Parable_Issue 22

~CELEBRATING 6 YEARS OF PUBLISHING~

www.parable.co.za

EXCLUSIVE

The Gospel is One SOLLY MAHLANGU CARLY FIELDS LOYISO BALA THABISO MOKETHE MAHALIA BUCHANAN

FASHION MEETS GOSPEL

ARE YOU WILLING TO TAINT YOUR IMAGE? SISTERS IN MUSIC Zarcia Zacheus, Phuthuma Tiso & Ntokozo Mbambo Mbatha

Music in me!

HE IS THE VOLUME 6, ISSUE 22

Should Women Preach?

HELP! I LOVE MY HUSBAND, BUT I LOVE ANOTHER MAN TOO!

South Africa R24.90 (incl vat) • Other Countries R21.84

64 He is the in me!

CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE

5 Upfront with Solomon 6 Class Act with Zoe 8 We Got Mail 9 Inspirational Tweets &

Our Reader Debate 10 News & Views 12 Seen & Heard 39 Subscription Page 46 Book Profile: Redeeming the Past 60 Off the Shelf: Music, Books,

Movies, DVD Reviews 56 TechNow: Ever Advancing Technology 78 On the Move 82 Spa of the Month: Verona Day Spa 84 On Location 90 Travel - An Untouched Sanctuary 92 Soul Sista: Are You Willing to

Taint Your Image?

COVER STORY 30

1 Gospel Presenters – Loyiso Bala, Mahalia Buchanan, Solly Mahlangu, Carly Fields and Thabiso Mokethe

CONTEMPLATION 40

42 48

Fiction: Help! I Love My Husband, but I Love Another Man Too! - Part 2 Can a Divorced Person be a Pastor?

Still a Virgin, this Pastor Walks the Talk

BEAUTY & FASHION 20 22 36

The Secret to Beautiful Skin So Printastic Fashion meets Gospel

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

58 In His Name: Free from Fear 66 Dr Nkosazana

Dlamini-Zuma gets Nostalgic 67 It’s Within You! 72 When Charities

Mean Business 86 A Timeless Tribute

for ‘Tata’ 87 Pastors are Hurting

76

BUSINESS & WORKPLACE 50

Small Business - Does One Size Fit All?

FEATURES

14 72 “The Greatest peril in America is prayerlessness behind pulpits” BISHOP TUDOR BISMARK

52

“The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it” ALBERT EINSTEIN

14 38 54 62

64

68

Should Women Preach?

Meet the King of Comedy Invaders–SA Breaks New Ground Talking Woman: Ambassador for Christ - Cindy Mabaso Talking Man: From Idols to No Limits - Lloyd Cele Sisters in Music

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

43 Joint Finances?

44 The Most Misunderstood Man on

Earth - Jesus, the Unknown Royalty 52 Religion vs. The Kingdom 83 What is God Trying to Show Me? 88 Go.Be.Free

PARENTING 74 75

One Melody at a Time Should I Breastfeed or Not?

INSPIRATION 18

Choosing to Persevere

HEALTH 76

77

20 “Jesus didn’t come to earth to bring us a religion, He came to give us a Kingdom” DR MYLES MUNROE

FOOD 80

Christmas Plan to keep the Weight Off Healthwise for a Healthier You On a Lighter Note

COMPETITIONS 19 47

Face of Parable: Top 3 Wedding Photography

On the Cover In this issue, we feature Pastor Solly Mahlangu, Carly Fields, Loyiso Bala, Thabiso Mokhethi, and Mahalia Buchanan - all presenters on 1 Gospel TV. Read more about them on Pages 30 - 35.

EDITORIAL TEAM FOUNDER, CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR Solomon Izang Ashoms – solomon@parable.co.za Mobile: 082 212 9438 CO-PUBLISHER & CHIEF EDITOR Zoe Molapisi

Meet & Greet SOME OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS

STAFF WRITERS Adelani Ogunrinade, Thulile Gama, Lerato Princess- Teresa Mashego FASHION STYLIST Lindani Ndwandwa WEBMASTER Taona Tondoya, Ginio Media tondoya@giniomedia.com ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Lazola Ndyamara - (011) 704 9160 lazola@parable.co.za SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES parablesubs@RNAD.co.za digiital subscriptions - www.parable.co.za PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Russell, Sundowner Studio (Editorial Team) Leanne Morais (Food) Other images: Respective Authors, www.123RF.com REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Astell Collins, Adelani Ogunrinade, Kate Kardol, Nopasika Mjekula, Lesley Cartwright, Delight Nonhlanhla Mondlane, Thato Mathe, Tsakani Mageza, Mmoneng Gwebu, Lindani Ndwandwa, Nomcebo Miya, Mahalia Jackson, Vicky Somniso, Dr Myles Munroe.

Astell Collins is the C.E.O. of Astelley’s Pen Empire as well as the President of the BD1 initiative, ‘becoming the change I seek’. Originally from Guyana, South America and now a resident of Johannesburg, Astell is an author, poet and motivational speaker. His mission is to take you on a journey of self-discovery to identify and develop your TAGs (talents, abilities and gifts), empowering you to maximise every opportunity. It has evolved from being just an organisation into a guiding philosophy and an unstoppable movement.

Lesley Cartwright is a conceptual thinker, a vibrant mix of creativity and soul with over 20 years experience in the print graphic design field – for various businesses, ministries, and publications. She has designed, edited, written copy for and co-ordinated a host of magazines, newsletters, and a newspaper. She has a heart for the King, His Kingdom and to see the planet colonised with God’s Government. She, together with her husband Andrew, want to use their platforms of writing and design, and other media that they are involved in, to promote the message that Jesus preached - Matthew 10:7 “As you go, proclaim this message, the Kingdom of God has come near” (NIV).

PRODUCTION TEAM ART DIRECTOR, LAYOUT & DESIGN, SUB-EDITING Lesley Cartwright, Outloud Media lesley@outloudmedia.co.za, (011) 875 2216 PROOFREADING Lerato Princess- Teresa Mashego Nevelia Moloi and Andrew Cartwright PRINTING Colorpress, Johannesburg, (011) 493 8622 DISTRIBUTION On the Dot Distribution

EDITORIAL OFFICE PUBLISHER Parable Media & Publishing House 1st floor, Block C, Meadowbrook Business Estate, Jacaranda Ave, Olivedale, Johannesburg, South Africa P.O. Box 411634, Craighall, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2024.

Office Telephone: (011) 704 9160 E-mail: info@parable.co.za Facebook: Parable Mag / Page: Parable Magazine Twitter: ParableMagazine Web: www.parable.co.za Unless previously agreed in writing, Parable Magazine retains all rights to all contributions, whether in image or text, and reserves the right to edit articles for length or grammar. Views expressed in articles, columns and advertising do not necessarily represent those of the editors and/or editorial or production team.

OUR MISSION Parable Magazine aims to provide a quality, valuebased publication that is real, relevant and relational, and inspires our readers to live empowered lives.

Lindani Ndwandwa is a Celebrity Stylist and Image Consultant that is well known for making Celebrities look good at events. His clients Include Sophie Ndaba, Penny Lebyane, Katlego Danke and many more. He dresses stars from actors to gospel stars... He is responsible for designing Joyous Celebration costumes and for artists such as Dominion, Jabu Hlongwane and Patrick Duncan. He is incredibly talented and boldly loves the Creator.

Nopasika Mary-Jane Mjekula is a writer and business analyst by profession and an emerging businesswoman.

She is passionate about living and helping people come to life and live a fulfilling, meaningful and purposeful life. She continues to learn, live and share her life with those in need.

She studied IT and has channeled her studies to Quality Assurance in software development and later studied Business Analysis. She resides in Centurion.

Robert Russell began his career as an Industrial Engineer.

During a sabbatical from engineering, Robert worked at a local church where he discovered his passion for photography. His lucid love for the art form influenced Robert’s decision to pursue a career as a full-time professional photographer. His keen eye for beauty and exceptional talent has afforded him the opportunity to travel to some of the most interesting continents on assignment. To date, the business owner and senior photographer at Sundowner’s studio is revered around the world as one of the leading concert and event photographers.

Upfront with Solomon Izang Ashoms 6 Reasons Why You Don’t Need to Go to Church

W

hile church attendance is fast growing in certain parts of South Africa and Africa, from Cape to Cairo, from Madagascar to Morocco, the need for regular church attendance is enormous. Since I was a little kid all I know is church. My family has a very strong tradition with church attendance, but sometimes it’s done out of a sense of religious obligation – “fulfilling all righteousness” you may say. And trust me, sometimes I just don’t feel like “churching”.

Here are some good reasons why you don’t need to attend church on Sundays or any other day: 1 | Attending Church as a religious duty: Church attendance doesn’t make you God’s favoured and beloved. It’s more than that. Anytime you attend church, make sure your spiritual and character growth gets a boost.

2 | Attending Church only when you have a problem: Many times we get people who only attend church when they are faced with challenges and difficult situations in life. God is always there to help, but we also expect you to show some degree of faithfulness.

3 | Attending church as a social event: Yes, some of us do this. Well, why don’t you try the Oscar or Grammy Awards red carpet with your classy looking outfit? If you need attention, don’t go to church, go to Jesus.

4 | Attending Church to score a husband or wife: This one is popular with single people. And over and over again many lives have been broken because of the wrong choices in this area. Let God do the mate picking for you.

5 | Attending church to network and get business deals: A growing trend because of the rich human resources in churches. Remember Jesus kicking out business moguls from His temple? Be careful.

6 | Attending church because of guilt: “There’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. Your consistent church attendance will not just take away the guilt, but build you into a progressive disciple of Christ.

So, that said, the new issue you’re holding right now is rich with music and business elements, an area in which the church needs to exercise more influence. As we profile One Gospel TV presenters and three talented music sisters, feel their pulse, it all started in church! The time to harness and use music to extend positive influence over our society is now.

Enjoy our rich collection of articles covering the area of family, relationships, business, health, finances and discipleship. We hope these articles will not only entertain you, but inspire you to leap into 2013 with great confidence and hope. Watch out for our Christians Of The Year Awards 2013 coming soon, a celebration of Godly and value-based leadership.

Merry Christmas.

Solomon Izang Ashoms

FOUNDER & EDITOR

@solomonashoms

Solomon Izang Ashoms

Class Act with Zoe Molapisi He Upholds the Universe

by His Great Power

W

hen I think about the loving God that we serve, I am completely humbled by the contrasting leadership style that Jesus portrayed during His time here on the earth, in comparison to that of the religious leaders of the day. The difference was clear in that He, who had enormous power, who could call upon legions of angels at a moment’s notice, chose to be born in a manger, in someone’s shed, in the middle of the night.

He didn’t trumpet His arrival or try to turn Himself into a brand. No, He quietly humbled himself and walked among us. He was the friend of sinners and outcasts. He wiped away tears, healed the hurting and wasn’t chasing fame or glamour. Around Christmas time, I get really nostalgic and I like to take in all the sights and just reflect on the radiance of His Glory.

This year, as you decorate your Christmas tree or buy gifts for each other, remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

With the world trying to over commercialise it, Christmas seems to have lost its meaning.

Consider this man called Jesus who upholds the Universe with His great sustaining power (Hebrews 1:3), yet He calls us friends and precious sons of God. When I comprehend how a great God could lay down His life for me, I just fall down on my knees and begin to bless Him. In this issue, we are faced with the ageold question – Should women preach?

I like what u Sis Pearl Kupe says in her article in answer to this: “Although we must respect our men, we must never accept that we are lesser beings. We must flourish in the image in which God made us and function effectively in our role as women”.

If I could sing like the stars, I would probably do it more often, but when it comes to the music business, I think I will leave it

up to the likes of Zarcia Zacheus, Phuthuma Tiso and Ntokozo Mbambo Mbatha, our Sisters in Music. We interview Lloyd Cele, who shares with us his love for music as well as his future plans in “From Idols to No Limits”.

Stepping out on a platform can be scary for some, but for Pastor Solly Mahlangu, Carly Fields, Thabiso Mokethe, Loyiso Bala and Mahalia Buchanan, it’s what they do best. These One Gospel TV presenters are featured on this issue’s cover and they are definitely making their mark in the entertainment industry.

In my article, Small Business - Does One Size Fit All?, I discuss the pros and cons of Entrepreneurship. Before we begin any new endeavour, we need to first count the cost (Luke 14:28). To become an entrepreneur, we need to shift our mindset from that of “employee” to that of “employer” which can be quite a challenge at first. I like something that Dr Myles Munroe said: ‘We are not created to be employed, but to be deployed’. I think this is pertinent, because if we keep on thinking like followers, we will never become effective leaders or agents of change. Speaking of Dr Munroe, be sure to check out his article on Religion vs. The Kingdom. It is a “must read”, and I believe it really helps put our original purpose back into perspective.

As the year comes to an end, I cannot help but think how faithful God has been to me, my family, this magazine and in my business… I’m sure you can agree with me that there is no God like our God. As you journey to your holiday destinations or simply stay at home, I want to wish you a safe trip, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

All the best, take care!

Zoe Molapisi CHIEF EDITOR & CO-PUBLISHER

Follow Zoe on Twitter @zoe_molapisi and on Facebook– zoemolapisifanpage

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Above are the covers of our last 4 issues! Don’t miss a copy, turn to page 39 to find out how to subscribe.

STAR LETTER I couldn’t put it down

The first time I opened the magazine I did not want to put it down, every chance I got I would read it. When I started reading it seriously I read page by page which I never did with other magazines before. I must say you have covered every area which is awesome & very productive indeed. Keep up the good work. I’m looking forward to the next issue. Lolita Walters CONGRATS LOLITA, YOU HAVE WON A REVLON ILLUSION HAMPER

Love it!

Hi, I love the impact u are doing in our lives may GOD SUSTAIN U PARABLE MAGAZINE. John Motivator Zwane

Don’t judge a book

Someone said to me “Phumlani, do not judge a book by its cover”............my response was “I dont even look at the book”.............but this is such a good read, fresh and relevant.

Keep up the good work and the love for Christ going. Phumlani

What Stores?

I would just like to know in what stores are you distributing your magazine?

Would really love to get my hands on a copy. Thank you so much and kind regards, Roxzanne ED’S NOTE: Hi Roxzanne, Parable Magazine is being distributed at CNA, Exclusive Books, and Gospel Direct. If you don’t find a copy, please drop us a line at info@parable.co.za.

Found what I’ve been looking for.

I have been looking for Christian magazines for a while now

and was so happy when I saw the advert for this magazine (Parable) on 1 Gospel. I would like to subscribe and would like to know how much it costs. Can you please tell me as well of your other Christian magazines.

Thank you and have a blessed day, Nomalanga Mhlongo ED’S NOTE: Hi Nomalanga, To subscribe to Parable Magazine, we have provided a detailed Subscription Form for your convenience on Page 39. It has all the subscription options. We are also introducing a digital subscription from this Issue on our website.

Write to us– share your views, comments, stories, testimonies and favourite moments! Have your Say, and your Star letter could get you a Revlon illusion Hamper filled with 2x 50ml Eau de Toilette Spray, 250ml Perfumed Body Lotion, and 90ml Perfumed Body Spray.

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8 www.parable.co.za

INSPIRATIONAL

TWEETS Toni Tomlin

@tonit1958

“GOD is the reason why even in pain, I smile; in confusion, I understand; in betrayal, I trust; and in fear, I continue to fight”.

Bishop Dale Bronner @BishopBronner “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so the necessary may speak!”

Retweeted by Belinda Otas

Keith Craft

@KeithCraft

“I love You Jesus! Thank You for giving Your life so that we can have life and live more abundantly! Thank You for the gift of life today:)”

Paula White

@Paula_White

“We have 2 stop looking 4 something from the outside 2 fix what’s on the inside. Allow God’s love to pierce thru pain u carry & heal any hurt”. pennylebyane

@ThePhlyOne “Pursue ur dreams without fear, wt determination no matterwhat, Rise when they pull u down always.

Keep ur eyes on the prize like Caster!”

Zenande Mfenyana @Zenande_Mcfen “Remind me oh Father that it is by Your grace and Your grace alone that I am where I am 2day”.

Real Black Pearl

@PearlThusi

“Whenever I think of God, I always imagine big, gentle and loving hands. I never remember the colour”.

Dear Man, When a woman dresses as to purposefully draw your attention to either her butt or boobs you can bet there is going to be trouble.

Don’t date her.

Sincerely, Character loving brother.

Tebogo Nombulelo Mbambo - Amen to that Nkanyiso Ncube - VIVA! to all brothers VIVA! Audu Jemimah - Very true nice 1, preach d word 4 d men 2 hear d truth...

Sthokozile Jeanette Maseko - realy guys? I beg to differ. Just saying..

Kgaogelo Mbanjwa - Yebo, yes.

Miranda Mabogwane - Maybe it’s her best asset and she just wants to accentuate it!

Minah Koela – I’m not sure if I miss read your points to me; you seem to always talk down on women. I think there is a lot that you could say as a Christian man to teach man to be godly in the way they treat women as their sister, mothers, aunts and daughters. Through out Christian history we have been subjects of man teaching on how to behave to dress to respect.

Man, especially in the African context, have not done what God expects them to do. To love care, provide, and lead. Correct me if am wrong. If so I’m sorry.

Nkanyiso Ncube - Sisi Minah so uthi they should flaunt it? ;-) Kahansim Lyakyil - Dats very right, man Tam Oforiokuma - If a woman does that it means that that is all she has got going for her and very little else. She won’t be helping herself much because she will attract vultures and hawks to her who will just scavenge and be off when their done with her. A serious minded fellow won’t be very interested in that, because life’s journey needs a serious female companion to walk side by side with him to approach it’s challenges together, and make the best out of life for their mutual benefit, enjoyment, and happiness.

Minah Koela - So many girls come from non Christian backgrounds and the way they dress needs much older women to care for them in helping them to dress appropriately. And from where I come from and the old African context, boos have are not a centre of attention. That’s why we breast feed any where and not hid, as for the bottom yes again none of these make you a bad wife, girlfriend when there is an understanding between the two parties.

Minah Koela - Boobs you can see English is not my ulwimi lokuthetha.

Ha ha ha ha Nkanyiso Ncube - I see...I was about to celebrate...hahaahhaha just kidding...

Angie Peter - I happen to have great boobs and a butt but when I dress it’s not 2 catch a man’s attention but it’s to look my best 4 myself, it’s God given and if a guy wants to look at me suggestively it’s not my problem but his.please phrase ur words correctly some of us self respecting females don’t take kindly 2 such.*just saying* Ayanda T Dladla - BOOM!!! LOL Nkanyiso Ncube - Ladies remember this was addressed to man *just saying* Sani Samuel – Is it only women that are bad? men nko? Let’s fight evil without taking sides.

www.parable.co.za 9

news

views

What’s making headlines?

Pope joins celebs, presidents on Twitter

TopTV airs advert promoting adultery TopTV has sold advertising space to website AshleyMadison.com, a dating service aimed at people already in relationships or marriages who are looking to have affairs.

The embattled pay-TV service, which recently underwent business rescue, is the only South African broadcaster airing an advertisement for the company, according to a statement issued by the dating site.

The controversial advertisement, titled AM Bedroom Frolic, sees a couple engaging in foreplay while the captions on screen read: “This couple is married. But not to each other.”

The commercial ends with the website’s address and the slogan: “Life is short. Have an affair”.

Noel Biderman, founder and CEO of AshleyMadison.com, said that the site has seen an 18% increase in sign-ups since the advertisement was first aired on TopTV in mid-October.

“Our membership growth in South Africa continues with over 120 000 members since June,” said Biderman.

Here is what some Channel24 users say about the advert: Judy Johnstone: “The advert is perhaps commercial savvy. But what if TopTV employees were found in the same position as the advert suggests!? Would they accept their husbands/wifes having affairs and

what message are we trying to give to our youth?!”

Andries and Sandy: “This is morally corrupt and totally irresponsible behaviour. These kinds of adverts are desensitising young minds especially, and will lead to an even more debased society, with more broken homes, more ruined children, more hate, more selfishness (you name it) in South Africa! Media channels should have the guts to say no to this kind of ad.”

Jimmy Meyer: “This is morally corrupt, reprehensible and an exploitation of the worst in man. It is in essence a complete departing from God and His ways. God will not be mocked, though this might succeed in the short term, there is judgement after death which will bring all things to light and this sin will be judged”.

Frank Naude: “We know these things do happen. To promote adultery shows how morally bankrupt we have become. This is even beyond porn – I look forward to the day TopTV finally becomes financially bankrupt as well. SA needs strong families, youth who feel secure and who can focus on growing up. We need honesty, love and we need to care for one another. We should say “no” to all forms of corruption.”

Source: gatewaynews.co.za

He already has a billion followers.

Now, Pope Benedict XVI will join the Twitter-sphere, tweeting from a personal account along with the world’s celebrities, leaders and ordinary folk.

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi made the announcement Thursday, saying details about Benedict’s handle and other information will come when the Vatican officially launches the account, perhaps before the end of the year.

The 85-year-old Benedict sent his first tweet from a Vatican account last year when he launched the Vatican’s news information portal, aimed at the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics. The new Twitter account will be his own, though it’s doubtful Benedict himself will wrestle down his encyclicals, apostolic exhortations and other papal pronouncements into 140-character bites.

Benedict, who writes longhand and doesn’t normally use a computer, will more likely sign off on tweets written in his name.

Source: charismamag.com

Students need equipping to live out calling at work — report CHRISTIAN STUDENTS ARE AWARE of a calling on their lives but may not be equipped to live out their calling at work, suggests the latest report released by Christian marketplace initiative Call42.

The report based on an online survey of 1 300 Christians, including more than 400 students, highlights a gap between most of the students’ perceptions that they are ready to serve God at work and the experience of working Christians. Only a quarter of all 1 300 respondents indicated that they are purpose-driven Christians living their calling in the workplace.

Working Christians identified a great need for career-oriented,

10 www.parable.co.za

Christian mentors and testimonies of what God was doing at workplaces. They said that diverse cultures and viewpoints at work are the greatest barrier to living out a God-given calling at work.

While it seems that churches have done a good job of cultivating an understanding of workplace calling in students, the students may not be adequately equipped to live it at work, says the report. Close to half the students surveyed said they have not heard of companies that apply Biblical principles, and more than half said they are not aware of any material or support that could help them to live out their Christianity at work.

The Call42 report suggests some and some books, that could assist action steps that could be taken in Christian students to prepare to live student ministry to prepare young out their calling at work. people for workplace Christianity.

Call42 aims to create awareness Suggested steps are: of the potential for marketplace • Inform students about Christianity in South Africa and to

available workplace highlight the issues and obstacles in Christianity resources, material the way of realising that potential.

and support.

To date it has published an execu• Tell them about the value and tive report, a demographic report,

role of marketplace ministry. a church leader report and the • Create awareness of Kingdom- student report. Company manag focused companies, i.e. ers and marketplace ministers will business role models. be addressed in further reports.

