Issue 02 - Sapphire by Lindie Gouws

living My Word in your world makes the difference Our world is changing Celebrate your uniqueness

6DSSKLUH

Issue 2 - 2005

4 seasons

100 pages of inspiration, values and real life

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about

A covenant is a promise. It is an agreement believed to be the basis of a relationship of commitment between God and His people.

$ 1 HZ &RYHQDQW God made a new covenant with us, His people. In Hebrews 8:10-12 He says: “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbours, nor will they need to teach their family, saying, ‘You shall know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will already know me. And I will forgive their wrongdoings, and I will never again remember their sins.” In Hebrews 9 we read that by the power of the Eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why He is the one who mediates the new covenant between God and His people, so that all who are invited can receive the eternal inheritance. And because we accept Jesus as our eternal High Priest and our Saviour, we will one day see the holy New Jerusalem. There where the foundations are adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation stone was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius (carnelian), the seveth chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth and the twelth amethyst.

Upon these foundation stones MY World is built. Our second issue – our second foundation is

6DSSKLUH

6DSS KLUH Issue 2 –

From the Book of Isaiah for foundation two - Sapphire:

“...I will rebuild you on a foundation of sapphires and make the walls of your houses from precious jewels.” Isaiah 54:11

May you, through reading Sapphire, find strength in the promise God made with us for eternity through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Scripture for Issue 2:

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of

Israel on that day, says the Lord:

‘I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.’ ” Hebrews 8:10ews 8:10

AN EVANGELISM TOOL THAT IS TIMELESS

“Our vision is to be a tree planted by the Living Waters of Life

and to bear fruit every month

through leaves that will bring healing.”

This simply means

OUR TEAM: Lindie Gouws

(Founder and Editor ... and still mother of MY World)

Liesel Smith

(Graphic Design ... inspired to create)

that as you page through MY World monthly, you will be inspired, you will be touched and you will be brought closer to Jesus. (This month’s cover reflects the Covenant: “For this is the covenant that I will make

Melanie Badenhorst (Graphic Design ... also inspired to create)

Betsie Stokes

(Administration/Accounts ... our figures lady)

Lu-Ann Leih

(Personal Assistant ... the voice when you phone)

Jacob Lechesa

(Office Assistant... who helps us carry the load)

Patricia Mosadi

(Office Assistant... always there to help)

with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Heb 8:10)

We would like to congratulate Sanita Botes, our previous personal assistant, on the birth of her first baby, Danika.

OU R C ON T RIBU TORS Providing motivational and inspirational products via media to the world.

Lindie Gouws (Managing Director) Futhi Masuku (Director) Johannes Gumede (Director) Gavin Watson (Director) Ishmael Mncwaba (Alternative Director) Futhi Masuku (Director) Contact Details Tel +27(11) 953-5214 Fax +27(11) 953-4281 Postal Address Private Bag 2003, Krugersdorp, 1740 Physical Address No 1 Windsor Road, Mogale City, Gauteng Betsie Stokes (Advertising) +27(11) 953-5214 Subscriptions +27(11) 953-5214 Electronic subscriptions subscribe@myworld.za.com Printing Paarlweb Printers

Clive Emdon, Dini Esterhuizen, Retha Fick, Jeff Gaisford, Myna Gouws, Andrew Hankey, Fanie Heyns, Alan Hosking, Corrie Huyser, Ina Nortjé, Velile Phato, Edgar Ramsami, Myles Sinclair, Velile Phato, Andrea Badenhorst (photography) Irma Coetzee (photography), Helga Frank (make-up). The content of MY World remains the copyright of Phe-tiwe Media and Publications (Pty) Ltd. All graphic illustrations have been conceptualised and created by MY World and remains the copyright of Phe-tiwe. All photos (unless otherwise stated) have been commissioned by the Editor and remains the property of Phe-tiwe. Scripture references were taken from: The NIV Thematic Reference Bible: Zondervan The Holy Bible: New King James Version The Holy Bible: Old King James Version Spirit Filled Life Bible: New King James Version New Living Translation: Life Application Study Bible The Message

Thank you to Angela Rogers for sending us one of the poems she wrote: I pray that God blesses MY World and I thank you for your hard work.

Thank you LORD, you gave me life Thank you LORD, you gave it twice At first I was lost, all alone, failure all my bitter life To me as a working mom, I sometimes loose sight of had shown. The path I led had no direction, just fear, pain and ultimate destruction. Thank you, LORD, you what is important, because of the pressures in life. I rescued me, broke all bondage, set me free. Thank you, briefly read some of the articles in the magazine and it LORD, through your compassion, I am found, I have gave me hope that I am not alone and that God is with salvation. Thank you, LORD, for your great love, proven me all of the time. when you shed your blood. And even though you are God of all The Almighty, ever powerful, Mandy du Preez You take the time to know my (Edited version) heart, and bind us with love Thank you to all our readers for writing to that we shall never part. Thank MY World. We appreciate all the time and you, LORD, for all you’ve done Through your death our effort you put into contacting us. victory’s won.

Thank you also to everybody who has phoned us to inspire us to greater heights. We love your phone calls. We would like to invite all our readers to continue writing to MY World. Please e-mail your letters to letters@myworld.za.com or post them to Private Bag 2003, Krugersdorp, 1740. Evening Lindie, and the team of “MY World”. I was wonderfully surprised with the content of the magazine. It is clear that God’s hand was working here. Be assured that I, and I’m sure many other Christians, were inspired and touched. It has only been for a short period of time that I have my new life in Jesus, and be assured that the messages that are contained in this magazine, clearly touches hundreds or maybe even thousands of Christians that are in a similar position. May God bless you with peace, love and His presence in the future. Be assured of help and assistance of fellow Christians here on the outside. Johann van Wyk (Translated from Afrikaans)

Dear Editor

Thank you for this lovely magazine. We have learnt so many things about the Bible and faith from it. Honestly it is not easy to give a personal testimony about the things which have happened in your life. Most of us, to be honest, are scared of people. Always thinking about what people think about us. I am quite touched about the three testimonies in last month’s mag and have confidence that the Lord will see them thru their difficult times, and thru their confessions and testimonies that have already been forgiven. We should now start to think about what God will think about us and not to worry about what people think about us. Norma Sithole

62 6 D S S KL UH ,VVXH

Contents 50

40 IT WAS GOOD

REAL LIFE Our World is Changing Our Seasons of Worship 4 worshippers tell their stories

Talk 2 Me New Covenant

Wonderfully & Fearfully Made

Dad’s Love is Different

Rhino’s

FRUIT, FRUIT, FRUIT Fruit Stories A story of love

Reconciliation - Piet Retief

WORK & PLAY The most fundamental business principle: Seek first the Kingdom Your Budget Reality Check

42 44

Celebrate your uniqueness

They are pesky but lovely

Agapanthus The Flower of Love

SPIRIT LIFE The Gift of Faith

What is Prayer?

“A Covenant with God”

Mission Accomplished

80 “There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God.” JOHN 3:18

30 Y-TALK! Covenant Relationships

SMS Helpline!

44 91 92

THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD Antique & Antoine The Breastplate of Righteousness

WHO TOUCHED ME? Voices of Hope

WORDS OF WEALTH Read the Bible in a Year Book Review Doing Reconciliation

Find the Words activity sheet

What’s in a Name?

:HOFRPH WR 6DSSKLUH As I woke up Saturday morning prior to completing this issue, my first thought was to ask God for His Word for “Sapphire”. Immediately these words came to mind: “Be still and know that I am Lord.” A supernatural peace came upon me and I knew that it came from God’s heart. Back at the office the following Monday morning I shared this with my team. I told them that amidst current storms and even those to come in future, God would want us to be silent and know that He is in control. When I sat down to write “From my heart” I found the message in Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God!” I then read the entire Psalm and understood the significance thereof. I realised why God had given me the Word to be still. I believe it is a Word for every person as well as for the body of Christ. 6

It is undoubtedly so that as a child of God, when you accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour of your life, you will experience storms. Tests and trials will come your way from various sources, but God says: “Be still and know that I am God!” There are events that take place around us, in our nation and internationally and they are beyond our control, out of our human hands. When we look at Psalm 46:6, we read: “The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders, and the earth melts!” In our current day and age, amidst all that is taking place and is to take place, God gives us a promise. In verse 7 we read: “The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” During these times we are called to be like Joshua, strong and very courageous. We must obey God’s Word and not turn away from it. Only then will we succeed. We must not be afraid or discouraged, for once more the promise: The Lord our God is with us wherever we go. Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world.” There is a great comfort in that. As individuals, as a nation, we are part of the world and we will honour Him. Just be still and know that He is God!

photography irma coetzee

photography andrea badenhorst

5HDO /LIH If you can hold something in the palm of your hand, you could probably own it. Yet your own life does not fit into your hand. It is because we rest in the Palm of the Master’s Hand.

In some situations we do not understand the “how” and the “why”? Yet we know that it is controlled by God’s Hand.

It all still works together as part of an eternal plan…it is His eternal promise of real life!

HR BG@MFHMF When we view our world from a

words: dini esterhuizen research: gerrie van dyk photograph: picturenet

.41 6.1+#

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global, national and local perspective we see that our world is definitely changing. We hear international Global Warming alerts, we are confronted by the effect of 10

natural disasters and we experience the change in climate.

What then is happening to our world? Media reports on the cause and effect of our changing world and this could become very confusing.

MY World took a closer look at the physical as well as the spiritual and prophetic significance.

Tsunami - The day the sea bed buckled In the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami millions of lives are still disrupted and nations are reeling with shock. Scientists provided us with detailed explanations of what occurred and graphic illustrations appeared in many publications and on TV programmes. Stories reporting loss, courage, remarkable rescues and survival were circulated for weeks. Mankind did what was humanly possible to try and restore order amidst this chaos. The largest humanitarian aid distribution programme ever was launched and Governments are budgeting and planning for the implementation of Tsunami warning systems. Yet, to get ourselves on higher ground and out of harm’s way, does not take away the fact that we are all mortal. Even a Tsunami warning is not a final solution for man’s vulnerability. We do know that what took place is much bigger than what any man could accomplish; the earthquake moved megatonnes of water. An atomic bomb can destroy a city, but not accomplish anything of this magnitude.

The United Nations reported the tragedy as “truly overwhelming”. In the days and weeks that followed the Tsunami, there was a haunting question: “Where is God in this catastrophe?” The Christian believer’s perspective is that God, the Creator of the universe, is omnipresent and involved in the processes of His creation. According to the Bible, nature is part of the revelation of the character, omnipotence and omniscience of God. Acknowledging God’s presence, the believer’s question would probably be: ‘What is the spiritual significance?’ We might not arrive at quick answers or the full understanding. Believers and

the earth on Boxing Day: “See, the Lord is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it; He will ruin its face and scatter its inhabitants.” Isaiah 24:1 For ‘ruin its face’ we can read ‘distort its surface’ or we can read the Jerusalem Bible’s vivid term ‘buckle’. Few words describe better than the word ‘buckle’ that which occurred during the Asian Earthquake that caused the Tsunami:

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unbelievers alike reached for Biblical terms to describe what happened: The BBC called it “a tragedy of Biblical proportions” and the word “apocalyptic” featured in many newscasts. rch

We can safely search Scripture to find some meaning. Isaiah 24 speaks about God’s coming devastation of the earth.

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This passage does not refer to the Tsunami and we know from God’s covenant that the earth will never be destroyed by water again. There is, however, an interesting description that, uncanny as it might seem, resembles what happened to the face of

A section of the earth’s crust below the Indian Ocean, the Indian Plate, drove under another section, the Burma Plate, off Sumatra. A 1 200km of ocean floor ruptured, displacing millions of tons of water. The shoreline of the areas worst hit by the Tsunami even changed. And the North Pole moved 2,5 cm further east, thereby moving the earth on its axis, according to Nasa. What happened here reminds us of the words in this prophesy: “The earth staggers like a drunkard. It trembles like a tent in a storm.” Isaiah 24:20 Although what occurred now is small in comparison to what lies ahead in the apocalyptic destruction of the earth, this Biblical phrase sounds remarkably like a description of what we saw at the time of the Tsunami. Having witnessed destruction of this magnitude, Biblical prophecies appear less abstract and far fetched. Such huge occurrences are no longer impossible to imagine. A question arises: “What is in store for this

world?” This is the question the Bible says we should be asking. These are times when we should take to heart the light the Bible sheds on the subject. In the Book of 2 Peter, we see that there are many who are in denial and don’t ask that vital question and that is dangerous. Peter raises this issue and says that it will be ignored by false teachers in the end times. Peter warns that the growing apostasy and scepticism will attack God’s prophetic picture of the future of this world. Sceptics perceive the earth and the universe as no more than a natural phenomenon. We hear many remarks: “It has always been like this, there have always been earthquakes, nothing new…” Unwittingly this echoes a verse from 2 Peter 3:4 “Why, as far back as anyone can remember, everything has remained exactly the same since the world was first created.” These same scoffers will also deny the return of Christ: “First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire. This will be their argument: ‘Jesus promised to come back, did He? Then where is He? Why, as far back as anyone can remember, everything has remained exactly the same since the world was first created. They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the Word of His command, and He brought the earth up from the water and surrounded it with water. Then He used the water to destroy the world with a mighty flood. 2 Peter 3: 3-6

The Flood of Genesis is proof of God’s real involvement in the universe, for the flood came by ‘the Word of His command’. From the viewpoint of scoffers and skeptics, however, everything that happens to this planet is seen as the result of continuing natural processes. It is evident that the growing apostasy and skepticism will attack God’s prophetic picture of the origins and future of this world.

FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE GOD’S INVOLVEMENT IN CREATION OR IN NATURAL PHENOMENA WILL CAUSE FAILURE TO SEE HIS INVOLVEMENT IN THE END OF THIS WORLD.

