The Christian Lifestyle 10 by WeServe Media

N RI

2 0 2

| AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 10 |

SUCCESS:

Intentional not Accidental

TESTIMONY:

Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death

WORSHIP:

Connected to the Vine

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

Live Your Best Life!

MELENE ROSSOUW NO SILVER SPOON

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

KELLY KOSKY MINISTRIES

Through Kelly & Kathy Kosky's ministry of almost four decades, thousands of villages have been introduced to Jesus, hundreds of churches have been planted, and more than 40,000 Xhosa have been baptized. In addition to establishing a Bible college, shelters for orphaned children, and a major HIV/AIDS medical facility, the Koskys are enabling the Xhosa to become spiritually and operationally self-sufficient. The Koskys could easily sit back and be thankful for everything that God has done through their ministry. But they are keenly aware that they have only scratched the surface. The work has only begun. There are still tens of thousands of Xhosa villages that are still in darkness. The Koskys are working night and day to bring the Good News to those who are hopeless without Christ. They pray for the unreached Xhosa and for the resources needed to advance His Kingdom to the remote and isolated villages. They also pray that the Lord will send long-term missionaries to join them in the quest to reach the “hidden-half” of the world.

www.KellyKoskyMinistries.com

CONTENTS

AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2021

ON THE COVER

MELENE ROSSOUW: “Some of my most impactful work was done when I felt broken and empty…”

COVER STORIES 12 Cover Story: Melene Rossouw 30 Reclaim your Health 45 Success: Intentional not Accidental 58 Connected to the Vine 52 With God: Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death

REGULARS

GROWTH

Contributors

Editor’s Note

Prayer of Salvation

Publisher’s Note

Die Krag van Biddende Ouers

Have your say

Worthy to be Loved

What’s Trending?

Success: Intentional not

Salvation

Finance

Parenting

Health

Pastoral Interview

Fashion

Marriage

Youth

Singles

Testimony

Poetry

Worship

Music

Entrepreneurship

Movies

Books

International News

Local News

Accidental 69

Biblical Affirmations

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER WeServe Media (Pty) Ltd DIRECTOR AND SALES Juanita Fortuin MANAGING EDITOR Claudene Sebolai MANAGING DESIGNER Fiona Milligan PRODUCTION MANAGER Leo Nurse FREELANCE SALES EXECUTIVE Kyle Johnson RESEARCH CONSULTANT Andrea van der Berg CONTACT DETAILS GENERAL info@tclmag.org.za SUBSCRIBE subscribe@tclmag.org.za SALES Juanita@tclmag.org.za TEL: 081 514 5992 WEBSITE: www.tclmag.org.za WRITE TO US The Christian Lifestyle Magazine welcomes manuscripts for articles, but only after the author has first consulted with the editor via email with a short description and article brief. We will contact you if we are interested in the article. WeServe Media Group retains the right to publish articles as per our selection process. Writer’s guidelines are available upon request. The views expressed in articles and letters are the responsibility of the respective authors and not necessarily the views of WeServe Media and The Christian Lifestyle.

Meet some of our magazine’s amazing volunteer contributors! Want to write for us? Email infor@weservegroup.co.za and we will send you our writer’s guidelines. Claudene Sebolai, Juanita Fortuin, Chester Swart, Melene Rossouw, Simanay Lalla, Jimmy Francis, Siobhan Koopman, Liezel Snyman, Mervin Messias, Dominique Adonis, Kingsley & Ally Akonwie, Hannes Roode, Raisham Goliath, Diana Distefano, Natasha Ralph, Riaan Louw.

DIANA DISTEFANO

I am Prophetess Diana Distefano, author of You are a Pearl, which is available on Amazon. I am also CEO of LOL4CHRIST Living Out Loud for Christ (Christian Apparel Collection) and a Minister for Know Your Worth Singles Ministry. It is my passion to minister to singles, to encourage, prepare and equip them for their purpose mate. I believe in grooming single people to embrace the beauty of relationship life, a life which may be pleasing in the sight of the Lord. I love this quote, “Dance with God until He lets someone cut in.”