• Provide thorough teaching on Published findings are open for

the principles of vocation and public use and available on Call42’s calling. website where one can subscribe to The report lists a number of South receive future report notification.

African initiatives and organisations, Source: gatewaynews.co.za

Christian Leaders Respond to Obama’s Re-Election PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA won a second term as president after sweeping nearly all the battleground states, including Ohio, Tuesday night. Christian leaders who firmly oppose his stance on abortion and gay marriage have called on believers to pray for him as he leads the country for another four years.

“The Election is finally over and the votes have been cast. President Barack Obama has been re-elected as the President of the United States of America,” said Southern California evangelist Greg Laurie. “Now is the time to pray for our President for the great challenges that he will face in the days ahead.”

Results of the election quickly came in Tuesday night, state by state, with GOP candidate Mitt Romney winning the South and Obama carrying the Northeast.

By the end of the night, Obama surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed as he won the swing states of Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Ohio and Virginia. In total, Obama had 303 electoral votes and Romney, 206.

Obama also won the popular vote by more than 2 million votes, 50 percent to 48 percent.

“Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come.

I want to thank every American who participated in this election,” said Obama in his victory speech.

He said he plans to sit down with Romney to talk about how they can work together to “move this country forward.”

Romney called the president to congratulate him on his second victory. Thanking his supporters, he said in his concession speech, “I so wish – I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction, but the nation chose another leader. And so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation.”

Pro-life leaders, who deem Obama the most pro-abortion president in U.S. history, were disappointed in Obama’s reelection, but they expressed their resolve

to continue to fight for the unborn under the Obama administration.

“We need prayer now more than ever for our unborn brothers and sisters around the world facing death due to the policies of the Obama administration, and for those facing persecution for daring to spread the Gospel of Life,” said Human Life International President Father Shenan J. Boquet, in a statement. “May Our Lord Jesus Christ give us the strength to run the race and win the fight for life.”

Echoing that sentiment, Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, stated, “[W]e will continue the cultural progress that is so clearly on the side of life, as more minds and hearts embrace the unborn, as more abortion mills close, and as more women and men speak up about how abortion harmed them.”

Dr. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a preeminent evangelical, expressed deep concern, knowing where Obama stands on marriage and abortion.

“The election returns and voting data indicate that President Obama’s ‘evolution’ on the issue of same-sex marriage cost him nothing. That probably surprised both sides in that controversy,” he stated.

Obama announced in May that he supports same-sex couples marrying, marking a reverse from his previous support for traditional marriage.

“We must pray that God will change President Obama’s heart on a host of issues, ranging from the sanctity of unborn life to the integrity of marriage,” Mohler exhorted. “We must push back against his contraception mandate that tramples upon religious liberty. Given the trajectory of his first term in office, we are urgently concerned about a second term, knowing that the President will never again face the electorate.”

The Southern Baptist further called on Christians to pray that Obama will lead in a spirit of national unity and mutual respect.

“He has won a second term, now he must rightly lead.”

Well-known pastor and author Max Lucado, meanwhile, reminded Christians of God’s sovereignty.

“Let others lose sleep over the election.

Let others grow bitter from party or petty rivalries. Let others cast their hope with the people of the elephant or the donkey.

Not followers of Jesus. We place our trust in the work of God,” he wrote in his blog.

“How many kings has he seen come and go? How many nations has he seen stand and fall? He is above them all. And he oversees them all. So, while others get anxious, we don’t. Here is what we do: we pray.” Source: Christianpost.com www.parable.co.za 11

Seen

Heard

What’s happening?

Parable Editor and Founder interviews World Class Athletes at the 2012 London Olympic Games Solomon Izang Ashoms the Founder and Editor of Parable magazine recently covered the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Solomon has a wonderful pedigree of African sports reporting. Originally from Nigeria, he has worked with 2K Plus International Sports Media as a journalist at the 2004 & 2008 Olympic Games, 2002, 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, 2003 All Africa Games, 2005 & 2007 World Championships in Athletics, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games and 2010 FIFA World Cup. His interviews normally cover issues of faith, winning, losing, team work, ethics, cheating in sport, church outreaches and evangelism.

During the recent Olympic Games in London, Solomon

Solomon with Serena Williams

covered the whole games and got to report to radio stations and websites around the world. Over the years he has covered Christian outreaches and church events and has also met and interviewed world class athletes like Chad Le Clos, Natalie du Toit, Usain Bolt, Serena Williams, Haile Gebresalassie, etc. Source: www.2kplus.org.uk

URBAN BREW STUDIOS has launched a new home-grown gospel channel called Dumisa TV. The channel, which is aimed at the traditional and indigenous South African church market, was officially launched on November 13 on DStv Channel 340.

Dumisa TV gives a unique insight into South African church culture and will air the most popular churches across the region, says a press statement released by the channel. The channel seeks to define a space and platform for South African churches, especially more traditional and indigenous churches. The content for the channel will consist of 70 per cent preaching and ministries, 15 per cent magazine-style programming and documentaries on church communities, and 15 per cent music.

Dumisa TV will feature a wide variety of shows catering for the traditional religious market. Some

shows include: Bokamoso – a youth show focusing on everyday issues affecting the youth, Meet Our Leaders – a talk show that deals with community issues and offers insight into different denominations, and I Believe – a show where people from all walks of life share their personal stories on how they came to know God. The main target market for the channel is South African church communities and audiences who are interested in traditional African churches and church services.

Although traditional churches make up a substantial segment of the Christian community in South Africa, they have been largely unrepresented until now. DUMISA TV will give traditional and indigenous African church denominations a voice in the broader South African broadcasting sphere.

For more info, e-mail: tshegot@urbanbrew.co.za.

Source: parable.co.za

Rise-Up Bible Church: Total Transformation

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he Total Transformation Ladies Conference was hosted by RiseUp Bible Church in Daveyton, where women got together to help each other and change their mindset on many things. The speakers came from different walks of life. There were psychologists, business owners, marketing experts and even some from government who shared on how to secure funding for your small business – all with the goal of transforming women’s lives.

Mam’ Ellen Motlafi, who hosted the event, shared with the women and urged them not to be jealous of one another, but to help each other bring change. She said the biggest disease amongst women is jealousy.

A psychologist, Nomfundo Mocapi, shared with the ladies on how to know their personalities and the ones of those they are around. That would help them know their strong points and weaknesses. Lebogang Monyatsi from Sanlam shared with them on how to handle their money wisely – she even said that she once went on a “financial fasting” and that helped her minimise

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her debts and she added that everyone should strive to be debt free and that debt could even hinder your relationship with God. Nondumiso Medupe, Managing Director of Idyebo Consultants, spoke on the challenges women face in the workplace and on how to stand their ground and not forget their primary responsibilities as mothers and wives. The GEP CEO, Philisiwe Twala-Tau, was also there to share with the women who want their small businesses to be funded by government. She spoke so elaborately that by the end of the event, most women wanted to be entrepreneurs!

The pastor of the church, Pastor Motlafi said, “It is good for the women to equip themselves as they play an important role in society. Women can build and destroy with their words, so if they can transform themselves to be better servants, then I am behind it wholeheartedly”. Mahalia Buchanon was there to grace everyone with her powerful voice, singing praises such as “Kubo bonke oTixo” and more. Parable Magazine gives this conference thumbs up. By: Thulile Gama

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FEATURE

Adelani Ogunrinade spoke to four women ordained in ministry who are making a difference in the lives of many. They make a strong case for why women should be allowed in the pulpit.

Should

WOMEN PREACH? 14 www.parable.co.za

Pastor Pushie Watson

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hrough her relentless commitment to serving God over recent years, Pushie ”Dunn” Watson has earned her stripes as a senior pastor. Her meteoric rise in the church mirrors the inner resilience and strength that has come to define her persona. ”I spent six years as a volunteer at Rhema Bible Church. I started off blowing balloons for the kids, looking after the children, serving tea and hosting conferences in the Church before enrolling for a full-time ministerial training diploma.

It took three years of preaching before I was finally ordained,”she recalls.

During her tenure as the head of the women’s ministry at the Rhema Bible Church, the lively Liberian-born pastor travelled around South Africa holding monthly conferences, where she made speeches that ‘inspired and uplifted’ women to find their purpose in life and make a difference. Her burning passion to empower women is evident in the compassion she shows for women who have been incarcerated.

Her focus is on fulfilling her God-given purpose with the same enthusiasm and charisma that made her a success in the entertainment industry.

Through her tireless efforts to turn their lives around she proves the seeming truth in the proverb that says, “A candle loses no light by lighting up another candle”.

Not only does she reflect the love and light of Christ by providing basic necessities for these women, she also leads the women’s Prison Ministry.”I absolutely love going to the prison to speak to the inmates. I’ve been there many times and I can tell you that the most anointing I ever felt during corporate worship was at the prison worshipping with the inmates. It felt like the roof was opening and the presence of God was pouring in. I always want to see women rise into their full potential, and some just

need encouragement or an opportunity,” says the 37-year-old woman of God. In an intimate talk with Parable Magazine, Pastor Pushie Watson shares how she feared watching her life dwindle by without finding her purpose and how she started preaching. She described how her early childhood interest in the Bible re-emerged amidst stardom and how she experienced a moment of epiphany when she started watching the Christian channel, TBN. “I started watching TBN and the more I watched it the more I could identify with what was being said and taught. I had such a deep hunger to be in God’s presence and to know Him more. The call was so strong that by the time I started Bible School you couldn’t pay me enough to go back to my old profession. All I wanted was to know God and his purpose for my life. When I got into Bible School, I began to preach to people about Christ. I was not preaching from the pulpit, but I would preach to anyone who cared to listen,” she recalls.

In her voyage to self-discovery, the young Liberian has been on the receiving end of much public criticism. Cleaning up her party-girl image came as a shock to many people, but the controversial television personality turned pastor has a nonchalant reaction to her critics. Her focus is on fulfilling her God-given purpose with the same enthusiasm and charisma that made her a success in the entertainment industry.

The old age adage has always been that men are the pastors and the elders. These days that fad is fast becoming a thing of the past. Our social climate encourages complete gender equality.

The biblical teaching in 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is often misunderstood. Some people take the misogynist view and interpret it to be that women are not allowed in the pulpit.

When reading this scripture or any scripture for that matter it is vital that we do so in pre-text, context and posttext. The women of that day were making a nuisance of themselves in that they were actually swopping recipes and gossip stories. The Apostle Paul told the husbands to keep their wives in check so that they did not get out of hand.

But, because this scripture has been misconstrued (partly due to the influence of patriarchal societies), women have not been allowed to fulfil their God-given mandates.

We have only begun to scratch the surface and untangle strands of truth on an issue that seemingly ceases to be visible in our modern society but still appears in the periphery in our local churches. Like Joyce Meyer, the women featured in this article are examples of female pastors leaving a mark in their societies and have an anointing to teach. If there is any unknown logical or biblical fact why women should not be allowed to teach, then the question is worth asking; why would God bless these women with the pedigree and the gifting if they are not allowed to use it?

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Pastor Susan Mhlanga

“

THERE IS NO STAR without a scar,” says Pastor Susan Mhlanga. A widow with two sons and a daughter, Pastor Mhlanga’s story bears testimony to the fact that any type of scar – emotional, physical, internal or mental can be healed by faith. After a failed suicide attempt, the Justified by Faith Ministry founder made a decision to rededicate her life to Christ at the age of 40”. When I rededicated my life to Christ in 2002 at Winner’s Chapel, Johannesburg, I learnt about faith from my spiritual father, daddy Bishop Oyedepo, and started praying for a change in my life and family,” she recalls.

“I had an encounter with God in 2009 when He changed my name to Sarah – mother of all nations – and the final signal came in October 2009 after attending an empowerment summit hosted by Bishop David Oyedepo. God spoke to me clearly – He said, “I want a generation justified by faith. Raise up women who will be agents of change and restoration through the word of faith to this lost generation,” she recalls.”Hence I was inspired to be a woman of God who will make the difference and groom women who will stand in the gap as God’s agents of change and ambassadors for Christ who will enact God’s restoration in the lives of the widow, physical orphans and those who have become “orphans” with living parents,” she added.

Determined to fulfil this prophetic

Pastor Mhlanga believes women can and should be in leadership roles in the church.

She believes women in the church should be unfazed by the culturally generated idea still held by some men that a woman’s place is in the kitchen. “Mary (mother of Jesus) was used by God to bring Jesus as a child into the world – two thousand years later, nations are still celebrating His everlasting presence”.

I want a generation justified by faith. Raise up women who will be agents of change and restoration through the word of faith...

mission, Pastor “Sarah” often finds herself evangelising to lost souls on the streets of Gauteng – she seeks to bring back dignity and purpose of life to these people whom society has shunned. As an ardent devotee of Usindiso Women’s Shelter, Pastor Mhlanga is passionate about counselling women who have been abused. Her spiritual walk with these abuse survivors gives proof to her burning desire to be Christlike.

As fearfully and wonderfully made creatures of the Most High, women should embrace their royal priesthood and enhance their status – not with their looks, but by recognising their excellent state in God and rule and reign without fear.

Dominion is equally our heritage, but we must remain in submission to God’s will,” she advises.

Through establishing her own ministry, Pastor Susan “Sarah” Mhlanga is pioneering an emerging movement of Christian women who are determined to broaden the horizons of God’s Kingdom on earth.

Reverend Pearl Kupe

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I AM BORN AGAIN, saved, sanctified; Holy Ghost-filled, Biblebelieving, empowered and a devil chasing Kingdom citizen”.

In these words, Reverend Pearl Kupe describes herself in a candid chat with Parable Magazine. With the courage of her convictions and the confidence to carry it off, Pearl Kupe epitomises the essence of a new breed of influential women highly active in the world of ministry. A bundle of unbridled energy, highly qualified, compassionate and charismatic, the Top Gospel host is building a formidable legacy. Her impressive accolades have literally set her 16 www.parable.co.za

before kings, presidents and ministers of many nations in Africa. She is well respected for her skills in legal mediation. Her academic background in issues pertaining to dispute resolution has made her relevant in the peacekeeping processes of many nations. “I have the DNA of God. His Word and Spirit dwell in me, so this means that I am empowered,” says the ordained minister of Hebrew’s Midwives Ministry.

Having been raised in Canada, Botswana and the USA, Reverend Pearl has an all-encompassing view on the fulfilment of potential. She studied in the UK and has lived in different >>

Evangelist Joyce Ndeda countries in Southern Africa – all of which have shaped the core of who she is today. In a somewhat reflective mood, the 52-year-old minister reveals to us that she was going down a road of self-destruction at a point in her youth before God spoke to her. “God spoke to me in a dream after a night of partying.

He told me if I didn’t change my ways, the devil would ensure that I died an unnatural death. I knew from that point God was going to use me and train me, but it was an evolving mandate over time”.

Women should not compromise having strong character. They should not abuse their level of influence, but should instead use it for God’s Kingdom.

Ever intent on opposing anything immoral and contrary to God’s biblical standards, Reverend Kupe sees herself as driving social change and making a positive impact in society. Her expertise as a qualified attorney and a deeply entrenched desire to put an end to women being degraded in modern society found expression in the proactive role she played in the banning of pornography on e-TV. Akin with her vision to ban pornography, this Bible Life Ministry graduate has made relentless efforts in how she has gone about opposing the legislation of prostitution in South Africa. She attains her moral courage from her 87-year-old mother who broke barriers at a time when women were not supposed to lead.

Reverend Kupe’s advice to women who aspire to emulate her is to be uncompromising about having a strong character. She believes women are powerful beings and they should not abuse their level of influence, but instead use it to build God’s Kingdom. “Anointing will take you somewhere, but it is character that will keep you there. Although we must respect our men, we must never accept that we are lesser beings. We must flourish in the image in which God made us and function effectively in our role as women”.

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oaring to even higher heights is a sensation Evangelist Joyce Ndeda is getting used to. Apart from her roles as an accomplished mentor, devoted mother and wife, her commitment to Eagles Christian Church Centre is Evangelist Joyce Ndeda’s greatest passion. Yet she holds the belief that God is more interested in a minister than the ministry. For many years she has ministered alongside her husband, Rev. Elias Ndeda and served as the head of the Women of Real Distinction (WORD) Ladies Ministry.

With a reputation for being modest in her speech but exceeding in her actions, Evangelist Ndeda is of the view that her acceptance of Christ into her life at the age of 15 was the greatest thing that ever happened to her, and is responsible for her focus and her confidence to carve out her niche in the world. From a God-fearing teen, the Kenyan native has matured into a fearless woman of real distinction who appears ready to put on her armour for spiritual warfare.”We are whole people in a broken world.

The external things are not what make us fail but it is the internal things - it is how you are inside, so it is crucial to be complete in Christ,” she says.

She uses her platform not only to educate women with God’s Word, but to galvanize a movement of women who are not afraid to assume leadership roles.

In her drive to help and empower others, she always tries to impart whatever knowledge and skills she has through the Women of Real Distinction (WORD) ladies ministry. Evangelist “Jay” as she is affectionately called is a visionary who is using her ministry as a platform not only to educate women on the Word of God but to galvanize a movement of women who are not afraid to assume leadership roles. She believes that a woman who is not strong and suffering from an identity crisis is more vulnerable to the attacks from the devil. Therefore, she offers her guidance to these women dealing with

issues ranging from addiction, physical and sexual abuse, marriage counselling, motherhood, life fulfilment and potential, and problems caused by low self-esteem.

Her therapeutic approach has been lauded by many women whose lives she has transformed. “My journey with Mum Joyce has been characterised with consistent growth in every aspect of my life. In a nutshell, I have really learnt that every woman has a story to tell but I must define that story by choosing to be distinct,” says Chipo NyamanhindiMushwana of Women of Real Distinction.

The ministry also provides an established Trust that can fund young ladies who wish to pursue an education, sponsor young women who wish to go for Bible training, support the elderly and widows in identified homes and supply food and clothes to disadvantaged families in Zimbabwe. “I fell in love with the people there and decided to support a number of families there,” says Mum Joyce.

With a bird’s-eye view of issues facing the spiritual formation of women, the Eagles Christian Church WORD initiator has established a spiritually healthy climate for Christ-seeking souls. The ministry aims to expand its operations to the rest of Africa.

INSPIRATION

How often have we started things but ended up not finishing with it? To win, we need to stay the course, we need to put ourselves under management and let go of our inconsistencies.

By Wendy van Eck

I

could not breathe; I was beginning to see spots in front of my eyes. I wanted to sit down with my entire thudding heart, stuff air into my lungs and head slowly towards the door unnoticed by the gym instructor.

I had not been to gym for two months and my body was not thrilled to be here either. I am not consistent in gym and had to pay a heavy price for it. I would not go for a month and then return for three or four times a week.

My inconsistency at the gym meant I could never reach an unswerving level of fitness. I would gym for six months, reaching physical fitness greatness, then miss two months and pretty much have to start all over again. My problem does not solely lie in my gym inconsistency but in other areas of my life as well.

I do not stick things out; I prefer to give up when things get hard, tedious or begin to feel like an unpleasant task. While I was gasping for breath this past week, I realised that God does not want me to be like this. I often forget that God wants us to be like Him, and He is consistent. If He starts tasks, He sees them through to

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV) completion. He is not “wishy washy”. God just keeps on going; He perseveres. I think God wants us to persevere too.

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God wants us to be individuals who commit to things; individuals who are consistent in everything we do. We need to decide to follow through on our goals, commitments and our everyday dreams.

When we follow through with this, we will begin to look more like God and that is something worth preserving. What do you need to change in your life to become a person who is more consistent?

Wendy van Eyck writes at ilovedevotionals.com, runs the 24 hr TV channel ONE Gospel & loves travelling with her husband. Follow her on twitter: @wendyvaneyck

COMPETITION

Face of

TOP 3

Go to www.parable.co.za and vote for a winner!

Here is your Top 3, which our judges have pre-selected. Now it is up to you, our reader, to vote for who you think is the Face of Parable. Vote for your favourite by clicking on the ‘VOTE’ button under their photo on the website. You can only vote once. Happy voting!

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3

BEAUTY TOUCH

The Secret to

BEAUTIFUL SKIN What are the beauty secrets of the glamorous celebs and models we see on television and in magazines? They all have access to professional makeup artists, sponsorships of the best cosmetics – and their pictures are “touched up” (Photoshopped or airbrushed) too! So what’s a girl to do if you want the same flawless look, but without the expense or effort? Beautiful, healthy skin is attainable – and it starts within! Here are some Parable beauty tips that are readily available. Compiled by Lesley Cartwright.

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EAT THE RIGHT FOODS A healthy diet is vitally important. Fruits and vegetables should be a big part of your daily food intake. Try to eat plenty of greens and keep coloured vegetables like pumpkin and carrots to a cup a day, especially if you are trying to lose weight as they contain starch. Keep sweet treats for special occasions. Keep takeaways (fried and fatty foods) to a minimum. It’s always better to bake, grill, sauté or broil your food.

Also try to include fish, chicken and turkey on a regular basis instead of too much red meat.

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2

REGULAR WATER INTAKE

By applying these simple beauty tips, you should soon see the rewards of your efforts.

With only a few minutes of pampering every day, don’t be surprised when you start enjoying admiring glances and endless questions over your beauty secrets!

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Beauty within starts with a regular intake of pure water. Reduce your consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages and drink a few cups of fresh, clean water every day. Herbal teas are also a healthy choice. You should soon see a visible difference.

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REDUCE SCARRING Scar tissue can result from acne, skin trauma or surgical incisions. Such skin conditions should be treated early, and various treatments are used, including not picking at pimples, washing gently, using suitable cleansers and moisturisers, applying antiseptic lotions, chemical peals, laser treatments, surgery and other treatments.

HIT THE GYM Regular exercise like gyming, jogging, walking, biking, swimming or other sports is not only enjoyable, but also beneficial. It increases the circulation and strengthens the body, helping to remove toxins from your system, which helps your skin care regimen by keeping skin toned and clear. And it can leave you feeling good too.

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KEEP IT MOIST Use a moisturiser made specifically for your particular skin, whether it’s dry, oily or a combination of both. It is vital to keep your skin well lubricated, handle it gently and apply moisturiser after bathing when the skin is still slightly damp and better able to retain moisture.

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CONTROL THE SUN

Contrary to the belief of some, black skin also needs protection from excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

Some moisturisers contain sunscreen, which is a useful combination.

Apply sunscreen daily to help prevent wrinkles and skin cancer.

Wear a widebrimmed hat if you’re planning to spend time outdoors.

DAILY CLEANSING It’s best to cleanse your face and wash off cosmetics twice daily, in the morning and at night, with a facial cleanser suited to your skin type. For dry skin, use non-soapy cleansers.

Soap often works best on oily skin.

There is a broad range of facial cleansers like moisturisers to choose from and they are generally affordable. Ensure that your face cloths and sponges are washed and replaced frequently to prevent excessive bacterial growth that could lead to skin problems.