We do not see the Tsunami as judgment from God. However, it is clear from many reactions that we live in a society where the expectation and preparation for the coming of Jesus is replaced by naturalistic and evolutionary concepts. The theory of evolution is one such worldview that totally denies God as Creator. Rick Joyner writes: “One of the most powerful strongholds exalting itself against the knowledge of God today is the theory of evolution. We are to confront speculations like this because they are usually the root power behind the great deceptions that keep people in bondage to the powers of darkness.” (A Prophetic Vision for the 21st Century, p118). Peter warns that people will deliberately ignore the continuous presence and intervention of God in His unfolding of His sovereign plan. This leads to a world view that forgets that the Flood of Genesis

occurred as an act of divine judgment. Peter also says that those who deny God’s act of divine judgment, in the case of the Flood, will also ignore the fact that the Day of Judgment comes when this world will be destroyed by fire: “And God has also commanded that the heavens and the earth will be consumed by fire on the day of judgment, when ungodly people will perish.” 2 Peter 3:7

DENIAL, APATHY OR IGNORANCE WILL RESULT IN PEOPLE BEING DENIED OPPORTUNITY FOR REPENTANCE. The Tsunami was only a “mini flood” compared to the Flood of Genesis and we know from God’s covenant that the earth will not be destroyed by water again, but by fire. In what way can this water deluge serve as a warning or a reminder of things to come? The scale of event transcends human ability and reminds of someone greater than man. A former agnostic said after the Tsunami, pointing upwards: ‘He is just reminding us that He is still there.’ He at least acknowledged God. In a world where God is increasingly being ignored, this event can be viewed as a warning of God or a reminder that He is still there to be reckoned with. A timely warning by God of impending judgment, with the option of repentance, forgiveness and redemption, is not judgment. Such a reminder or warning can be perceived as compassion. We see this mercy and compassion of God, not wanting anyone to perish, expressed in this passage from 2 Peter. Even God’s delay of

end times shows compassion - our human sense of timing such as “soon” does not apply when understanding God’s timing. We must see what we interpret as delay as God’s compassion and patience to see that all have an opportunity to repent. And is a timely wake up call before judgment - while there is opportunity to repent - not compassion? Sin and Judgment is no longer mankind’s final problem if mercy, grace and forgiveness are on offer. “But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise to return, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so He is giving more time for everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:8 If man is oblivious to or ignores impending judgment, mercy and grace are of no value to him. “But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and everything in them will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be exposed to judgment.” 2 Peter 3:10 Comments by people on the unexpectedness of the moment of destruction of the Tsunami echoed verses in Scripture describing end time events. Even persons with only a scant knowledge of Scripture remarked that the words “like a thief in the night…”, referring to the return of Jesus, suddenly made more sense.

The words of Matthew 24 and Luke 17 describe a scene where we see that people will be caught unawares and unprepared by the return of Christ, exactly as in the case of the Genesis Flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. All of a sudden this picture from the Bible looks like a clip from the daily news. It was interesting that one of the most vivid recordings of the Tsunami was made by a person who had his camera ready to record a wedding.

Ironically the scientific world was expecting a tsunami in the Atlantic ocean. A British scientist, Prof. Bill McGuire, (of the Benfield Grieg Disaster Research Centre at the University College of London) predicted that a rock the size of an Island will dislodge at one of the Canary islands, wreaking havoc on the surrounding continents. The rock is at the point of breaking loose from the volcanic island La Palma. When this rock breaks off, it will cause waves that will move at an estimated speed of 901 km per hour. Computer models predict that a mega tsunami of 100 m will hit the Canary Islands. Within a few hours, it is predicted, this tsunami will hit the West Coast of Africa. Between 9 and 10 hours after the rock has broken loose, the tsunami of between 20 and 50 m will reach the East coast of Canada and the USA. Southern England will also be hit by a 10 m tsunami according to this prediction that was made before the Asian Tsunami (The Guardian).

6$ 3'$1 , -( &+.! + 6 1,(-& -# "' -&(-& 6$ 3'$1 / 33$1-2 The Tsunami had nothing to do with changing weather patterns and global warming, but extreme weather conditions experienced worldwide have people asking the same question as after the Tsunami: “What is happening to our planet?” Global warming and the changing weather patterns potentially pose some of the greatest threats to our planet. This fact is widely accepted by scientists and politicians worldwide. News services and newspapers report on incidents of extreme weather virtually every day. With the Tsunami we have seen in graphic detail what it means when the sea levels rise. Predictions by meteorologists that were previously not taken seriously, now have our attention. President Bush ordered research in order to determine what the greatest cause of war would be in the future. The Pentagon found that the conditions resulting from major changes in the weather patterns would be the primary cause for wars. Global warming has a potentially great effect on crops and weather conditions around the world. This may reduce agricultural productivity. Countries unable to feed their people from land that yielded sufficiently in the past, could offer a threat to others that can produce. Predictions are also made that wars could be fought to secure water sources.

Until recently, findings from the Pentagon (2001) were not published, possibly to prevent panic. The information found its way to the press, however, and is no longer a secret, but a topic openly debated by governments. The Chief Scientific Advisor to the British Government, David A. King, warned at an international science meeting in February 2004: “In my view, climate change is the most severe problem that we are facing today – more serious even than the threat of terrorism.” Global warming increased with 3% in the last thirty years, said the UN‘s meteorological organization. They are warning that the tempo of global warming will increase, sea levels will rise, and more devastating hurricanes will occur. Most scientists agree that earth’s temperature has risen 0,5 degrees Celsius since 1900, and will continue to increase at an increasing rate. Heat waves such as in Southern Europe and Japan will be more common and last for longer.

2.1 DOES GLOBAL WARMING REALLY MATTER? Throughout history we were faced with floods, storms and droughts, but records clearly show an escalation: Natural disasters cost insurance companies more on claims than ever before. Europe, for example, experienced record high temperatures with 35 000 people dying as a result. All the severe floods on the continent of Europe were seen as consistent with global warming predictions. The years 1998, 2001 and 2002 were three of the hottest ever recorded worldwide.

Last year worldwide was also called “The year of the rainy planet”. Thousands died as a result of catastrophic rain falls, while others suffered severe droughts.

fuels: oil, coal and gas. The increased industrial expansion and automobile would mainly account for this consumption of fossil fuels.

Meteorological models predict natural catastrophes, wars, coups and terrorism as a result of extreme weather conditions. Diseases, plagues, such as locust swarms, toxic waste and famine will also increase, according to many scientific projections. This will cause world trade to suffer, and markets could crash.

In the very hot worldwide debate, like the recent one held in Buenos Aires, scientists, environmentalists and politicians argue very contradicting points: Most countries say technology and prosperity are killing us.

An increased risk of intensity of hurricanes by over 50 percent can also be expected. Over 700 tornados hit the USA in May 1999, 70 in Oklahoma and California (CNN). What is behind the change in weather patterns? 14

2.2 THE ‘GREENHOUSE EFFECT’ The greenhouse effect is a necessary phenomenon that keeps all the heat of the earth from escaping to the atmosphere. Without the natural greenhouse effect temperatures on earth would drop with an estimated 33 degrees Celcius from its average of 15 – 18. Carbon dioxide and water are the most important gases in creating the insulating effect of the atmosphere. Too many gases in the earth’s atmosphere could increase the greenhouse effect. This could result in an increase in global temperatures. Carbon dioxide gas generated by man’s burning of fossil fuels and the forests is responsible for about half the greenhouse gas warming. Approximately 80% of CO2 increases are due to man’s use of fossil

The natural mechanism for absorbing C02 from the atmosphere is inadequate for the large quantities emitted. Scientists believe that almost 50% of the C02 remains in the atmosphere, while the rest is being absorbed by trees and oceans. As a result there is a continuous build-up of gases that will lead to global warming. Even with the level of greenhouse gases present today, the earth will warm enough in the next fifty years to completely melt the sea ice located on the poles, according to certain models. The increase was considerably higher in the North Pole area. Due to several factors that worsened the influence of carbon dioxide on global warming, the increase was up to 4 – 7 degrees over the last 50 years (UN report). The first concern of global warming is the possible rise of sea levels. Rising sea levels In the Antarctic scientists are doing low flying excursions, measuring the thickness of ice using a laser device. What happens on this remote continent matters everywhere and affects us all. They have found evidence of dramatic change. Glaciers are expanding. If the ice shell cracks, glaciers

will be spilling in the sea 8 times faster than before. This is very significant because if sea levels rise as a result, it would be impossible to reverse the effect. There are two major causes of rising sea levels. Extra water is produced when ice melts. Secondly the sea water expands naturally as it becomes warmer. Currently the range of sea ice around both poles is shrinking as it melts. It is predicted that sea levels can rise with one metre during this century. Inhabitants of low lying areas and islands will literary see their land vanishing. A large number of the world’s prominent cities are in coastal areas and this is a significant problem. This can potentially produce over 250 million climate refugees. Some researchers believe that global warming is a foreshadowing of a coming ice age. (The last ice age, called the “Little Ice Age” occured from 1450 – 1850). It is also possible that the ice on Greenland could break away from the land mass, and topple into the warm Gulf Stream, causing an ice age. The Gulf Stream carries warm water that prevents the countries surrounding the Atlantic from freezing. The Northern Hemisphere will be more severely affected. The greater landmasses of the Northern Hemisphere will cause them to be more severely affected than the Southern Hemisphere surrounded by oceans, land being less absorbent than water.

2.3 THE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING ON DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD

in danger of land slides and in the valleys there is the danger of floods.

England is planning its greatest engineering project in history by building a protective wall of 16 km over the Thames to protect the city of London from floods. The estimated cost is four billion pounds. This disclosure came recently when storms wreaked havoc in the North West of England, Wales and Scotland. Roads and bridges were closed and winds reached up to 160 km/h.

Turkey experienced 50 cm of snow in Istanbul which is highly unusual.

Experts warn that should climate change continue at the current rate, great parts of London would be submerged by water. The existing dyke system of the Thames was built in the seventies and would not be strong enough since sea levels are raising worldwide. A hurricane left 92 dead in France in 1992 and again on December 17, 2004. An unexpected hurricane in the North of France left six persons dead and most people reeling from shock. Italy: In the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy a slow motion landslide of 7 million cubic meters of clay is moving at between 30 and 40 metres per day. The layer of mud lost its grip on the rock below. This slippery mud and tens of millions of tons of material can move downwards with the velocity of a volcano. This material can reduce a town, like La Mosano that has been there for hundreds of years, to rubble in seconds. Although they already have to rebuild their roads yearly as a result of minor earthquakes, these people do not want to leave. On the mountains they are

Saudi Arabia experienced its first snow on record. The Island of Minorca, south of Spain experienced snow in January 2005. Peru and New Zealand suffered severe floods. There were monsoons across China and Japan and the Philippines accompanied by floods and land slides. Typhoons forming over the Pacific wreaked havoc. Japan is used to storms, but the recent Ma On storm broke all the records. More than 70 people were killed in the last season and 200 000 houses were left without power. Six hurricanes and three tropical storms hit the USA last year. The last time that the USA had such an eventful year was in 1886 when Texas was hit by four huge storms in one season. The fourteen hurricanes that formed last year was not a record, but the four major ones that made landfall had catastrophic implications. There were more tornados or twisters in the USA last year than ever before. More than twelve occurred on a single Saturday night. At speeds of up to 528 km/h they tore a path of destruction, and reduced homes, cars and yachts to rubble. South Africa: Two scenarios predicted by climate models literally came true in South Africa during the last two years.

Three years ago professor Mike Meadows of the University of Cape Town predicted the following at a conference: In the Western Cape the rain season would start increasingly later every year. There would also be less rain during this later season than on average in the past. This would be accompanied by higher temperatures. All three of these predicted phenomena were experienced in the summer of 2004. This impacted especially the apple and pear farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production, which would have its economical effect of loss of production and loss of employment. The second prediction made from the models of Professor Meadows was that the Northern parts of the country would not have the usual September rain fall. This came to pass during 2003 and 2004. There was also less rain in October and November. The first good rains came in December. In the Northern parts of South Africa there always used to be a drought over Christmas time that ended during the end of January. Good rains would then fall during February, which is critical for the maize production, because this is the time when the cobs start to swell. Professor Tertius Harmse of the University of Johannesburg, well known TV and radio personality, measured the maximum and minimum temperatures for the last twenty-one years. He did this at his home in Florida, Gauteng, using the same kind of thermometer as used by the South African Weather Bureau. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never before have I measured a temperature above 32 degrees Celsius here (in Florida, Gauteng). In January and early February 2004 I measured 34 degrees for the first time.

In November 2004 I measured 35,5 degrees three times. Personally I believe the global warming effects are with us.” “This planet is unique,” says Professor Harmse. “I can speak on so many ways in which this blue planet given to us is unique. But mankind misunderstood the concept to reign by dominating in a harmful way. Just look at the polluted air, water and soil.

“It is time that we acknowledge that global warming is with us,” said Mr. Francois Engelbrecht, lecturer in the Department of Geography, GeoInformatica and Meteorology at the University of Pretoria. He said that the greenhouse effect on South Africa will be devastating. He said that research should immediately be started on crops more suitable to changed weather conditions.

#N "GQHRSH@MR G@UD @M HMENQLDC NOHMHNM @MC SGD VHKK SN UNHBD SGHR NOHMHNM NM SGD RTAIDBS NQ CN VD KD@UD SGDRD RDQHNTR L@SSDQR SN VNQKC KD@CDQR VGHKD VD QDUDQS SN RNBH@K RL@KK S@KJ @ANTS SGD VD@SGDQ The Original Mandate to reign The Bible commission to reign teaches us to take care of this planet. God gives His cultural mandate to man to maintain His order in this world. This mandate is found in the 1st and 9th chapters of Genesis:

“God blessed them and told them, ‘Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals.’ And God said, ‘Look, I have given you the seed-bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given all the grasses and other green plants to the animals and birds for their food.’ And so it was.” Genesis 1: 28-30 So man has the mandate of God to uphold and conserve creation. This mandate to govern was given to man before the fall and then again to the saved remnant represented by Noah: To Adam God said: “Because you listened to your wife and ate the fruit I told you not to eat, I have placed a curse on the ground. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains.” Genesis 3: 17-18 From this Scripture we conclude that the earth is no longer in the state that God desired it to be. After the Flood of Genesis, God started anew by giving the remnant of mankind His blessing mandate to exercise stewardship on the earth: “God blessed Noah and his sons and told them, ‘Multiply and fill the earth. All the wild animals, large and small, and all the birds and fish will be afraid of you. I have placed them in your power…” Now you must have many children and repopulate the earth!’” Genesis 9:1-7

The disobedience regarding the instructions of the Noahic Mandate had a two-fold influence: A curse on the earth and its people: Damage as a result of mismanagement, neglect and unsatisfactory stewardship that resulted in sin’s regressive order: When man sinned, the curse in nature followed. “The earth suffers for the sins of its people, for they have twisted the instructions of God, violated his laws, and broken his everlasting covenant*. Therefore, a curse consumes the earth and its people. They are left desolate, destroyed by fire. Few will be left alive.” Isaiah 24:5,6 *It is believed that the “everlasting covenant” is the divine promise to all living things after the Flood. This passage from Isaiah confirms the great purposes of God for the future. A time will come when God will judge and devastate the earth. Yet, despite the punishments, in the end the Lord will reign, and Jerusalem will be glorious. Isaiah 60:16-19 WHERE IS GOD IN THIS SUFFERING CREATION? In a sermon preached by Dr. Koos van der Merwe of Mosaïek Church in Roodepoort, he gave the perspective of the reality of the place where we live; ours, that of the people in Asia and all of mankind. “I live in a place, and I have to realize that it is affected by a fallen heavenly being (Lucifer/Satan).