LIEZEL SNYMAN I am a queen, child of God, wife to Johnny, mother of 3 children, a daughter and sister friend to many. After nearly 21 fulfilling years in banking, I recently started my own Life Coaching Practice and is now living my dream to help others recognize their own worth. I love the outdoors; taking long walks and doing mountain hikes just to admire and take-in all of nature’s beauty however do not put me on a bike because I cannot ride to save my life. My absolute favourite quote is, “Soli deo Gloria.” It simply means, Glory to God alone! Thus, everything that I do, say and act should always portray this perpetual truth.

RIAAN LOUW I grew up in Bellville South, being raised by a single mother whom I love and respect dearly. My background is in sales and marketing, and I have recently ventured into health and wellness. My life’s philosophy is based on the idea that if I can I dream it then I can do it, if I can imagine it then I can achieve it. It may sound easy, but it is extremely challenging to develop one’s own potential. One of my favourite quotes by Jim Rohn is “Life is not just the passing of time; life is a collection of experiences and their intensity.”

SIOBHAN KOOPMAN

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLD SPONSORS:

KELLY KOSKY MINISTRIES

My name is Siobhan Koopman i am a wife and mum of two beautiful boys I currently work in Sales for a technology company and I also own my own digital marketing business known as Siobhan K Media, I hold a BCom Marketing Degree and aspire to obtain my MBA in the next 5 years. Something you don’t know about me is that I wanted to become an Opera singer. I love the quote From Nelson Mandela “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

RAISHAM GOLIATH

"Don't expect people to understand your grind when God didn't give them your vision". I like socialising and to learn more about other teenagers. What I dislike is judgmental people.

EDITOR’S NOTE

THROUGH IT ALL

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4). These ancient words of King David carry so much meaning today. As the world is currently experiencing a third, deadlier wave of the Coronavirus, we are plunged into a dark, gloomy place. In the midst of fear, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, etc. we can hold on to the hope that the same Protector, the same gracious and merciful God, that provided David with peace in a dark place, leads us, guides our steps, shepherds us, and is keeping us from evil. We, therefore, can confidently declare with Paul, “Death where is your sting? Grave where is your victory?” This publication offers hope, through encouragement, testimonies, financial advice, health and wellness etc. As you page through this issue, with coffee/ tea in hand, you will meet Hannes, (Afrikaans testimony), whose son

was miraculously brought back to life after a fatal accident (page 47). You will find hope in the story of Liezel who is completely healed from cancer (page 29). Not to mention our cover story, Melene Rossouw, a young vibrant woman who is making waves globally! Read how God took her from a backyard dwelling to sit amongst the great; truly inspiring (page 14). On page 65 Riaan Louw encourages us to reclaim our health and live our best lives as he recounts his journey from obesity to a healthy, fit lifestyle. That is only a drop in the ocean of what this issue offers! The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’ Shalom: Claudene Sebolai

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

DEALING WITH YOUR LOAD

Life happens in different ways for different reasons during different seasons. There are times when we are exhausted because our baggage seems like an unending weight which is not minimising but rather maximizing. In times like these we become overwhelmed by our load and our ways of dealing with it differs from another and that is absolutely okay. Some of us shut down, while others bottle up or burst out among other actions. Life does not guarantee us joys and laughter everyday. Quite frankly, we are thoroughly improved and bettered during those challenging seasons. Ecclesiastes 3 vs 1 mentions, that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. May you find purposeful meaning during this season as you deal with your load. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you as God renews, refuels, refills, rewrites and redirects you to His will. May you hand your load, your baggage and your challenges over to God and find peace in His loving arms. God bless, Juanita Fortuin

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLD SPONSORS:

KELLY KOSKY MINISTRIES

Well done! The magazine does not only look great but contains much food for thought. (Clayton Gabriels)

PR M OO U ME D NT

HERE’S SOME AMAZING FEEDBACK FROM OUR AWESOME READERS.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

LETTERS

We thank the Lord for the inspiration you give us. (Frank Booysen)

GOOD STUFF!