Glycerine - the Wonder Oil? Pure glycerine can be used as an inexpensive and natural moisturiser for the skin. It is one of the major ingredients in moisturisers and lotions and its use has become increasingly popular. But are there any side effects and can it clog the pores of your skin? Research indicates that high concentrations of glycerine can lead to clogged pores and skin blistering. However, glycerine is soluble in water, so clogging is actually quite rare.

Dermatologists recommend using diluted glycerine and avoiding synthetic glycerin as they contain harmful chemicals. www.parable.co.za 21

So PRINTASTIC

FASHION

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LEATHER REVIVAL

Blue one shoulder leather dress with tribal print top R1600

It’s that time of the year again when it’s functions galore and a great way to end off 2012 is to turn heads your way. Lindani Styling has taken great classics and added that Je Ne Sais Quoi – Africa meets fashion forward elegance.

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GLAMOROUS JUMPING TO ATTENTION Tribal print one shoulder jump suit with R1200

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Wrap

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BRONZE BEAUTY

Bronze corset evening dress with brown detail R2000

TUTU PRINCESS

Maroon lace corset tutu dress R1500

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FAVOURITE HOSTESS One shoulder orange multi-colour printed dress R2000

Set

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Organza rust long sleeve blouse R590 with african print circle skirt R690

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HIGH TEA

Sea green high waisted pants R500 with printed blouse R490

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FROM THE CROWD A LACEY AFFAIR

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PHOTOGRAPHER: ALEX FROM GLOW STUDIOS, STYLIST: LINDANI NDWANDWA, MODEL: PRECIOUS MAKGARETSE, MAKE UP: PLAN B MAKE-UP

Regal

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PRESENTERS CLOTHING: SUITS FROM EUROPA SUITS, DRESSES: JJ SCHOEMAN - PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY ONE GOSPEL TV.

The GOSPEL IS ONE Coming from different backgrounds, brought together by the power of music and the love of God - Pastor Solly Mahlangu, Loyiso Bala, Thabiso Mokhethi, Carly Fields and Mahalia Buchanan tell us about the music that flows from within them. Music plays an enormous role in their lives as most of them are either musicians or working with musicians. Thulile Gama spoke to them to find out how music influences their daily lives.

30 www.parable.co.za

Thabiso

KEVIN MOKHETHI ACTOR, PRESENTER AND BUSINESSMAN

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habiso Kevin Mokhethi is not just an actor as many South Africans know him, but a presenter and a businessman too. He is blessed with creativity and he responds to anything that God puts in his way. He tells us that when he was growing up, he used to spin and breakdance to the tunes of Michael Jackson.

Although his wife and kids are his main priority, he believes in a Divine order, that God is his leader and he puts nothing or no-one else above God. “Even when I make business decisions, I make them in a manner that adds value to my family structure, without compromising my values”.

Thabiso says music, especially gospel music, has given him the opportunity to let his children experience God in an unintimidating manner; as they sing they become close to Him as He reveals Himself through music. “It becomes an independent relationship as I hear my daughter sing hymns without being propelled by us”.

“I love music and I listen to all types, for different reasons. Some for the beat and others for the message; all in all, I choose to listen to music that moves me”. Namhla Nkosi by Zaza Mokhethi is Thabiso’s life testimony.

Thabiso says, not only in music but in all art, a successful person is one who puts in work, one who is not conceited to learn from others, and most importantly, one who respects the audience by delivering quality music every time. Even in his life, Thabiso confirms that God means everything to him and spending time with Him strengthens their relationship. Thabiso agrees with one of Shakespeare’s quotes, “If music be the food of love...play on”.

THIS IS THABISO’S ADVICE IN A SONG

There is a love hidden inside your borders Just waiting to be free, just waiting to be free.

There is a hope hidden inside your borders Just waiting to be realised, just waiting to be realised.

So keep hoping Saint Francis, you’ll be a free man yet, You’ll see the sun shine again over your city streets.

“St. Francis” by Jesus Culture www.parable.co.za 31

Mahalia

BUCHANAN SINGER, MUSICIAN AND PRESENTER

M

ahalia grew up in Eldorado Park; the only girl with four brothers, she says it was fun growing up around boys. Her favourite song when she was growing up was Hero by Mariah Carey.

She gave us her testimony in a song, Shadow of your Wings by Ntokozo Mbambo. “I was close to death and God kept me safe in His arms. The first verse says, “I know a place I can always run to, I’m confident that I can always run to God, no matter what I go through”. Mahalia loves songs with a good message.

For Mahalia it started when she was singing for Pastor Benjamin Dube and later joined Joyous Celebration; these are the platforms that created the musician we all know. “I encourage any singer to join both of these powerhouses because they made a mark in my life”.

Being a great and powerful singer Mahalia has her favourite singers too. “Ntokozo Mbambo and Kierra Sheards, they minister and encourage me. Selflessly they pour out their hearts to God, and besides being such powerful ministers, these girls can sing.’. Mahalia shares her recipe on becoming a successful musician, since she has experience as a presenter and a musician. “Be true to who you are, stay humble, always appreciate the people who look up to you, embrace challenges and good times because they become songs that may encourage and uplift somebody. Make music for the world, so it can touch every corner of the world through your gift, if you put your heart and mind to it and trust 32 www.parable.co.za

God”.

When we asked her if she thought she could sing better than any musician, she laughed and politely said that she would not answer the question – but my opinion is, she was just being nice. She could have given us a long list if she wanted to. The humility comes from her life with God, she tells us that she cannot do anything without God; He is the reason she lives.

Mahalia does not understand why there are gospel singers that do not have a close relationship with God, and she says to them God is waiting for them.

To her, music is the best thing ever created; it is a story from the heart to hearts knitted together in the form of a melody. If you were one of those people who were waiting for her album, the wait is over; Mahalia is working on her solo album at the moment, which she agrees has been long overdue.

However, she is also currently busy with an organization she started called the Radical and Free Project, for young people. “We want to make the world a better place, encourage and mentor young people and help them become great people in society; encourage them that it’s not impossible to live your dream if you believe in it,” says Mahalia.

Mahalia’s advice in a song “Believe that through everything you go through it will get better.

I want you to already see yourself Out of the storm The clouds will move The time is yours to smile”.

“I believe” by James Fortune

Loyiso BALA

SINGER AND PRESENTER

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oyiso shares his life testimony with us in a song, ‘Great Is Your Mercy’ by Donnie McClurkin; he says this song reminds him of God’s faithfulness in his life and how God’s grace has kept him going over the years.

Apart from being a presenter on One Gospel, Loyiso is also going all over the country promoting his gospel album and DVD ‘Love Complete’. “Love Complete, my current project, speaks of the love that I have found in the Lord. Whenever I fell in love I wrote a song about it, but this time around I found a love so deep in Christ that I couldn’t help but write an entire album about it,” says Loyiso.

Loyiso’s favourite song is a song that has good lyrical content that touches the soul and has a melody that captures the heart. Jonathan Butler is Loyiso’s favourite singer.

“Not only is he a fellow South African who has inspired me by what he has achieved here and abroad, but he is also a perfect example of how God can use an artist to touch people through music in the secular and in the gospel field”.

He has been in the music scene for almost all his life, growing up in a musical family where music was their daily bread. “My family always sang together and I got to learn a lot about music from my mom and dad. They were known as the best singers in our community. My grandfather, who was a choral composer, always got us around the table to sing his new compositions before his choir practice later that day.” We asked his opinion of what makes a successful singer and this is what he said, “People out there have heard many great singers before. What will make you stick out is your own story/testimony. Find time in searching who you truly are and what it is that makes you differ-

from others. Then allow that part of you to shine.”

Being one of the best musicians in South Africa; he still does not compare himself with other singers; he thinks they are all called for different purposes and ministries.

But he strongly believes that if you sing gospel music, you need to have a strong relationship with the Author of Good News. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain”. “Without that relationship, it’s only a matter of time before you see that thing crumble.

Therefore the foundation should always be in Christ if you want to be successful; God should be the builder of everything”.

In his life experience, Loyiso knows the importance of having a healthy relationship with your Creator. “God is the source from which I draw all the nutrition for my life to survive. I’d be lost without Him. because it is He who directs my path. He is my Creator and the only being who knows the purpose and the reason for my existence”.

Loyiso’s wife must be one of the most grateful women in Mzansi – she is the first one to hear the beautiful songs from her man before the whole world listens to them. Loyiso says he likes to hear his wife’s opinions, because she has a good ear for music. He adds that if words are information, then music is transformation. This statement undoubtedly declares that music has the power to change lives.

This is Loyiso’s advice in a song “Try looking at tomorrow not yesterday, And all the things you left behind, All those tender words you did not say, The gentle touch you couldn’t find.”‘Dare to live’ Andrea Bocelli and Laura Pausini www.parable.co.za 33

Solly

MAHLANGU SINGER, PASTOR AND PRESENTER

H

e was born in Tembisa, a township in Gauteng, and grew up without a father and was raised by his mother and grandmother. He got saved at an early age and started singing publicly around the age of ten. This is a man that has kept Africa singing Obrigado like a national anthem – Pastor Solly Mahlangu.

His favourite song when growing up was Peanut Butter and Jelly by the Truthettes. Most of you will not remember the song, but in Mahlangu’s mind it is as new as a recent release. Pastor Solly’s testimonial song is Never Would Have Made It by Marvin Sapp. He has been singing for thirty-one years and says if he had listened to people’s opinions and what they thought of him, he would have not have been where he is today.

Songs that keep Pastor Solly going are the ones with a strong message accompanied by good rhythm. He would love to share the stage with Marvin Sapp, one day, due to his testimony and because he is a great worshipper.

He believes that a good musician is someone who understands their gift and knows how to use it well. However, they must be disciplined, very serious and committed to their career. He says when he performs or ministers, he always competes with himself, not anyone else so that he can be better than his last performance. Mahlangu defines gospel music as the voice of God that is understood by all nations, ethnicities, personalities, history and cultures, in all languages.

His relationship with God is not just important but it is everything to him.

“Without that relationship I don’t see how I will make it.” Pastor Solly stresses the significance of a relationship with God and he thinks those who sing about Him, but do not have a relationship with Him, are “treading on dangerous ground”.

His life is very busy at the moment as he is a husband, father, pastor, 34 www.parable.co.za

presenter, speaker and businessman, and all this needs a little more than a 24-hour day. “If I’m not at home spending time with my wife and kids, I am preaching or teaching at church, or in some production, in some meeting/interview, or travelling to some country or on stage at some event”.

Pastor Solly balances his busy life by having his priorities in order: “knowing the order of importance of things and not mixing them up”. God comes first, then his family and then work.

Mahlangu says artists should live a life that impacts people in a positive way since they influence the masses in their art; their behaviour should be measured since other people may try to emulate their lifestyle. “I have always loved to listen to what I would call ‘meaningful music’ – since I was very young, and the content was what I always wanted to understand and it has had a great impact in my life growing up,” says Pastor Solly. Music has the power to change lives and artists should not take that frivolously.

The power of gospel music is hindered by the lack of seriousness, and artists not practising what they preach with their music. Pastor Solly says it’s also the negative competition and the failure to revere the God we are singing about and singing to. Pastor Solly Mahlangu feels that being complacent is another contributing factor amongst gospel artists wanting to do it just for the money and not working towards leaving a legacy and impacting the generations to come. He says artists are not writing new songs as they hear them from God. He gives everyone the advice of giving their all to God, and He will make a way for them in all spheres of life. This is Pastor Solly’s advice in a song: Senginikela konke okwami, kuwe,kuwe,kuwe (I give my all to you oh Lord)

Carly

FIELDS PRESENTER

C

arly used to dance to the beats of Roxette and Michael Jackson when she was growing up. As much as she loves and lives for music, she unfortunately cannot sing. Carly tells us that every time she starts singing, her little girls remind her of how bad she sounds.

She was introduced to us at the age of 13 as a YoTV presenter, which was her first television job.

Carly has been presenting and entertaining the families of Mzansi for 17 years now. Her journey has been amazing, filled with plenty of travelling, but she does this with a smile because it is her passion – her God-given talent.

Carly is married and has been blessed with two beautiful “princesses”. We asked her which song would best describe the person she is and she said, “Shawn McDonald’s ‘All I Need’. This song really speaks to my heart – all we need is His love to carry us through. It’s not about asking God why He has blessed me, but to embrace these blessings with my whole heart”.

Perhaps you can relate with Carly when she knows if a song is going to be her favourite; “A favourite song must give me goose bumps every time I hear it, it’s a song that I can listen to on repeat without growing tired of it”.

She quickly points out that she is not being biased or paid to say this, but her favourite gospel singers are actually her colleagues in One Gospel, Solly Mahlangu and Loyiso Bala. “Their music is up-beat and uplifting! I love ‘feel-good’ music and they both deliver that with their music”.

Carly gives us a description of a successful musician: someone who keeps their feet firmly on the ground, with their head looking up to the heavens. Even in the gospel world, an artist can let fame and

fortune take over, but a successful musician is someone who remains humble – to God, to his background and to his fans.

Carly admits that she has no idea how she balances her busy life, but she says that her relationship with God is definitive, “If my relationship with Him isn’t first and foremost, all the other relationships I have will suffer”. She says that she occasionally gets stressed; but she stops and enjoys the little things around her, like the sound of birds, the sunset, and the smiles on people’s faces. Doing this always puts things into perspective and gives her the strength to keep going. She firmly believes that you cannot be a gospel singer if you do not have a close relationship with God, then you should not even call yourself one.

Carly’s definition of music is, “music makes you feel things that other things can’t. Music tells a story, it moves you, it makes you take a look at yourself and helps you find out who you really are.”

Music is also an influence in her household. “There is always music playing, in the house and in the car. It’s normally upbeat music to create a positive, happy environment in our household. My girls just love to sing and dance with their Mumma; we have so much fun together!”

Currently, Carly is busy trying to be a better person, a better mother, a better wife, a better friend and most importantly, a better follower of Christ.

This is Carly’s advice in a song ‘It’s so hard to look up when you look down. I sure would hate to see you give up now. You look so much better when you smile, so smile”.

“I Smile“ by Kirk Franklin www.parable.co.za 35

FASHION PROFILE

Fashion

MEETS GOSPEL What does fashion have to do with gospel?

“Everything,” says Parable’s Fashion and Celebrity Stylist, Lindani Ndwandwa. Read what he has to say about God’s people becoming fashionable as well as being trendsetters.

T

here has always been a theory and belief that gospel or church people are boring and unfashionable – from lifestyle to wardrobe. That is until a young man by the name of Lindani Ndwandwa, a Celebrity Stylist and Fashion Designer, decided to break this belief, tear the veil and usher the church and gospel people to a place of fashion and style. He calls this Fashion Meets Gospel.

He works with many gospel musicians and dresses celebrities. He has received great praise across the world for his exceptional work with Joyous Celebration, Africa’s most appreciated gospel group. He has also dressed great gospel musicians such as Rebecca Malope, Solly Mahlangu, Benjamin Dube, Margaret Motsage, Dominion and Ntokozo Mbambo, to name just a few.

Lindani says it’s about time the gospel industry became fashionable and a trendsetter. God created fashion and it’s not a sin to look fabulous. He believes his greatest calling is to bring fashion to the church, but without losing tastefulness, dignity and class. His greatest target is black churches, which are modest and conservative. He says it is time for more colour, style and a fresh approach.

Lindani has just launched his label called Lindani Styling, which is doing well. He describes his range as African inspired, bold and feminine using fabrics like laces, chiffon, silk and Egyptian cottons. Be sure to check it out in this issue of Parable Magazine on Pages 22 - 29. An inspiration indeed.

If you would like to know more about Lindani Styling, go to www.lindanistyling.com or call 071 777 1740.

36 www.parable.co.za

www.parable.co.za 37

NEXT BIG THING and never dull. Frequently, his alter ego emerges from out of the blue on stage morphed as his popular puppet, “Chuku Emeka”. In a Nigerian accent, “Chuku Emeka” hilariously encumbers the Napsta as they debate on issues ranging from Bible characters, socio-economic issues, character stereotypes, to everyday church issues. Through this fascinating puppet, the Napsta shows that he is a calculating artist, capable of inventing and reinventing his image.

His new DVD, “The Napsta live at Wits theatre”, gives people at home a chance to meet him in an unconventional way.

Talking about his new DVD, he said, “It is a world-class DVD. I believe Christian comedy should always be of a high standard.

My fans are guaranteed clean comedy at its best”.

Meet the

KING OF COMEDY

By Adelani Ogunrinade

P

erforming for the very first time as a representative of Christ Embassy Church, in front of over 27,000 delegates from all over the world at an International Pastors & Partners Conference hosted in Nigeria, was a moment that changed Napoleon Masinga’s life forever.

It was after his successful performance at this conference that the 27-year-old, better known as “the Napsta”, was hailed as the “King of Christian Comedy” – a title that the versatile entertainer has since adopted as an alias.

Growing up in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, the young ventriloquist received inspiration from his mother and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. Amidst the many vicissitudes, the Napsta made his long-awaited dream of moving to Johannesburg in the year 2000. This change carried no expecta38 www.parable.co.za

tions for the first twelve years. His journey from humble beginnings to the profound impact he is making as a professional comedian in the South African Christian community reads like a fairytale.

I believe Christian comedy should always be of a high standard. My fans are guaranteed clean comedy at its best.

On stage, the Napsta is well known for his high energy performances and his ability to leave audiences rolling on the floor in laughter through his accents, impersonations, ventriloquism and music-comedy.

His shows are alive, full of momentum

In his stage performances, it comes as no surprise that even non-Christians and corporate members can enjoy a good laugh when watching his interpretation of clean comedy with a positive message. Along with a commanding stage presence and a rare style of engaging his audience with music comedy, the charismatic Christian comedian describes himself as a “hungry performer” who is unapologetic about his mission to win souls for Christ through standup comedy. “The most rewarding thing about being a comedian is the ability to make people laugh, while telling them about God. As they are laughing they are being healed,” the entertainer added.

Offstage, the “King of Christian Comedy” is surprisingly introverted. From merely observing his humble demeanour, one would never suspect that this unassuming entertainer would be so multi-talented.

And with nothing ever handed to him on a silver platter, the Mpumalanga native proves that a life lived on the principles of hard work, due diligence and capitalising on every available opportunity would lead to great success. There is much to learn from this great personality who made his way to his rightful throne as the king of Christian comedy.

THE REAL VALUE IS A CHANGED LIFE & THAT MONEY CAN’T BUY!

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www.parable.co.za 39

FICTION

Help! I love my husband, but love another man too!

Growing up in a traditional home with deep-seated values, Palesa had never really dated anyone, so when she met her first boyfriend, she married him. Now she finds herself in a love-tug-of-war she never bargained on. How can she break free from its iron grasp?

A work of fiction by Mpho Twala

P

~Part 2 - The Dream~

alesa’s heart was melting within her; she could feel her resistance crumbling with every moment spent with this charming man she hardly knew. But she knew one thing; she had to end this insanity before it was too late.

That night she could not sleep; he was the only thing on her mind.

She was tossing and turning; eventually she got up, went to the dining room and spoke to God. The emotions she was feeling for this stranger were overwhelm40 www.parable.co.za

ing. She could not kiss her husband or let their bodies touch in bed. She needed divine intervention. Tricky thing about God is that His answers are not immediate, you have to wait – and she needed answers now. They have a child together, and before they got married they had fasted and asked God if this was what He wanted them to do. They believed He had approved their marriage. What was happening?

She was never warned about this at

marriage counselling; nobody told her that marriage was not necessarily a protection against adultery or that she would be the right candidate to commit adultery. She took a decision to fight her temptation, after all 1 Corinthians 10:13 states that, “...remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience...”

She remembered the lady at the woman’s group, the one whom she judged, and the one she had been disgusted with...what had she done? She was supposed to support and pray for her, not judge her, now she was going through the exact same thing and her pride did not allow her to go back and ask her how she was coping. They could be praying together now because she knew the other ladies would not understand what she was going through.

As she was pondering on this, she realised she had to go and apologise to this woman. She realised that she needed someone to confide in who had gone through this and would understand.

They talked for hours, they cried and prayed together. What Palesa did not realise was, this woman was in a marriage where there was no love anymore.

She was getting more attention from her colleague than her husband. Palesa on the other hand had no excuses; her husband still loved her, was kind and romantic ... what could have led her to Rhulani in the first place? She felt like she needed something or someone to blame to ease the pain she was feeling in her gut. They even opened scriptures that could be applied against the “attack” they were under.

It was a new week, a new day, the day that the Lord had made. She vowed to rejoice, be glad and not sin in it. The whole day went by without a call from Rhulani; she was content and started praising the Lord for not having to deal with him.

Whilst approaching her car after work she saw someone leaning against her car with a bunch of red roses... Rhulani.

She remembered the lady at the woman’s group, the one whom she judged, she realized that she needed to apologize to her.

Walking towards him, she started reciting the scriptures she read during the weekend with Mrs Maseko: “...He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you cannot stand up against it...” and yes, “...when you are tempted,

He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it”. She asked the Lord to make a way out, perhaps snatch her to heaven, or make Rhulani fall, faint or disappear... however, none of those things happened.

She reached her car and without a word he pulled her toward him and kissed her. She had never been kissed like that before, like life was being sucked out of her. She summoned all the strength she had to push him away. Rhulani is such a gentleman, you push him away and he shifts immediately. When she pulled away, she wished he had not reacted but he did and was standing away from her looking at her with piercing eyes. He quietly gave her the flowers and walked away.

She felt like calling or texting him but she could not, she had deleted his numbers. How she wished she could talk to him and try to explain her situation. She wished he had not looked at her like that; it was as if she had stabbed him in the heart. It finally hit her, Rhulani really loved her. What was she going to do?

The following morning after dropping her daughter off, she went to Pick ‘n Pay and bought him a bottle of wine and a card, simply to say “sorry”. She had never been to DFA before but that day she went there and asked to see him. He was in a meeting, so she left the wine and the card at the reception for him.

She waited for his call the entire day; the receptionist had refused to give her his cell number, so she could not call him herself. All she could do was to wait – and patience was not her strongest attribute.

That night she could not eat, she was really sad and hurt. So he did not care after all, she thought. Was that not what she wanted, for him not to care about her because he was causing her to sin? She did not understand it herself.

She found herself yearning for him, hoping to see him at the parking lot; when her phone rang she would pick it up as quickly as possible, thinking it was him.

Four days later, she asked her husband to pick up their child at crèche as she had a lot of work to catch up on. She then drove back the same route she used when she had her first encounter with Rhulani at his place. She was amazed at how much she still remembered the road when she parked outside his complex.

She walked in and knocked on the door.

When Rhulani opened the door and saw her, he immediately picked her up and showered her with kisses and off to the bedroom they went.

She held him so close and confessed to him how much she loved him and wanted

him in her life. All the while he was quiet, maybe because he knew that she would never be his since she was married. She left without discussing whether they were in a relationship or not. It seemed pointless to discuss that when she was already someone else’s wife.

She felt like someone was watching her. It was her husband, he was staring at her. She woke up and asked him what was wrong.

