spoke a prophetic word to me, a word straight from the throne room of God. This word began to steer me into the direction and will of God for my life and confirmed traveling to nations and ignited the call of an evangelist upon my life and that I would be operating in signs, wonders and miracles etc.

Now, a few years later as I am seeing this prophetic word unfold before my very eyes, I suddenly realize the greatness of God and His ability to take every single individual out of the the dust and raise them up to be a warrior! I now have the wondrous privilege of seeing God’s power working in and through my life. From someone who thought that they would go nowhere in life, someone whose dreams were shattered and their hope was lost, I realised that all we truly need is to be connected back to our Source, our Creator, and that every dream that He has placed inside of us will come to pass if we draw near to Him. All I want to do right now is to share my testimony and to tell people what He has done for me, how He touched my life and changed me forever, and that that same power that I experienced that night that I gave my life to Him, is available for you today, if you will just ask Him to come in. Doors have since opened up for to me preach the gospel and to share my testimony. I have also had the privilege to see and help many youngsters break free from the chains of bondage with drugs, and to be set free from that same darkness that held me back. I have seen these changes when ministering in youth groups, camps, churches and crusades as well as the youth group that I am currently overseeing called: “The Movement” (www.themovement.co.za), the youth of Destiny Centre (www.destiny.co.za) under the leadership and oversight of our Senior Pastor, Marc Bredenkamp.

Music Reviews - by Hannah Gardiner

Uitverkoop

Jesus Culture

Distributed by: Maranatha Record Company

Distributed by: Maranatha Record Company

Nuwe “Live” Worship

I

n 2005, Uitverkoop was born as a group of young friends who got together to see what would happen when they started writing songs. So, with lots of passion and excitement, they sprung into work only to realize that it wasn’t quite the right time for an album as the Lord still needed to put some things in place and work in them as a band. So, now 4 years of song writing later, the long-awaited album is out and ready for you to take a listen to.

Has the years of waiting it out been worth it for the band? Definitely, as it has resulted in a first-class Afrikaans worship album of 13 great songs for you to worship along with and learn to play in your church.

Typical of all great worship songs, things are kept simple and congregational, and coolest of all is the fact that the chords are included with all the lyrics so it’s obvious the heart is for these songs to be sung by people all over. The whole album is a live recording and kicks off with the upbeat title track and song behind the band’s name, “Uitverkoop.”

The song, as the title suggests, is about being completely sold out to God and trusting and living only for Him. The next track on the album “Ek weet dat U my liefhet” was also actually also used by Retief Burger on his “Luidkeels Hersien” album and it was this that really encouraged song-writer and chief vocalist on the album, Chardi Visser, to continue writing Afrikaans worship songs. What is remarkable about her is that, at the age of 7, she was diagnosed with an eye condition called Stargardts or Macular Dystrophy and as a result she now only has about 30% of her sight. And she hasn’t let it get her down, knowing that through God, all things are possible. Things slow down from the 5th track, “U is the Skepper” which is followed by several more beautiful worship tracks before things pick up to a faster pace again with track 12 “Nooit weer sonder U.” But wait there’s more… included with the audio CD is a DVD containing just over an hour of live footage of songs from the album as well as Chardi and other members of the band discussing different aspects of the band and the album. So, to conclude, imagine Hillsong United in Afrikaans and you’ll have a good idea of what Uitverkoop sound like… a band of young Christians making good, God-centred worship!

Consumed

In 1999, the Jesus Culture conference was launched. These served churches and lead young people to the radical love of God. It soon became very clear that worship was a significant part of this movement., the Lord began to use Kim Walker-Smith, Chris Quilala, and Melissa How to bring an entire generation into whole-hearted worship and out of this Jesus Culture Music was born. The 3 worship leaders have brought out several worship albums both individually and together and “Consumed” is their latest offering., which they say is bigger and more ambitious than any of their other projects.

The album is a live recording made up of 10 tracks. Some of the songs include “Dance with Me” (Originally performed by Chris DuPre); “Holding Nothing Back” (Tim Hughes); “Light of Your face” (Misty Edwards); “Obsession” (Delirious?) and “Oh Lord, You’re beautiful” (Keith Green). They really bring a new and unique sound, both musically and vocally, to each of the songs and make them their own. Another one of the songs on the album is “Burning Ones” which was written by Chris and the band’s guitarist and is one of my favourites on the album.