“I live on a planet that is also distorted as a result of the wrong choices of mankind and cursed by God. I live among people who are sinful and even till today make sinful choices that can influence me directly. “The Bible says that Creation is an act of love – not merely a deed of wisdom or an experiment. This is a God who is also completely unselfish. Out of love this God wishes for other beings also the highest form of happiness possible. And the highest possible joy and fulfillment is to have an existence that is as close to the existence of God’s as possible. If we would reason that the ultimate form of existence is God, then if God wishes that for someone, it means that He would have to create someone that would be able to have a state of being as close as his. “The implication of God wanting to give someone what He has, is that such a person must have a free will since God has a free will. The next implication is the possibility of a wrong choice. This God, if He is a loving God, would say: ‘If there is a way in which I (God) can help people who will be affected by the possibility of this wrongful choice, I am prepared to do what is necessary, even if it would cost that I (God) should suffer! The first implication of God creating a free man is that He can suffer as a result of it. What would God have to decide: If I wish for a being, man or angels, to be like me, there is of necessity the possibility of suffering. “‘I (God) am prepared to choose the road of suffering because I know what the final end result (outcome) will be for Me as well as what My initial intention/motive was. I

wish for someone to have what I have and to be what I am. Because I know what the final outcome is, I am prepared to suffer, and for those who choose to associate with Me, there will be a glorious future.’” Even creation longs for and will experience a great purification and restoration in the full liberation when Jesus returns. (Romans 8: 18–25) In the meantime we have the assurance that the Spirit will help us in our weakness. In our time, the dispensation of the church on earth, God once again entrusts delegated power and stewardship to mankind as He gives the keys of the kingdom of heaven to the church: “And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 Through the preaching of the Gospel, the Great Commission, they would open the kingdom of heaven to all believers and it will be shut for all unbelievers. (This does not mean that Peter or any redeemed follower of Jesus has the right to determine the eternal destiny of any person.) Peter refers to the born-again believer here as part of a priesthood. God will use redeemed man to influence culture to operate under God’s order to fulfill His eternal plan. God uses man to influence every area of life on His planet, recognizing Him as Lord over all. In our prayers, as taught in the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6, submitting to God’s will now as our guide to life on earth, we are called to transform

the world and not be conformed to the world in its broken state. We have the responsibility and privilege of stewardship. Romans 12:2 Christ offers us a framework for a constructive yet critical engagement with the world, allowing us to live in hope, looking forward to finally being with Christ forever.

)DRTR R@HC #N MNS O@MHB When Jesus warns of wars, famines and earthquakes in Matthew 24:6, He says “…don’t panic.” “ …Yes, these things must follow, but the end won’t follow immediately.” “Jesus told them, ‘Don’t let anyone mislead you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will lead many astray. And wars will break out near and far, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must come, but the end won’t follow immediately. The nations and the kingdoms will proclaim war against each other, and there will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this will be only the beginning of the horrors to come…” Matthew 24: 4-8 The grounds for warning and the concern we should have are not the wars, famines and earthquakes, but the danger of being lead astray, and that our love for Jesus will grow cold. For those who cling to Jesus and remain faithful, the future is triumphant:

“But those who endure to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then, finally, the end will come.” Matthew 24: 13-14 All evidence, scientific and Biblical, warn that we are in for a very rough ride, facing increasingly more natural disasters, wars as well as persecution. But our instructions from Jesus, who warned about all these things, are not to panic but to remain faithful, to endure and to obey the Great Commission: To preach the Good News about the Kingdom throughout the whole world.

Redeemed believers are mentioned again as priesthood in Revelation 1:6 where He says that this priesthood shall reign with Him a thousand years. The only real and lasting peace will come when the Prince of Peace returns to bring about this millennial kingdom. “But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like others. Stay alert and be sober. Night is the time for sleep and the time when people get drunk. But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armour of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God decided to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us. He died for us so that we can live with Him forever whether we are dead or alive at the time of His return. So encourage each other and build each other up just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

REFERENCE RECOGNITION • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Newsweek Time Die Beeld National Center for Atmospheric Research – Kevin E. Trenberth Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory www.geocities.com www.infoplease.com www.pewclimate.org www.keyway.ca www.solcomhouse.com www.worldviewofglobalwarming.org BBC CNN

The following is a commentary published in the Touch Point Bible, New Living Translation, Tyndale.

FEAR Psalm 46:1 – 3 The abundance of natural disasters in recent years reminds us of the possibilities of even greater disasters, such as the whole world being blown up by nuclear war. We all fear the disasters that cripple nations and societies, and leave people wounded and destitute. The fear of atomic disaster is on the minds of many people today. What if…? Consider the worst disaster that could happen. Then ask yourself, “Is God with me – or not?” Have you asked him to be your refuge and strength? The Christian has God’s assurance that, regardless of the worst, we are His forever. If the world blows apart, we will be taken immediately to be with God. For the person who remains alienated from God, such a disaster means the end of his or her chances to be reconciled and live forever with God. This is the clear teaching of the Bible.

Within the range, “Jewellery It is worn on the little finger.

with a Message”, this

ring is called the “Covenant”.

“I designed it as a token of God’s promise with me. Trusting Him for my partner in life. It resembles the promise of the union between a man and a woman. The six blue stones (sapphires) resemble the man. The six red stones (rubies) resemble the woman. And in the seventh stone (diamond) they meet one another in God.” - Lindie This design creates the infinity sign.

Contact Lindie at : Tel +27(11) 953 5214,Fax +27(11) 953-4281 e-mail lindie@myworld.za.com

L i e z e l J u d i t h L i o n

• bread • wi n e

• cr u s h e d wh e at • g r a pe s

• s h e a f o f wh e at • g r a pe v i n e

• k e r n e l s o f wh e at • a v i n e cu t t i n g

photography: irma coetzee words: marié pieterse lindie gouws

e l M e r v i s

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,… Eccl 3:1-2 The seasons in our lives and the seasons in our Christian walk may not correspond with one another. We could experience spring in our winter, or autumn in our summer. We are all aware of ‘a time to…’ on our path to perfection. It might seem slow, but when we look back at life, time just flies. So the key is to enjoy the season where you are at and to dedicate your life as an act of worship unto God. MY World spoke to four South African worshippers - Liezel Vermeulen, a beautiful young single woman currently experiencing spring, Judith Sephume, more mature and a mother, basking in summer, Lionel Petersen, a seasoned worshipper experiencing autumn, Mervis van der Merwe, who, although young, has entered his winter season. We spoke to them about singing unto the Lord in all their seasons.

Taking communion is probably one of the most sacred, intimate moments any Christian could have with Jesus. The elements of communion went through a process to become the bread and the wine. It started by being kernels of wheat and a vine cutting. It grew into sheafs of wheat and the grapevine. Crushed wheat and grapes soon became the bread and the wine. So, too, are the spiritual seasons of our lives. Our age does not define our spiritual seasons. Our spiritual spring and summer are seasons of new life. But so too are autumn and winter. Allow your season to become part of God’s process of taking you into communion with Jesus!

You end up getting comfort because you realise it is the Father you need. When your heart feels empty He fills you up with whatever you need.” Judith was a regular churchgoer but it did nothing for her. One day she walked to church, the His People Church in Cape Town and opened up her heart.

-Õ iÀ Judith Sephume “Being a Christian is beautiful!” After meeting the Lord, Judith Sephume says she always had a desire to sing in church hoping that it would make a difference to someone’s life. She sings gospel songs, songs about one’s relationship with God and the way that God can change a person’s life.

She is a singer, “but with no labels please!” She is an award winning, professional singer who studied music at the University of Cape Town and has sung internationally. “I know there is no way that I can say that I sound like anyone else because God has made me the unique person that I am.” She also likes to sing inspiring songs to those who do not know God, to invite them to come to Him and to experience what she feels. “It is a beautiful feeling to know that you are loved by God and most of all that you love God and you can just look around and just experience Him. “I believe God created me for a purpose. Maybe it is to reach out with my voice to somebody and to heal that person with my voice. I don’t know, but God knows it and I am on my way there. “I sing whatever style is presented to me. I am neither a jazz singer nor a gospel singer,” says Judith. She attends Rhema Bible Church in Randburg where her talent is welcomed. Born in Polokwane, Judith says she has always sung songs as an ordinary part of life. “All of us have been given a beautiful gift by God, no matter how differently we may sound.” Judith met the Lord in Cape Town. “I went through a process in my life becoming a believer. One realises that one needs help. You can’t turn to your mother or sister and then only to God.

She says that on that day her life was changed. She suddenly appreciated the things around her. All of a sudden she was able to tell people that she loved them. This was not possible before. “I wanted to tell everybody whom I was upset with, that I was sorry. They thought I had totally lost it. I did not know what was happening to me because I started crying a lot. I was even able to raise my hands in church! On that day there was something in my heart, something here in my chest that had to come out. I knew I was very thirsty for something and I knew my thirst was quenched by Someone.” Judith spent the day in tears and attended all three church services. When she moved to Johannesburg she was introduced to Rhema and right away she just felt she belonged. Here she met brother Lionel Petersen who has helped her through times “when God seemed far away”. She has one CD on the shelves and another in the pipeline. Judith admits it is a challenge being a single mom with such a busy life. She has three children aged 3, 12 and 13. She encourages single mothers to love their children even more, because it is difficult with such a busy life. “I always tell my kids to say thank you for the food they eat and to say thank you for their lives. To say thank you for a day without any pain and to thank the Lord that they know Him.” Her message to young singers is to follow their dreams and if they have not met Christ, she urges them to take the trouble to meet Him. “Being a Christian is beautiful.”

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has always has been his great love. “In those days the guys never really focussed on fellowship or on the Word to grow.” While on many tours, the young singer’s transport manager passed his own Bible School material on to Lionel, who read every book that came his way. One that grabbed his attention by the late Kenneth Hagan titled “The Authority of the Believer” convinced him to go to church.

"VUVNO Lionel Petersen “I believe the gift I was given is not a temporal gift, but an eternal one.”

Lionel is expecting a wine press and threshing floor experience in his life.

“I received a prophetic word to this extent. I was very careful about receiving prophetic words in my life, but I fasted and prayed with a friend and when this friend, who could not sing a straight note, sang this prophesy beautifully, I recognised it as a real and honest prophesy from God”. The prophecy said the following: ‘God says you are like a vase that is all cracked. But God says He is not going to cover the cracks, He is going to break the vase and when it is broken, He is going to start again from scratch.’ At this stage he is neither wine nor bread. He feels more like a grape being carted to the wine press and about to be pressed, so that the juice of God’s glory can come out. “My whole destiny is still lying ahead of me as to what God wants to do in my life. I believe that is how God works. I am on the way, but I think the fruit is still a little green.” Talking with such conviction is singer Lionel Petersen, Worship Leader of Rhema Bible Church in Randburg. Lionel and his wife Val have been together 33 years and they have two sons. He is a qualified glass blower who specialised in laboratory and scientific equipment.

As a young singer with a signature Afro, who wooed audiences with his great voice and his charming good looks, he sang everything from soul to rock. He sold thousands of records, was the centre of attraction, a star. Lionel says he was born again at the age of 16, and after that, music

One Sunday evening he visited Rhema. “I walked into the service and I thought that these people were all nuts. The music was extremely loud. Everyone was singing or talking in a different language. I thought man, I’ve got to get out of here. This is not a church!” As he was about to get up and walk out pastor Ray McCauley said: “You’re 35 years old, you’re in this place, you want to give your heart to the Lord, wait, we’re not at that place yet.” “I believe that all through the ‘show business’ period of my life and the whole fame thing, God’s hand was upon me.” Lionel has been in full-time ministry for the past 12 years. “My time at Rhema has been a time of training, a place where I have come to maturity. I will understand the reason for being crushed as a grape. If you know that God is doing it, then you know that it is acceptable, because God never does anything without a reason or a purpose. “In the old system he did not like the idea of being ‘coloured’. But God told him he was going to use him as a ladder between the colours of white and black. To Lionel being a bridge has become a place of privilege where he is able to bring both black and white to Christ. He believes God taught him a principle on how to make a difference. “Believe it or not, what you do has an effect. The person that you communicate with may just become the president of this country one day or a person of influence!” He would like to complete his destiny before he dies. He says God’s vision for his life frightens him. He can only complete it a day at a time. At night he goes to bed thanking God for a good rest and beautiful day. “Thank you for tomorrow in which I can magnify You and give You honour.” He says: “Singing is such a passion that I even find it difficult to do a straightforward 45-minute teaching without singing. It just drives me. This may just be the only means of expressing how I really feel. In my music I tend to focus on eternal things. Lionel used his breath for glass blowing but now breathes to worship!

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To Mervis the most striking story in the Bible is the one of Mary in Luke 7 where she broke the costly alabaster jar with perfume and poured it over Jesus and Jesus reported: “Today I’ve been loved much.” (NLT) At the end of the day, Mervis desires to hear those very same words from his “Daddy”. “We want to capture that spontaneous occurrence, that is the Heart, the Lord.”

:LQWHU Mervis van der Merwe “To me God is a God of the heart.” “My heart aches when I think that sometimes we have come to a place in the church where we believe our expressions in worship will show God how much we love Him. But He looks past it and His eyes penetrate the deepest part of our hearts. “Worship to me is that He loved me first. It is hard to get the church out of a worldly system where we feel that we have to work to deserve God’s love. We must just be quiet and allow Him to wrap us in his big Daddy arms. You don’t deserve anything, just be loved. This is the key to the deepest, most intimate relationship that you can think of.” Mervis van der Merwe was born into a Christian family but there was never a time that he could say that he was in the world. There was certainly a time that he had to make a decision as to where his life was going. His testimony is: “Lord, I have always known you.” Mervis has degrees in Psychology and Theology. He initially wanted to be a professional rugby player. He had gigs at restaurants and bars and sang secular songs to earn money when he made a choice to go into full time ministry. “I don’t think I am that great a singer or a songwriter, but before we lead worship, we prepare our hearts. Firstly, I need to prepare my heart for the Lover of my soul and from there it flows. We don’t always know what we are going to sing, but when we open our mouths it comes forth and afterwards we can’t really remember what we sang. “But the song was for that moment. That is what we live for. We live for the moment. We did not try and create the moment, God did. We just want to be lovers, we want to lavish our hearts.”