Keep an eye on our social platforms for more great giveaways, news and updates! @christianlifestylemagazine The Christian Lifestyle Magazine @tclifestylemag

WONDERFUL

GET CONNECTED...

Congrats on another great publication! (Jennifer Saunders Emedi)

I want the world to journey through/ with this project! (Kyle Johnson)

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

In the midst of chaos, destruction, anxiety and death, this picture is a symbol of hope for all South Africans! A burning building that has been torched by looters, where a mother throws her child to safety and trusts total strangers to catch her. #Humanity #UnitedWeStand #PrayForSA @ GavinStephenFortuin (Facebook)

GOLDEN ARROW HAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THE FIRST ACTIVE ELECTRIC BUS IN SOUTH AFRICA AT ITS DEPOT, IN MONTANA, ON MONDAY. #THEFUTUREISHERE

Photo: BBC

Singer Kaya Jones commits to ‘working for the Lord’ full time after experiencing ‘life changing’ baptism.

PRAYER OF SALVATION Father God I come to you broken, lost and a sinner. There is nothing I can do to save myself from sin or judgement to come, I need You Lord. Thank You Jesus for what You did on the cross of calvary for the world and especially for me. Thank You that You died and took my place. Father, I ask that You apply the blood of Jesus to my life, wash me with Your Word and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Today I accept Your free gift of salvation and ask that You make me your child. I understand that becoming Your child is not based on what I’ve done or who I am but based on who You are and what You have done for me. I accept Your love, sacrifice, forgiveness and healing. Come take Your place on the throne of my heart and fill me, mark me for eternity. Transform me into the likeness of Christ Jesus my Lord. Sustain me with Your power and grace and enable me to walk in Your ways all the days of my life. I lay down my old life and I take up Your new life. I am now a new creation, a child of the most High God. I give You my heart dear Lord, I commit my life to You, empower me to be and do all you have ordained for me. Amen

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

“SOME OF MY MOST IMPACTFUL WORK WAS DONE WHEN I FELT BROKEN AND EMPTY…”

COVER STORY Melene Rossow is not only a phenomenal woman, but she is also real, humble, strong, and more than willing to share herself with others and touch their lives. She was not raised with a silver spoon and is proud of the humble beginnings from which she emerged. I hope her story will inspire you to live your God-ordained life; to persevere and be courageous, regardless of the hardships. In her own words “Being obedient to the calling and following Jesus is not easy at all but knowing that I am being used as a vessel to grow his Kingdom makes it all worthwhile.” Melene is an internationally recognised gender and human rights activist, global award winner, public speaker, moderator, facilitator, strategist, and consultant. She is an attorney by profession with 13 years experience in the private, governmental, and nongovernmental sectors. Melene graduated from the University of the Western Cape with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Master of Laws (LL.M) specialising in Public and Constitutional Law. Some of the positions she has held are attorney, legal researcher, national cabinet committee secretary, special advisor to the minister and ministerial media spokesperson. Melene has served in respected offices such as the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Western Cape High Court, The Presidency of South Africa and two National Government Ministries. In 2017, Melene co-founded Women Lead Movement and currently serves as the Executive Director of the organisation. In 2020, Women Lead Movement established another office in Madagascar to build on its PanAfrican vision for the movement. Some of her accolades include being selected by the prestigious Obama Foundation as an Obama