It’s an amazing song with beautiful lyrics including: “So let this love be like a fire, let this love be like a flame, fill our souls with your desire, let our passion bring You fame.”

Included with the CD is a DVD with an hour of footage of the band performing these songs live, behind-the-scenes featurettes and interviews with the 3 worship leaders.

I was really impressed with this album and would highly recommend it to all young people. What is especially fantastic about this album; apart from the great selection of songs, the way the 3 vocalists voices work so well together and the obvious musical ability of all involved; is that this music all glorifies Jesus and encourages us young people to live a life completely consumed by Him. This is an album to inspire a generation of young worshippers!

and grace is the only one who can change us into who He wants us to be from the inside out. This is followed by 5 beautiful slower songs… my favourite being track 5 - “One” which is co-written by “Into the Light” Distributed by Integrity Media Africa well-known Christian singer Cindy Morgan. These are followed by ove it or hate it, you cannot deny that the title track, “Into the Light” and the funky “What kind of Love” American Idol has provided a step- which are both quite upbeat and add a bit of a different sound in the ping stone for many amazing singing tal- middle of the album. Things slow down again with “Glorious” and ents over the years and Phil Stacey is just a cover of the Rich Mullins song “Hard to Get” one example of this. With a big voice and The final song on the album is “Old Glory” a patriotic dedication smile to match, Phil Stacey found his way to his nation and flag. The whole album is made up 11 top-quality into the hearts and living rooms of more songs… this isn’t one of those albums where you can say that there than 30 million viewers each week during season six of Ameri- are a couple of nice songs and the rest are just album-fillers. I also can Idol (won by Jordin Sparks). This husband and father of two, think it’s really remarkable that Phil himself contributes to writing became known for his likable character, family-man persona and most of these songs, which is something that’s quite rare in the “Pop service in the Navy. He was eliminated from the competition in the Idol” world. His overtly-Christian lyrics really bring a refreshing top 6, but was signed to a record label and released his self-titled change from some Christian pop artists who use clever metaphors debut album. Now, just over 2 years later, he has released his ex- and hidden meanings so that they also get secular radio airplay. plicitly Christian second album. The 11 track album starts of with And with these beautiful, God-centred lyrics paired with Phil Stac“Inside Out” a catchy pop ballad about how God and His truth ey’s amazing voice… you have a winning combination!

Phil Stacey

L

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Books and Teen Devotionals Reviews

Friends without Benefits

Battlefield of the Mind

–by Ron Luce

–by Joyce Meyer

T

D

Distributed by: Kalahari.net & local bookstores

eens today face a bombardment of the glorification of promiscuous sex from every side. From MTV images and music lyrics to television programs popular with teens, the message communicated is that “everyone is doing it” and those abstaining from sex are abnormal.

Friends with benefits has become too common, almost expected. Seeking to stand up for teens and exhort them to speak for sexual purity is the youth organization, Teen Mania. In Friends Without Benefits, founder Ron Luce encourages teens to know the facts (physical and biblical) about sex and sexuality so they can make wise, informed choices rather than just follow the crowd. With their identities and self images at stake, teens need a clear, encouraging, hopeful message like this. Not what feels good, but what is right. Not what is tempting, but what is true. Designed for teens, here are honest stories and discussion of issues they need to hear—before it’s too late.

Let your Voice be Heard –by Ron Luce

Distributed by: Kalahari.net & local bookstores

S

ince 1986, Ron Luce and Teen Mania have held huge events reaching millions of teens with the message of living completely abandoned lives for Christ.

With the hearts, minds and loyalties of today’s teens more at risk than ever, it is imperative to fill their minds with the things of God. In Let Your Voice Be Heard, Luce provides daily engaging readings on topics of interest to teens, including friends, entertainment, parents, school and more. For teens wanting a deeper relationship with Christ, as well as those searching for answers to life’s questions, here is a valuable tool that will lead them into a more passionate, deeply committed relationship with Christ that they can then speak out to the world.

Load Up

Pocket Devotional by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland Distributed by: Kenneth Copeland Ministries

T

his teen devotional from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland contains 31 powerful, perception-changing devotions written just for teens.

These daily connections to the Word will help them bring God into the picture and realize that He desires to be a big part of every area of their lives. Get a copy for the teens you love and help them tackle the daily challenges of life.