To Mervis, worshipping God is the most wonderful thing on earth. It is not something he does, but who he is. “I am the beloved. I am the bride and I know He is coming back to dance with me. It is difficult to explain this mystery that always captures my heart, that I am a son, a friend, a bride, a servant, a creature and I am all in one. I believe we cannot become true worshippers if we have not met Jesus the Servant. I believe He will come into a meeting and wash our feet. This is not to put us onto a throne, but that is who He is. That is His heart.” Mervis works full-time in prophetic worship at the Lewende Woord Church in Pretoria. “The desire of my heart is to bring the heart of the Father and the love of Jesus to the person sitting there.” According to Mervis they often use Song of Songs to minister the Father’s heart. In chapter 1:5 the Shulammite girl describes herself as: ‘Dark am I, yet lovely.’ “This is my relationship with the Lord. I, Mervis, am weak and my relationship with God is up and down. But through my weakness there is one thing that stays the same, I do not remain dark, I am beautiful to Jesus. “We have started singing ‘I am beautiful to Jesus’ in place of ‘I worship You’. This has a very strong message because it is not how we perceive God, but how God perceives us. In Song of Solomon 4:9 He says: ‘You ravish my heart with one glance of your eye.’ How can we, who are so weak, break His heart with one look? “Let us start with Him and how He feels about you. You are His bride and you are the one that He has an intimate relationship with. All He wants is for us to come closer and it is difficult if we are singing songs that are someone else’s heart for Him.” “ We must love Him, because He first loved us.”

photography: andrea badenhorst words: lindie gouws recognition: www.ncmi.net for certain facts and references

N E W covenant

It was October 2004. My team and I left Johannesburg late afternoon to attend two conferences hosted simultaneously in Bloemfontein. When we arrived in Bloem that evening the town was alive. We stopped for “take-aways” and locals remarked: “It is like this every year. They come from all over. It’s alive.” There was a definite vibe, Bloem was “Alive for Jesus!” During the course of the next couple of days we were to experience the proverbial: “One body with many different parts.” In the mornings we would attend one conference (hosted by the New Covenant Ministries International) and in the afternoons another (the Bloemfontein Christian Revival Centre). At both conferences we were welcomed home because we were of the same family, the same Blood. I saw in operation how different people with different gifts were called for different tasks, by the same God to build the Body of Christ. Individually, yet united by the Holy Spirit. It was at the Leadership conference of the New Covenant Ministries International (NCMI) where the founder of NCMI, Dudley Daniel, handed over his leadership mantle to his son, Tyrone. I had the privilege of speaking to them about their individual assignments from God as well as the covenant between father and son.

DUDLEY DANIEL It was a humbling experience to meet such a humble man. Dudley Daniel is not a man of the spotlight. Quite to the contrary. During his years in ministry he just wanted to get the job done! His vision and his passion has always been to disciple people. Essentially a translocal ministry team, NCMI comprises of men and women who are able to help build local churches and to equip and mobilise believers for the fulfilment of the work of the Kingdom – the discipling of the nations. New Covenant Ministries International had its beginning in the early 1980’s when Dudley Daniel, who was leading a church in Johannesburg at the time, began to meet together regularly with other pastors in the city for relaxed discussion

around God’s Word. As ‘iron sharpened iron’ and they became friends, so also did their common concern for the Church in South Africa. Along with a growing common vision, came recognition and respect for the reality of each other’s gifting in God. Labels or titles were never claimed or used, but during that time an authentic acceptance of each person’s gifting in God was formed. Dudley made the vision clear: “To disciple the nations by planting New Testament churches in every village, town, city and country that God calls them to, either by prophetic words or doors of opportunity He opens to them.” Undoubtedly Dudley first started at home. He discipled and mentored his son Tyrone and he acknowledges that they are

only one of many similar groupings being used by God throughout the world today. He openly confesses that what God is doing through NCMI is “despite” of them, more than “because” of them. What gives reality to their partnerships in NCMI is a single-hearted commitment to covenant relationships and to working together in a team. Everybody is encouraged to contribute as they seek to fulfil all that the King has called them to. A highlight for Dudley was during the 1990’s, when the NCMI was especially privileged to be part of what God was doing in the nations of Africa. They witnessed tens of thousands of souls being swept into the Kingdom and being established and set into churches for which leadership was trained and released. They are presently working in approximately 70 nations around the world having a global impact. They are privileged to ordain literally hundreds of pastors for this work. The passion God planted in Dudley’s heart for the nations and for His Word will never cease. In his lifetime, through discipling people, he fulfilled God’s call. The passion was transferred.

Dudley Daniel (left) and his son Tyrone Daniel (right) at the Bloemfontein Conference - 2004

As I finished speaking to Dudley, before chatting to Tyrone, these words came to my mind: “I have run this race, I have finished strong. The work and the calling assigned will continue, it is greater t h a n m a n b e c a u s e i t i s f r o m G o d . That is why the mantle can be carried by another.”

TYRONE DANIEL

let’s take the land!”

Young, hip, full of vigour, real… yet spiritually mature to lead the people as

The covenant we have with God through Jesus is

Joshua did. That is my synopsis of Tyrone Daniel. When he took his “maiden

the New Covenant, it is a promise of eternal life

voyage” that day in Bloemfontein in 2004, and gave his first sermon as leader

that will never be broken. As God’s children, we

of NCMI he quoted:

need to pray for one another and for the leaders in the Body. We have all been assigned different

“Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Be strong and courageous. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 6 - 9 I admired Tyrone for fondly speaking about his father as being like Moses, as the one who received the laws and clear instruction and who they had to follow. Always having as foundational value the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God in their lives, it was the only acceptable standard for life, ministry and conduct in the Church. It made it easy for Tyrone to learn from his father. He seeked God’s will for his own life and when the time came, God had prepared him for a Joshua-task.

tasks. You can not do mine and I can not do yours. But together we can synergise in prayer and uphold each other.

Pray for the new leaders, it is a Great Commission!

Tyrone has been chosen by God not to rewrite the vision or redirect the people, but to lead them forward into the promised land.

Tyrone has been chosen by God not to rewrite the vision or redirect the people, but to lead them forward into the promised land. Tyrone, as Dudley, is uncompromising when it comes to the Great Commission: “There is a deep passion and commitment in the hearts of the relating leaders to see all nations discipled for Christ in fulfilment of the Great Commission. God wants unreached people, tribes and nations discipled through the Gospel, and He wants His Church around the world to be challenged and re-invigorated with a sense of Christ’s prophetic purposes in these last days.” So when you look at Tyrone speaking to the people, you see: “Follow me,

I met with Dudley and Tyrone at the Bloemfontein Conference - 2004

photography andrea badenhorst

)UXLW )UXLW )UXLW When you only eat fruit and drink water for a period of time, you rid your body of all toxins. So it also happens in the spirit.

When you hear and read about people helping others and thereby producing good fruit, you allow your soul and spirit to be nourished. In so doing we will eventually rid ourselves of the toxic, bad spiritual fruit we all sometimes bear.

So read with us and make a comparison. If you were confronted by the same situation as in our â&#x20AC;&#x153;fruit storyâ&#x20AC;?, by what fruit would you have been known?

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

SPIRITUAL FRUIT

SELF CONTROL

+WA :ULU .ATAL

&REE 3TATE

'AUTENG

SPIRITUAL FRUIT

L O V E

J O Y

,IMPOPO

-PUMALANGA

SPIRITUAL FRUIT

P E A C E

PATIENCE

KINDNESS

.ORTH 7EST

7ESTERN #APE

SPIRITUAL FRUIT

FAITHFUL NESS

GENTLE NESS

.ORTHEN #APE SPIRITUAL FRUIT

GOODNESS

Every month, each province will have the opportunity to be one of the nine fruit of the Spirit.

%ASTERN #APE

SANDRA GREW UP in a good Jewish family. After being abused by her step-father things started going wrong for her. She spent much time with her grandmother, whom she loved dearly. When she was in matric her grandmother died and her whole world fell apart. When the family suggested that she marries a long time friend of theirs, she agreed just so that she could get out of the house. To cope with the pressures of life she started using medication. Very soon she was totally addicted. To keep up her habit a vicious circle of lying, cheating and prostitution started. To spite her family she got married for a second time. In the process she became totally separated from her family and two sons.

photography: andrea badenhorst words: dorothy begemann

One evening she was assaulted and raped and was left for dead at the roadside. She spent four months in hospital. This was the last straw for her family. After years of bailing her out, they decided that they had had enough and they wrote her off completely. They told her that she no longer had a family. This was a turning point in her life. She knew she needed to be rehabilitated. She spent four months in rehab and returned to Johannesburg. She had no place to go and no place to stay. She had nobody to share the good news with, the fact that she had won her battle of addiction to codeine. The only place where she could find cheap accommodation was at the YMCA. She woke up the next morning feeling totally dejected. What was she to do? She only had a few rand in her pocket and no one she could turn to. That very same day a cell group had an outreach in Hillbrow. They had permission to serve hot meals on a street corner to everyone who was hungry. Many received a hot meal. When they asked why they were treated so kindly, the answer was simply: “Because Jesus loves you!” Self-conscious Sandra, who just happened to walk by at that specific moment, also received a meal. Some of the group started chatting to her and found out about her predicament. Further down the road ladies of the night were waiting. A luxurious car stopped and asked a few ladies for their company. One of the ladies called out to Sandra to join them. This sounded very tempting because it was a sure way of making quick money. Sandra started moving into their direction, but then suddenly she turned around and said: “Please don’t leave me here!” The group took her home. She had met people who really cared for her. They bought her some clothing and toiletries and introduced her to a church. In the beginning she didn’t understand much of anything, but she was sure of one thing, that she had been accepted unconditionally. Five years have gone by and Sandra is serving the Lord with all her heart. She has a full-time job, owns her own car and has her own little place to stay in. She has completed Bible College and ministers to many who have no hope! She has found a new life and a new family. I often wonder where she would have been if a cell group had not reached out to her when she was in desperate need! DON’T

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In the South East corner of Mpumalanga, close to the Swaziland border you will find the town of Piet Retief, situated in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lush green Assegai Valley.â&#x20AC;?

words: retha fick photo: simon curle

KNOWN AS THE MEETING PLACE of Cultures, Piet Retief is the home of no less than eight culture groups. Zulu, Afrikaner, Indian, German, Swazi, Coloured, English and Greek live together. It is in this very diverse and previously politically tense environment where Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spirit is working in the hearts of people irrespective of race, culture and

denomination to embrace reconciliation and unity.

with water. The ponds merged and all the ducks swam together in one big dam.

More than ten years ago, before democracy, a servant of God prophesied over the town of Piet Retief. God showed him numerous duck ponds with ducks swimming. Then the great rains came. So much rain fell that the dry ground between the ponds was filled

The glorious story of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spirit unifying His church in Piet Retief started in 1999 when a small group of women decided to meet regularly to pray for unity in the body of Christ in their town. Prayer became the key ingredient in the events that followed. After only six months of

prayer, God performed the first miracle: A church leader called for a Day of Reconciliation to be held on the 16th of December 1999. It was significant. For the first time people from different races and church denominations came together this way in public. A breakthrough occurred in the spiritual realm that day and the intercessors’ faith was strengthened. Not long after, during a pastors’ meeting, one pastor challenged the others. He said that if the shepherds do not sit together around the fire they could not expect the sheep to graze together. Unity amongst the church leaders was vital. The Holy Spirit lead women to pray for this during their weekly prayer meetings. In November 2000 thirty three pastors came together for a Pastors Unity Conference. Deep repentance, forgiveness and healing took place and once the process started in the leaders’ lives, they were ready to guide their flock towards reconciliation. The church leaders started planning the first Unity Crusade, an event that would celebrate diversity, but also create opportunity for the Gospel of Christ to be proclaimed in Piet Retief. More people started to pray. A group consisting of different races and denominations prayed weekly at any church that would open their doors in Piet Retief and eThandakukhanya. Some evenings three people attended and other evenings two hundred. Some

Our vision

and prayer is to

send people

from Piet Retief

to the nations

places were little shacks where they sat on petrol cans and prayed at candle light. The presence of God was real. The first Unity Crusade was held in May 2001. Three thousand people attended. Two crusades were held after that – in 2002 and 2003. Each of them was marked with evidence of God’s Spirit reconciling people, transforming them and teaching them the power of forgiveness. At the 2002 Crusade sixty taxis ferried more than four thousand people for three days without charging anything! The people of Piet Retief learned that trust needs to be built and that unity is only possible when they honour each others’ ways, when they put aside prejudice and judgment. They also learned not to focus on differences in doctrinal issues, but on love and unconditional acceptance. God’s spiritual rain fell on this town to unite His children. Since those days many supernatural things happened in Piet Retief. There are numerous testimonies of physical healings. Many prayers have been answered. Deep emotional pain from apartheid was healed. Unemployed people found jobs. They say business is better than it has been in twenty-five years. The people of Piet Retief do not boast about these miracles. God taught them only to boast in the biggest miracle of all – Christ came to reconcile God to man. Today people in Piet Retief still pray. Many more prayer groups meet regularly, faithfully trusting God to take them even deeper, to bring revival. The people of Piet Retief’s vision and prayer is to send people from there to the nations to proclaim the Gospel of Reconciliation.

photography andrea badenhorst

:RUN DQG 3OD\ We have heard the saying: “Your attitude determines your altitude.” A cliché, maybe? But true. In other words, your approach towards issues and people will determine the level of trust entrusted to you. Relationships are very important and in your working environment people need to know that they are safe with you.

So then, if God can trust you with His people, so much more will be added unto you. Each new morning at work, ask not what good they can do for you, but what good you can do for them!

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are called by God into business. They are called for a time and a purpose, and in fulfilling that call, they minister. They are the church in the marketplace. He speaks about Abraham being a wise businessman and acknowledges Jesus as the greatest businessman of all: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We forget that Jesus was a carpenter before He started ministry at the age of 30. So Jesus spent much more time in business than he did in ministry.â&#x20AC;? He often tells people that if he had to ask his parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generation who the great men of the world were in their time they would have said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winston Churchill and Franklin Rooseveltâ&#x20AC;?, whether you agreed with this or not. Then a generation later it might have been Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.