Leader in Africa (2018). She is also a contributor for the Future Africa Forum in Governance and Human Rights in Africa since 2017. In 2019, Melene was selected as one of 11 Spokeswomen in Africa for the Global Campaign on Gender Equality by the US based ONE Global Campaign and has subsequently participated in three more global campaigns such as #YoursInPower and #PassTheMic that respectively reached more than 750 000 and 250 million people globally. In 2019, she was also selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow (MWF) by the US Department of State. Melene is also a member of the African Women Leadership Network, which is a movement supported by UN Women and the African Union as well as the Public Speaking Association of Southern Africa. In 2020, Melene was selected by Junior Chamber International (JCI) as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World honourees in the category for World Peace/Human Rights. She was also selected by JCI South Africa as a Top Outstanding

Young Person in South Africa and nominated by Avance Media as ‘100 Most Influential Women in Africa 2020’. In October 2020, Melene was also selected as “100 Most Influential Young Africans” and made the Top Ten list of Most Influential Young Africans in the category for “Leadership and Civil Society” by Africa Youth Awards. In 2021, Melene was appointed as a Play Your Part Ambassador by Official Brand South Africa responsible for promoting a positive and compelling brand image for South Africa. She was also recently named as one of the 100 Most Influential South Africans and appointed as the youngest Board member of Western Province Professional Rugby. Through her work she has initiated and led many impactful educational and advocacy programmes and interventions online and in communities reaching thousands of people in South Africa alone. Melene has also led highly complex public engagement processes on pertinent issues affecting the country and communities. She is often called upon to participate in engagements and share her expertise on issues relating to Democracy, Governance, Active Citizenry, and Gender Equality on national, regional, and international platforms

HOW AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born in Bellville South, Cape Town. I grew up in a single parent home with my mother being the head of our household. I would describe my upbringing as modest. In reality I have no idea how my mother managed to raise two children on her own, working a full time job, studying part-time and even doing odd jobs to provide for us but in spirit I knew that God was with us in the boat. I attended the Bellville Moravian Primary School which is a church school so from a tender age I learned about God both in church and in

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

school. The first nine years of life was spent living in a backyard dwelling at my aunt’s home. One day a colleague of my mother told her that one of their homes is open for renting and she gave my mother the first option to rent. We were very excited about the move even though it was just down the road. The thought of living in a brick house and having our own room and bathroom was the best feeling in the world. We moved with only a bed and a few appliances so the house was quite empty for the first few months. Bellville South, like most coloured communities was not a very affluent community. We were dealing with high unemployment, substance abuse, gangsterism and women and child abuse and still do today. These were not things that I heard of but have seen and experienced in various contexts. Irrespective of the surroundings I was a very happy child. I was supported, loved and well taken care of.

IN A RECENT INTERVIEW WITH CAPE TALK YOU MENTION THAT YOU WON A GOLD MEDAL WHILE RUNNING BARE FEET. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE. Yes, that was in 1994. I was 8 years old when I participated in my first ever non-racial national athletics championship. It was held in Pretoria. I can remember that event so vividly and still believe that my victory on that day was the catalyst for the other major victories that

later followed in my life. I had to travel to Pretoria alone as my mother could not accompany me like so many other parents could. Knowing that I did not have a supporter in the stands other than my teammates was quite disheartening. At the time I did not have proper running shoes and ran the race barefoot but that was not a problem because for the months leading up to the event I trained on grass and barefooted so I was more than prepared for the race. When I won my first gold medal I felt very motivated because I realised that the colour of my skin was not important and that I will never allow people to define me by my race but by my talents, skills and abilities.

YOU SPEAK HIGHLY OF YOUR MOM, AS ANY CHILD SHOULD. HOW DID SHE MANAGE TO SINGLEHANDEDLY RAISE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL AND POWERFUL WOMAN AS YOU? I have never met a woman more determined and dedicated like my mother. She was never the victim but always the victor in her life’s story. It is hard to describe how incredibly powerful she really is but she always told us jokingly that “she is a chosen one” - meaning that God sought her out. She raised both my sister and I at the feet of God. She knew who her source of strength was and wanted us to know Him too. My mother is also an extremely educated woman and ensured that both my sister and I understood the

importance of education at a very young age. Today, both of us hold two university degrees each. It was however her unwavering support in everything I did that gave me the confidence and courage to keep moving forward. She celebrated my victories and encouraged me at my lowest. She believed in my dreams as much as I believed in it. That was the driving force behind my success.