That night she tried to negotiate with God about her situation. That she did not choose to fall for this man, her heart just fell for him. That it felt right when she was with him, that maybe there was a possibility that Rhulani was her husband and not the man she was currently married to, Vusi. After all, David (from the Bible) also murdered a man to have his wife, at least she had not committed murder, just adultery. She would have to repent every time she came into His presence, sure that is why God did away with the law and brought Jesus with His grace and mercy.

Romans 5 verse 20 says, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more...”

In addition, Rhulani was single so she was not hurting anyone. The fact that

she grew up in Sunday school, never had sex outside of marriage, and was never a whore... surely these things should count for something to God. She was never like Purity and Gabiusile who used to change boyfriends every week.

This was the first time that she was committing such a sin and God should understand.

That night she slept as sound as a baby, until she felt like someone was watching her. It was her husband, he was staring at her. She woke up and asked him what was wrong, he explained he had had a bad dream – he dreamt she was cheating on him. She almost fainted. Was God trying to break up her marriage?

She realised that God did not buy her story last night, even after she laid all her cards on the table. She had been honest with Him about her feelings for Rhulani, and then He gave Vusi a dream? She really hoped he would brush it off as just a dream and nothing more.

This Christianity thing was getting too complicated for her.

Be sure to catch the conclusion of this story in the next issue.

What do you think Palesa should do? Please fill in our Poll on the website: www.parable.co.za. www.parable.co.za 41

Can a divorced person be a

PASTOR? We live in a society that says everyone is entitled to their own opinions, a society that is desensitised on numerous issues, such as marriage and divorce.

These days divorce seems to have become the norm even in Christian circles. Lerato PrincessTeresa Mashego tackles this question head on.

D

ivorce has become a virus that has infected most of us, even the men and women of God. Have we become so sensitive to discomfort, that when the going gets tough, we get going? Where do you draw the line, is there a line and most importantly, can a divorced person become a pastor?

If you grew up in the church, we know that God’s intention for marriage is for it to last forever. You know that a man is supposed to leave his mother and father, unite with his wife and become one. Jesus said in Mark 10:9, “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate,” and he says in Malachi 2:16 He hates divorce. The Apostle Paul who was a bachelor said a wife should not leave her husband and, if she does, she must remain unmarried or she should reconcile with her husband. And he continues to say that a husband should not divorce his wife.

However, what happens when a pastor gets divorced? They know what the bible says about divorce, yet they get divorced nonetheless. Should they step down, supported by Paul’s orders in 1 Cor. 5?

Many would argue that divorce is accepted, based on what is written in Matthew 19:9. What if you are being physically abused and you are unhappy – due to abandonment, are you not supposed to get divorced?

Pastors face so many challenges in their lives; they are human too and are 42 www.parable.co.za

not immune to Satan’s temptations. With that said, 1 Tim 3:2 states, “Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach...” Some people say that if the office of the bishop is degraded, the church is degraded.

If a pastor breaks covenant with his wife – either by adultery or neglect – I believe he is no longer “above reproach and should never again serve in an ordained capacity.

South Africa is one of the countries that are not immune to such scrutiny, having numerous pastors getting divorced and remarrying. According to Rev. Richard Phillips, a senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church Coral Springs, and chair of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, Margate, Florida, “If a pastor breaks covenant with his wife – either by adultery or neglect – I believe he is no longer ‘above reproach’ and should never again serve in an ordained capacity.”

Parable Magazine asked the question on Facebook - here are some of the most interesting comments: Victoria Reneiloe Marule Can a sinner be a Christian? So sure! We are so quick to throw stones at things we have not been through & justify those we have done. So in essence a serial killer can be a pastor, because the Blood does wash clean.

Nomhles Namza Sibanyoni (via Lindiwe Chabangu Seqebo) The Bible doesn’t allow divorce... And what will a divorced person preach to people?.. Anyway, I’m a not person to judge... But what will he/she teach people?

TeeKay Ngobese Benjamin Dube has been married and divorced a few times, and in him we’ve got a GodFearing Pastor....

Mapila Thabile Dube @TeeKay” under correction”. Dube is not divorced a few times”. From what I know I’m still legally married to the pastor and have no “divorce decree” thank you!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Joint

FINANCES?

Should a married couple have separate bank accounts, or should they have a joint account? This has long been the debate between many experts. Astell Collins explores the benefits of having joint finances.

I

t is believed that financial matters really expose the legitimacy of any relationship. Moreover, it seems almost like the natural progression that when you get married you are supposed to merge your finances and this is accompanied by joining your bank accounts.

Consequent to the increasingly high number of divorces, financial experts are undecided as to whether couples should have joint cheque or savings accounts.

Dave Ramsey, who is a personal moneymanagement expert, says that couples should have joint accounts. He has four New York Times bestselling books – Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, and Entre Leadership which have collectively sold more than

seven million copies. In his book, Total Money Makeover; he says “When you get married, you become one. Money is a key area that helps bring unity. When you handle your money together, you are agreeing on your hopes, dreams and goals.

Conversely, Suze Orman says, “don’t do it”. She is quoted as stating that, “Having a shared pot of money can cause a lot of unnecessary strife and haggling over expense”. While Jean Chatzky is neither for nor against, she is somewhat in the middle. Writing on Oprah.com, she says, “Everyone needs some financial independence, and often, that comes in the form of your own bank account. I’m a huge fan of what’s often referred to as the threepot system: Yours, Mine and Ours. A joint

and two separate checking accounts.”

Although those are the professional opinions of the experts, this article is intended to guide those that do decide to join their finances and also go ahead and secure for themselves joint accounts.

It’s always advisable to take the necessary precautions whenever making any financial commitment and some believe that a prenuptial agreement is the way to go. But it stands to reason that whenever we prepare for misfortune, it usually becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. This does not imply that reckless abandonment is the likely alternative as you toss caution to the wind. Nevertheless, I suggest that you focus on building a formidable team with your spouse. Invest in your relationship to create an environment of peace, trust and security. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for money management, hence, you will realise that this article is not to convince you on what to do but offers you the guidelines in case you have already decided to have joint accounts.

Furthermore, in a joint cheque account all funds are shared and available in full to either signer on the account. This means that the money does not belong to one person but both. Either one of you can have access to all the available funds and would be able to withdraw regardless of who deposited the money. You are also both equally responsible for fees, debts and any penalties that the account may have accrued.

When you handle your money together, you are agreeing on your hopes, dreams and goals.

Typically, you may share one cheque book, but it is advisable to carry your own debit cards. You may also share online banking, but as you each make payments from the account, pay attention so as to avoid going (further) into overdraft or depleting your cards. Remember that joint accounts are not for everyone, for it fosters financial transparency and not everyone is prepared for that. However, joint accounts are a convenient way to merge your finances.

You need to have extensive deliberations and discussions with your spouse.

And if you come to the conclusion that opening a joint account would be prudent and suitable for your marriage, talk to a customer service representative at your bank of choice and they would advise you accordingly. www.parable.co.za 43 www.parable.co.za 43

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The Most

Misunderstood

MAN ON EARTH JESUS, THE UNKNOWN ROYALTY – By Dr Myles Munroe

I

believe that there is no one on earth more misunderstood than the young teacher who happened to be born, not by preference, but by promise through the line of the Old Testament Hebrew patriarch Abraham, Jesus the Christ. This misunderstanding has caused Muslims to reject him as The Son of God and Divine, the Hindus to suspect him as another of their over six million gods, Buddhists to ignore him as a wise man, atheists to hate him as a product of a sophisticated fabrication of religious conspiracy and the agnostics to deny he even existed in material form.

tians, have misunderstood and perhaps misrepresented him the most. This statement is a paradox and may be the cause for some reaction, but I encourage you to read the rest of this series of articles before closing your mind to this possibility.

As a matter of fact I have had to come to grips with my own personal religious

Perhaps it might be true to say those who claim to represent him the most, Chris-

defects and spiritual dogma as it relates to my understanding this man Jesus and his

44 www.parable.co.za

Jesus’ assignment was the re-establishment of a Kingdom on earth and not a religion.

true message.

In this series, we will search, explore and rediscover without a doubt, that His message, assignment, passion and purpose was not to establish a religion, rituals or a list of rules, but rather the reintroduction of a ‘Kingdom’. His preoccupations, teachings, miracles, mandate, priority and proposition to mankind was the return and re-establishment of a kingdom on earth and not a religion.

Those, to whom he came first, the Jewish people, misunderstood him and saw him as a rebel, a misfit, a fanatic and at best a misguided rabbinical teacher spreading heresies that contaminate the teachings

and laws of Moses and Judaism. In fact they had reduced the message of Moses to a sophisticated religion that became more important than the purpose for the laws themselves and expected him to do the same. The intent of God’s mandate to Moses was not to establish a religion, but a nation – “A kingdom of priests and a holy nation”.

the Kingdom of heaven and his solution to the malnourished, bankrupt human spirit was not a religion but the ‘kingdom of heaven’. In other words, if you are spiritually poor, only the kingdom will satisfy and fulfil your hunger. The kingdom is God’s priority and must become our priority if we are to overcome the confusion of religions and the threat of self-destruction.

The Muslim misunderstood him to simply be another in a line of prophets who was a great teacher, a good man, and a wonderful minister but one who fell short and failed to deliver the finished work of redemption to mankind.

RELIGION VERSUS THE KINGDOM

The Hindu misunderstood him as a good teacher, a good man and just another deity to add to their list of gods to provide a service to their need for spiritual security.

The atheist, agnostic and humanist see him as a mere man, a historical figure whom a group of misguided men transformed into a God and an object of worship. They acknowledge that He may have existed, but deny any of his claims and miracles.

The power of religion is its ability to serve as a substitute for the Kingdom and thus hinders mankind from pursuing the genuine answer to his dilemma. In my study of the nature of religion and how it impacts the process of man’s search for the Kingdom, the following was the result of my analysis: 1. Religion preoccupies man until he

finds the Kingdom; 2. Religion is what man does until he

official institutions to learn about and understand the Christian faith and its purported message graduate and never study or take an official course in kingdom studies. The reality is ninety percent of the so-called ordained ministers and priests have no formal instruction in any kingdom concept. Their priority is in propagating the Christian religion and not the message of the Kingdom of God. This perpetuation of the ‘Christian religion’ and its rituals, customs and rites have left a vacuum in the world that must and can only be filled by understanding the Kingdom.

I have a set of six books on the Kingdom called the Kingdom Pack: Rediscovering the Kingdom, Kingdom Principles, Applying the Kingdom, The Most Important Person on Earth, God’s Big Idea and Rediscovering Faith. It’s important to get these

The media, scientists and secularists see him as fair game for investigation and criticism as an interesting matter for arguments, theories, discussion and debates while ignoring his claims and questioning his validity, integrity and very existence.

The Christians have misunderstood him as being the founder of a religion and sect, and transformed his methods into customs and his activities into rituals. They have reduced his message to an escapism mechanism to heaven and his promises to fire insurance policy from the pains of a tormenting hell.

Yet a simple study and review of his message and priority would reveal that he only had one message, one mandate and one mission… the return of the Kingdom of heaven back to earth. In fact, it might be interesting to note that in His assessment of the principle need of the human race, his conclusion was that the only solution to mankind’s dilemma is the Kingdom of Heaven. His first public statements reveal this priority and solution.

Matthew 4:17 “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near’”. NIV. Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven”. NIV. His first announcement was the arrival of

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finds the Kingdom; Religion prepares man to leave earth; the Kingdom empowers man to dominate earth; Religion focuses on heaven; the Kingdom focuses on earth; Religion is reaching up to God; the Kingdom is God coming down to man Religion wants to escape earth; the Kingdom impacts, influences and changes earth; Religion seeks to take earth to heaven; the Kingdom seeks to bring heaven to earth.

BACK TO THE KINGDOM

The religion of Christianity is wellknown, well-established, well-studied, well-researched, well-recorded and well distributed, but there is little or nothing known about the Kingdom. As a matter of fact, almost all of those trained in

books so that you can understand the message in its context. You cannot explain everything in one article. In this series, you will understand what a kingdom is, what it consists of, how it functions and all of its components that make a kingdom unique. You will also discover the difference between a kingdom and a religion, and how it compares with all forms of governments. You will be instructed in principles of kingdom concepts and understand how they relate to your daily life and how you can appropriate citizenship here and now. This special series will help you appreciate that you cannot appropriate what you don’t understand nor experience what you postpone. This is your practical guide to understanding the most important message the whole world desperately needs and equip you to not only receive that message, but also effectively share it with others. www.parable.co.za 45

BOOK PROFILE

Redeeming THE PAST MEMOIR OF MICHAEL LAPSLEY RECENTLY RELEASED

The remarkable memoir of the internationally acclaimed social justice activist, Father Michael Lapsley was released in South Africa in September 2012. It’s a must-read that has received global acclamation and support. By Leani Jansen van Vuuren

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o-written with Stephen Karakashian, Redeeming the Past tells Lapsley’s intriguing personal life story of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation.

This promises to inspire and encourage readers from all walks of life.

Lapsley came to South Africa as a university student in 1973, became active in the Anti-Apartheid movement and later joined the ANC. He was exiled, moved first to Lesotho and later to Zimbabwe.

One day, he received a package in the mail which exploded when he opened it. The bomb, suspected to be the work of the Apartheid-era South African secret police, blasted away both his hands and one of his eyes. However, with the help of God, he has completely forgiven his perpetrators and is empowering others to do the same.

Now 22 years later, in the centennial year of the ANC and eighteen years after the birth of democracy, the time has come to release this memoir. It is a time when all South Africans should examine where they are and where they are headed. In 46 www.parable.co.za

the book Lapsley recounts what led up to the horrendous event that changed his life forever and speaks passionately about the healing work he has been doing through the Institute for Healing of Memories in South Africa and in many other countries for almost two decades.

My visible brokenness creates a bond with others whose brokenness is often less visible but just as real ‘My visible brokenness creates a bond with others whose brokenness is often less visible but just as real. The truth is that pain unites human beings. In my work as a healer, many people say they can trust me because I know pain. In the end, what matters most is whether we are able to transform pain into a life-giving force,’ writes Lapsley.

Michael Lapsley and Redeeming the Past have received acclamation and support

around the globe with a foreword by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and a score of endorsements from well-known public figures such as Nelson Mandela, Danny Glover and Nadine Gordimer.

The launch took place in September 2012 at the Homecoming Centre of the District Six Museum in Cape Town.

Title: Redeeming the Past Price: R169.99

Struik Inspirational is a leading publisher and distributor of inspirational titles in South Africa, representing some of the top international and local authors. For review copies of the book, images, interview opportunities, excerpts, videos and more information please contact: Leani Jansen van Vuuren, .

Marketing Project Coordinator, 021 460 5400 / 072 624 5304 / leanijv@struikchristianmedia.co.za Web: www.struikinspirational.co.za

COMPETITION

Win Wedding

PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES (Valued at R50,000.00) from an International Celebrity Photographer!

How it works Once we receive your entry and your motiva-

tion as to why you should win, then six finalists will be selected through a rigorous vetting process and their pictures and profile will be placed on Parable Magazine’s website and then you the reader will begin the voting process to determine the winner.

What you can win

1

FIRST PRIZE

2 3

SECOND PRIZE

A full package (Engagement and Wedding photography); A full page spread in Parable magazine and coverage on the website A glamour bridal photography shoot at their wedding day and photo coverage in a half-page spread in Parable magazine

THIRD PRIZE

An engagement photography package and a mention in Parable magazine.

Competition Rules: 1. The decision of the competition organisers is final and no correspondence will be entered into. They reserve the right to disqualify erring applications or to cancel the competition if erroneous information is sent. 2. The staff, associates and their families of the organisers/Parable magazine are not eligible for entry. 3. Nominees must be available on the date specified for photography. 4. By entering the competition, the reader agrees to the terms and conditions of the competition.

How to Enter To be eligible: • You must be a Christian Couple; • Committed and serving in a department/ ministry in your local assembly; • Must have undergone premarital counselling in a church; • Must have a recommendation letter from your Resident Pastor/Priest; • Must be planning to wed within the next six months from the date of the beginning of this competition; • The wedding must take place within the borders of South Africa.

Please send a short Bio and your photos to Parable Magazine (info@parable.co.za) with the following: • A recommendation from your pastor showing proof of premarital counseling; • Why you think you should be the winner and what your position on Christian courtship is; • Your projected wedding dates. www.parable.co.za 47

CHURCH TALK

‘Still a Virgin’

THIS PASTOR WALKS THE TALK In popular culture today, this statement would elicit smirks all around, but Pastor Phuruswane says that abstinence from sex before marriage is not something to be frowned upon. His vow of celibacy is not only his personal conviction, but it is how we should all aspire to live, at least until we say I do. By Vicky Somniso

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aised in Brits, in the Northwest, Phuruswane says he has never kissed or touched a woman in his life. “As a youngster, I didn’t want to get involved in the things of the world sex outside marriage, drinking alcohol and taking drugs. So, I have never smoked, drank or slept with a woman,” stressed Phuruswane. I didn’t want to sleep with anyone before marriage because I knew had I done that, I might have slept with someone that God had created for another man,” he emphasized.

One of the myths that his peers cautioned him about was that any man who abstains from sex would surely die.

This, he says did not sway him from the oath he had charted for himself. “Those were just the lies from the devil. They said I’d suffer from a sickness called “Letswai” or die from it, but those were just the lies.

At that time I didn’t even know a disease called HIV/Aids, which I now know kills.

And as for “Letswai”, I’ve never heard of anyone who has died from it.”

He says there have been times when he has been tempted to be sexually 48 www.parable.co.za

intimate with a woman, but he overcame that. “I had to honour the vow that I made to God and I am proud that I am still a virgin,” he said proudly.

I didn’t want to sleep with anyone before marriage because I knew had I done that I might have slept with someone that God had created for another man.

Although Phuruswane believes that he is ripe for marriage, his life does not revolve around a sex life. He spreads the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the homeless and prisoners in Johannesburg. All of this is made possible through Arise & Shine Outreach Ministry, which he established in 2007 and later launched the church in Brits. “The outreach focuses more on the homeless, inmates and ex-inmates. We give them food parcels and toiletries, and

help the homeless to apply for Identity Documents so that they are able to get jobs and be able to leave the streets”.

Speaking about the church he said, “The purpose is to have a centre where we can deal with problems that affect the youth such as unemployment, crime, drugs, alcohol abuse and to alleviate poverty. “I counsel the inmates and focus more on their spiritual aspect. I tell them about the importance of salvation and that it is only Christ who can heal their pain”.

The passion to help the needy stems from the fact that he grew up in a poverty-stricken background, but God made a way for him. He used to walk around the streets of Lehlabile with a bucket full of skop, dihlakwana and milk selling them at shebeens.

His message to the youngsters of this country is that, “They must look after themselves, respect their parents and get involved in the things of God”.

Dating and RELATIONSHIPS

ADVERTORIAL

For information on loveLife, HIV or any sexual health related issue, contact talk@lovelife.org.za loveLife Call Centre: 0800 121 900. You can also send a Plz Cal Me to 083 323 1023 and a counsellor will call you back as soon as one is available.

Website: www.lovelife.org.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveLifeNGO Twitter: @loveLifeNGO

If you’re HIV +, you may be worried about asking a girl or guy out on a date. Here are answers to niggling questions you may have to put your mind at ease.

Article and picture courtesy of loveLife

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ust because you’ve been diagnosed with HIV doesn’t mean you can’t have a girl or boyfriend. If you’re HIV +, you can still enjoy all the joys of dating, such as having someone special with whom you can share your challenges, deepest thoughts, feelings and dreams. Not to mention, having a really close companion with whom you can party, chill and check out a movie with.

But while enjoying your relationship, it’s important to use a condom each and every time you have sex to avoid infecting your partner with HIV. It’s also vital for you to live a positive lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, keeping a positive mindset and exercising regularly so as to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Check out some questions and answers to queries on dating and HIV Will people still want to go out with me now that I have HIV? Being HIV + won’t prevent other people from caring about you, although dating/relationships may be difficult in ways you aren’t used to. Many HIV + people are in long-term relationships, both with HIV + and HIV – people. It’s important to find someone who accepts you as you are. HIV will probably just be another factor to consider in your relationship.

When should I tell someone I like that I’m HIV positive?

You need to be honest with the person you care about; however, that doesn’t mean you have to tell someone immediately. Informing someone you’re interested in that you’re HIV + is hard and should be done when you feel most comfortable and at the time you think is best. It should definitely be before you have sex with your partner.

What are some lower risk things my partner and I can do to feel good?

Abstinence from sex is the surest way to avoid unwanted pregnancy, reinfection with other strains of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many HIV + young people choose activities other than full-on sex such as hugging, kissing, talking, massage and intimate touching and stimulation.

If you choose to have sex, be responsible and protect yourself and your partner. You should use a latex (or polyurethane condoms, if you’re allergic to latex) barrier EVERY TIME there is potential exchange of body fluids.

Why do I still need to use latex condoms if my partner is HIV + too?

Always use latex condoms to protect yourself and your partner during sex (vaginal, oral, or anal), even if you have both tested HIV positive. There are different strains of the virus and one of you could end up getting more sick if you are infected with a strain that was not already in your body. That complicates the body’s fight against HIV. Repeated infections can speed up progression from HIV infection to full-blown Aids.

If your partner has become resistant to certain medications (meaning there are drugs that his/her body doesn’t respond to) she/he can pass that resistant strain of HIV on to you. If this happens, then your medications may not work for you anymore and there may be fewer possible drug combinations for you to try. You need to keep using protection, especially now that you have HIV because your immune system is weakened and you are even more susceptible to other infections including STIs. Having to fight another unnecessary infection is definitely not what your body needs, and it would impair your health in general. Basically, whether you are HIV positive or not, it’s always better to be safe and protect yourself.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Small Business - Does One Size Fit All? Often when we look at the idea of starting a business, we seem to only see our service offering, the product or service that we want to build our whole empire on. Even though this is a vital component in a business structure, in this issue, I want to focus on Entrepreneurship as a whole – the pro’s and cons, and is it for everyone?

By Zoe Molapisi

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he dictionary definition of the word “entrepreneur” is one who organises, manages, or assumes the risk of a business or enterprise – it simply means, “to undertake”.

When we decide to go into business, we essentially choose to make an undertaking in something, and it’s vital that we weigh up all the factors, the pros and cons – because being an entrepreneur is not a calling for everyone. As William Shakespeare said, “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” (Shakespeare, Henry IV. Part II. 1597). There are various types and models of business to choose from.

Generally speaking, we can divide them into two categories: start-ups or those we build up from scratch, and takeovers or inherited businesses.

the presence or lack of functional operating proceedures and systems. If you are a close relative of the previous owner, it may stand in you good stead, provided the former owner had a good name in that industry. Some of the main questions you should ask are, “Is this business everything it is being made out to be?” and “Why is the owner really selling this business?”

Get professional advice wherever necessary. Establish the true state of the enterprise and exercise due diligence before you spend your capital. You may find that investing in a franchise or starting your own business from scratch would be a safer option.