Distributed by: Kalahari.net & local bookstores

id you know your mind is a battlefield?

Well, it is. Let’s face it: Teen life can be a constant battle. But the most important fight you’ll face won’t be in the halls of your school, in Internet chat sessions, at an after-prom party, or even in your family’s living room. The most important fight of all will be waged in your mind.

BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND FOR TEENS takes an honest look at what teenagers face every day-peer pressure, expectations for your future, the struggle for independence. With solid research, interviews with young people like you, and no-nonsense, biblically based advice, Joyce Meyer gives you the ammo you need to make your brain a clean, mean, fighting machine.

There’s no getting around the fact that the world is sometimes a difficult place. Joyce Meyer wants to make sure you win the battle for your brain-and she wants you to win big. So crack open this book and let the battle begin. . .

Game Reviews

Left Behind Eternal Forces - PC Game Distributed by: Brettian Production

W

age a war of apocalyptic proportions in Left Behind:Eternal Forces - a real-time strategy game based upon the best-selling Left Behind book series created by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

Defend agianst the spiritual influences and physical warfare of the antichrist’s army through the power of prayer and worship.

Control more than 30 unit types, each developed with unique attributes and special abilities... and witness Angelic appearances and Demonic battles as a direct result of your choices.

Command your forces through the streets of New York in one of the most realistic recreations ever seen in a video game. No online subscription fees for online multiplayer games.

Choose to play as the forces of the Antichrist with up to 7 friends for FREE. Featuring original soundtrack by award-winning composer Chance Thomas (King Kong, X-Men, Lord of the Rings).

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DVD Reviews

Youth Bytes

Faith Happens

Available from www.christianmovies.co.za and Christian bookshops

Available from www.brettian.co.za

Youth Bytes provides relevant Christian information for your life, enabling your spiritual growth with a set of 20 complete DVD’s (40 episodes). Each powerful episode is a source of Christian information that young adults can relate to and covers a range of topics from nightclubs to friendships to sport.

Youth Bytes Vol. 1 - Sin City Vices in Vegas The whole of Las Vegas has turned into one giant object lesson about the world’s pull on human desire.

Chad delivers a powerful insight into the subtle traps the devil lays for every Christian.

W

hat do a drug addict, a feisty old lady, an African refugee, an ex-boxer, a salesman and a Chinese entrepreneur have in common? They all go to the same church.

Nine year old Amy, who says she’s been grown up a long time, deals with problems far beyond her years. She wonders why bad things happen and whether God is out there looking after us.

John, the pastor, deals with the same questions as his wife struggles with cancer and his estranged son has dropped off the face of the earth. Others in the congregation have different issues.

They discover that miracles do happen, tragedy strikes when you least expect, and God is not always easy to understand. For some, faith happens. For others, it never does. This carefully woven tapestry of people, intersecting at the point of faith, is rich with the “stuff of life”.

FAITH HAPPENS is a hard hitting drama that takes you on a personal journey from the heart to the soul.

Nick Vujicic

“No Arms, No Legs, No Worries”

I

magine being born without arms. No arms to wrap around someone, no hands to experience touch, or to hold another hand with. Or what about being born without legs? Having no ability to dance, walk, run, or even stand on two feet. Now put both of those scenarios together - no arms and no legs. What would you do? How would that affect your everyday life?

Meet Nick Vujicic... Born in 1982 in Melbourne, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic (pronounced Voy-a-chich) came into the world with neither arms nor legs. And get ready to be radically challenged and inspired! A must see’ movie, especially for teens!

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Skydive Chad does his first tandem skydive for this piece. You will learn a lot about faith and courage in this gutsy episode.

Youth Bytes Vol. 2 - Snake Byte The nature of sin Join Chad as he demystifies sin and shows you how to fight it. In this episode sin is given a face, Monty, our 16-foot python. when Chad takes a bath with Monty, he discovers that sin, like a massive snake, is not easy to control. Valuable lessons about overcoming sin and satan are taught in this exciting first episode.

Camouflage From the time we are kids, we love to hide. That means often blending into our surroundings and acting invisible to others. Hiding is fine for a game, but it can be deadly in our Christian walk.

Youth Bytes Vol. 3 - Fool’s Gold Fool’s Gold Jedediah (Chad) and Poncho (Chris) have spent years in the mountains of California mining for gold. As they go to trade gold at the local mining town, they are confronted by bandits who are determined to steal it. These confrontations lead to the ultimate fight, and Jed and Poncho are faced with some hard choices: will they surrender the gold they worked so hard for or will they resist to the point of shedding blood to keep what is rightfully theirs?