MY PREVIOUS QUESTION IS LINKED TO THE NOTION, BASED ON RESEARCH THAT FATHERLESS CHILDREN ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE POOR, BECOME INVOLVED IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE, DROP OUT OF SCHOOL AND SUFFER FROM HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS. YOUR LIFE IS TESTAMENT THAT THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF A SINGLE PARENT IS NOT ONLY A PSYCHOLOGICAL PROTECTIVE FACTOR BUT WILL ENABLE CHILDREN TO EXCEL BEYOND EXPECTATION. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THAT SINGLE PARENT OR FATHERLESS CHILD READING YOUR STORY? My mother’s love, compassion and consistent support were all I needed. She was as firm as she was gentle with us. We knew the rules and understood the boundaries she had set for us. We also knew what the consequences of stepping over boundaries would be. From a young

age she had instilled a healthy discipline in us. What made my mother’s teachings more impactful was her ability to lead by example. She wouldn’t preach education and not pursue her own. She would not teach compassion without showing it to others. She would not ask us to work hard if she did not work hard herself. Thus we started to aspire to be more like her. There was no time

for us to feel sorry for ourselves though I did feel sorry for her that she had to carry so much alone but she has always been a graceful woman.

YOUR ENERGY IS BOUNDLESS, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? I draw motivation from seeing other people succeed especially people that had to fight hard and had to overcome many obstacles to get where they are. People who survive everything that was meant to break them, are powerful people. I am also motivated by the fact that somehow I am making a difference in the lives of others, however big or small, and that makes me happy because it means that I am serving God and his people with the talents he gave me. I always receive compliments about my ‘energy and passion’ and the strangest part is that even at my

lowest moments that same energy and passion is seen and felt. This is how I knew that I was walking in purpose because some of my most impactful work was done when I felt broken and empty. My ultimate motivation lies in the fact that God is walking with me and that he has an amazing plan for my life.

WHERE YOU ARE TODAY DID NOT COME WITHOUT ITS CHALLENGES. LIKE THEY SAY, THERE’S ALWAYS A STORY BEHIND THE GLORY. WOULD YOU MIND SHARING ONE OF THE LOW MOMENTS IN YOUR LIFE AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT? Indeed. I have had many low moments in my life but I am eternally grateful for all them. I have emerged a different person every time. I believe that the purpose of

challenges, and low moments in your life is to pull back the layers and discovering yourself in a way that you would not have been able to do had everything been well. One of the lowest moments was when I heeded God’s call to my purpose and for years thereafter I was stripped of everything that was familiar to me. There is a scripture in the bible that says “Come follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men” Being obedient to the calling and following Jesus is not easy at all but knowing that I am being used as a vessel to grow his Kingdom makes it all worthwhile. It feels like a total paradigm shift as if the world I experience now is not the world I have experienced before. I see things entirely different now.

ONE OF MY PROFESSORS ONCE SAID THAT SHE NEVER CHOSE HER PROFESSION, HER PROFESSION CHOSE HER. IS THAT TRUE FOR YOU AS WELL OR DID YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO WHAT YOU DO? I believe that all our stories have THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

been written long before we came into this world. God has bestowed on us special gifts and talents that we should use to serve others. That is the ultimate purpose of life. In my story, I have never had any desire to become a lawyer. Even when I was admitted as an attorney I knew that it was not a profession I could see myself in however I learned what justice and human rights were and how law can be used as a tool for social, political and economic transformation and that helped me navigate many terrains. The Law expanded and deepened my perspective on the world. As a youngster I had very specific interests and that was politics and activism. I also had an interest in poetry and art. This was quite apparent in what I read and my ability to write. I have also been very good at public speaking at a very young age. These things came naturally for me. My life represents pieces of all of these things. I am yet to write a book but I am sure the spirit will lead me to that moment. The beauty of this journey is that everything that God has instilled in you will manifest on the outside at some point in time. I am happy to say that at the age of 36 I know who I am though I have no idea where the road will take me. I believe that my finest moment is beckoning.