PROS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

It can take a significant investment of finances and infrastructure to begin a large business. However, many of the successful enterprises in the world today had humble beginnings, for example, Facebook or Virgin Group. Also, they often begin with a simple idea for a product that the founder is passionate about and may take surprisingly little capital investment to launch, like bottled Chilli sauce, unusual pottery, arts and crafts, software etc. Passion and belief in the value of your service or offering, plus a broad range of personal business skills are generally prerequites that can carry you through the many challenges involved in reaching your dream of business success and financial independence.

Independence: Business owners do not have to follow orders or observe working hours set by someone else.

Satisfaction: Turning a skill, hobby, or other interest into your own small business can be very satisfying. There is a great sense of satisfaction for a job well done.

Financial Reward: Most great fortunes were built by entrepreneurs.

Countless small businesses have grown into large companies that have produced fortunes for their owners by building businesses and selling them when they have become profitable.

Happy Customers: There is great satisfaction to be had from making customers’ lives better. By running your own business, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many more people than you would have done by yourself.

TAKEOVERS AND INHERITED BUSINESSES

CONS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Taking over a going concern can be a simple or difficult process depending on several factors, including the asking price (“goodwill” can add to it substantially), financial health including debt burden and

Business Failure: Many small businesses fail. You risk losing not only your money, but also the money invested in your business by others. Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, had

CHARACTERISTICS OF START-UPS

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several small business failures before making it big. He once said, “Failure is a chance to begin again more intelligently.

It is just a resting place”. He also said, “We learn more from our failures than our successes”.

Obstacles: You will run into problems that you will often have to solve by yourself. You may face discouragement from family and friends. My mother was sceptical when I left a well-paid job to start my company – she was concerned with losing the perceived security of having a steady income. A budding entrepreneur must be prepared to overcome many such obstacles.

Financial Insecurity: You are not guaranteed a set salary or any benefits.

You may not always have enough money to pay yourself. King C. Gillette invented the disposable razor and started the Gillette Company, which is a billion-dollar business today. In 1901, though, Gillette’s fledgling company was $12,500 in debt – a lot of money back then. Gillette managed to secure financing and save the company. An entrepreneur may face equally intense financial challenges many times.

Long Hours/ Hard Work: You will have to work long hours to get your business off the ground. Some entrepreneurs work six or seven days a week. During the early years of establishing McDonald’s restaurants around the USA, Ray Kroc worked about eighty hours a week. His simple motto was, “Press on”.

In considering whether or not to have your own business, it’s crucial to weigh up the pros and cons. But by considering the various types of enterprise that could suit your proposed venture and by being honest with yourself regarding your motives for wanting to be an entrepreneur, you could soon find yourself on your way to business success!

www.parable.co.za 51

REDISCOVERING THE ANCIENT ANSWER TO CONTEMPORARY QUESTIONS

Religion vs.THE KINGDOM The greatest threat to civil society is mankind. The pictures on our flat-screen televisions tell the story. Blood, death, diplomacy, conflict, hatred, fear, poverty, starvation, rape, genocide, refugees and human migration, natural disasters, daily bombings, economic uncertainty, immigration, corporate corruption, moral decay, sexual revolution and the clash of counter cultures all testify that we are our own greatest enemy. By Dr Myles Munroe.

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ll our universities, cyberspace technology, Blackberries, think tanks, G-8 meetings, fiscal and immigration policies, medical advancements, social experiments, religious conferences, peace marches and declarations of cease-fire and peace on earth all seem to collapse at the mercy of our own self-imposed destructive spirit. We build buildings and then bomb them, we make weapons then use them on ourselves, we invent medicines then withhold them from the sick, treat the soldiers we wound and improve the world-wide-web communication then use it to destroy the moral fibre of our children. We are our own greatest enemy.

THE SOURCE OF RELIGION

All of this is compounded by the establishment of our sophisticated religions to which we retreat to escape the social chaos we created. The most powerful force on earth is religion. Despite the claims of many to the contrary, everyone on planet Earth is religious. Religion is defined as the set of beliefs that regulate 52 www.parable.co.za

the moral, social and ritualistic behaviour of the individual. This definition would include the so-called atheist, secularist, communist, socialist, humanist or agnostic, for they all adhere to a belief system, even if it is that there is no providential component in creation or life as we know it, or a belief in the power of the human as the supreme measure of truth and right.

Religion is the result of an inherent hunger residing in the spirit of the human created by the absence of something he cannot define and that must be filled.

All of the major problems in history and our contemporary world could be traced to some religious foundation.

Religion has motivated the massacre of millions over the years, inclusive of such horrific events as the Crusades, the

Inquisition and the Protestant and Catholic Reformation wars. Ethnic cleansing, apartheid, segregation, racial discrimination and other oppressive experiences were all justified by some religious code or system.

The 21st century commenced with the defining act of religious terrorism as 11 September 2001 sent shockwaves through the global nervous system of mankind and continues to fuel the fires of tension, murder, fear and contention throughout the world. It is ironic and confusing that religion by its very nature is supposed to be the solution to man’s problems and provide hope and faith in life. However, religion has throughout history created more problems than it solved. Perhaps this is the reason so many millions have turned away from all forms of institutionalised religions and opted to embrace such philosophies as humanism, communism and agnosticism. Some have just given up and lost hope in humanity completely. In my own struggle to come to grips with this dichotomy of human nature – the desire to worship and serve some deity that they

claim to be benevolent and loving and their resulting destructive manifestation of a zeal motivated by this same deity.

I too have lost faith in the concept of religion and in a real sense had to seek for something beyond and superior to these defective practices created by man.

Yet religion is a natural phenomenon that exists in some form in all cultures throughout the history of mankind. Religious rituals are manifested in the most primitive and modern societies of the human experience everywhere. The question must arise: “What is the source of religion and why is it such a natural inherent response of the human spirit?”

After thirty-five years of research and personal exploration of this question, it is my conclusion that religion is the result of an inherent hunger residing in the spirit of the human created by the absence of something he cannot define and that must be filled. This vacuum was created by something man lost that drives him to pursue answers beyond his own realm. Many have attempted to satisfy this pursuit through superstitions, sophisticated rituals, customs and practices that many times defy logic and reason. Many of these religious activities also attempt to deal with the questions of existence, purpose and life after death and the unknown spiritual world. Many of these religious institutions are attractive also because they promise the adherent power to control the circumstances of daily life.

This article is written to help us address these questions and present to our world a proposition that goes beyond religion to the heart of the true need and solution to the human search. I am convinced that the search in the heart of every one of the almost seven billion people on planet Earth can be reduced to two words… power and purpose. It is my belief that we are all looking for meaning for our existence and power to control life and circumstances, power to determine the future and predict the unknown and power over death and life. We seek this power in many ways, some through religion, politics, money, fame, notoriety, recognition and power positions. Therefore, the primary source and motivation for the development of religion is this pursuit of power and meaning.

ALL RELIGIONS ARE THE SAME

All religions are the same in the sense that they attempt to answer the questions of power and meaning. They all promise to control life and circumstances and explain life and death. They all claim they

have the truth. They all claim superiority over the other. They all compare and compete with the others. They all demand adherence to their belief system while denying the others. They are all motivated by contention and usually thrive in an isolated culture that excludes other segments of humanity. In fact, all religions seem to glory in a spirit of segregation and separatism. Religion has shown itself to be the Great Divide, rather than the solution.

mandate of “kingdom” is the primary purpose and motivation of the Creator and the created. It set the framework for all the desires, passions and activities of mankind and is the key to his fulfilment and personal and corporate peace. This is the foundation and source of his need to control and rule his environment and circumstances. It is this kingdom mandate that validates his desire for “power”.

Power is natural to the human spirit.

THE LOSS OF POWER

THE NON-RELIGIOUS ANSWER

This article is not about religion. This article is about a concept that was introduced at the beginning of the Creation of man. That concept is the source of the human search and its absence is the reason why man has “invented” religion. Before I can attempt to discuss this dynamic concept, it is necessary to refer to the document where it was first introduced. In the first book of Moses, the great Hebrew writer and freedom fighter, the book of beginning, these words explain the reason and power question of mankind: “Then God said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

– Genesis 1:26 (NKJV) This statement is the most important declaration documented as it contains the motivation, nature, purpose, mandate and ability for the creation of all mankind.

The critical issue at this point is that of “dominion” as the purpose for man’s creation and existence. The word “dominion” rendered here is from the Hebrew word: “mamlakah,” which is translated “kingdom” or “sovereign rule” or “royal power”. In essence, mankind was created to have rulership over the earth. The first thing man was given by his Creator was “a kingdom”. This initial assignment and

The failure of mankind through disobedience to his Creator resulted in the loss of “dominion” over the earth.

Man lost “the kingdom of heaven” mandate on earth. Mankind lost the gift of “divine power” on earth. Man lost the kingdom. It is therefore important to note and understand that man did not lose a “religion,” but a “kingdom” when he fell from grace. Man did not lose heaven, but dominion over the earth. Thus, mankind’s search is not for a religion or heaven, but a “kingdom”. That is why religion can never satisfy the deep search in the heart of mankind. Religion in itself is the search.

No religion can substitute for the kingdom and thus will always result in a perpetual silent vacuum in the soul of its member.

The hunger of the human heart is for the lost kingdom.

THE MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE

A careful and honest look at the biblical script will reveal that the fundamental message of this greatly misunderstood book is about a King and a Kingdom. This book is not primarily about a religion or rituals, but about the establishment of a kingdom rulership on a planet from a heavenly realm. It’s about a divine project of governing earth from heaven through mankind. In practical terms, the bible is about a royal family mandated to colonise earth from heaven. This kingdom assignment is the priority of God the Creator and the source of mankind’s inherent pursuit.

Dr Myles Munroe is a multi-gifted international motivational speaker, bestselling author and business consultant to governments, Fortune 500 companies and corporations addressing critical issues affecting every aspect of human, professional, leadership, social and spiritual development. He has written over 38 books, many of which have become bestsellers in the marketplace. He is also senior pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, and Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Third World Leaders Association (ITWLA), a Global Network of Leaders focusing on formal Leadership Development and Training primarily in developing nations. For more information,visit websites: www.mylesmunroeinternational.com and www.itwla.com.

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FEATURE

Invaders–SA

BREAKS NEW GROUND INVADERS-SA is a group of eight vibrant young people who are dedicated to spreading God’s Word through music. (Vocalists- Tshabalala Tshabalala, Gugu Davids, Muziwandile Ndlozi; Guitar- Lerato lethabe; Keyboard- Mlungisi Zwane; DJ- Sechaba Mokgethi; Producer- Kagiso Motsa and the Manager- Lesego Nthite.) They have taken a genre that is popular with the youth at parties and clubs and use it to declare the message of God. Formed at Rhema Bible Church (Soweto), this gospel house ensemble quickly established themselves with their lively performances. Thulile Gama chats to them.

I

was convinced that their name came from their ability to come in and take over. When the Invaders walk into our offices they definitely took over and truly invaded everyone with their presence. Their bubbly attitudes that just put a smile on your face captured me throughout the interview.

Sechaba, a member of the group who is a DJ, tells us how their name came about. “We attended a sermon where the speaker was talking about the need to invade, the speaker asked if people are in54 www.parable.co.za

vading other people’s lives with the Word of God. When he stressed the need to invade we took it as a challenge and a year later we formed a group and we called it Invaders. Now we definitely are invading people, especially the young people with the word of God”.

They all agreed on the fact that they did not want to be listeners of the Word only, but doers too; and the Bible commands every Christian to reach out to others and music is what they use to reach out to other people.

They took the genre (house-dance music) which is played in clubs and put it in church – it might sound a bit outrageous especially for conservative churches, but they are determined to set a new trend at church. Rock music was also once seen in church history as “the devil’s music,” but now most churches have embraced and made it part of their worship. The question is, are South African churches ready to embrace this new trend of worship?

The house genre is known as club music. When we asked if Invaders play in

Invaders–SA praying before their performance

Kagiso and Sechaba

Invaders showing their T-shirts

clubs, they replied, “People go to clubs to drown their sorrows and to forget or take a break from their stressful lives. Most of the time they just need someone or something that is going to touch them or influence them and that is where we come in. We play house music with gospel lyrics and give people hope whereever they are.” They firmly believe that they need to be planting the seed everywhere and as they are young they know where to find the youth and how to attract them with what they enjoy and bring them to Christ.

Jesus was not restricted by location; He went to the sinners and if the club is the place where sinners are, why then aren’t Christians going there? Jesus did not wait for people to come to Him on Sunday morning – He went to the people. I guess this what the Invaders are doing – going out to shed light to the lost.

“We just bring to them what they like the most, which is the beat, and soon enough they will be singing along confessing with their mouth that Jesus is Lord”.

I guess the South African clubs will never be the same, they will be “invaded”.

Since they all grew up in the church they think it’s their duty to share with the youth Thokozile, Mzuandile and Gugu who think church is boring and show them that it is untrue and that you can use any of your gifts to praise God. In their case, house music is what they use to praise the Lord. younger generation because most of them are stuck in places they think they cannot What they like the come out of. “We use what we have as most is the beat and soon Invaders to show others that if we can, they can as well”. enough they start singThe Invaders inform us that the feeding along confessing with back from the church has been amazing, they have embraced the change and their mouth that Jesus is they get the support from all the ages at church and from the community. They Lord. promise they will not be a one-hit band, As a group they agree that the love but they will enlarge their territory as they and respect for each other keeps them seek God’s guidance, and this attests to together and the fact that they have a sinthe fact that God can use anything to gle goal to reach others with their talents. spread His Word.

They say their inspiration comes from God They are currently in studio working on and the constant reminder that they need their debut album with 13 tracks and are to be the light of the world. The Invaders so ready to invade the rest of the country say their purpose is to bring hope to the with their gospel house and a bit of soul. www.parable.co.za 55

TECHKNOW

Ever advancing

TECHNOLOGY

Samsung is one of the best electronics companies in the world and it has made its mark by producing quality products and services over the years. It is now competing with companies such as Apple. From your home appliances to your gadgets Samsung will deliver the best – the records prove it. Compiled by Thulile Gama. .

SAMSUNG ES8000 SLIM LED TV

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he Samsung ES8000 Slim LED TV is ready to deliver an outstanding experience that brings you the future of home entertainment. You can already discover the future of Smart TV with Smart Interaction voice, face recognition and motion control as well as smart-content features like Family Story sharing and AllShare Play access to devices. With Smart Evolution, you can easily install a Samsung Evolution Kit every year to bring hardware, firmware, software and interface up to the cutting edge. Your TV will evolve, and you’ll enjoy all the new features and great performance of a brand new TV – without needing to buy a new one.

New sophisticated Smart Interaction technology enables you to operate your TV without pushing a button. You can easily control functions such as turning your TV on/off, changing channels, accessing apps and navigating the web using simple voice commands and motions. Built-in camera with face recognition technology lets you log on to Smart Hub and your personal accounts with no need to type your ID or password. Experience a whole new way to interact with your TV. 56 www.parable.co.za

Enter a world of online entertainment with the new enhanced content made available through Samsung’s latest three new signature services – Kids, Fitness and Family Story. The Samsung Kids application brings together home entertainment with fun and beneficial educational programmes; Samsung Fitness lets you maintain your exercise routines in the comfort of your own home, and Samsung Family Story ensures that your precious family moments are not only saved but easily shared on your Smart TV. These amazing new Samsung TV Smart Hub features will enrich your living and be your lifestyle partner.

FLASH MEMORY SSD ACTIVE LENS ULTRA-COMPACT CAMCORDER: SMX-C20UN

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hether you’re a beginner or a professional shutterbug, complicated settings and menus are a thing of the past. Now you can spend more time getting the perfect shot with a menu that makes navigating easier and faster.

It has the Beauty Shot feature that automatically retouches imperfections on your subject’s face automatically by removing blemishes, evening out skin tone and adjusting dark spots.

You can also upload files to YouTube, Facebook and more with one touch of the direct upload button after you connect to a PC, choose the file and select your site. Sharing your life with loved ones was never easier.

Now you can edit by combining and dividing files on the camcorder easily, without transferring files to a PC. One cable conveniently connects your camcorder directly to your TV, computer or DVD player, so you can share videos as easily as you make them.

The Perfect Portrait System helps you take great face shots with a combination of Face Detection, Beauty Shot, and Redeye Fix technologies. The Face Detection feature detects up to 9 different faces and adjusts the focus for sharp images. And Beauty Shot automatically retouches imperfections on your subject’s face.

With advanced H.264 Video Compression, compressing videos does not degrade the recordings. It uses less memory to record more video hours without damaging original files. It records up to 8 hours of standard definition video directly to the camcorder’s internal flash memory without relying on a memory card.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S3

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he Galaxy S III features 2GB of RAM, unlike the 1GB RAM setup found in the One X. But, while the S III clearly has plenty of horsepower, I saw no discernible power advantage over the One X. Both are fantastic performers and equally top-class in this regard.

The size of the device is starting to move into the fabled phablet (phone/tablet hybrid) as it doesn’t shy away from its massive screen size and still keep its lightweight design. The S III sports a 4.8-inch, 1280 x 720 pixel, Super HD AMOLED display, which seems massive. The thin bezel around the device keeps the phone from feeling oversized, but it does push the limits on just how big a smartphone should be before we venture into that phablet zone I spoke of earlier. Those of you with smaller hands will venture to say this device is “too big” to use one handed and even I had some trouble but I still was able to manage it.

The display is sharp and bright and some colours feel over bright. Greens, blues and red pop off the screen brighter on the S III than I have seen on other handsets. You also get deep blacks and that makes this device great for watching videos.

The Samsung Galaxy S III is still one of the top phones on the Android market right now. Some software issues aside the phone still out-performs so many other devices. The hardware side alone is mesmerising enough and some of the other features just need a bit of fine tuning and you have yourself a very worthy phone for a while.

www.parable.co.za 57

A Personal Note from Tamryn Dear Friend, The fifth chapter of Jeremiah ends with a thought-provoking statement in verse 31 “...and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?” The preceding chapters speak of the disobedience of the Judean people, such having turned their backs on God. Trapped in sin and rebellion, they were pursuing their own selfish whims and fancies. The end spoken of by God in the last verse was the same end that needs to be faced by all who walk upon this earth – the end which is death.

Indeed, what is being strongly communicated by this statement is the importance of living with an eternal perspective. In other words, we need to constantly weigh our activities and pursuits against what will count after we leave this world. How dreadful it will be, as a child of God, to enter heaven one day only to discover that your life on earth had no lasting impact? There is only one thing that will last beyond the realm of this life, such being the Kingdom of God. Hence, all we do that extends this – shining for Christ in our words and actions, financing the building of His Kingdom, being hands and feet of love in a suffering world – lasts for eternity. The effects of such conduct result in more people in heaven and less in hell. Can any earthly success ever compete with such triumph?

And so, dear friend, shine for Jesus. Keep soul-winning at the forefront of your heart and mind. As a follower of Christ, there is no other way to live.

Warm regards, Tamryn Klintworth, Evangelist 58 www.parable.co.za

Free from Fear

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magine having a deep desire to live for Jesus and to serve Him wholeheartedly, but not being able to because you lack the courage.

Indeed, fear is a force the enemy uses to paralyse many Christians.

Nonele Mvandaba (27) from Mthatha, wanted nothing more than to be a bold and fearless witness, proclaiming the name of Jesus without compromise. However, fear always held her back. When she heard about the upcoming In His Name Crusade in her hometown, she was determined to attend. A strong believer since 2009, Nonele travelled to town by taxi, then walked the extensive distance from town to the crusade venue. She had one goal in mind, to have a lifechanging encounter with her Saviour.

“I have never suffered from illnesses, but have always been very fearful,” Nonele explained when giving her testimony.

She describes her experience during prayer for the baptism of the Holy Spirit as “freeing”. I was shocked at how free and fearless I felt after the evangelist prayed for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I felt this warm touch that I have never, ever felt before!”

With gratitude in her voice, she expressed how happy she was to be free from the chains of fear that bounded her. “I felt like I was living a limited life in Jesus, but did not know how to let go of that fear that kept me from truly serving Him. Now, I believe that I can serve Him without fear, and that God will carry me in everything that I have to do for Him.” Nonele is eager to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Her desire is to “work for Jesus” and tell people about the Word of God. “I am so thankful for this crusade and I am thankful for what God has done in me. I am so happy!”

Tamryn is the founder of In His Name Ministries, an evangelistic organisation dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Africa and the world. Find her on Facebook under Tamryn Klintworth, or visit the ministry website at www.inhisname.org.za

OffTHE SHELF Music | Books | Movies | DVD Reviews

Music Reviews Xolani Sithole Album: Limitless

Limitless is a ten-track album, and a culmination of over twenty-two years of Xolani’s musical training and experience. It is phenomenal to the ear as it offers a smooth, polished and versatile listen. This album brings together a number of musical genres; however it is mixed together for your pleasure. His voice alone will grab your attention before you listen to the lyrics.

In this album, Sithole artistically fuses Indian music with indigenous Zulu sounds and jazzy tunes, creating a repertoire of African-Jazz. The album consists of songs like Igawulwezizweni, Love, and Izinkanyezi. He caters for all races in this album; a true representation of a rainbow nation. Xolani Sithole is also known for the amazing vocals featured in Zakes Bantwini’s song. Clap your hands, and he sang with popular gospel group, Joyous Celebration, for a number of years. For those who are familiar with his amazing vocals, you will have a perfect description of what this album is all about – heavenly sounds.

Nqobile Ngidi Album: Mana Njalo

A young talented gospel singer, Nqobile Ngidi, came from the dusty streets of KZN (KwaZulu Natal) to pursue his dream as a singer by praising God through his music. With a new album that promises to influence the future of gospel music, Mana Njalo is a ten-track album that will bless your soul and lift your spirit.

Having received exposure on the reality show “I want to sing Gospel”, Nqobile was determined on doing just that.

This album will sanctify your soul with beautiful Zulu hymns like Jesu Uyinqaba Yami, Kanye Nawe and Uma Ngisuka.

If you loved him on the show, and have been wondering where he is, well he is ready to show South Africa in the form of his debut album what music is all about; and in my opinion his music is for pure worship and praise.

Book Reviews Voice in the Night Author: Surprise Sithole

Apostle Surprise Sithole heard a loud voice when he was only fifteen years old telling him to wake up and leave his family or he will die. That was the beginning of a long life filled with miracles, challenges and the amazing hand of God moving within his life and changing lives of those he came across.

Voice in the Night speaks of his life with God, from the time of the voice, when he got saved and the hard life in Mozambique during the civil war. This is truly a marvellous book, of a man that God has called, based on a true story. He went around starting churches wherever God led him to go, and speaking languages he never spoke before.

Born into a long line of witch doctors, Surprise Sithole was destined to become one as well and follow the family tradition. But God had other plans for his life.

Pastor Sithole is now an international director of Pastors for Iris Ministries. He speaks seventeen languages and oversees more than 10 000 throughout Africa.