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photography: andrea badenhorst words: lindie gouws 42

HIS MOST Fundamental Business Principle: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the other things will be added to you.â&#x20AC;? When Samsung came into the South African market, they appointed Brian Cape as captain of the team. And he made it clear: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we seek God first and pray together, we will succeed!â&#x20AC;? Often, having to come up with innovative ideas, they relied upon the Holy Spirit to guide them and so was born the unique: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Touch and Thinkâ&#x20AC;?- brand. Brian fondly recalls his days at Samsung and acknowledges it as one of the best seasons of his life. He recalls sitting behind his desk one day and just knowing that his season had come. He discussed it with his team, who were totally astounded but Brian knew that he had to respond to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call. Brian ventured into other businesses and today is a motivational speaker to businessmen and -women. Brian Cape believes that there are certain businessmen and -women who

Currently, the focus has shifted. Today the great men of the world are Bill Gates, Rupert Murdock, Donald Trump and Mark Shuttleworth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all top businessmen. It seems that businessmen have become the role models, the influential and powerful men of the world, often rather than religious or political leaders. In this context he emphasizes the responsibility to minister to businessmen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I realised that we need to see business in a new dimension. It is all about Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ownership and not about our own. He will put shares in your name and give you stewardship over it. But He owns it and it is His to do with what He wants.â&#x20AC;? Brian says that we should learn to ask: â&#x20AC;&#x153;God, its yours, what would you like me to do with it?â&#x20AC;? instead of saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;God, this is what I am going to do, bless me in itâ&#x20AC;?. The challenge for the Christian businessman and -woman is to fulfil the call to be Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business leaders. We have to understand that whether we are businessmen or -women, pastors, teachers or housewives, we all carry the identical calling which is to go into all the world and make disciples of all men. â&#x20AC;&#x153;God will look at your heart and you will sometimes go through the test of fire. But this tests your attitude and soon people will want to know what makes you different. How you become successful amidst your circumstances. The answer is simple, you are anointed for business. I have seen this through my life and business career.â&#x20AC;? Brian ministers about the basic principles in running Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business. He says that the world is so focused on a drive for money,

that often people don’t understand the importance of discipling and that ministry is real to business. He constantly reminds: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

COMPLEMENTARY TO OUR INTERVIEW with Brian Cape, we would like to share an excerpt from Rich Marshall’s book: “God@Work”, published by Destiny Image Publishers, Inc.

What I began to see were the qualifications for ordination of businessmen and women into the ministry of business and the professions. Acts 6 lists criteria for ordination.

RICH MARSHALL has been a pastor for over 30 years. He and his wife, Wilma, are the founding pastors of Springs of Life Fellowship in Sunnyvale, California. The Marshalls founded ROI, an inspirational and equipping ministry to the business community. Rich ministers full time with ROI and conducts “Anointed for Business” seminars. He is also a founding member of Nehemiah Partners, a group of business and ministry leaders committed to rebuilding the biblical walls of commerce. Rich and Wilma live in San Jose, California.

These are: “ SEEK OU T FR O M A MONG YOU.” It is necessary that we ordain those that we have a spiritual authority over, those within our own body.

“ OF GOOD R EPUT AT ION.” Since this is for ordination in the market place, the reputation must extend to the workplace as well as the Christian community.

THE MISSING PIECE “It is my conviction that the role the businessperson plays, as God works in the marketplace, is not just an important one, but may very well be the missing piece to the puzzle. I have often heard the quote: “Priests bring the vision; kings bring the provision.” Let’s analyze that for a moment. It is true that the priest is to bring vision. He or she is to hear from the Lord and pass that vision on to the people of God. And it is true that kings must bring the provision. Most priests lack the funds to finance a nation-sweeping revival, and therefore I believe that it follows that one of the purposes of the kings is to bring in the funding necessary for the coming revival. But that alone is not the entire picture of the plan. Is it possible for God to plant “city-reaching” and “nation-taking” strategies in the hearts of the kings? Of course it is. These kings operate in the strategic realms every day of the week.

“FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” Not just baby believers and not carnal.

“FULL OF WISDOM.” Not having made multiple mistakes in the life of business.

“FULL OF FAITH.” Not people who doubt God, nor who vacillate back and forth in their faith. From this criteria, Rich Marshall develops an application for ordination into the marketplace ministry. He says that you too, as businessman or woman, can take part in bringing in this great harvest of souls. The call of God is for you.

BUDGET: REALIT Y CHECK! photography: andrea badenhorst words: myles sinclair

The first thing I asked after we put our books down was: “Can we all get down on our knees and pray?” Talk about stretching comfort zones! I guess for some this was the first time they had knelt in un-rehearsed, un-memorized prayer. It is a fitting gesture as all had at least one thing in common, a desire to more fully understand God’s way for dealing with money. Many were bruised and hurting financially and kneeling humbly before our Almighty God seemed so appropriate.

AS THE LAST PERSON got up from their knees, I asked them to take their seats. “I need to warn you all that over the next twelve weeks you will weep and cry tears of joy. You will see God answer prayer, you will feel resistance as you begin to get your house in order. You will feel vulnerable and triumphant. While I cannot guarantee any outcome I assure you that if you do what you committed to do, you will never be the same again” This was a standard ‘first 10 minutes’ of the finance course that my wife and I have conducted for the last 4 years.

“What exactly is God’s role in my finances?” you may ask. Answering this question is crucial if we are to have financial peace. OWNERSHIP Firstly we must understand that God claims ownership of all our possessions. He is the Creator of all things and He has never transferred ownership to His people. We are stewards, entrusted to care for His belongings. Christ reminded us of this when He said, “no-one can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” (Luke 14:33) This leads us to the point where, before we give out money, we ask Him what He wants us to do with His money. Understanding that it is His possessions and we are only caring for it, brings contentment. When a lady, “Millie”, had her car stolen from outside the church, difficult as it was, the stress was eased by her admission and understanding that God’s car had been stolen. CONTROL

Some weeks later Joanne, a student on the course, said: “This is the first time I have seen our financial position. Prior to this I have never stopped and considered how we are doing. Even if the picture is worse than we had hoped, I feel so much closer to Bret, I feel together we can do this!”

The second responsibility God has retained is that of control. “We adore You as being in control of everything”. (1 Chronicles 29:11) You need to know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28) I believe that the Lord allows difficult circumstances in our lives for several reasons.

During the years of teaching this course we have seen so many lives changed, so many prayers answered.

At times challenges are allowed because He wishes to accomplish His intentions. Just think of the life of Joseph.

He also allows difficulties to develop our character. (Romans 5:3-4) Finally, He can use circumstances to discipline His children. (Hebrews 12:6,10, 11) Which one is applicable to you? Are you recognizing that God is in control? PROVISION The third very important aspect of God’s role is that of provision. (Reading through the Bible illustrates this very well.) He provided manna in the wilderness, food for the hungry 5,000 and meat for Elijah. Many Christians (especially men) get it wrong at this point. They mistakenly think they are the providers for their families. They create stress and pressure by assuming a role that really is God’s job. Note however that we cannot predict how the Lord will provide and He often does it in unexpected ways. POSSESSIONS A fourth element of God’s role is that He gives possessions to whomever and in what quantities He chooses. “Riches and honour come from You”. (1 Chronicles 29:12) The parable of the talents illustrates that possessions are not given out equally. Note, however, that those who are faithful are rewarded equally. Understanding God’s role in your finances and possessions is the foundation for contentment and peace. It is different from the world’s perspective. It will require you to accept that God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not [the same as] our thoughts. (Isaiah 55: 8-9) You will need to change your way of thinking (renew your mind) and then you will begin to experience the incredible benefits God has provided for His children.

As with many issues in life, without a plan of action we feel helpless and hopeless. Putting pen to paper is often the catalyst for significant life change. We will begin the practical aspects in this issue. PRACTICAL EXERCISE All efforts to change from an existing reality (position) to a new future reality (position) starts with knowing where you are currently in as much detail as possible. If you asked for exact directions to get to Church Street, Pretoria, you would also need to know exactly where you are right now. A vague ‘somewhere in Johannesburg’ would NOT help to getting a detailed explanation of directions.

The same applies in getting your financial house in order. If you want to get out of debt and into a good place financially, you must take the effort seriously and start with a detailed picture of your current financial state. This detailed picture is called different names by different people and organizations. Some call it a Balance Sheet and Income Statement, while others call it a List of Assets and Liabilities together with an Income and Expenditure Statement.

A holiday (like many other luxury items) has no tangible saleable benefit and as such you should not borrow to go on holiday, you should always pay cash. If you cannot afford to pay cash, you cannot afford it! Make a copy of this form and complete it using the notes on the next page to guide you. Be sure to date it because an Equity Statement (or Assets and Liabilities or Balance Sheet) are a snapshot in time of your financial position. If you take this series of articles seriously, you will see your financial position improve over time.

Practical Exercise

Individual Equity Statement Item

Value

Property Property Car Car Cash on hand Cheque account Savings account Provident/pension fund cash value Cash value insurance policies Household items

We would like to introduce you to a way of recording your Assets and Liabilities that I call the Individual’s Equity Statement. It shows how much equity (or ownership) you have in any asset. It also illustrates how we are often hugely influenced by marketing. If there is an item where the debt column is larger than the value column, this is often a case of an unwise purchasing pattern. For example, you should not go on holiday and pay the debt incurred over the following months.

Date

Jewellery Unsecured debt (shopping accounts) Unsecured debt Credit card (revolving) credit Loans (from others) Other Other Other TOTAL

Debt

Equity

LIST OF ASSET AND LIABILITIES Notes on creating this list: If you are a couple I urge you to do this together. I have had wives come to me and tell me that when they did this, it was the first time they got insight into their financial affairs. What a sense of relief seems to come, even if the news is not good. They have told me that in these cases, at least now, they know how bad it is and they can start doing something. ASSETS Property We suggest recording your property at the net realisable value (after agents commission). Thus if you are contemplating selling it (or raising more finance) you will at least get what you are expecting and not less. Provident/Pension cash value Strictly speaking this money is included in your assets but practically you cannot access this money easily. I suggest you do not touch this money until retirement, but you should know its value for retirement planning. Household items Do not list items of furniture and consumer type items unless they are collectibles or antiques. If you do list these type items, DO NOT list them at their cost value but rather at the value you could realistically sell them for. If you don’t do this you are only kidding yourself. Please note that this valuation is very different to the valuation required for insurance purposes.

usually easier to value and quantify than certain assets as in most cases there is usually no subjectivity involved. The bank will always tell you exactly how much you owe on your home loan or credit card. There are a couple of grey areas I wish to point out when determining your liabilities. Lease or Hire Purchase In some of these agreements the bank adds all the interest that will be paid over the life of the loan to the original loan amount (principle). In this case you can see your balance reducing by the amount of your repayment each month. However the balance shown on that type of statement is not your true liability at the statement date. The principle outstanding (which is a smaller amount) will be reflected elsewhere on the statement. This is closer to your true liability at that point in time. Please note that with these type of agreements if you wished to settle (pay in full) early, the bank will ask for the principle outstanding PLUS a penalty amount. This is called the settlement amount which is your true liability at that point. From a cash flow point of view lease agreements represent an obligation to pay a series of payments for a period of time. This obligation is accurately accounted if you record the settlement amount as a liability. Family Loans Amounts borrowed from friends or relatives are liabilities (debt) even if you were told “pay me back when you can”. It is not advisable to borrow or lend money on this basis. If you must, please include repayment terms (time frame, frequency and interest rate).

LIABILITIES Generally speaking Liabilities (debt) are

Unsecured Debt Money owed to a creditor where there is no

collateral (for e.g. a car acts as collateral for vehicle finance debt so it would not be recorded here). This typically includes clothing accounts, chemist accounts, amounts borrowed from family etc. In future issues I will deal with other practical aspects of dealing with money and finances. These topics include • • • • • • •

Recording Income & Expenditure Financial goals Debt list and repayment schedules Estimating and adjusting your budget Filing system Training your children Organising your estate

mirror on the wall

- who’s the fairest of them all?

WAITING ON TABLES in a restaurant is where you get to know people. Ask the French waiter polishing his minute round table on the sidewalk of the Champs Elyssee, who knows at a glance who can actually afford his fare.

The waiter is also the lay man’s counselor, a bit like the barman who can pick up the clients mood and listen to his woes while deftly mixing a cocktail. Waiting on tables is where character is built and tested; when the perspiring Greek chef hollers through the hatch of the steak house because his rare steak, a culinary work of art, was not grabbed by the waitress immediately. It should not even touch the counter, he believes. And he has the vocabulary to express his chagrin. The waiter knows the customer is always right. Even if the order is changed and changed again. And then changed back to the original. That is also not the time to sigh, to forget the aching feet, to keep the smile in place and the tip in mind. Working in a restaurant is in a way like working in the theatre. There is the beautiful illusion created of a romantic and peaceful environment, the client oblivious of the chaos in the kitchens. It reminds one of the serenity of a ballet performance. Sitting in the audience with the full orchestra between you and the stage, the dancers appear weightless as they glide through the air. Backstage you see them wrapping their bleeding feet and you hear the loud thumps when the ballerinas land, definitely not free from the reality of gravity.

Rosinah

mirror

the

waiting... game

photography: andrea badenhorst words: dini esterhuizen & marié pieterse

One has either tasted that kind of servanthood or not. Having tasted it, one would never experience a restaurant without having an idea of the backstage; and having great empathy with these servants. One might think twice before complaining about the steak not showing enough pink, the cappuccino not having enough froth. At the side of your table is a student without a rich father to provide pocket money or a single mother taking the last train home. Whatever the case, waiters are real people who might be in great need of a satisfied client’s smile. MY World met with Rosinah Ngubeni (24) at Mugg & Bean in Yeoville. She has worked as a waiteress for a year. This is her very first job, and it has taught her about business (she plans to do a B.Com with accounting) and customers. “The older customers are the easiest to serve. They know exactly what they want, but they could also be the fussiest about what’s on their plate.” In a busy coffee shop there is no time for Rosinah to remember good and bad days, but she certainly remembers good tips. When people surprise her with such generosity after a relatively small meal it really makes her feel good. The worst encounter she had ever had was when a regular customer ordered his regular breakfast with soft eggs. The customer was disappointed because he expected his order to be served the right way. “Some customers use their tables for business meetings or sit and read their newspapers or talk on their cellphones,” remarks Rosinah. Our time with Rosinah is up. She gives us one more smile and picks up her tray and disappears into the kitchen. Fridays are busy days!

photography andrea badenhorst

,W ZDV *RRG They say that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

So let us behold all of creation, both big and small, uniquely made... and we in the image of God.

Behold it and see the beauty.