the work of lawyers, I believe, is not to defend that which is unjust. It also pains me that not all people have access to justice. The law is really for those that have money and that is a fundamental change in the system that must happen. When

WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOUR STUDY OF LAW HAS CHANGED OR AFFECTED YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE AND TO WHAT EXTEND?

Most, if not all women in the legal profession deal with similar challenges. The biggest overarching challenge is gender inequality rooted in the system of patriarchy. The profession is still dominated by men who continue to earn more than women with the same experience and qualifications. Over the years I have always worked in spaces dominated by men and found that my experience, voice and knowledge were often undermined and disrespected by male colleagues even if they had to report to me. Disturbing trends amongst my male

It has deeply impacted me and not necessarily all for good reasons. What is law is not always justice. A good example was that Apartheid was legalised that did not mean that because it was law that it was just and fair. It destroyed millions of lives and livelihoods and we are still battling to dismantle it to this day and so there are many laws that was made with wicked intent and 16

I AM ALSO MOTIVATED BY THE FACT THAT SOMEHOW I AM MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS, HOWEVER BIG OR SMALL, AND THAT MAKES ME HAPPY BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM SERVING GOD AND HIS PEOPLE WITH THE TALENTS HE GAVE ME. I feel discouraged I often look at our Constitution and to those who fight valiantly to uphold it and feel encouraged to continue the good fight.

IN WHAT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO BE A MALE DOMINATED PROFESSION, HOW DID YOU OVERCOME HURDLES IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE IN THE WAY THAT YOU HAVE?

counterparts were their ability to out rightly reject my inputs and ideas but later present it as their own. For many years I have not been acknowledged or recognized for my contributions in the same way they would for doing far less. These toxic work spaces can become emotionally, spiritually and mentally abusive and without proper support can lead to depression. Over the years I have consistently invested in six things: courage, empathy, authenticity, discipline, integrity and knowledge. These are my strategies to thrive in my career and it is all you need to overcome any situation you are faced with.

HOW HAS YOUR FAITH PLAYED A ROLE IN HOW YOU APPROACHED THOSE HURDLES? I believe that everything that happened to me, happened for me as orchestrated by God. Sometimes, when things are extremely difficult and I want to throw in the towel I am reminded of the fact that God has always brought me through all my adversities. Throughout my life there has been times where it could only have been because of God that I survived and therefore the older I get the more confident I become in my walk because He has proven is faithfulness to me over and over again. If He did it then, He would certainly do it again. In fact, the harder the battle, the bigger the victory and I have been a witness to that too.

HAVE YOU BEEN CONFRONTED WITH SITUATIONS WHERE YOUR FAITH AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS CLASH? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM? Yes. Given the nature of the world today we are regularly faced with ethical dilemmas in all aspects of our human existence. Our job is to respond to these dilemmas with

wisdom and integrity. A lesson my mother taught me at a young age: “that which is done in darkness will always be brought to light” I have therefore very quickly learned to owe up to my mistakes instead of hiding it. Darkness makes you a prisoner. I have spoken out in situations where it was uncomfortable, possibly detrimental, to have done so, but I did. I would rather lose a job with my head held high then walk in shame and guilt.