Reviewed by Thulile Gama 60 www.parable.co.za

Crazy Love

Author: Francis Chan

Crazy Love talks about the insane love God has for us and raises questions about what we do with such crazy love. This book is for individuals who want more of Jesus; it has interesting chapters like, Stop Praying, Serving Leftovers to a Holy God, and Who Really Lives That Way? just to mention a few. This will leave you thinking that you have not loved God at all.

Have you ever wondered if we are missing the love? It is crazy if you think about it; the God of the universe, the creator of heaven and earth, the One who knew you before you were born, the One who sacrificed His only Son for you to have life.

And the only thing you are giving Him is a Sunday service and a prayer every now and again. These are some of the issues that Francis Chan talks about in this book; regardless of our sinfulness God still loves us, what a crazy love.

Francis Chan is the founding pastor of Cornerstone Church and bestselling author of Forgotten God and various other books.

Reviewed by Thulile Gama

Running For My Life Author: Lopez Lomong

An inspiring story about an athlete named Lopez Lomong. It records his ascent from a barefoot lost boy from the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete in the US Olympic Team, that competed in the final 5000m of the Olympic Games in London 2012.

Born in Kimotong - a small village in southern Sudan - in 1985, Lopez Lomong’s childhood was a happy one. That is, until it ended abruptly one day when he was 6 years old. On that day, his village was attacked while he was attending church.

He was taken from his family by rebel soldiers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army to a camp, where he trained as a child soldier. But, after weeks of beatings and watching his friends die a slow death, he managed to escape in the night through a hole in the fence. And upon finding himself on the other side of that fence, he did what he was born to do. He ran. For three days.

Running for My Life is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about achieving the impossible through faith, diligence and the desire to give back.

Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong’s incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless.

Reviewed by Struik Christian Media

Movie DVD Review Loving the Bad Man A movie about a Christian girl who actively seeks to forgive and minister to the violent man who raped her.

The movie opens with two parallel stories. Julie (played by Christine Kelly) is a devout Christian whose beliefs are evident at work and at home, and Mike (played by Arturo Fernandez) who is an angry young auto mechanic with a chip on his shoulder. The two paths converge when Julie has a flat tyre just outside a bar where Mike is drinking himself into oblivion, over a work incident. The bartender convinces Mike to help Julie and he does.

When Julie tries to pay him, he feels insulted and in a rage he winds up chasing her down and raping her (rape is not shown).

Julie’s family is understandably furious. Mike is caught, convicted, and sentenced to 20 years. Julie discovers she’s pregnant, which causes tremendous family strife, including discussions of abortion, which Julie rejects. After her son is born, Julie takes the baby to visit Mike in prison. He is stunned and angry at first because she is the one who landed him in prison. After several visits, without her family’s knowledge, he begins to soften up. The movie, with its powerful message of forgiveness and redemption, has recently been awarded the Dove Foundations’ seal of approval for family audiences. The Foundation believes that the content expressed makes for the kind of entertainment family members can enjoy together with confidence. Reviewed by Thulile Gama

DVD Review Love for All Seasons

Love Complete

By Jerry Mofokeng

By Loyiso Bala

A South African legend of the stage and the screen who has appeared in a number of critically-acclaimed films, including Cry, The Beloved Country; Mandela and De Klerk; and the 2005 Academy Awardwinning film, Tsotsi. Jerry Mofokeng has risen to become a respected artist. He brings his dynamic personality and skills as an actor especially, when he is addressing the issues of Family Life. Whether it’s in a church setting or a seminar or workshop, the audience is given a treat as they learn how to better themselves and those around them. Learn the truths of God’s Word. His seminars are very interactive and give a voice to participants who often cry for an opportunity to articulate their challenges and struggles. Jerry Mofokeng talks about love and different kinds of seasons that you will experience in a relationship. That “love is not love which alters when it alterations finds”. He also gives practical ways on how to deal with these seasons. This DVD will help you know a bit about your woman or man as he says, “Men receive love through their eyes and women through their ears”. Messages like these will help you to understand how to love in all seasons. If love changes, it was never love to begin with. Reviewed by Thulile Gama

Known for his love songs in the R&B genre, Loyiso has found a new love that completes him. His DVD titled Love Complete is his first gospel DVD and consists of 17 powerful songs that will leave you wanting more. Non-Christians will also enjoy it as well, since he still captures everyone with his beautiful voice. The message is relevant and will keep you singing all day long. Some of my favourite songs include Love Complete, (the cover song) Something Good, Jeso Kanyana and Sing Sing Sing, well let me be honest I love every song in the DVD. The songs are fresh and pleasurable to listen to. When you are watching the DVD, you cannot help but stand and join in the worship. This album features the beautiful sounds of the group, We Will Worship, Neville D and Pastor Pushie Watson’s words of encouragement, agreeing with Loyiso that Jesus must be taken to the world out there. People must see Jesus in you.

Love Complete speaks of the love that he has found in the Lord. Loyiso says whenever he falls in love he writes about it, but this time around he found a love so deep in Christ that he could not help but write an entire album about it. His love is complete. Reviewed by Thulile Gama www.parable.co.za 61

TALKING WOMAN

Ambassador FOR CHRIST Speak to Prophetess Cindy Mabaso for any amount of time and it becomes apparent why she has become one of the most influential female pastors in South Africa.

Cindy is the Managing Director of LAK HR Consulting (Pty) Ltd, as well as an ordained pastor of Jehovah Reigns Worship Centre. By Adelani Ogunrinade

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indy has a passion for developing people, helping them unlock their full potential. “I am passionate about soldiers. I am passionate about people that can take the Kingdom of God further. I am passionate about people that possess a soldier’s mentality.

A spiritual war at this stage is heightened and requires people that understand that it is a fight between powers and principalities – we are not fighting flesh and blood.

We need people that understand that they have to fight a good fight. This gospel is not for weaklings,” says the Swazilandborn prophetess.

Her deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ, expertise in the HR field and academic qualifications in psychology provide her with an authentic platform to analyse the state of Christianity in South Africa today.

As an accredited Emotional Intelligence Assessor, Cindy Mabaso is interested in why people think the way they do and the spiritual implications of their thoughts.

Through God’s gift of discernment, Prophetess Cindy is able to identify what appears to be holy and good, but is actually 62 www.parable.co.za

false and of Satan. In a captivating chat with the Jehovah Reigns Ambassador, light was shed on the subject of fly-by-night pastors from churches that are turning Christianity into money-spinning ventures for their personal enrichment, and how to be true ambassadors of Christ in a world filled with demonic, lying and deceitful spirits.

Being a pastor isn’t a career choice but a calling from God. We are dealing with wounded souls.

“Some people nowadays are taking being a pastor as a career. You have to be called by God to care for wounded souls.

It is not a career one just chooses. It is different from a desire. For me things of the spirit are different. One has to deal with them in the consciousness of the spirit. It is pivotal for one to understand the difference between a “calling” and a “profes-

sion”. Even if you have a PhD, it does not mean you own the answers to matters of the spirit”.

As the daughter of a pastor, Cindy’s childhood career dreams always centred on serving God. She recalls preaching to her siblings in a game called “Church”, where she continuously assumed the role of a senior pastor. “There was a divine calling from God in that very innocence.

As I played ‘church,’ I am convinced that heaven was participating,” she says. Her dreams came to fruition in February 2011 when her spiritual father – Apostle Kasaro, founder of Jesus Calls Worship Centre, confirmed to her that she was meant to be a prophetess. He said, “I know that there is more in you than just being a writer,” she remembers him saying to her before she was ordained.

Apart from finding one’s calling through intense meditation in the spirit, Prophetess Cindy Mabaso also encourages aspiring pastors to forget about worldly possessions and focus more on exploring what faith is, if they wish to be authentic ambassadors for Christ.

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TALKING MAN

From Idols TO NO LIMITS Lloyd Cele is a musician, song writer, composer, husband to Janice, and a father to Levi and Zoey. He is passionate about inspiring others through music and social events.

Above all he is a God-fearing man, a man of faith and a strong believer in making the world a better place. Thulile Gama chats to him about his life and future plans.

YOUR IDOLS MOMENT! His family, friends

and fans made it possible for him to come this far, and over and above that, he stayed positive and believed in himself through all adversities. He held nothing back and gave it his all. He stayed focus and believed that this is what he was born to do, before his existence and the foundation of the earth; this was his destiny and his purpose. It was a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to live his dreams, and he made every sacrifice imaginable including quitting his job to make his Idols moment epic and memorable. “I prepared myself before going to the live stage by watching previous idols contestants – Brandon October, Heinz, Sasha Lee, and others to see the themes and songs they chose. I did extensive voice training, mic techniques and more to make every performance classic and not regretful”.

Lloyd Cele shows that with determination and hard work there is little or nothing we can’t achieve.

INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR SONGWRITING SKILLS. “I’ve always been a song

writer; I started writing from the age of 11. I wrote poems at first and loved writing letters to girls to impress them with my 64 www.parable.co.za

song writing skills”. He says writing came naturally to him, just like singing, playing a guitar, piano and saxophone did.

He never imagined that one day he would write ninety percent of all the songs on his albums, but he did it because it was his passion and love for music that inspired him. “No matter how great your voice is and how amazing the arrangements of the music are, if there is no marriage between what you sing about and your feelings, it’s not worth it!” He smiles as he says, “This is my inspiration for writing!”

It seems everyone is busy with their own lives and not taking the time to build others to also reach their dreams.

LOYISO BALA AS YOUR MENTOR. “Loyiso

wasn’t just a mentor; he is a brother and a good friend. He has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I have the utmost respect for what he does and his experience in the music industry. The most amazing part of this is the fact that, he invested his

time in my career and not many experienced musicians in South Africa are willing to do this.

It seems that everyone is busy with their own lives and not taking the time to build and help others to also reach their dreams.

Our relationship has been twofold; I have been a blessing in his life as well, like the saying, iron sharpens iron. The strength of our relationship is in our transparency, being there for each other, and not just musically but in every level possible. Loyiso is one of the most talented musicians in South Africa I have ever come across, and I love his humility the most and that’s what sets people apart in this game”.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU COME ACROSS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY? Life

is full of challenges and difficulties, and every single person has faced the difficulties of life. Lloyd is no exception to this; he shares with us his challenges in this industry. “There have been tons of challenges, too many to mention – from getting signed to a label, getting your songs played on radio, getting support from the media, to understanding the South African market and sales, etc.

The most important thing is staying and drawing positive thoughts from negative situations, finding strength in moments of weakness and never giving up in what you believe in.” Like we all know every career has its own challenges, and for Lloyd the important aspect is how you deal with those challenges that determine your success or victory or how far you will go.

SAMA FOR THE BEST POP ALBUM, WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE? It was out of

this world! It was exhilarating, emotional and incredible. I thought about all the fans that have spent time, money and sacrifices during voting times at Idols and we finally have victory. I thought about every sacrifice my family and I had to make and it was emotional to think about. I thought about all the hard work and times in studio, to get my music to sound the way it does, and it was humbling to see that all of it had finally paid off”.

YOU HAVE A VERY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY; PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT THEM?

“Where do I start - I love my family, and they mean everything to me. My wife and I have been married for five years; we have two amazing children – Levi (three-and-a half-years old) and Zoey, who is three and a half months. I consider myself the luckiest man to have a wife who understands the demands of this career, who is patient to deal with them and support me every step of the way. My family is my greatest inspiration and I consider them first before my career. When I am not working or when I have free time, we play Kinect together, go to the park, play soccer, go to church and spend time as a family. My life is incomplete without my family; they are my drive every morning, my biggest critics and my biggest supporters.

Where do you draw the strength to be able to balance such a busy career life and family life?

“We strongly believe in prayer. As a family we cannot rely on our strength and thus we put our faith in God every single day and we pray together to find this balance. We have a set of rules as a family, one of them is to put God first in our lives before anything else and we put family first before my career. My family and faith in God keeps me grounded and stable.

I believe that what I do in my career is not just about singing, making money, albums, winning awards, etc, but it is about a calling and a purpose to help and change the world for the better. Through our faith in God we have been able to stay humble and through that we have seen and received so much favour and success in my career”.

There is a greater connection between the writer and the song.

Lyrics come from a sincere place within the heart and music reveals that connection.

YOU ARE WRITING AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY, HOW IS THAT COMING ALONG AND WHEN SHOULD WE EXPECT IT?

“I am so excited about it; this is something I have been planning for three years. I strongly believe that this book has the ability to inspire and help those who want to achieve greatness and more. This is an autobiography, which will allow people to know where I come from and if dreams

can come true for someone like me, they can also come true for them too. I was an ordinary kid who had big dreams but had every obstacle possible thrown his way to prevent him from achieving his dream (from drugs, to racism, getting kicked out of school, to hanging out with the wrong crowd, etc). I have seen it and experienced it, and now I want to help others who are going through what I have been through to become relevant and live a life that is meaningful. The book is called The Dream of an Idol and will be on the shelves by September 2012”.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

“It never ends, it’s changing the world and making a difference, one song at a time.

Next year I plan to have my own foundation that will help and inspire kids who are underprivileged to reach for the sky and achieve their dreams. I will visit schools and train kids in the Arts.

I have also just released my second album called No Limits. The inspiration for the title of this album is to help others reach for the things that are impossible. We all are faced with this at some point in our lives and we often decide to give up, because everyone says it’s impossible to accomplish it – and when you look at your situation you feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. I have faced this many times and decided to push on, press on, and breakthrough those limitations and barriers and become what I was destined to be. We are not failures! This is what inspired my album. It is available in stores countrywide. The first single of this album Hero has currently hit No. 1 on the pop charts”.

ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THOSE ASPIRING TO BE WHERE YOU ARE?

“Never give up! Never give up on yourself, on your dreams and what you believe in!”

TELL US ABOUT THE ONE THING YOUR FANS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

“I have my KZN colours for basketball! I also follow all my fans back on twitter.com/ lloydcele and respond to all my messages on www.facebook.com/ lloydcele www.parable.co.za 65

CULTURE

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

GETS NOSTALGIC

By Vicky Somniso

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ewly elected African Union Commission chairman, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma’s success has earned her various awards, accolades and extensive media coverage. Being the eldest of eight, she had to learn responsibility and selflessness at a very young age.

“One of the things my mother taught me was that if there are four oranges and I need to split them amongst the younger kids, I should go without.”

Dlamini-Zuma explains how she found this principle to be unfair, so she learned to work around it, being the innovative individual she is. “If there were seven oranges it was clear that I was not going to get one. So, I would give each one of them an orange and say ‘Mina angi litholanga’ (I did not get it) and they would say, ‘Sisi sizo ku sikela’ (we will give you). Each one of them would cut half for me and I would end up with more oranges,” she chuckles.

The experience taught her that if you give you will always receive. “It may not necessarily be material, it may be spiritual, love, emotional support or service. But if you give honestly you will always receive.

66 www.parable.co.za

It may not come in the form you have given but you will always receive. So, I do agree with what the Bible says, a hand that gives is blessed.”

She and her siblings lived with both their parents, Mr and Mrs Rose and Willibrod Dlamini in Natal. She reveals that her father was a very special man who had im-

I do agree with what the Bible says, a hand that gives is blessed mense respect for women and highly encouraged his daughters to get educated.

“When the collar of his shirt was torn he would remove it, turn it around and sew it back”, she says. He would say to them, “I am doing this because the only way I can give you a heritage is this way. I will not leave you money but I can leave you with education. I would like all of you to get educated, but if there has to be a choice the girls must get education because boys can take care of themselves,” she adds.

His reasoning was based on the Zulu

tradition that dictates that, what is left from the family tends to go to the eldest boy, but their education will be theirs until they die. She remembers him telling her, “If you get married and everything is good you can assist your husband, but in the event that things do not work out I do not want you to stay in a bad marriage for a plate of food and shelter”.

She stated that her late mother was very strict even as a grandmother, she would sometimes tell her she is unfair. She recalls that whenever her mom would find something broken in the house she would blame her for not being there to prevent it. She would say, “I don’t care, if you took your responsibilities seriously you would have seen the person who did it. The fact that they did it and you did not see means you were not responsible enough”. She mentions how her brother used to get her into trouble as he enjoyed stealing her mother’s Condensed Milk.

Besides being a mother and chairing the AU Commission, she enjoys listening to music and catering for her guests.

CHRISTIAN CULTURE

It’s within YOU!

It’s one thing to hear preachers or motivational speakers tell you that you can achieve anything, but how do you translate this into practical steps?

What do you do when the fire fades?

By Nozi Kubeka

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or years I wondered how I would align this knowledge and inspiration with my secret dreams, desires and yes, my God-given purpose.

As a woman who had to face an infertility challenge very early in my marriage, a stillbirth followed by the inability to conceive and when I finally did conceive two miscarriages, for a long time I was consumed by only one desire, and that was to have children. After a faith walk with God; we were eventually blessed with three precious children. Like every mother would probably agree, I was totally content with just being a mom and even concluded that it was perhaps the only purpose I was created for. However, as the years went by it dawned on me that the reason why I was getting a bit restless as the children got a little older is that just like an onion there are layers to all of us, and as we go through life we are peeling each layer and going deeper into more layers or other reasons for being in this world.

The most exciting part of this journey is when you discover that you actually come equipped with everything that you

Decide to throw all caution to the wind, to disregard anyone trying to discourage you or tell you it will not work. need to excel in life, and to reach for those dreams that God planted inside of you when He created you. When you discover the layers in you that you never thought existed, and when you listen to your inner voice. For a woman who not

so long ago wondered if there was more to my existence, I am sure a lot of sisters can remember a season like that in their own lives. You will be in awe of what our Lord provides you- the grace to accomplish, as you peel yet another layer.

Everything is inside of you, not out there.

Jesus lives in you, His power is in you, remind yourself of this fact every day. I have often gone out searching for favours and answers out there. It is only when I come back home and spend some quiet time with Him that I get an idea, and then I jump up and get going.

Knowing exactly what I must do and how I must do it! Wow, I get so excited during those times! That is how you go for the dreams that lie dormant in you.

That is how I have written my two published books entitled Tears, Joy and a Cherry on Top, and my latest entitled Teenager, Be Wise and can stand in front of people as an inspirational speaker. It seems like there is a well of ideas and energy pouring from deep within you. I am writing my next book, finalising some exciting business ideas and I keep asking myself, WHY NOT? I think it is important to write down a list of your dreams and ask yourself why you cannot achieve them. There is absolutely no reason to hold back or to hesitate. Go for it!

Decide to throw all caution to the wind, to disregard anyone trying to discourage you or tell you it will not work.

Be as excited as a little child seeing ice cream and dear reader, I hope through the waves of my pen, I am electrifying you with the excitement to dig deep and give birth to your dreams. Remember, you are not alone, you have heavenly help!

Nozi Kubeka is a mother of three, an author, a motivational speaker and a businesswoman. She has a BA (Social Work) Degree from Wits, a B Soc Sc (Social Work) Honours from the University of Cape Town and a Diploma in Training from Damelin.

Email: nozi.kubeka@gmail.com

www.parable.co.za 67

FEATURE

Sisters Sisters IN

MUSIC

Balancing a career and a family is no easy task. So how do they do it? We chatted to three fabulous sistas and found out how they go about doing ‘their thing’. What amazes me the most is that they manage their to-do list, yet they always make God their number one priority. By Thulile Gama

Zarcia ZACHEUS I

t is said that she possesses a charm and demeanour on stage that is infectious, plus a perfect technique that can make her perform for days on end. Singing back-up for Benjamin Dube’s choir at the age of 16, Zarcia Zacheus is a force to be reckoned with. She joined Joyous Celebration at the age of 18. After a year as a member of Joyous she went to the army and served for a year. She admits that when she was in there she would sing all the time, which made her decision of becoming a singer for the rest of her life an obvious one.

She grew up in a very musical house; furthermore both her parents are pastors. “I literally grew up in the church, the prayer meetings, cell groups, we were involved in all the ministries at church, and we used to fall asleep under the church chairs.” She admits that at the time she never really understood what the fuss about church was all about but now she says, “It is only now that I’m older that I appreciate my foundation at church and how I was raised.”

Zarcia started singing solo at the age of nine at school; this is how her sisters started to take her seriously as a singer. Before that she used to yearn to sing with them but they would always refuse.

After singing with Pastor Dube, Joyous Celebration and going to the army she returned home and studied Drama at Wits University.

The basis for my She says the foundation of her identity and her music is God; He belief in God is not is the centre of it all. Then she the Bible but my said the most unexpected thing, “The basis for my belief in God experiences. is not the Bible, but my experiences. There are times when I would just say this can only be God, my experiences make me believe without a shadow of a doubt that there is a God”. Her biggest influences are her sisters, who were enveloped by the love for music and surprisingly enough, she turned out to be exactly like them.

68 www.parable.co.za

P

huthuma Tiso, known as Pu2ma, started her singing career at church. She joined a group called Real Christian Group at the tender age of 14. In 2002, the group recorded an album and often sang at taxi ranks and weddings (just to promote their music), and this led to their introduction to Pastor Benjamin Dube. Between 2003 and 2008 she was a backup singer for Dube.

She also sang as backup for a number of artists during that time – Rebecca, Gloria Bossman, Siphokazi, Zama Jobe, the list goes on.

In 2010 she recorded her own demo.

Trying to pursue her solo career, Pu2ma sent it to numerous individuals, but was unsuccessful in attaining a recording deal.

Finally she sent it to Simphiwe Sithole who expressed his disappointment, as he only liked one song from the entire album.

Despite his disappointment, he helped her put together her first album.

Growing up in a loving home sparked the inspiration she has today. Although her parent’s separation led her to move in with her grandmother, Pu2ma was a great young girl who channelled her desire to live with her mother into determination and ambition. As the oldest, she managed to deal with the pressures of leading by example to her younger siblings.

Her love for music stems from her musical family. Music and family has always been a part of her, however, she is the only one in her family who pursued it as a career. Her debut album is out, but she will be releasing a deluxe album, CD plus DVD by the end of September 2012.

Nationally, she would love to work with people like Caiphus Semenya, Richard Bona, and internationally she would like to work with the likes of Erykah Badu and Esperanza. Her music icons are South Africa’s legends, Busi Mhlongo and Mirriam Makeba, because they stayed true to whom they were and represented the country everywhere they travelled, even abroad.

God plays an imperative role in Pu2ma’s music seeing that each time she writes a song she acknowledges God. “There is not a single day that goes by without thanking God because I know that there is nothing I can do on my own.

My grandma used to wake up every morning at 4am and sing a Xhosa chorus, “Jehovah Jireh, my provider”. Surprisingly, I was also saved through that same song, for the first time I actually listened to a song that I had always heard, and on that day it meant so much more and I gave

Phuthuma

TISO

my life to Jesus. My music and my life are nothing without God; He is my all in all.”

In her busy life she tries to cultivate her relationship with God, she is never too busy for the Lord, reading the Bible and prayer are still the roots of her life.