THE GRAPHITTI WALL HOW DID JOSHUA DO TO CAPTURE THE CITY OF JERICHO? HOW WOULD YOU REACT IF YOU WERE TOLD TO DO THE SAME THING? SEND YOUR ANSWER TO THE QUESTION AND YOUR PHOTO TO publish@believemag.co.za & YOU COULD SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT ISSUE

THE FOLLOWING QUESTION WAS ASKED AND ANSWERED... “IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON AN ISLAND WITH THE LAST PERSON ON EARTH - HOW WOULD YOU LEAD THEM TO THE LORD?”

LLOYD PEARCE

“I would simply give what I have received.

I’ve received love so I’ll give love. I’ve received mercy so I’ll give mercy. I’ve received grace so I’ll give grace. Then, the goodness of God will lead them to repentance.”

CARLA STEENKAMP

“I would firstly pray for his/her salvation and for God to shower them with His love–and I’ll tell that person how to have eternal life by accepting Jesus as his/her Saviour!

LEON DU PREEZ

GIDEON JONES

I would first show him God’s awesome creation by day and then creation by Night... we are the living Bibles people should read...

EON DE BRUIN

It is impossible to convince someone to believe in God. But it is possible to show someone that God does exist by the way you live your own life and how you treat other people. Jesus didn’t say that we should tell everybody about the light. He said that we should shine our light. We are His witnesses.

“I would serve and love the person and live a Christ-like lifestyle”

FREE STUFF FREE STUFF FREE STUFF

GIVE-AWAYS • GIVE-AWAYS • GIVE-AWAYS • GIVE-AWAYS

SMS your name, address and the ‘key word’ under each give-away to 33528. All names will go into a draw and the winners will be published in the next issue of Believe Mag. SMS’s cost R3.00. Once Give-Away Winners are announced, the decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Loved – Stories of Forgiveness –by Rebecca St James

We have two complimentary copies of Rebecca St James’ book ‘Loved- Stories of Forgiveness’ available to give-away. Courtesy of Christian Republic Keyword: Rebecca

Here we Go –Enhance

5 lucky readers can win copies of Enhance’s debut album: Here we Go. Courtesy of Enhance Music Ministries Keyword: Enhance Keyword: Enhance

LP Louw We have 5 complimentary copies of Lp Louw’s debut album available to give-away. Courtesy of LP Records.

Keyword: Louw

Banele Mahlangu 5 lucky readers can win copies of Banele’s debut album: ????

Courtesy of ??? Records Keyword: Enhance Keyword: Banele

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just for fun

the light side BIBLE TRIVIA Q. What kind of man was Boaz

before he married?

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in

the Bible?

A. Ruthless.

A. Samson. He brought the house down.

Q. What do they call pastors in

Germany?

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his

children as to why he no longer lived

in Eden?

A. German Shepherds.

A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. Who was the greatest financier

in the Bible?

A. Noah. He was floating his stock while

everyone else was in liquidation.

Q. What was the greatest female

financier in the Bible?

A. Pharaoh’s daughter. She went down

to the bank of the Nile and drew out

a little prophet.

Q. Which servant of God was the most

flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?

A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments

at once.

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially

wealthy?

A. The area around Jordan. The banks were

always overflowing.

FUNNY SIGNS

WORD SEARCH Can you FIND ALL THESE ARTISTS /BANDS IN OUR WORD SEARCH?

Riana Nel

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BELOW are their names.

Circle the name. (It can run forwards, backwards or even diagonal on the Word Grid. )

Enhance Leign Nash Third Day Riana Nel Ontkiem Underoath Jeremy Camp Relient K Switchfoot POD David Crowder Thrice Adie Camp Hillsong United Avalon Casting Crowns Plumb

Q. Who is the greatest baby sitter

mentioned in the Bible?

A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very

deep sleep.

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?

A. Joshua, son of Nun.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in

the Bible?

A.

Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David’s Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

train your brain & stand a chance to win A DVD Stand a chance to win one of 3 Tornado DVD’s from www.christianmovies.co.za.