“When you are trying to be someone else, the best you can ever be is number two” - JOHN MASON WE CONSTANTLY COMPARE ourselves to others. God made you in a certain way. You are unique. You are one of a kind. To copy others is to cheat yourself out of the fullness of what God has called you to be and to do. We certainly are born equal but also quite different from one another. You are the only one in all of creation who has your set of abilities due to DNA blueprint, your unique hereditary make-up of chromosomes. Every living being is different in its genetic and biochemical makeup. No two individuals are the same. Not only do our fingerprints differ from one another but so too our whole composition as human beings. Although our basic physiology is the same, we all have deviations within the norm. Scientists say there is no such thing as an “average person”, nor are we photocopies of one another. But, in all that is rare, there is great worth.

elebrate your

uniqueness! because... youʼre born an original not a copy photography: irma coetzee words: ina nortje

Huge variations are found. We may have the same type of brain cells but not necessarily the same number. That might be why we might think and feel differently. Even variations in nutritional needs are found. One person may need ten times more than another of a certain vitamin or mineral to obtain optimum health. A copy adapts itself to the world, but being an original, the world would want to be like you. “Don’t copy the behaviours of this world but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy you”. (Romans 12:2) It is interesting that man is the only creation who refuses to be who he is. Don’t look for miracles, you are a miracle! “You are fearfully and wonderfully made”. (Psalm 139:4) You’re not insignificant. Never view yourself as if Jesus did nothing for you. The first and worst of all frauds is to betray yourself. If you deliberately plan to be less than you are capable of being, you will bring unhappiness to the rest of your life. It’s incredible that so many people devote their whole lives to things that have nothing to do with their gifts and talents that God has given them. Many actually spend their entire lives trying to change the way God has made them.

God knew exactly what He was doing when He made you with specific gifts, talents, strengths and looks. 1 Corinthians 7:7 asserts: “...Each man has his own gift from God...” Don’t let horoscopes and fortune-tellers create your world for you. If you do, they always make it too small. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God remould you so that you may have a whole new state of mind. (Romans 12:2) Christians are new creations, not rebuilt sinners. God calls you His friend. (John 15:15) Ask yourself the following question: “If I try to be someone else, who will be like me? If I’m not me, who will I be?” The more you challenge yourself and start to renew your mind according to God’s Word, the more you will become like Jesus and the less you will become like someone else. Start giving birth to yourself. Your responsibility is not to remake yourself but to make the absolute best of what God has made. If God wanted you otherwise He would have created you otherwise. Dare to be who you are. The Bible says: “ Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots?” (Jeremiah 13:23) You are an unprecedented miracle. You are as God made you, in His image, and since He is satisfied with you, you should be too.

photogr aphy : andrea badenhor s t wor d s : a n d r ew h a n key ( wal t e r s i s u l u n a t i ona l b ot a ni ca l g a r den)

The Flower of Love

Greek: B H B Q ( love ) and B O U IP T ( f lower )

AGAPANTHUS IS A UNIQUELY SOUTH AFRICAN plant that has been spread all over the world by gardeners and horticulturists for ornamental planting and cut flowers. Of the 20 different varieties that occur in South Africa, only a handful are grown commercially. They may be found in the higher rainfall areas of our country. Agapanthus is grown in the castle gardens of the nobles in Britain. There is more to Agapanthus than just Dwarf Blue, Dwarf White, Large Blue and Large White. We have Agapanthus with flowers so dark blue they look almost black! We have species with pendulous tubular flowers, in white as well as shades of blue! Some are white at the base of the tube and blue at the tips or blue at the base of the flower with pure white petals! Agapanthus is possibly one of the most forgiving group of plants one can grow in the garden. They remind one of a dog that just loves you unconditionally, even if you forget to water, feed, or even compost them. They can grow in full sun or shade. They hardly ever get pests and disease! They grow in rocky soil, sandy soil, and clay soil. They will even grow in old rusted paint tins! To top it all they will flower every year whether you love them or not. Despite all this talk of neglect, they really thrive on love and attention. The best conditions for them are well-drained fertile compost enriched soil, full sunlight or dappled shade and plenty of water during their growing season. They benefit from organic fertilisers such as bone meal being dug into the soil before planting and a generous annual dressing of compost around the roots. Why not try your hand at growing your own Agapanthus from seed? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exceptionally easy and rewarding. Here are some pointers: Ideally the seed should be sown at the beginning of the rainy season, but they may also be sown at any time of the year.

Step 1 Collect the small shiny black winged seeds from the drying seed heads of the mother plant. Step 2 Prepare a seed tray of any dimension providing it has 4-5cm of depth, wash the tray and ensure that it has holes for drainage. Step 3 Fill the seed tray with seedling mixture available from your local garden centre or nursery or use a mixture of sifted topsoil, sifted compost and clean coarse sand. Step 4 Level the mixture, water it well with a gentle spray or watering can and allow it to drain. Step 5 Sow the seed evenly on the wet surface, and cover with 2-3mm of the same seedling mixture, water again with a fine spray or watering can. Step 6 Place the tray in the dappled shade of a tree, and ensure that it remains damp at all times. Germination may take from 3-8 weeks depending on the season. Step 7 Once germinated, the seedlings should be left in the tray until large enough to be handled without damaging them normally one year. Each may then be planted into their own individual pots. In the summer rainfall areas, watering can commence in August to September, while in the winter rainfall areas watering can begin around March to April. They can, however, tolerate water all year round. They are hardy and generally pest-free especially when they are well-fed and watered. If planted in an attractive little container, the baby Agapanthus can be kept in a bright room in the house until it outgrows the pot, after which it can be planted in the garden to flower year after year. Agapanthus has been used by South Africans for a range of medical purposes including improving kidney function and as an antenatal tonic for pregnant mothers. Some species are also used for coughs, chest complaints and even heart conditions. Love the Agapanthus, in return it will love you .

photography andrea badenhorst

6SLULW /LIH 1 Thessalonians 5: 16–18

“Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

A person such as Wigglesworth preached sermons that were characterized by the fact that they inspired faith. He would teach “God wants me to press you another step further. Begin to believe on extravagant asking, believing that God is pleased when you ask large things.” He would refer to the word of Jesus in John 16:24 where He said: “Until now you have asked nothing.” He continues explaining that: “It is Jesus who has such knowledge of the mightiness of the power of the Father and of the joint union with Him that nothing is impossible for you to ask.”

THE CHILDLIKE, NAÏVE BELIEVER Another group is the childlike, naïve believer who responds to the Lord and His Word without the theological background of knowing whether miracles have ceased or not.

The gift of faith, in conjunction with the other power gifts, are often witnessed in mission fields where the Gospel has never been heard and the complete revelation of Scripture is unknown to the people. These gifts, as well as the miracles resulting from their manifestation, serve as signs to authenticate the Gospel that is preached. Years ago as a young new convert, I was sent to Cape Town to represent a secular magazine. Hardly knowing anybody there, this meant a new beginning. I realized that one would not often have this opportunity. What impression would one like to leave or what testimony? This led to a personal experiment: What would happen if one did not use any external signs such as stickers, scriptures or posters to announce that one was a Christian? (Not to insinuate anything wrong with such material, to the contrary.) Here was an opportunity to see what evidence or testimony the Holy Spirit of God would create to authenticate a believer.

in Intensive Care. The Lord healed this person miraculously. The news once again circulated via messages left at the reception desk of the office. The head of the office, who later admitted that she came from a line of three generations of atheists, was not open to conventional preaching, but the demonstration of the power of God led to her conversion and that of others. An informal prayer and Bible study group started, consisting of a diversity of backgrounds. In this spontaneous process of discipling we started reading from the New Testament, having made up our minds that every word we read was literally true. The prayers were very childlike and the answer to prayer awesome and exciting. The group’s greatest advantage at the time was probably not having heard any message that said the miraculous gifts and signs were not for today. Once, having tasted this powerful work of the Holy Spirit, some members of the group went on to more formal studies of the Word. Yet the freshness of the childlike response to God and His Word left a lasting impression.

HOW DOES THE GIFT OF FAITH DIFFER FROM GENERAL FAITH UNTO SALVATION AND REGENERATION? The gift of faith is a supernatural phenomenon, beyond anything humanly possible, imaginable or logical. Witnesses who report such experiences cannot express strongly enough that what they received was beyond their own capacity; the gift of faith brought about changes in answer to prayer against all odds. They describe the result as miraculous. Several witnesses report that this gift of faith was imparted to them at a time of great need. The Holy Spirit shed the gift in the heart of the person, which produced a certain knowledge of “all is well”; a peace beyond understanding. The gift is given to accomplish God’s will and for His glory.

This experiment was inspired by the promise: “These signs will follow…!” The situation was ideal for such an experiment. THE GIFT OF FAITH IN THE PERSONAL LIVES OF BELIEVERS The Lord then created a situation that no human being could have created. A message for a prayer request was left with the receptionist. The request was to go and pray for a person

The following are testimonies of people who are witnesses of the gift of faith:

COENIE AND DENISE VAN DER MERWE worked as missionaries in Africa. Coenie passed away in 2004 but Denise is carrying on with God’s work together with church leaders and co-workers. On occasion they had a terrible experience of a typical South African hijacking. Denise describes what she experienced during the incident as a gift of faith. “You are in a situation that you know cannot change, but within you there is something that says it will. Those men had guns at our heads and they were violent; there was no way that I was not going to be assaulted when they removed my clothes. And I just knew everything would be OK. I was not physically violated. “That type of faith is not something you can have on your own. That was a gift from God. It’s supernatural. It is for when you need it. I experienced it for that particular moment. I do not say that God will not give it to me again and I still have general faith unto salvation as before.” PIETER AND ETHEL recently went on early retirement with the purpose of serving in the Kingdom of God. Ethel experienced an infusion of faith at a point in her life when particularly challenged. The problem had been ongoing for ten years, but this faith was new and extraordinary. Their son became involved with drugs at the age of sixteen and ended up being addicted to heroin for the best part of ten years. To feed his habit he ended up stealing and landing in prison time and again. His mother recalls that on one occasion he was apprehended for stealing a take-away sandwich. At times, when he was not in

prison, he would sleep in the streets and on park benches. From time to time he would go into rehab but this was not successful either. The cycle never ended.

Yet this time Ethel knew it was real. She received the spurt of faith that told her she could go to him. It felt as if the Lord had said to her: “Your son is back, go and receive him.”

“I would get feelings of desperation and an intense heart sore for his sake, trying to feel what he was going through. I spent almost half of those ten years not knowing Christ. I felt angry at God for what had happened. Once I spent a week in hospital, definitely stress related, I had a nervous breakdown although nobody mentioned the word. My neck went into spasm and I was shaking like this,” she says in her very calm and sincere manner, yet indicating how she was shaking. “After meeting Christ it became easier. In the process of knowing and understanding that God allowed this (it took a very long time) so that I could give my son to God. There was nothing that I could do or not do to save him. That is when you can experience joy in your circumstances. He doesn’t necessarily change circumstances but He changes you.” Then came the morning when her son phoned her from a shelter. He said that he had been baptized. The fact that he had gone for rehab in itself didn’t mean much in the light of the previous failed attempts. That morning when he phoned and said that he was different, she would not even risk visiting him, because she would be confronted by a manipulative demanding stranger that would use her, try to persuade her to give him money and make empty promises.

ETHEL: “Against all odds and particularly against anything, the people I knew had said, in spite of ten years and a million times over and over I just knew and I had no doubt that this time God had done it. It was such a downward spiral, but somehow I just had peace. “ PIETER: “I was very sceptical. I thought ‘yah, here we go again’. I had in fact held a meeting with my family to warn them not to set themselves up for disappointment. In a few months’ time there will be a build up and then a crash.” ETHEL: “This (his deliverance and healing) was not done by a person, not the guy that met with him in prison, who visited him. It was not rehab. Least of all, Pieter jr himself. It was such a hopeless situation. But this time it was God. It’s supernatural. There is nothing we can do to earn it. It is not about a different spiritual level. When you need it God gives it. People said and most are saying: ‘Be careful, don’t set yourself up for disappointment. But when God gives this faith, and I don’t know how, you just know it.

“I felt that God had prepared me maybe two or three years earlier, just a thought, just a sure thought, somehow God had said it would stop when Pieter was twenty-six.”

God had promised him the biggest tent the world had ever seen. He would use this tent to evangelize from Cape Town to Cairo. The faith required for this tent must have already qualified as a gift of faith. Yet there was more to come.

THE GIFT OF FAITH IN PUBLIC MINISTRY

When Reinhardt Bonnke talked about this tent in his interesting German/African accent, he used the words “the biggest in the world”; it was interesting, however, one did not have the uncomfortable feeling one gets when somebody is boasting. Perhaps this can be understood in the light that he began his ministry in humility, witnessing from hut to hut and a matter of him being faithful in the small, and God entrusting more to him. The casual observer, however, would never know the price he had to pay.

Most of us have seen this gift or read about it in the lives of ministers used powerfully by God. The gift of faith - in conjunction with the gift of healing and other gifts of the Holy Spirit - is the gift we also observe in power evangelism. This gift demonstrates the fact that God is not bound by circumstances or even the laws of nature. The word manifestation means ‘making visible’: through a manifestation of the gift of faith the working of the Holy Spirit is brought to a point where we can experience this through our natural senses.

Since God works in answer to prayer, it can be argued that the Holy Spirit would prompt believers to ask for big things that are in His will by giving them the gift of faith for big things.

The tent was erected in the Cape flats for a trial run before the official inauguration. Reinhardt Bonnke himself was in India at the time. Then came the South Easter and ripped the tent into pieces, as tiny as handkerchiefs and blew it like confetti. It was told that when the news was broken to Bonke on the phone he remarked:

CHARACTERISTICS OF BELIEVERS FUNCTIONING IN THE GIFT OF FAITH

“Praise God, He will give me a better one!”

In the lives of believers or ministers who frequently operate in this gift, we would see a strong and consistent belief in the fact that God can do the impossible. This kind of faith would have a chain reaction, the experience of prayers answered and miracles manifesting, would obviously feed the faith of the believer. The faith for miracles would increase from a sporadic experience to a more consistent experience in such a person’s walk with God. There would also be a deep compassion for the unsaved and the suffering in the believer’s life; an emphasis on the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There would also be the belief of being called to demonstrate the power of God and to exhort other people to enlarge their faith and trust in God.

ILLUSTRATED Reinhardt Bonnke, the evangelist whose crusades draw the greatest crowds on record in Africa, testified years ago that

God did. The gift of faith of the Holy Spirit is on offer. This gift, by its nature being a gift, cannot be deserved. But it can be expected.

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QSBZFS photography: irma coetzee

words: corrie huyser

BEFORE WE ANSWER THIS QUESTION, we should first ask: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is the essence of Christianity?â&#x20AC;? We know that the followers of Jesus Christ in the city of Antioch in the first century after Christ, were called 'Christians' and that this name is still used to describe people belonging to the Christian faith. But to be a Christian is so much more than being a member of the Christian faith, or of a specific denomination. The essence of Christianity is that we have a relationship with a living God, contrary to other religions that are sets of rules.