She tells us about what she has learnt in the industry. ‘’It does not matter how good you are, you must always be humble and friendly, do not be a ‘Miss Know it all’. People hate working with egotistic personalities; I know because I also do not like that kind of personality”.

This is her advice to young people who want to pursue music as a career.

There is no single day that goes by without thanking God because I know that there is nothing I can do on my own.

“Go to school; always have something to fall back on. Do your research well, find a gap in the industry and go for it. Never stop dreaming, don’t let people tell you that you cannot do it, and always give your best. Take criticism positively, work on it towards building yourself, and finally, respect everyone. You will not go wrong”. www.parable.co.za 69

Ntokozo N

tokozo Mbambo Mbatha eminently known from the biggest gospel group in Mzansi, she is married to Nqubeko Mbatha who is also part of Joyous Celebration.

This wonderful vocalist grew up in Durban, under the care of parents who were both worship leaders in the church; her father was a sound engineer in the church. Her parents discovered her singing abilities at a very young age and they sent her to piano classes and that was the birth of the star that we all love and admire. She recorded her first album when she was 14 years old, which was produced by Pastor Mthunzi Namba, and her parents financed it, and then they sold the project to a big record label for distribution purposes.

“I was called the following year to join Joyous Celebration.”

Her inspiration comes from God and her daily walk with Him. The Bible inspires her greatly especially because it is God’s Word and God speaks to her daily through His Word. “I’m also greatly inspired by my family, my husband and my daughter”.

Ntokozo tells us how much she loves music; she enjoys all kinds of music and she is thankful to God for the gift of singing. “I don’t take it for granted but I appreciate this gift given to me by God, and the best way to show my appreciation is to use it to glorify Him with it.” She says as much as she loves music, she will forever be madly in love with God. Ntokozo is bringing her new album titled FILLED to the homes of Mzansi.

She said this project has been so dear to her heart because the concept of it all was conceived during an intense session of worship in church and the Holy Sprit spoke to her clearly that night. The title of the album is based on Acts 2 verse 2 which says, “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it FILLED the entire house that they were sitting in”. Ntokozo identifies with this event in the Bible and she says that it happened to her the night her project FILLED started. “God showed up and FILLED His people, and we captured that 70 70 www.parable.co.za www.parable.co.za

moment on a double CD and a DVD”.

Having God in her life makes balancing it very easy, because with God everything else falls into place. “If God is the centre of your life He holds everything together, so that you can enjoy life. I find my balance in God. I have learnt that the more connected I am with God, the more my other relationships flourish as well.

I don’t take it for granted; I appreciate this gift given to me by God, and the best way to show my appreciation is to use it to glorify Him with it.

I have also learnt that home is home and work is work. I love working with my husband, we have established our own way of getting the job done and we work well together. And when we go back home we are husband and wife and parents to our daughter with God being our foundation as a family.”

When we ask her about the musicians she would like to work with, she laughs and says “I have a very long list” but she mentioned a few which are Sfiso Ncwane, Siphokazi and Neville D. Her musical icons are Cece Winans & Karen Clark Sheard.

She says she grew up listening to these women and even today they both sound amazing, and even more anointed. They have longevity. They are not just artists, but they are wives and mothers as well just like her and they do it all with such grace, integrity and elegance. “They’re not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that’s what I stand for”.

God is not just a fictional character in the Bible to Ntokozo but He is so real in her life. Her relationship with God is extremely important and her music testifies to it. God is the centre of her music as well; she tries to send the good news of God through her music, the good news of Christ dying on the cross. “It is only in Him that I move and have my being, He is my all. I sing about a God I know”.

Ntokozo has spent eleven years in Joyous Celebration and now it is time for her to spread her wings and show the world what and who she is.

SOCIAL CULTURE

Charities

WHEN MEAN BUSINESS THE RISING TREND OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN SOUTH AFRICA There’s no question: charities help people. Every year, charities and non-profit organizations provide much-needed support during times of crisis and emergency and help in alleviating poverty all over the world. But the concept of charity also has evoked legitimate concerns about sustainability and dependency for the future.

As a result, many charities and non-profit organizations have become skeptical of the traditional charity model and are now opting for a newer model for poverty alleviation: social enterprise. By Kate Kardol.

S

ocial enterprise in Africa, says Gbenga Sesan (2006) in the International NGO Journal, is an “emerging trend in an emerging continent,” and is increasingly being adopted by “do-good” organisations as part of their overall development strategies. For many, the concept simply makes sense.

Social enterprise fulfills the golden rule of, “don’t do something for someone they can do for themselves.” The model simply provides the means and pathway for the most vulnerable to work, earn a decent wage, and achieve social development, allowing them to achieve their dreams and 72 www.parable.co.za

break the cycle of dependency.

So the question of why these charities and organizations are increasingly adopting this model seems to be a rhetorical one. While the concept of social enterprise is still fairly new in South Africa, it has gained significant momentum amongst such organizations because of its clear benefits for both the organization and the people it serves. For the organization, it can mean financial and visionary independence, and for those it assists, it means opportunities to earn a decent income and exposure to opportunities for personal advancement that might not

have been available otherwise.

TOWNSHIP

Take Township for example, just one of many organizations applying the social enterprise model to assist low-income women and their families living in the townships surrounding Cape Town.

Founded by Nicole-Marie Iresch, Township is a network of seven worker-owned sewing co-operatives in the Cape Town area currently assisting over seventy women and their families. Nicole-Marie says it was the beauty, style, and spirit of the women she met in the townships that

encouraged her to start the social enterprise.

Township’s first project was making reusable cotton bags for corporate clients and has since opened a boutique in Cape Town that sells South African fashion and accessories that, “celebrates local beauty.” Yet, Township’s mission is far deeper than beauty or profit. The social enterprise in true form works to see such vulnerable women, “blossom into professional businesswomen, running their own show, making their own decisions, and enjoying their success.”

REFILWE COMMUNITY PROJECT

Refilwe Community Project, on the outskirts of Johannesburg, is another organization that uses the social enterprise model.

Having established several income-generating projects, including an organic fruit orchard whose produce is sold to the surrounding communities, Refilwe Community Project utilizes social enterprise to achieve sustainable community development.

SPARK VENTURES

In neighboring Zambia, the organization Spark Ventures is expanding their development model to include elements of social enterprise as well. Spark Ventures, who employ “sustainable solutions to lift children out of poverty,” has recently launched a commercial poultry farm in Lusaka. A major portion of the profits go towards funding their community school that provides quality education to over three hundred of Zambia’s most vulnerable children. “Sustainability is one of the core values of Spark Ventures,” says co-founder and CEO, Richard Johnson, and is the motivation behind the new project. This way, Spark Ventures can ensure that they continue to provide quality education for years to come and provide jobs that empower people in the process.

Thankfully, the waves of social enterprise continue to crash increasingly louder onto the shores of South Africa, moving charity from the traditional “hand-out” model into a more empowering and sustainable direction. And as Christ followers who desire to see our communities empowered and transformed, we can have hope that this new model of charity will usher in with it true transformation.

For more info about the organizations mentioned, visit: www. township.co.za, www.refilwe.org, and www.sparkventures.org.

Kate Kardol is an independent writer and editor focusing on issues of faith, justice, and development. Kate can be reached at kate.kardol@gmail.com.

www.parable.co.za 73

One melody AT A TIME

“If you raise your children to feel that they can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent and you will have given your children the greatest of all blessings.” If this quote by Brian Tracy is anything to go by, then the Motsatse siblings Neo (12) and Teboho (6) have received the ultimate blessing from their parents.

By Relebohile Lebata

N

eo and Teboho have extraordinary musical gifts, and the story of their sweet success is that of a serenading song. According to their mom, Fezeka, their accomplishments are attributed to their God-given talents, and hard-work; the support provided by parents, training received from their teachers and from people who respond positively to their music. Neo started playing the violin when she was six years old, a year later she participated in the Johannesburg Festival for the Advancement of Music competition organised by the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT).

Although a first time entrant, she was a joint winner and received a trophy in the ‘Most Promising String Player eight years and under’ category.

She taught herself how to sight-read music, and she was learning new songs before her teacher even taught her. Neo’s main instrument is the violin but she also plays the piano as her second instrument.

She does violin and piano, including Music Theory exams with UNISA. At age 10, Neo was invited to perform at a dinner hosted

by Donald Gips, United States Ambas74 www.parable.co.za

sador in South Africa. Amongst other impressive highlights, Neo was invited to play Sibongile Khumalo in the production “Breath of Life” (celebrating Khumalo’s 20 years in Music), and she was chosen to perform with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in July.

Her younger sister Teboho also showed promise at a very tender age as she hummed to the sound of music. When her parents realised that she also had an ear for music, they enrolled her for violin lessons when she was just two-and-a-half years old. Teboho’s musical highlights began when she was three years old, and she performed seven violin pieces that she memorised at a concert organised by the string academy. When she was only threeand-a-half years old, she switched from playing violin to piano.

At the age of four, Teboho participated in the Eistedfods and received four Diplomas. In that same year, she participated in the TRINITY Initial Piano Exams and received a distinction obtaining a 95% mark. She recently received a distinction for her UNISA Pre-grade exam obtaining a 92% mark, and she successfully audi-

tioned to compete at the SAMRO Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition in September 2012.

According to Fezeka, every step of this journey fills her with pride, and each experience is special on its own. Both her daughters recently performed with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra. They auditioned along with other young artists and Teboho, the youngest participant (5 years old), not only made it through but was selected to perform with them.

Neo, on the other hand not only make it through, but was given the last performer slot in the programme, a position reserved for the best performer.

“As a parent you have to educate your children that talent alone is not enough but hard work needs to be put in, so I come up with incentives to encourage them to do their best. I’m 100% involved in every aspect of their music, they practise with me daily, and I ensure that they reach their weekly goals with each piece. I encourage them when they feel overwhelmed, and I try to help them problem solve as they go. I also research their respective instruments; how they can improve in their playing, and I verse myself with music that they play or could play future-wise. My husband and I also organise concerts and performances for them so that they become accustomed to performing on stage and in front of many people, from an early age,” says Fezeka.

Indeed, as M. Grundler said, “The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day”.

PARENTING 101

SHOULD I

Breastfeed OR NOT?

Breastfeeding is such a normal part of life that should be embraced wholeheartedly. Yet many first time mothers are daunted at the task. Deciding to breastfeed or not, or when to start, or how to do it shouldn’t be a speed bump on your road to success. In this article, Lerato Princess–Teresa Mashego looks at some of these questions and more...

E

XPERTS RECOMMEND that you breastfeed your baby as soon as possible after birth as newborns have a tendency to be more alert and responsive.

Sue Tiller, R.N., an international boardcertified lactation consultant in Centreville, Va., and author of Breastfeeding 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Nursing Your Baby (TLC Publishing) says that after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you should try to nurse right away. In the case of a Caesarean section, you will only be able to breastfeed within the hour.

Breast milk contains lots of vital nutrients and antibodies that protect infants from typical illnesses like diarrhoea and pneumonia which are the two prime causes of child mortality worldwide. The first milk to come in is a thick yellow milk rich known as Colostrum, this milk is said to be the immunity package that sets up your infant for life. It boosts the immune system, helps with digestion and promotes brain development.

When you first start, make sure you are

comfortable – you can use a nursing pillow. Another important factor to proper breastfeeding is learning to latch correctly.

Your breastfeeding consultant will help you with this so that you don’t end up having bleeding nipples. You and your baby should be in a belly-to-belly position and the baby’s mouth should be wide open- like a yawn, and take in a substantial piece of your areola. Make sure your baby is well fed, twelve feedings daily.

However, during the first week your baby might be sleepier than hungry, so initiate feedings even if it means waking your “nunu” up. Hold off introducing a bottle and a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established.

THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF BREASFEEDING AREN’T REALLY A CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Although, there are numerous side effects to breastfeeding such as enlarged breasts, sore nipples and your milk leaking from your breasts. Research has shown that children who have been breastfed, have good health up to adulthood. They often have lower blood pressure, lower

cholesterol, lower rates of being overweight, and contracting type-2 diabetes.

Breastfeeding helps mothers’ burn calories and lose pregnancy weight faster. It reduces your chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Dr Lawrence Gartner, a paediatrician and chairman for the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) task force on breastfeeding says, “The longer you breastfeed and the more children you breastfeed, the greater the benefits to the mother.”

The AAP recommends that mothers should completely nurse their babies for six months, then gradually introduce solids whilst breast feeding for at least a year.

It is a wonderful experience for you and your newborn as it encourages intimacy between the two, and it makes infants feel comfortable and close to their mothers. Deciding to breastfeed is a personal decision and if you decide not to breastfeed, it doesn’t make you a bad mother.

Remember, you need to do what is best for you and your family. www.parable.co.za 75

HEALTH

CHRISTMAS

PLAN

TO KEEP THE

weight off

Although Christmas would not be Christmas without those mouthwatering dishes that are prepared during this time, Christmas is a tough time for those who want to keep healthy as it is nearly impossible to keep to your healthy routine.

By Lerato Princess-Teresa Mashego

N

erys Hairon’s book Nursing Times: How Christmas festivities and pressures can damage health and well-being, (2008) states, “While many people will be looking forward to having time off work, the impact of Christmas can be profound and not always positive. The effects can range from increased stress, family conflicts and alcohol misuse to heightened loneliness, increasing mental health difficulties and domestic violence.”

According to psychologists from Coventry University, most people suffer from stress during the Christmas period, but do not realise it (Curtis, 2002). They explain, “Christmas is a time of additional responsibility and a radical shift in daily patterns, and a range of factors can contribute to raising people’s stress levels.” Even though the holiday time tends to make you feel lazy and sluggish, there are ways that can assist in avoiding all of the above.

Try to get some exercise. I cannot stress the importance of keeping your body busy during the festive season. Personal trainer Mike Samuels says, “The beauty 76 www.parable.co.za

of summer is that you can go outside to train, you don’t even need any equipment either. You can get a great workout using just your body weight.”

This simply means that you can jog or take a walk for a few minutes. It can also help with your stress and eating levels.

While many people will be looking forward to having time off work, the impact of Christmas can be profound and not always positive.

In order to enjoy the holidays, the food and the cocktails without the guilt and that terrible bloated feeling, always remember to have breakfast every day.

However, if you have a heavy meal coming up that evening, a banana or something high in protein like egg whites will most likely do the trick. The festive season is all about celebration and not about over-indulging.

Therapist, Coach, author, Speaker and business Owner Peter Woronoff has tips that can help through the festive season. They include: 1 | Create a plan to avert the bulge in you - take control of what you put in your mouth.

2 | Do not let the lapse become a collapse- when temptation shows up, think twice before you bite. It might seem perfectly reasonable to finish off last night’s leftovers, but one mistake leads to another, then another and, before you know it, you are in full-blown collapse.

3 | Work out, but don’t overdo it - stick with a light cardiovascular workout, like walking or jogging.

4 | Drink water - keep drinking water throughout the day.

5 | Burn calories by napping - sleep is a secret ingredient in the battle to lose weight.

6 | Create your plan- you can lose more weight, by planning in advance.

COMPILED BY LERATO PRINCESS- TERESA MASHEGO

Food for Thought?

We did a little digging and found out some interesting ‘did you know?’ facts’ just for you...

An espresso has less caffeine than a cup of coffee. A cup of drip brewed coffee has about 115 milligrams of caffeine, an espresso (and percolated coffee) about 80mg, while instant coffee has about 65mg of caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee is not totally caffeine free, containing about 3mg of caffeine. A 8oz can of Coca-Cola has about 23mg of caffeine, Pepsi Cola 25mg, Mountain Dew 36mg, and TAB 31mg. Tea has about 40mg of caffeine, while an ounce of chocolate contains about 20mg.

The first Espresso machine was introduced in 1822 by the French, but it was the Italians who perfected and distributed it.

1

Source: http://didyouknow.org/coffee/

2 3

People who drink coffee are less likely to commit suicide. Source: http://cassandrasenior.hubpages.com/hub /Did-You-Know-Little-Known-Facts

because the pigment cells in the hair follicle start to die, which is responsible for producing “melanin” which gives the hair colour. Source: http://www.greatfacts.com

6

Smart women grow curvy hips! University of

Pittsburg and University of California studied about 16,000 women and reported the following in 2007: curvy hips indicate smart women who will deliver intelligent children! Women should have fat in their hips, rather than their waist, because hip fat is usually high on omega-3 fatty acids (fat that develop the brain), while waist fat is high on omega-6 fats that do not develop the brain. Source: Raja Atallah. http://bestfunfacts.com/human_health.html

7

Dynamite is made with peanuts.

Peanut oil can be processed to produce glycerol, which can be used to make nitro-glycerine, one of the constituents of dynamite. Note however, there are other processes that can be used to make dynamite without using peanuts at all. Source: http://listverse.com

Eggs are good for your eyes because they contain

/2007/12/17/top-10-incredible-food-facts/

4

5

The reason why hair turns grey as we age is

Junk food makes people insane!

The increase in mental disorders in the last several years could be attributed to the increase in the consumption of an unhealthy diet.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acid (mainly vegetables and fish) help keep the brain healthy. People eat 1/3 less vegetables and 2/3 less fish than they did 50 years ago.

(BBC News). Source: Raja Atallah. http://bestfunfacts.com/human_health.html

lutein which helps prevent age-related cataracts and muscular degeneration. In fact, eggs contain more lutein than spinach and other green vegetables.

Source: http://didyouknow.org/ eggs/

www.parable.co.za 77

A Broad MARGIN OF LEISURE ON THE MOVE

Compiled by Lerato Princess-Teresa Mashego

Voice-activation on Ford Fiesta ST 2012 model hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date.”

With a body change the Fiesta ST will include: • Enhanced suspension tuning, • Possibly Recaro racing seats, • 17-inch wheels, • Speed-rated performance tires, • Dual exhaust and • Voice-activation in the car connectivity system.

T

he vibrant new Fiesta ST is set to out shine all of its rivals.

Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles said, “We believe Ford customers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the style and specification, too. This dynamic new

It will be powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that promises to deliver 180PS. It will accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than 7 seconds and can reach a top-speed of 220km/h-plus According to an article in Velocity Automotive Journal titled: Production-Ready Fiesta ST Debuts at 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the Fiesta ST’s high-contrast interior features unprecedented levels of equipment and specification to suit the sporting driver. It will be equipped with MyKey, which allows owners to limit performance and ensure activation of safety features for when less-experienced drivers use the vehicle. This design will include a large trapezoidal grille.

2013 Audi A3

A

fter its production in 1996, the Audi A3 is still making new improvements. The 2013 Audi A3 is much lighter, weighing 80kg with the help of the lightweight technology. It is without a doubt that the skeleton has a sporty feel to it. Lengthwise this new model is identical to its predecessor but the wheelbase has increased to 2.60 meters.

After reading the Auto-meth article titled: Geneva Motor Show, New Models, News-Updated: 2013 Audi A3, it is evident that the interior of the A3 has been completely redesigned with the design looking similar to that of the Audi A1. As stated in the 78 www.parable.co.za

article, “The colour display of the driver information system (standard on the Ambition and Ambient equipment lines) presents graphics in highly detailed 3D images.”

Expect a spacious car that consists of 3 4-cylinder engines, which I hear are all basically new developments. The company is going to release two TFSi engines, one having 90kW and the other 132kW power. Besides the TFSi engines a TDI one will also be released with an output of 110 kW. It will accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 203km/h. No details have been released on the planned launch in South Africa.

Third Generation Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2013

T

he company has overwhelmed themselves with this model.

The size is much bigger than previous models and the interior is one similar to a pilot’s cockpit of 160 cubic feet of interior volume. The exterior and interior features are on another level, consisting of: • Power tailgate • Panoramic sunroof • Proximity Key • A 6-speed automatic with a plus • VSM technology and seven airbags • Electronic Stability Control • Traction Control System • Hill start Assist Control (HAC) According to www.hyundaiusa.com, “...our goal is to make sure you get what you want. And to make that happen...”

It comes with a Blue Link® connectivity system and two available audio options: 10-speaker Dimension® audio system and a 12-speaker Infinity® Logic 7™Surround Sound Audio System. The navigation systems can both be viewed on an 8-inch touch screen with a rear view camera providing the latest entertainment and info possible.

It has a 3.3L V6 engine providing a potent response and surprisingly enough it is fuel efficient seeing that it includes a Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI).

Mercedes 2012 Concept Style Coupe with an all-wheel drive system

S

ome may agree, when I say Mercedes has out done themselves with this 2012 Concept Style Coupe.

This beast comes with: • A large panoramic glass roof, • A turbine-style 20-inch wheels, • Dual-flow exhaust system, • Frameless side windows with

no B-pillar, and • Silvery Alubeam paint.

It is powered by a direct-injected turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 208 horsepower and matched to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Drive is sent to all 4 wheels via Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

It has been said that the interior of the coupe is similar to the A-Class. However, there are some unique elements that set it apart like: • A carbon fibre trim • Ambient lighting, • Neon green piping and • Two rear bucket seats that make this

a strict 4-seater.

According to Editor at High Gear Media and contributor of numerous sites, Viknesh Vijayenthiran, suede will be used on the sports steering wheel to ensure better grip and all chrome trim element. The control panels on this car feature a black anodized finish for the first time.

To top it off, the coupe has the ability to browse the internet when the vehicle is stationary, the occupants of the Concept Style Coupe should have no trouble checking and updating their Facebook or Twitter accounts. www.parable.co.za 79

ADDED TOUCH

Recipes by Mahalia Jackson

ON A

Lighter NOTE Wax your culinary skills lyrical this summer, when hot days call for light meals. Dishes such as Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad, will add a fresh melody to your dinner chorus line. Antipasto, a flavourful delicacy will strike the right note with any guest. Let’s not forget Guacamole, Cumin Mayonnaise and Basil Pest;, they too are the perfect accompaniments to Solo. Hungry anyone?

Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil Salad Ingredients 500g fresh mozzarella slices 1cm thick 1 cup basil leaves Freshlyground black pepper to taste

2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1cm thick Coarse salt 75 ml extra virgin olive oil

Method In a circular design around the side of the serving plate – alternate fresh mozzarella slices on a large serving plate with sliced tomatoes and basil leaves, overlapping for effect. Add salt & freshlyground pepper to taste. Just before serving, drizzle on some extra virgin olive oil. Serves 5

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Guacamole

Ingredients 10 thinly sliced pastrami 10 thinly sliced peppered salami 10 thinly sliced prosciutto 10 baby mozzarella balls 1 bunch Red bell grapes 1 bunch green grapes 1 punnet strawberries 500g crumbed calamari 250g Black olives ideally calamata or sliced pitted black olives (sliced or whole)

Ingredients 3 avocados – peeled, pitted & mashed 1 lime juiced 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup diced onion 3 tablespoon chopped coriander 2 plum tomatoes, diced 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Method Arrange all the above delicacies on a decorative plate and serve with the following accompaniments.