CROSSWORD

Simply fill out this crossword, then write the yellow letters in the space below. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word. Then SMS your name and answer to 33528. SMS costs R1.50.

a journey of healing From the director of “Faith Like Potatoes” A film by Regardt Van Den Bergh

and the Kalahari horse whisperer

a n d t h e K a l a h a r i Ho r s e Wh i s p e re r Inspired by a True Story DANNY

KEOGH

QUENTIN

KROG

LEÁN

VAN DEN BERGH

PETER LAMBERTI PRESENTS TORNADO AND THE KALAHARI HORSE WHISPERER A FILM BY REGARDT VAN DEN BERGH IN ASSOCIATION WITH ANSIE NEL & ANITA ERASMUS PRODUCTION DESIGNER KAREL FLINT COMPOSER BRAAM DU TOIT EDITOR RONELLE LOOTS DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY LEE DOIG SCREENPLAY DARRON MEYER EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS ANSIE NEL - JOHAN R NEL - ANITA ERASMUS PRODUCER PETER LAMBERTI DIRECTOR REGARDT VAN DEN BERGH www.tornadothemovie.com

CROSSWORD CLUES ACROSS 1. The collective name for what Jesus died for – our ____ (4) 7. When you tell others about Jesus, you are ___ in their future. (9) 10. We are called to preach it. The _____. (6) 11. Making a mistake. (3) 14. When you stand your ground, you _____ in battle with the enemy. (6) 15. Skilful people are endowed with many ______ (7) 16. You cannot ______ the Father’s love. It’s a free gift. (4) 18. The set man / head of the Apostolic church. (7) 22. For God so loved the _____ (5) 23. When we don’t tell the truth. (3) 24. A farmer has to ____ seeds in order to reap a harvest. (3) 25. A mature Christian is one who has put works to his faith and ____. (5) 27. The Overseeing shepherd in the local church. (6) 29. Sins that we hold onto are known as _____ sins. (3) 30. Adam’s son that brought the best sacrifice. (4) 32. Jesus _____ for our sins. (4) 34. He is a person who is _____ places because He has God’s favour. (5) 35. A person that does the Word is a _____ .(4) 36. We cannot sustain ourselves indefinitely on the ____ of the Word. (4) 37. We develop our ____ through hearing the Word of God. (5) 40. One method for speaking to God. (4) 41. We should ____ no man anything except to love him. (3) 42. Jesus died on the _____. (5) 43. An Educator. (7) 44. The Word can ____ anything when you put it to work. (5) 45. Christians should be feasting on the ____ of the Word. (4)

Based on true life events, Tornado and the Kalahari Horse Whisperer - tells the story of two damaged souls: Pierre, a depressed young man, and Tornado, an emotionally tormented horse. Sensing Tornado’s potential, Pierre travels to Noenieput, in the Kalahari, to find Barrie Burger, a horse whisperer. With Barrie’s advice, Pierre and Tornado embark on a journey of healing and self discovery, one that will change their lives forever.

DOWN 1. If you meditate on the Word and do it, you will have good ____. (7) 2. ______ up the gifting on the inside of you. (4) 3. Ready for the Master’s ___. (3) 4. Something we sing. (4) 5. Remove all trace of sin. (4) 6. We are all called to go and ____ everyone about Jesus. (4) 8. Containers that hold matter. (7) 12. When you are discouraged- use the Word to _______ yourself. (9) 13. When the disciples encountered the Storm, Jesus told them only ____. (7) 19. Before God does a work, He speaks through His ______ to establish the

principle in the earth. (7) 20. How will people hear without a preacher. How will people go if they are

not ______. (4) 21. A travelling preacher ( A five-fold ministry office). (10) 25. The Gospel is _______ to those who are perishing. (4, 4) 26. You and I. (2) 28. Take on a son / daugher permanently. (5) 31. If a word is from God, it will always ______ you– never condemn you. (5) 33. One of the devil’s methods to distract you from your purpose on earth is

to ________ you and make you an ineffective Christian. (7) 38. I pray above all else that you will prosper and be in ______ just as your

soul prospers. (6) 39. Man shouldn’t live by _____ alone but by every Word that proceeds from

the mouth of God. (5)

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Fancy yourself a writer. Send your article /

Poetry and photo(s) to publish@believemag.co.za.

This article was sent in by KARINA KRYNAUW from Pretoria

PHOTO: KARINA KRYNAUW ON THE RIGHT

God is interested in the small details of our lives!