I believe every human beingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deepest need is for unconditional love, but because this need is so central to our being, we have a deep fear of surrendering to love. We were created before the Fall, with the built-in need to love and be loved fearlessly and without restraint. Unfortunately no descendant of Adam can claim that we will never let another person down, with the result that perfect love is impossible between human beings. That is why we are fearful of unconditional surrender to love, except when God is the other partner in this love relationship. God cannot fail us, He will not reject us, He knows us inside out, He has forgiven all our sins and loves us unconditionally with the only perfect love we will ever know. We are so used to receiving what we deserve that grace, mercy and undeserved favour are foreign to our thinking and yet when we want to relate to God we have to think in terms of grace. It is by grace and grace alone that we have the confidence of being accepted by God. If it had not been for the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, God would have to reject us because of our sinful nature. But if it had not been for God's love for us, Jesus would not have paid the price for our redemption. The Message Bible describes this in 1 John 4 : 10 - "This is the kind of love we are talking about not that we once upon a time loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to

clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God." Jesus died for our sins so that the relationship between man and God could be restored. God loves us so much that He, through Christ, not only released us from our sins, but also from the negative results of our sins in our relationship with Him. Where does prayer fit into this love relationship? Prayer is the relationship. Without prayer there is no relationship. Prayer is the communication channel, actually prayer is more than communication, it is communion. Prayer is the intimate conversation between man and God. Prayer is the coming together of Creator and creation in a relationship where there can be absolute trust and understanding. Where the deepest needs and desires can be shared. Where we can be completely honest about our failures because God knows us and loves us in spite of all our faults. God desires a love relationship with us. He created us for that purpose. But we struggle to comprehend that God desires us to interact with Him, therefore we often miss the most important aspect of prayer. We think prayer is only bringing our needs and problems to God, but prayer is relating in love to the One who accepts us unconditionally. Prayer is supposed to be so intimate...it should be our greatest privilege and experience. We so often express the desire to have a more intimate relationship with God and yet we are often afraid for too much intimacy. We instinctively know that

when we come close to a Holy God all our sinfulness will be exposed. This feeling of unworthiness causes us to run away from God, but we should rather run to Him with our sins and our feelings of unworthiness. God made provision for this too. In 1 John 1 verse 8 and 9 it is written: "If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins - make a clean breast of them - He won't let us down; He'll be true to Himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing." Every time we ask forgiveness, our relationship with Him becomes free and new again. God says that He will not remember our sins after we asked forgiveness. God wants our trust, our love and our communion with Him. Our Heavenly Father is watching and waiting for us as the father of the prodigal son was watching and waiting. He longs for us to come into His presence with boldness because He gave His only Son to restore this love relationship with us. We have been redeemed by grace and we can only accept this gift by faith. In Romans 5: 1-2 we read in the Message: "By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us - set us right with Him, make us fit for Him - we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand, out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise."

To understand prayer, we first need to understand the relationship between fallible human beings and Almighty God. It is a love relationship, originating in God's love for us and our responding love for God.

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photography: andrea badenhorst

words: lindie gouws

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imagine if our eternal destiny was reliant upon our word. Where would we end up spending eternal life? We have all broken our word at some point in time. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word declares that there is no one that is good except the Father. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

awesome character is that He is a God of His Word and Jesus is the Word. And being a God and Father of His Word means that He will not go back on what He has said. His Word will never return void unto Him.

THE OLD AND THE NEW COVENANT In Hebrews 8:9 we read how God acknowledges turning His back on His people because they broke the covenant relationship with Him. He was angry with His people. Yet because God loved humanity, His people, so much, He prepared a sacrifice to reconcile them (us) unto Him. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah – not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant and I disregarded them, says the Lord.” (Hebrews 8:7-10) We see in Hebrews 8 and 9 that in the Old Testament, the only way for a nation to make atonement with God was through the high priest offering gifts and sacrifices (accompanied by a blood offering). The sacrifice God prepared to restore humanity unto Him was a perfect Blood Sacrifice. Now, every time God looks at us, He sees a Blood Sacrifice. One that is incorruptible and that can never be erased. It is a sacrifice presented by a Man of His Word, a Man who was the Word, who was God in Man, Jesus. He is the Exalted, Eternal High Priest and because of Him, the covenant we have with God is a new covenant. “For this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days,

says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. (Hebrews 8:10) If we had to stand before God the way we are, sinful in nature, God would be able to turn His back on us because we break our commitment to Him almost daily. But now this can never happen again. For when God looks at us He sees a perfect sacrifice. The Sacrificial Blood presented is Holy and so pure that it offers salvation to mankind that turn to Him. For when God looks at man, He sees His Son Jesus. “For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:13-16) In the middle of the relationship between God and man is our Mediator, Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus should be the most treasured relationship we have. We owe Him our lives! As God writes His laws on our hearts and our minds, He writes it with the Blood of Jesus.

God warned Moses: “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. (Hebrews 8:5) It is when we have that intimate, thankful relationship with Jesus that we receive His laws in our hearts and minds. We will have the mind of Christ and the heart of God towards God’s promise and our relationship with Him. In Psalm 65 we read how David declares: “We will fulfil our vows to you, for you answer our prayers, and to you all people will come. Though our hearts are filled with sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What joys await us inside your holy Temple.” It is in this place, the Most Holy Place, where only Jesus as our eternal High Priest, can take us in by the sacrifice of His Holy Blood. There we make peace with God’s plan and purpose for our individual lives. It will become: “God, Your Will be done, not my will.” We will be walking in the example of Jesus. And although we still sin and sometimes turn our backs on God, by accepting Jesus as our only Lord and Saviour, we have a new covenant with God. When you look at the infinity sign, it looks like a horisontal eight lying on its back. There is no beginning and no end. On the one side is man and on the other side is God. In the centre is Jesus.

My Voice

I have a covenant with God and it has to reflect in the way I deal with life.

accomplished

mission

the master’s sermon

by dini esterhuizen

I WAS IN SHOCK and couldn’t sleep that night. A friend and I were in South America as the helpers of famous evangelists. We were there to carry the suitcases as an act of discipleship. On the first night in Buenos Aires the main speakers asked me if I would preach the following morning as they had problems to attend to. I was overwhelmed. To add to my shock, I only found out the following morning that the interpreter was not available. They manoeuvered me to the front of a vast audience and introduced me to an equally bewildered person, a very tall young Argentinean who was to interpret. We all know the wonderful and inspirational moment when we say “Here I am, Lord,” not without deep emotions, and then, inevitably, the moment when we say “What am I doing here?”, not without emotions either. This was one of those moments! “Thees man ees student of Eengleesh,” they explained excitedly. “For how long?” I was wondering when the student pleaded, “Speaka slowly pleece”. I tried my first sentence. Silence from the student. I tried a synonym in English. Still quiet. When I looked up, I realized we were in deep trouble. The student was blushing. A moment later he turned a pasty white, like somebody who was going to be sick. That was it. Perspiration appeared on his forehead and the next moment he ran from the hall. I contemplated running after him, so that the people could regard it as a gesture of concern which would save me from this predicament. Just in time I realized that the Lord wouldn’t have put me in this situation without a purpose. At least I had the scriptures I had prepared and could get somebody from the audience to read them. I asked a lady in the front row who obliged. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4: 18,19) The second scripture reading was: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13 : 8)

That was the full content of the sermon which lasted a few minutes. I put my hands together in what would be understood universally as the sign that we would want to pray. I had a very general brief prayer of blessing in mind, that would settle it for the moment. Just before I closed my eyes, I saw a lady holding the hand of a little boy. They approached me and through gestures tried to explain that the child was deaf. In my consternation I tried to find out how long the child was deaf. From their gestures it appeared that the child was born deaf. Recalling what Jesus had done, I put my hands over his ears and rebuked a spirit of deafness. I had never done this before. The next instant he grabbed his ears and there was holy chaos. He could hear but he could not handle the noise, least of all the level of an excited crowd of South Americans. When everyone realized what had happened, people formed a queue for prayers. The queue kept on growing as more people streamed in from the surrounding neighbourhood. They had heard the news of the deaf boy who received healing. It was later confirmed by the people doing followup that the boy’s hearing had indeed been restored. He was being taught to speak and interpret what he had heard. That sermon, in its totality, was preached by Jesus.

photography andrea badenhorst

Oh, very young, can you see that it is true? That when you look at Me very soon you will see you? For when you are changed in My image you see clear, that as you search for who you are I am near!

I made you a promise, it will never fail, it is a bond, it is one of life, for eternity, a new covenant! So walk with Me, closely, take My Hand. Walk with me, for eternityâ&#x20AC;Ś our covenant!

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A a st BS VER TES: “ ds mu here is ” PRO t r. TA en i e S r d h f n t huge a 4 s ro 18:2 ho ha iendly; han a b ed a ughc a l w r t p f hro man himself s closer have right t n only I k s s c nd ma e a show that sti t m ing frie that I a u o d b s a frien keep his i rue so t ing and ehind t s ing i b d com er rse fin on e s , . y v a e s e c r m s r la ov Thi siste s on e main ly p ght s or hasi h lone ne to fi ys and y r emp life. T brother e o j v no o o ea the my who out I have n an b se with e both meone c d u l r , chi pty ho to sha r so child nly y fo an o o an em idge or ticularl f o t fr ar ld them the te p wor hool e of well The after sc Coke in sing sta e.¬ m o s d es f e tim with d aste hom st can o , a depr all the act, at has l land an f y a e n a l l I e h . y n t t b o n the f that d h peop ship ted leph orta it o imp f friend separa odd te g-term y pain being w r e ys nd o re v y be nd the my lon ips of enjo ds a rong bo we ma f a n e i y r ms ndsh ny o t my f into a s though -mail, s ith ma rge frie g to pla , e w n o m n e i f d h e o o e v to lar atc eg So t nter and e regu ng to w starting n we ar s ve e ain i e t h I ha 15 year h w n t i ma . e no ting ed w s. over we still An exci ldren ar ing ask the idea ship e i . t b , h iend e r c y g f l r t sea rsation u e e stan , yo w ou f tru conv s, is ho are con Bradley les o p d m r e n a ex frie own. W eegan o any K r dm n i thei Ashley, f … s e we them year with Bibl e of is last e h m t o h s ut k at pent ead ugho r loo Moses s lay ah e Thro s o t e a cl – h h t a e bt o hua s tak nd Jos r the jo rael int u t Le sa f Is a fo Mose g Joshu ldren o stai n h i w Te sus r c e a e N p h t Je pre His the ding ith d. how – in - lea ised Lan azarus ory of friend. dship w with d L t n Prom sus and e the s h of His of frie ger bon loved e t n v d b a o a Je n “ e r h t o s im b e ed my h n w e t e s d v ed h of r t o e l k men ned ove ad a c ut an e He call ven as e r r h ca o de s b mou Jesus iple ohn wh on” an o take ary His M s disc t J

best ther. this they a of his f e s t d l ’ p t n n e that mnd s h e the lit em, a . frie elem was han the ic n h i e e d s l r s d h thi ndship tter t her of Bet n of Je grap The so n frie her be more urren) t 3 tow ungest t s e nan h o e few han’s wer You yo cove ed eac ar the nat avid. “ u,” than is not o t e a J r n n Jo t cou s. The is than on to D to yo i and fe. Tha of the h e xt d i i selv res of t is posit l be ne l v . n Da s for tio onship l ls h u i p t e i w d c r n i d i n c I p t n a s an d des t frie rela it a our ns g ch l an leas ly a f their lity of o bein d liste s arm f Israe p s i m g at and t h n o t n a o si i e i , i u d g v r e e n e a in b e q itt tio har nt f love ng by h he k is ro dura lains th e comm covena ad to s w you ced evel of nly thi of h to be t vid. n o o r l r p a A h e x e r h l o d g a It e They w nother. er you recalls es and he y en his goin lls D a , nd eatl ches t ent. T e im are han te l. s r u l h t e e g t e s n c t s o a s h w i a at en itm ge o toug ppro Jon hw alth fe t mm ng, nfid l he that a stly co riend. ad of li t judgi our co other ol. Suc a h . u s t d f i tr h ou sy ve ¬ Davi ship ha spir a co he al li with t, keep throug in con Our relation . It is ing suc . s ritu f need. t then i i h t n i p g a v i d s e m nd r o Bu Go we made ath one ual car s not ha ld a thei times court. of beco o hat nd Jon d t h t i e e i p l v n r u u a ly E el l’s ri ha ds yo ise ifics spi cost t to avid pec ir CTIC ip fu h othe of Sau s prom n n s D e h A i a r s f R n o m n d c ’ e n a m te re ip o TO P give cove God frie d th ouri ith e ndsh how IT IN e a aren’t nclude ough heir able w y a fav pe that a d t G e frie a f N d i I r s m o r o ll e T h y no i y hi u . W ulne s initia little h ents PUT ainl r “t than had betra nd? lem were v a ona endship it cert h othe how yo e h e J w t H i e e e . i d d w h i e c r s y . t n n r r f , a n e t p u f a a h d t i e T th en ul as sh ir ,b id est ng isio Dav rt the venant and to a mom l friend irst, ted ki an outc lfilled. dec How co is clos F t l ) f n o u 1 o o a d u . oi e ic th supp t the c to Go ink for spiritu gift be f diff avid agains cam n an f t u h as a rch? any inst D bee nly be ld ever o o n o y T w t g e b m h t n . a e u itm thin” na ith dw aga uld he e. I been a ach e n z m w v a o a sudd ing, wo o m d g c e o m e to co k and face wc ing hav hat ally mit ish a ing gh t could remind also ld actu ? Yet ho hick establ u com u t s o a r o h t h yo ld n w r wou David hod kep ay t se w wou would e g atha met : e eir w en tho her and S . t k h S Jon is fath portin P a t I . a h t S T e d t W I. o h sup ch o foun ICAL ss t e to e K. betw far g gne r by ACT sing th han ndship with ea . a n e t R i r l h a P l t i n s t u E r’ w fa Jo ses ha rie fears SOM about athe omi er t heir –af and k s pr n vid ndship d their as t d his f e dang e had i i a H w h D T nd er e d er p h h Both ual frie y share Lord an dshi an risk id of t when ct for noth anoth s love a n a e i e v e l h t e r d n i t e f a u r on wo war spir ies. Th t in the resp ll Sa Jona ed D een heir Kno cede fo ther to s m of t el 20, e warn d to ki out of have b to t r n ene to tru o u e h se ly r Inte one an elem n 1 Sam . Then id refu ertain ay also tment ith othe r i v tal c d I i . i w a m v m . v s Spu deeds r D e a a t e m v d ther oth ainst D return this w Saul, i s co se to li aught d con n o ano e a o s e i g g c e n o A h n h f I a n g o h g . c s e 2) er ou ting o ro by bein plan avid Serv f him rath ll s fo . Th risk ver his head o hance s anoin orced than. D risk of Saul i k c f ’ o a than by the Jona rein God the lay disc

S M S

H E L P !

photography andrea badenhorst

5ISPVHI UIF FZFT PG B DIJME Mark 10:16 “Then He took the children into His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them.”