Cumin mayonnaise Ingredients 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds ½ teaspoon whole coriander seeds 2 large egg yolks ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon coarse salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¾ cup grape seed oil Method Place cumin & coriander seed in a small pan & toast until fragrant over medium high heat. Transfer to a spice grinder, grind to a fine powder. Place egg yolks in small bowl of a small food processor along with lemon juice, mustard, salt, ground cumin & coriander, and cayenne pepper, pulse to combine. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in grape seed oil until emulsified.

Keep refrigerated until ready to use. Makes: 2 cups

Method 1) In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice & salt.

2) Mix in onion, coriander, tomatoes, and garlic, stir in cayenne pepper.

3) Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor or serve immediately.

Serves 5

Basil pesto Ingredients 2 cups fresh basil leaves ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ½ cup pine nuts or walnuts (preferably pine nuts) 3 medium size garlic cloves, minced Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste Method In a food processor, combine the basil with the pine nuts, pulse a few times.

Add the garlic, pulse a few times. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food is on.

Stop to scrap down the sides of the food processor with a spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended.

Add a pinch of salt and freshlyground pepper to taste.

Serve with the antipasto. Makes: 1 cup www.parable.co.za 81

PHOTOGRAPHER: LEANNE MORAIS, FOOD & STYLING : MAHALIA JACKSON- ADDED TOUCH CATERING & EVENTS, CELL 079 990 9831

Antipasto

SPA OF THE MONTH

VERONA DAY SPA Do you ever wish that you could find an Oasis where you can be spoilt and basically do nothing? Lerato Princess-Teresa Mashego shares her discovery.

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INNING THE ‘DAY SPA of the Year’ Professional Beauty Awards in 2011 and ‘The World Luxury Spa Awards’, Verona Day Spa epitomises hard work and great quality. Inspired by earthy colours and a hint of Italian, Moroccan and Arabic, I was convinced that anyone who comes here will leave feeling spanking new and relaxed.

All you hear in the distance is music that complements the spa along with the soft sound of water.

Situated in Houghton Estate, Verona Day Spa’s mission is to offer an Oasis where you can be spoilt and basically just relax and enjoy yourself. Judging from the atmosphere Verona is solely designed to give you the ultimate experience of escape and luxury you deserve.

Verona Day Spa has a variety of treatments and packages suitable for any individual, and the facilities include: • The Majestic Room – a couples and singles hydrotherapy room, • Caviar Luxury Suite – for couples, 82 www.parable.co.za

•

• •

comes along with a shower and a hydrotherapy bathtub and a garden.

Outside Oasis VIP Suite – comes with a complimentary drink Island Tan Room and A Moroccan Flotation Bed

The spa values the guest’s privacy, meaning that you will definitely reach complete relaxation. After speaking to Diana, Verona Day Spa’s Director, she mentioned that she has had some guests who have cried and let go off all their troubles.

There is a Moroccan steam shower flavoured with a vanilla scent, perfect before getting massages, an Infrared sauna used for healing purposes, outdoor Jacuzzi, hydro shower, cabin sauna for privacy, a waterbed room for the winter which is amazing, dry and outdoor treatment rooms, etc.

The spa also specialises in the highest calibre somatologists, and I was amazed at the level of humility and the love Diana has for the spa. I mean, if the director is passionate about the place, you

Stairwell

only can imagine the level of professionalism and care you will receive from the rest of the team. My expression, PRICELESS!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What is God TRYING TO SHOW ME?

By Wendy van Eyck

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remember hearing a story once about a young couple who stopped and asked an old couple for directions. The young man and his wife pulled over and explained they had just moved to town and if the old couple knew where they could find the post office.

The old man replied, “I certainly do. I was born in this town, raised four fine children here in this city. I plan to die in this town too. Now where was it you wanted to go young man?”

“Er, the post office”. The young man knew his wife’s idea to ask for directions had been flawed. Why did he have to ask this couple who were likely to take so long to recall the directions? The post office would be closed or rebuilt somewhere else; by the time they were finished.

“Of course, the post office! I did not think young things like you mailed things anymore; with that electronic mail, what do you call it? Ah yes, eee-mail. Now where did you want to go?” “The post office!” the young couple exclaimed in unison.

Unperturbed the old man replied, “To get to the post office, turn left at the next traffic light which will take you past the

bakery where you can buy the best chocolate croissants. At the stop street, you will see the drycleaners in front of you, right next to a small restaurant “Michael’s”: they serve the best Sunday lunches. At the stop street turn left again, past home affairs and the traffic department. Take a left again at the traffic lights; you will see the post office on the corner just past the library.”

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) The young couple sighed, “thank you” and drove off before the old man could tell them about his four fine children. The old couple stood for a moment before the old woman turned and enquired, “Love, why did you not tell them to just go straight through two traffic lights and they

would find the post office on the corner?”

With a twinkle in his eye the old man said, “Well, I could have told them that but they would not have known where to buy the best croissants in town, where to eat Sunday lunch, where to obtain passports, renew car licenses or where the library was.”

Sometimes I think God is like that old man, He just wants to make sure we have everything we need for living.

He does not just want to make sure we can perform the task we need to; He wants us to be able to perform life excellently and enjoy a good chocolate croissant while we do.

Next time you feel like you will never accomplish the purpose God has for you, stop and ask Him what He might be trying to show you on the way. Furthermore you might just discover that what He is giving you is everything you need to live the life He has for you.

What do you think God is trying to show you at the moment?

Wendy van Eyck writes at ilovedevotionals.com, runs the 24 hr TV channel ONE Gospel & loves travelling with her husband. Follow her on twitter: @wendyvaneyck

On Location

Out and About @ Various Events

Benjamin Dube’s NEW ALBUM LAUNCH

Pastor Benjamin Dube and Neyi Nimu

Some of the Guests

Pastor Benjamin’s Mother with Guests

Some of the Guests

Annaline and Lulu

Some of the Guests

Some of the Guests

Neyi Zimu and a Guest

Xiluva G.i.r.l.s. HIGH TEA EVENT

Some of the ladies at the High Tea

Host Fikile Poka with two of the Guests

Fikile Poka with Bonolo Nkosi and a guest

84 www.parable.co.za

Fikile Poka with Patience Mlangana

Patience Mlangana with a Guest

Fikile Poka with some of the guests.

10th

Anniversary

FUN SUNDAY @ Let’s Go to Glory Worship Centre Vereeniging

Host Slauzy Mogami, Dr Myles Munroe, Charlie Masala and a Guest,

LEADING LADIES OF AFRICA

Breakfast with Dr Myles Munroe Alinah, and guests

Pumla Mahomu and Dr Ruth Munroe

Solomon Izang Ashoms with Agatha Christie

Pastor Themba and associates

Dr Myles Munroe and a Guest with the Host Slauzy Mogami

Khodani and friends

LOGOS BIBLE CHURCH

Hosted American Gospel Singer Ken Reynolds

Ken Reynolds with Pastors Shandrey & Reyhana Thumbran

Ken Reynolds with Associate Pastors

Logos Worship Leader and Julius Schultz

Muschka Pillay and Ken Reynolds

Charmaine and friends

Banele, Alinah and friends

House of Harvest CFC–Midrand Glorious Woman of Worth Conference

Host - Ps Sue Mazabane with Prophetess Tera Carissa (USA), Lindzy Msimang and Mrs Zoe Molapisi, chief editor of Parable.

One of the guest speakers - Ms Charlene Hector

Some of the Conference Delegates

Two of the Conference Delegates

www.parable.co.za 85

IN REVIEW

A Timeless TRIBUTE FOR ‘TATA’

By Adelani Ogunrinade

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n Wednesday June 13th 2012, a galaxy of A-list stars gathered at the Mashabela studios to record a moving tribute to one of the most extraordinary political leaders of our time.

‘Tata’ as he is affectionately known turned 94 on July 18th 2012. In celebration of this milestone, Radio 2000’s coordinating team organised a special birthday song as a gift to the legendary politician. Amidst the torrent of media coverage for the event, I had the good fortune to be invited inside the studio to view the recording session of the birthday tribute to this outstanding son of Africa.

This meant that I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with a stellar line-up of some of the biggest names in the South African music industry. It was almost impossible to imagine anything more compelling than observing the artistic synergy at the studio session. The thought of the exquisite blend of vocal styling offered by the likes of singing sensation Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Blondie Makhene, the dynamic duo of Mark and Alex, Lindiwe Langa, Luwe, Humbu, Tu Nokwe, Tribute, Jozi Field, Concord Nkabinde, rapper Kabomo and the SABC Choir blaring through the speakers made my eyes glimmer in excitement.

Fortunately, the making of this tribute to ‘Tata’ did not fail to live up to expectations. The authentic spirit of ‘Madiba magic’ shone through the recording session. There was a lot of laughter, dancing, sharing of treasured memories, while others networked with potential business 86 www.parable.co.za

partners. The love, unity and happiness that filled the air seemed like a symbolic personification of what the celebrated iconic figure represents. There was a real sense of ubuntu amongst the guests and recording artists. In a session overflowing with passion, unity and optimism, director Nick van Tonder took the opportunity to film the music video of the song. The footage of the event will apparently be handed over to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund as a DVD.

...rekindling lost virtues in the youth, while thanking God for watching over this great political hero for 94 years.

As the session continued, I looked on in amusement as these legendary artists got behind the microphone to record their beautiful voices, lush harmonies and poetic lyrics on the heartwarming tribute track titled ‘All about love’- a track written by the producers of the song, Tebogo Rameetse and Lebo Sebele. “It was a humbling experience to be part of such a big project,” said the architects behind the classic track. “From my point of view, it was a brilliant incentive from Radio 2000.

The song was designed to mirror our society’s transition into a new democracy by merging the voices of well-known musical icons with up-and-coming artists on the song,” Rameetse explained.

“It was an honour to be on a song with

these musical legends to pay homage to Madiba. It was an honour to be on a song with artists that I grew up listening to,” said rapper Kabomo.

Speaking further on the song, Blondie Makhene describes the song as a statement for the youth, an anthem that re-affirms virtues such as compassion, courage, discipline, forgiveness, responsibility, respect, diversity, freedom, and love.

“Mandela once said that freedom is an idea which he lived for and an idea that if needed, he is prepared to die for – you can only die for something you love,” the prolific producer purported. “There is nothing more rewarding than showing gratitude to him for that love. Especially when that gratitude manifests itself in the form of music,” he added.

In retrospect, the whole experience carved some deep impressions in the tissues of my mind. It is clear that there was more to the experience than meets the eye. It was more than just a studio session with throngs of glamorous superstars. It was a celebration in disguise; an early birthday celebration attended by talented individuals who have been liberated and inspired

by Nelson Mandela’s remarkable life, a song created to personify a nation’s love and gratitude to the freedom fighter. It is a timeless song! A moment capable of triggering emotion; rekindling lost virtues in the youth, while thanking God for watching over this great political hero for 94 years. It was a moment capable of rekindling a flame of hope which would never be extinguished.

CHURCH CORNER related to the geographical location of the church.

2 | Younger pastors were more likely to be lonely than older pastors.

3 | The larger the church, the greater the likelihood that the pastor was experiencing loneliness.

4 | The greater the education level of the pastor, the more likely he is to be lonely.

WHY THE PERVASIVE DISCOURAGEMENT AND LONELINESS?

Pastors

ARE HURTING Not all the news about pastors is discouraging. Pastors feel privileged to be called to their places of ministry. They have a deep love for those they shepherd. Most of them could not conceive of doing anything else. But please hear me: Many pastors are hurting. By Dr Thom Rainer

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ifeWay Research conducted a national survey of Protestant pastors. Among the questions they asked were two related to the hurts I noted above.

THE DISCOURAGEMENT FACTOR

One of the key symptoms of the pain experienced by pastors is discouragement. Over one-half (55%) of pastors are presently discouraged. I suspect that if we surveyed pastors over just a few months, we would find that almost all of them experience deep discouragement.

Some interesting facts we discovered in our study: 1 | There was no pattern of discouragement related to the geographical location of the church.

2 | There was no pattern of discourage-

ment related to the size of the church.

3 | There was no pattern of discouragement related to the educational level of the pastor.

4 | There was a significant pattern of discouragement related to the age of the pastor. The younger the pastor, the more likely he was to be discouraged.

Why are so many pastors struggling today? In an earlier article I wrote on pastoral depression, I noted the following possible reasons: 1 | Spiritual warfare. The Enemy does not want God’s servants to be effective in ministry. He will do whatever it takes to hurt ministers and their ministries.

2 | Unrealistic expectations. The expectations and demands upon a pastor are enormous. They are unrealistic. But if one person’s expectations are not met, that person can quickly let the pastor know that he is a failure.

3 | Greater platforms for critics. In “the good old days,” a critic was typically limited to telephone, mail, and in-person meetings to criticize a minister. Today the critics have the visible and pervasive platforms of email, blogs, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

4 | Failure to take time away from the church or place of ministry. Workaholism leads to burnout. Burnout leads to depression.

5 | Marriage and family problems. Too often the pastor neglects his family as he cares for the larger church family.

6 | Financial strains. Many pastors simply do not have sufficient income from the churches they serve. That financial stress can lead to depression. Some pastors do not know how to manage the money they do have, leading to further financial strain.

7 | The problem of comparison. Every pastor will always know of a church that is larger and more effective. Every pastor will always know of another pastor who seems more successful. The comparison game can be debilitating to some pastors.

THE LONELINESS FACTOR

Most pastors experience intense loneliness at times. When we conducted our survey, over one-half again (coincidentally the same number, 55%, as noted above) said they were lonely. Again remember that this survey was for a specific point in time.

Which pastors experience the greatest amount of loneliness? Our study noted some discernible patterns: 1 | There was no pattern of loneliness

This one thing I do know. Pastors need our prayers more than ever. They need our support and encouragement. I am committed to pray for my pastor every day, even if it’s only for a minute or so. Will you do the same? Our pastors pour out their lives for us daily. What can you do to help your pastor?

Dr. Thom Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Source: www.christianpost.com

www.parable.co.za 87

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Go.BE. FREE

By Wendy van Eyck

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ET US GET ONE THING straight from the outset: Humans already messed up the plan and Jesus already fixed it. If you ever needed permission to breathe in a little freedom I just gave it to you. Actually God has by His grace, given it to you a couple of thousand years ago - but that is another article.

If you really believed that Jesus came and fixed the plan that God had for you, then why are you and just about everyone else you know, so scared of messing up God’s plan for your life?

You probably have met someone who thinks they know what God’s plan for their life is – they are probably that incredibly annoying successful person that everyone else wants to be. Subsequently you probably met others who attend every Christian conference in the hope that the speaker will stop mid-sentence and deliver a prophecy that is just for them, and tell them step-by-step what God wants for their life – but it never happens. Then there are the people everyone claims they are not: the “I am so scared of getting it wrong I am not going to do anything until I hear clearly from God” group. Then, of course there is the group – that more of us probably fall into than we care to admit. The ones that are scared they have heard God’s plan for their life, but they do not like it or think that God has got the wrong person. As they think it is just too BIG they run as far away as possible.

Jonah fell into that last group. If you do not know the story of Jonah from your 88 www.parable.co.za

Sunday School classes then let me provide you with a quick recap of the biblical story: God told Jonah to go to Nineveh – from what the Bible says this was the most evil place you can think of, so probably like Las Vegas, and tell the people there that God was going to destroy them in three days. This scared Jonah, so he decided to journey on a boat and head to Tarshish, Timbuktu or anywhere far off God’s radar really. However, Jonah had yet to learn that once God sets His mind to something He is not easily turned back or dissuaded.

board the ship in the first place, the very beach that he had been trying to avoid.

The problem for Jonah was that it was the only beach in the world that God wanted him on. In addition to this God was going to make sure he got there even if it meant being swallowed by a whale.

While making his escape from God’s plan, a huge storm overpowered the small boat Jonah was hiding on. It did not take the other passengers long before they decided to throw Jonah overboard, granting his fate to the sea rather than sealing theirs.

As Jonah hit the water, the storm stopped and Jonah was inhaled like plankton into the whale’s mouth.

Realising that God is in control even when you think you are in control translates into living a life where all that is required of you is that you show up. Jonah did not even show up in the right place but God still used him. How much more do you think God will use you if you’re saying, “Here I am Lord, use me!” So stop stressing about whether or not you are doing what God prepared for you, and go-befree.

What is God’s plan for my life? Almost every Christian has asked themselves this question or a variation of it at least once.

Jonah sat and prayed – probably wondering why he did not just drown in the belly of a whale for three days before being vomited out onto the main beach in Nineveh. How is that? Jonah found himself on the exact beach that had caused him to

Why do I like this story? I like this story because it gives me hope that Jonah – who was actively rebelling against what God wanted him to do, could be guided

by God to the exact place He wanted him to be. If you are actively seeking what God wants for your life then God can probably get you there too. I do not know about you but that delivers a lot of freedom in my soul, a lot of space to just relax and let God figure out the details of the plan He has for my life. After all, is it not true freedom living as the person God created us to be?

Wendy van Eyck writes at ilovedevotionals.com, runs the 24 hr TV channel ONE Gospel & loves travelling with her husband. Follow her on twitter: @wendyvaneyck

TRAVEL NOW

An Untouched

Sanctuary With a design philosophy to create balance with nature, a lifestyle based on serenity and tranquillity, it is evident that Fairmont Zimbali Lodge is a resort unlike any other.

Lerato Princess–Teresa Mashego shares this blissful and ideal holiday destination with us.

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urrounded by lush vegetation, local flora and a magnificent view overlooking the Indian Ocean, it is without a doubt a tropical coastal sanctuary that gives guests an untouched natural environment to enjoy.

Only 45km north of Durban, Zimbali Coastal Estate consists of several 5-star hotels that offer five-star luxury accommodation.

It includes: • Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, • Fairmont Zimbali Resort.

They all provide the ultimate place to enjoy and appreciate what the good Lord has created. Zimbali is a Zulu word meaning “Valley of Flowers”, which is apparent that the name holds true to the area. As if in Miami, enclosed by palm trees, the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge is the ideal holiday destination for when you want 90 www.parable.co.za

to relax and get away from the city.

The decor itself is amazing, the subtle hint of classical architecture is emphasised by the warm wood and russet autumn tones.

The bathrooms feature Victorian baths whilst each room has a full supply of hot beverages, light snakes and a mini-bar. In addition, there are butlers to cater to your every need.

It is rare to find a 50 hectare reserve that allows you to interact with nature like Zimbali does with its unique combinations of pathways, wooden decks, viewing decks and free roaming wildlife. Its territory consists of 85 species of birds, butterflies and a wide variety of indigenous plant life while the animal life comprises the blue duiker, bush buck, bush baby, vervet monkey, wild pigs and banded mongooses. They all provide a well-constructed ecosystem.

Terrace overlooking the forest STANDARD ROOM FEATURES & AMENITIES

• Sea, lagoon & forest facing • Colour satellite television with remote control • Bathroom with separate shower • Telephone with computer connection • Radio and hairdryer • Electric razor plug • Multi-electrical plugs for

One of five swimming pools

• • •

international use Air-conditioned + balcony 24-hour butler service Daily newspaper delivery

ACTIVITIES

If you are adventurous, you could go deep-sea fishing, scuba-diving, and go on dolphin tours. If you are a sporty individual, you could go paragliding, parachuting, rockclimbing, shark diving, canopy touring, I mean the list is endless. And if you are a laid back individual, you could play a bit of tennis, go mountain bike riding, horseback riding, play golf on one of South Africa’s premium golf courses and swim in one of the Lodge’s five swimming pools overlooking the ocean.

Spa Treatment THE SPA FACILITIES

Willow Stream Spa is found inside the Fairmont Zimbali Resort. It reminds the guests of the promise of relaxation, pampering and unforgettable experiences. The spa offers marula milk baths, intonga stick massages and potato, rooibos, aloe and marula masks.

Zimbali Golf Course

If you have not been to the Zimbali Coastal Estate, you need to in the near future because it is the perfect place for you and your family to enjoy the very best of what KwaZulu-Natal and its surrounding has to offer. www.parable.co.za 91

Are You Willing to Taint Your Image?

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Soul Sista welcomes you to her space where no topic is off limits. Prepare to be intrigued, thrilled and wowed. I will not promise that I will always say what you want to hear, but I may just say what you need to hear.

The point is to get you talking and asking questions. Not everything is as it seems and not everyone is prepared to address certain issues but this is a space where no topic is off limits. This Spiritfilled, fire-baptised sista is here to voice out her thoughts as they come.

Remember this space is not the gospel, so what I say most of the time may just be my opinion, so feel free to also have yours.

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hen you walk down the streets of Jozi and abomageza (township lingo for taxi drivers) decide to make a move on you or touch your bum that is indistinguishable to sexual harassment. According to the law and society this is an appalling act and many would say, “Sies maan, how can they do that to this poor girl?” It will immediately cause pandemonium within the society.

We would not think twice about heading a massive strike to protest against Women and Child Abuse. We will definitely chant slogans such as “Wathinta Abafazi, Wathinta Imbokodo” (when you strike a woman, you strike a rock)!

However, does the same principle apply within the church? Well, it’s a no! In the world that we live in, we sing a different tune all together when it comes to issues pertaining to Abuse of Women and Children. We don’t protest except to actually pray about it. How considerate! We assume God will surely hear our cries from heaven and punish the Pastor for his illicit or immoral actions. I mean this is what we are taught - pray “he will stop harassing you”.

Additionally, what happens to you my sister and your representation of yourself? Are you willing to let it be tainted? Instead, you die silently since you were told that even if he touches you; you can’t talk about it. You have to cover his nakedness because after all he is a man of God. Poor you, how do you cover such a man’s nakedness? I mean a man who wants you to tarnish his marriage bed with you.

...what happens to you my sister and your representation of yourself? Are you willing to let it be tainted?

Yet you can’t touch him because he is the anointed one. Aag shame! All you have to do is silently die inside like Joseph when Potiphar’s wife demanded sex from him. Well, this is what you are told; leave him “God will defend his own interest in your life”.

I guess you can attest to this as a sister in the Lord because you or your friend might have been subjected to this distasteful act. A senior Pastor of a large church can touch your bum, demand a kiss from you and boldly tell you that you can still have your clothes on and not wear lingerie. He can undress you either verbally or by merely looking at you – and it’s okay because he is a man of God, right?

All you say is, “sho, mfundisi or Pastor” and only blush! Why do you blush? Is it because he pays your bills, gives you money, buys you grocery or prays for you? You allow him to articulate sweet nothings into your ears such as, “Had I not been married, you would have been my wife. You know you and I were meant to be together and if Christianity permitted polygamy I would have married you.” Furthermore you buy into this nonsense. Girl, this man is not different from your ex-boyfriend who played you. The only difference with this one is that he hides behind his priesthood garment.

Another reason could be that you are frightened by him lest he chants witchcraft prayers against you. Yet, you seem to forget that he is not God. Do Christian women believe they will curb the circle of abuse within the society by only protesting against taxi drivers, Presidents, government officials, prominent figures and celebrities yet they keep mum or entertain this act when it’s perpetrated by Pastors?

To be continued!!