F

ood is one of those God-given mercies that I truly appreciate.

I am not normally bothered about what is on my plate, just that there is something. I am not overweight, but I am a handful of kilo’s away from my ideal weight after this year’s winter.

Now, everyone knows that God wants you take all your troubles to Him. He wants to know about all the things that bother you and that make you happy, no matter how big or how small. Who of us truly grasps this concept?

Here is my story about God’s care.

Even for the little things: In the 2009, after many failed exams, repeated subject, tears, prayers and sleepless nights, I reached my final year. After five years of struggling through my three year degree, I have reached the final exam with only two papers between me and my Bsc. My exam table is well spaced and I have enough time to study the heaps of information. I also have more time to spend with God without the normal rush of student life to distract me.

Normally my prayers are not assisted by fasting. I could not understand how my eating habits could intervene in my prayers.

I also know that in the back of my mind I was thinking of losing weight. Having heard and seen countless testimonies on the subject it had been something that occupied my thoughts.

In the beginning of my exams I go to God in my quiet time. I had many questions that I brought to Him and I sat picking out random verses. Fasting was among the subjects in question. If I do not eat, I will not be able to study. If me fasting was for a specific prayer that I hoped to see a breakthrough in and I am thinking about losing weight, then it is truly a useless exercise.

The message I received was something like, “Well, why didn’t you just tell me you want to lose weight! You can make it part of your mission. As far as your studies go, don’t fast the whole day.

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It is the idea that counts and you need your strength to get your degree. I have big plans for you! Don’t worry about it. I will take care of everything. Your willingness is all I need!”

It was not easy and I admit that I was sceptic, but I soon got into the groove of things. Every day during my quiet time, God would reward me with insights and motivation. God knows that I was, in truth, shamefully shocked when I realised that my scepticism had held me back.

Remember that I am still writing exams and I am not among the top academic minds on campus. On the day of my second to last exam paper I hit panic stations. When I stress I get hungry and this day pushed me to the max. I am praying as much as I am studying, counting the minutes to 19h00 when I write. Also keep in mind that I am fasting. On that day I was told to fast for myself, for my exam. I am strained, since my normal method of stress relief is not available. I pray to God to take my hunger away so that I don’t get tempted into breaking the fast. I need to pass my exam and I know that I can not do it without God’s help!

By lunch time my stomach is in a knot, but I am studying and focused. Soon the worst hunger passes, but I know that it will come again before it was time to break my daily fast. Throughout the morning I had only left my room once, taking short breaks to do some stretches to keep my blood flowing.

The next moment our house-keeper walks into the room bearing a tray. In the middle of a white plate lies the lone, heated pie.

Such a simple thing. In the time that it took me to register that she had brought me lunch I felt that God was smiling.

“You have done well and made Me proud. Don’t worry about your exam tonight, my child, I have it all under control. Today we will make an exception, so eat up, you are going to need it. Relax and study hard.”

I could hardly contain my smile. I thanked our housekeeper and I offered thanks to God for the food, twice.

LYRICS AND GUITAR CHORDS The man you want me to be D5 I played the fool so long... thought I was so strong A#5

F5 all the while You knew it wasn’t true D5 rerunning in my mind memories of another time A#5 F5 when all I ever lived for was You Chorus D5 A#5 F5 Jesus make me the man that You want me to be D5 A#5 F5 Jesus make me the man that You want me to be I’ve been listening all my life words are spoken all the time I have heard the liars and the true voices twisting in the air sweetly sounding so unclear but nothing can replace a word from You

A child is but for so long turn around those days are gone nothing can replace the years of youth I have swallowed lies that tasted true the plans I thought were sent from You when all You wanted was for me to be still Chorus Jesus make me the man that You want me to be Jesus make me the man that You want me to be

The Man You Want Me To Be

(Solo) A#5 the burning in the heart F5 of our deepest desire C5 is rising like a flame D5 burning higher and higher A#5 burning in the heart F5 of our deepest desire C5 is to know You the burning in the heart of our deepest desire is rising like a flame burning higher and higher burning in the heart of our deepest desire is to know You (Jesus) the burning in the heart of our deepest desire is rising like a flame burning higher and higher burning in the heart of our deepest desire is to know You (yeah)

Curteousy of www.ultimate-guitar.com. Photo: Curteousy of Phil Joel

Chorus

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