A NT IQUE a n d A NT OINE

Illustrator: Marthinus Palmer

Righteousness is a big word but what it means is to be right with God. This is because Jesus paid the price so that God can forgive all that we did wrong. Now God is on our side! And this He did because He loves us. Now take a look at your chest. Your heart is on the inside. It is there that you must always have this wonderful feeling that God loves you, and from your heart you can love Him right back.

I am Captain Ant ready for action! I’m wearing my bullet proof vest...

Because God is on your side, God’s enemies are your enemies. They want to attack your heart. But God won’t allow that. He gives you a breastplate – that is like a bullet proof vest. You can’t see it, but you know it is there. It is called righteousness, being right with God. CA P TAI N

Antique and Antoine live in a very big ant city under the ground. And just like us they have enemies. But they are not afraid! They also wear their bullet proof breast plates and then they protect themselves and their families. Today is Antoine’s turn to stand guard at the gate. He is not afraid. Just like us, because God is on our side.

The breastplate of righteousness is just like your bulletproof vest. It also protects your heart because Satan likes to attack our hearts and wants us to feel that God does not love us.

Helmet

P TA I N

Breastplate

Shoes

Shield

Belt

Sword

:KR WRXFKHG PH" You can be in a physical prison, locked up for life, yet you can be spiritually free. You can be physically free, without any natural boundaries, yet in an emotional and spiritual prison sentenced for life!

It sometimes just takes somebody to reach beyond the visible and invisible bars and to touch â&#x20AC;&#x153;the sentencedâ&#x20AC;? with a voice of hope!

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They are

beautiful, normal women

photography: andrea badenhorst words: lindie gouws

like you and meâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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You are confronted with outbursts of anger, sorrow and remorse. Yet this does not only take place in prisons, it takes place around us daily, in our immediate environments. And we are challenged to reach out to those around us who are bound by their hurts, disappointments and life experiences. We can only do this by doing that which Jesus would have done. Without condemning or being utterly judgemental, we should look beyond the bars to set the captives free. This month, MY World spoke to members of the Touch Foundation who work voluntarily in a Johannesburg female prison. They work as a group called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Voices of Hopeâ&#x20AC;? who form part of a greater prison ministry network. Prison ministry is challenging and MY World recognises the work of Kairos ministries and every other church and independent group who reaches beyond the bars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember those in prison as if you are their fellow prisoners.â&#x20AC;? (Heb 13.3) Betsie Stokes and Futhi Masuku from Voices of Hope tell their stories. BETSIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STORY â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can still remember the first day I went on a prison visit. It was a cold winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to expect. To my surprise I realised that these were beautiful, normal women with needs like you and me. Being trapped inside these walls did not make them less feminine. In their blue tracksuits most of them wore make-up. Looking at these women I could easily identify the ones who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take

care of themselves and the ones who stared back with empty and sad eyes. There and then I realised that it is only the grace of God that keeps me safe day-by-day. All I could think of saying at that point was “Thank you God!” “As part of the group of women we sang and gave them a short message from the Word of God. I felt an intense cold penetrating my bones. Even when I was safe at home the cold stayed with me. Eventually I went outside to sit in the sun. There I started to pray and I asked God to give me a warm and willing heart filled with love for these women. From that moment it became a passion for me to love them. It also taught me the true meaning of forgiveness. “I realised that the true meaning of faith is to believe, even if you are facing a life sentence where there is no promise of a bright tomorrow. True faith is to be in this situation and still have the opportunity to be a disciple for God. The greatest thing about these visits is also the encouragement from the inmates, to keep on doing the good work of God. “Philippians 4:4 now has a new meaning to me. Paul urges us to rejoice. Yes, he truly understood the meaning of joy. He spoke from experience, and he rejoiced in turbulent times. “It was amazing to see that it is still happening in the present and I thank God that He opened my eyes and changed my attitude towards ‘prisoners’. Thank you Lord for each opportunity to make a difference in one inmate’s life. Thank you that I can now fully appreciate everything You have given me. God’s grace is a reality in my life.”

These poems were written by women prisoners at the JHB Prison also known as ‘Sun City’.

"MPOF Ì½ÃÊ> ÃÌÊ ` } Ì Ì iÀÊ i ÞÊ } Ì ÊÃ«i `ÊÃ Ê > ÞÊ`>ÞÃ Êv ÀÊ ÞÊÃ Õ Ê >Ìi Êv Õ `Ê ÊqÊLÕÌÊq iÊ` ` ½ÌÊÜ> ÌÊ ÞÊ i `ÊqÊiÛiÀÞÊÜ }ÊÜ > ÕÌÊ ÕÀÊ`>Õ} ÌiÀÃÊÌ " Ê ÞÊ À`ÊqÊ Ê` i` ÊÜ iÊÕ«Êv ÀÊÌ iÊv ÀÃÌÊÌ i ÊÀi> Ãi` ÊÜ > ½ÃÊ i iÃÃ ÃÊi «Ì iÃÃÊv ÀÊÌ iÊ ÞÊ-« À Ì

)PNF viÊ ÃÊ>Ê ÞÃÌiÀÞ " ÞÊ>ÊviÜÊÃi iVÌi`Ê iÃÊ `ÊÌ iÊ iÞ / ÊÌ iÊL >V ÊL Ê vÊ Ü i`}i iÜiÀÊV>ÀÀÞÊÌ iÊÜ iÊL Ý« À }ÊÌ iÊL ÃÊ>Ê ÕÀ iÞÊ / >ÌÊÌ> iÃÊ>Ê viÌ i ÌÊÌ iÊi `ÊÞ ÕÊv `ÊÞ ÕÀÃi v ÌÊ i

" . J M M J P O % B Z T 9 ÕÊV> Ê ÞÊ` iÊ Ê Õ `Ài`ÊÜ>ÞÃ ÕÌÊi>V Ê`i>Ì Ê >ÃÌÃÊ>Ê Ê`>ÞÃ

FUTHI’S STORY “On the day that I first walked in I came across women selling snacks in the prison. They told us they were inmates. I had expected hard-faced women but they were beautiful. We had such a warm welcoming. “I think we all make mistakes of one kind or another. The only difference between them and me is that they got caught. I had a full range of emotions and feelings. One actually feels their emptiness. “I felt so much sorrow and pity that it was a draining experience. But when they opened up to me they were happy that we had taken the time to meet them. Some talk openly while others are quite sensitive and reserved. “Some cry every time we meet. Others have accepted that they did wrong. I meet different women locked up for different things. One, a woman of 25 serving 25 years for murder; another, a woman in for life for the murder of an abusive husband. I spoke with a woman serving five years for fraud; while another is really angry at being sent to prison for contempt of court. She says she spoke while the judge was speaking and had no one to represent her. “Sometimes we meet in a group. At o t h e r t i m e s i t ’s o n e - o n - o n e . T h e women are really glad for the contact and that we care about what they are going through. They ask us to pray for their families. “Some are completely rejected by their families. They have no visitors and feel left out of society. We take them little gifts of toiletries that they appreciate: bubble-bath, face cloths, shampoo.”

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WHAT’S COMING IN ISSUE 3: Chalcedony

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Contact person - Lebo Masekela BSc. Eng, Pr.Eng CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

MERTECH GROUP Specialised Information Technology

Tel:(+27 12)483 8600 Fax:(+27 12)483 466 1909 Cell: +27 12 483 8601 e-mail:lebo@infotech.co.za P.O.Box 282 Menlyn 0063

Stand No 65, Shop 3, No 42 Rudolf Street Sutherland Ridge e-mail: ssd@freemail.absa.co.za P O Box 779 Wierda Park 0149 Tel:(012) 666 7764 Fax:(012) 666 7364

To advertise in the “take a look directory” please contact Betsie Stokes on +27(11) 953-5214

For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against authorities and powers, against the worldrulers of this dark night, against the spirits of evil in the heavens. For this reason take up all the arms of God, so that you may be able to be strong in the evil day, and, having done all, to keep your place. (Eph 6:12-13) Contact Wilmarie Nel (cell) 082 803 3711 (work) 013 799 0788/0143 (fax) 013 799 379

photography andrea badenhorst

:RUGV RI :HDOWK The words that flow forth out of your mouth stem from the issues you dearly guard in your heart. So if you allow God’s Word to fill your heart, soon rivers of life will flow over your lips! Continue to read with us through God’s Word in one year.

Day 01 : Matthew 19 / Exodus 21, 22

Day 16 : Matthew 26: 51-75 / Leviticus 14

Day 02 : Matthew 20: 1-16 / Exodus 23, 24

Day 17 : Matthew 27: 1-26 / Leviticus 15, 16

Day 03 : Matthew 20: 17-34 / Exodus 25, 26

Day 18 : Matthew 27: 27-50 / Leviticus 17, 18

Day 04 : Matthew 21: 1-22 / Exodus 27, 28

Day 19 : Matthew 27: 51-66 / Leviticus 19, 20

Day 05 : Matthew 21: 23-46 / Exodus 29, 30

Day 20 : Matthew 28 / Leviticus 21, 22

Day 06 : Matthew 22: 1-22 / Exodus 31, 32, 33

Day 21 : Mark 1: 1-22 / Leviticus 23, 24

Day 07 : Matthew 22: 23-46 / Exodus 34, 35

Day 22 : Mark 1: 23-45 / Leviticus 25

Day 08 : Matthew 23: 1-22 / Exodus 36, 37, 38

Day 23 : Mark 2 / Leviticus 26, 27

Day 09 : Matthew 23: 23-39 / Exodus 39, 40

Day 24 : Mark 3: 1-19 / Numbers 1, 2

Day 10 : Matthew 24: 1-28 / Leviticus 1, 2, 3

Day 25 : Mark 3: 20-35 / Numbers 3, 4

Day 11 : Matthew 24: 29-51/ Leviticus 4, 5

Day 26 : Mark 4: 1-20 / Numbers 5, 6

Day 12 : Matthew 25: 1-30 / Leviticus 6, 7

Day 27 : Mark 4: 21-41 / Numbers 7, 8

Day 13 : Matthew 25: 31-46 / Leviticus 8, 9, 10

Day 28 : Mark 5: 1-20 / Numbers 9, 10, 11

Day 14 : Matthew 26: 1-25 / Leviticus 11, 12

Day 29 : Mark 5: 21-43 / Numbers 12, 13, 14

Day 15 : Matthew 26: 26-50 / Leviticus 13

Day 30 : Mark 6: 1-29 / Numbers 15, 16

Day 31 : Mark 6: 30-56 / Numbers 17, 18, 19

Doing

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THIS MONTH Clive Emdon of MY World spoke to Alexander Venter and Trevor Ntlhola about reconciliation. Alexander is the author of “Doing Reconciliation” and Trevor is one of the valued contributors to this work. We live in a country where reconciliation

is promoted on a national level, but often we think that reconciliation is something “out there” for other people to do. Reconciliation is all about forgiveness, service and restitution. It is the base of our Christian lives and the example of Jesus. So we firstly need to understand

and practise reconciliation on a personal level with ourselves, our families and our immediate acquaintances before it impacts the nation. Clive has known Alexander and Trevor for years. Coming from a journalistic background, he has often spoken to them

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about political reconciliation, but this time it was different. Trevor says reconciliation is deeply personal, it comes from the heart and not the head. It is not an intellectual exercise muddled by pain and emotions. Clive asked them to give us advice on how to practise reconciliation on a personal level. This is what they had to say:

Cultivate an attitude of forgiveness and generosity. We need to be equipped with an inner transformation to be quick to forgive. We need to be generous in giving space to people and not to judge people too quickly but to have grace in our hearts to make big space around us for other peoples weaknesses and failings.

We cannot expect people to change their personal behaviour by doing good things for reconciliation without a personal transformation of the heart and mind, of their feelings and beliefs. The outward attempt will only last for a brief period while the goodwill and energy runs out or the disillusionment at the lack of response sets in.

For they too carry not only their personal baggage but our common history. If we practise this attitude of forgiveness and generosity we will change our environments.

It will happen if there is an increasing transformation of one’s inner beliefs and perceptions and emotions. People act when they are moved emotionally. This will flow over into spontaneous and natural acts of kindness and goodness and in reaching out in reconciliation to all sorts of people around us. Acts of kindness will become routine and a regular lifestyle towards all people. It is about transforming our personal characters. If we are progressively transformed on the inside with Godly characteristics, it will be naturally and outwardly expressed in our outward behaviour. We will be forgiving and trusting people. We will always be hopeful people as opposed to being angry and resentful and keeping lists of wrongs. It will eventually spill over from personal into the broader society.

• Involve yourself in some form of service whether in an organised project or a personal commitment. Together we will then have widespread ongoing involvement with people who are different to us. Remember Jesus’s promise in Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” If we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in practising true reconciliation, we will become like the wind that blows over our country, removing, exposing and challenging all that is unjust and unfair. The effect will be an act of reconciliation!

Alexander’s book, “Doing Reconciliation” is all about racism, reconciliation and transformation of the church and the world. It is available from Vineyard International Publishing, Cape Town or e-mail: vip@vinyardbi.org

PRACTISING RECONCILIATION ON A PERSONAL LEVEL

• Develop daily consciousness to do good things and be kind to those around you through specific acts of consideration and kindness to people who are different to you in race, class and gender. You are then sowing millions of seeds daily for the transformation of deeds and perceptions about categories of people. People will see you differently.

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Every month we will publish a few names from The Name Book.

Enjoy!

F r o m

T h e

N a m e

B o o k

b y

D o r o t h y

A s t o r i a ,

B e t h a n y

H o u s e

P u b l i s h e r s

photography: irma coetzee

We can only imagine the beauty of the Heavenly City Jerusalem. What we see and where we live right now is temporal. Heaven is an eternal reality and so is hell. In Heaven we will not need hope because everything is perfect. In hell there is no hope. Today we can still live in the hope of one day meeting our Lord Jesus. He was crucified for our sins but He overcame death. All you need to do is to invite Jesus into your heart as your Saviour. He forgives us our sins and gives us New Life. He has gone to prepare a place for you in Heaven.

Jesus said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Now the wall of the New Jerusalem had twelve foundations and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb

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In Revelation 21, the names of the apostles are not written in a specific order. We know that Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone. We feature the apostles names purely as information as to whom the apostles were. Their names are in the order which they appear in Acts 1:13.

the name of the apostle for Sapphire: J