HOW IMPORTANT HAS YOUR FAITH BECOME IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? Faith is the driving force behind my profession. I know that what I am doing is what God wants me to do, so irrespective of the extreme highs and lows I may experience on this journey, I am comforted by the fact that He is with me and that whatever happens is part of His will for my life. As long as my intentions are sincere and honest there is no room for me to fear that things will not work out. The biggest thing that God did was make me wholly dependent on him. He has stripped me of any desire to seek for favour, opportunity or support from anyone because I am getting everything from my source. He made sure that whenever something great happens there will be no uncertainty that it was Him.

AS A CONSTITUTIONAL LAW EXPERT HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE CONFLICT BETWEEN EQUALITY AS CONTAINED AS PART OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND HIERARCHY AS CONTAINED IN THE BIBLE WHERE THE WOMAN IS REGARDED BELOW THE MAN AND PLACED IN A SPECIFIC GENDER ROLE IN SUBMISSION TO THE HUSBAND? I am often confronted with this question and it is the easiest to answer because God created all human beings equal. God does not love the one more than the other. Men and women are equal in God’s eyes in that both were created in the image and likeness of God. Men and women are also equally sinners in need of grace and salvation. So if God placed

us on an equal footing, who are WE as mere humans to draw that distinction and treat women as less than.... Nowhere does scripture imply that women are unequal to men in God’s eyes or that they should have less significance than men. I think it amounts to blasphemy to distort the real meaning of the bible to fit our own wicked intentions.

IF THERE IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD OFFER ASPIRING YOUNG FEMALE LAWYERS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would like to offer Joshua 1 v 9: “Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. The Lord your God is with you...” I value the virtue of courage. You will face many challenges but those challenges did not come to destroy you but to show you the way you should go. If you do not have courage it will limit how far you will go in life. Sometimes the most beautiful moments is hidden behind fear. In order to overcome fear you must have courage to walk through it. If you can cultivate this you will be able to stand firm in many battles knowing that you will be victorious in the end. THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

“Let go of behaviours that no longer serve your future financial state; adapt new habits which will feed your future financial state.” In a time where uncertainty is at the order of the day, it takes courage to take charge over an area of life that, if managed properly, can propel you to a future financial desired state. T Harv Eker, author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind has the following to say about personal money management: “The single biggest difference between financial success and financial failure is how well you manage your money. It’s simple: to master money, you must manage money.” Personal Financial Management is often described as the process of managing income and organizing expenses by working with a detailed financial plan. These are the first steps to financial freedom. Financial freedom is not just a phrase, it surely is within reach of everyone who is prepared to let go of behaviors that no longer serve their future financial state. You can start your journey to financial freedom by adapting new habits which potentially will feed your future financial state.

WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? Personal financial management is built around 3 fundamental principles: • Awareness – This is the state of being fully conscious of your financial health. • Self-discipline – This is the number one trait needed to accomplish goals. • Practice – This will be the act of rehearsing a positive financial behaviour over and over, for the purpose of improving or mastering it.

AWARENESS To be fully conscious of something, you would need to have the necessary knowledge of a topic, therefore should you wish to improve your understanding around personal financial management, you would need to read and learn about the key topics surrounding personal financial management: • Budget– A honestly compiled budget will give you a holistic overview of where you get your money and how it is spent. • Understanding your bank Account – Your bank account, if not managed properly can become a black hole of fees. Knowing how to make your account work for you is crucial to your own success. • Goal setting – Without vision, people perish. Even in your finances, this statement is true. Once you start recording your vision, seeing it will be the drive you need to i.e., follow your budget and making your bank account work for you

FINANCE

SELF-DISCIPLINE

PRACTICE

Once budget has been set and you understand how your money flows and where you want to direct it to, your next step is self-discipline. The 3 C’s to effective Self-discipline are: • Challenge Challenge your own excuses. If you have drafted a budget and you are faced with an expense contrary to your budget and your goals, you need to challenge whether it is necessary and an actual need or just a well disguised, want. • Choices In the different seasons of your life, you have the power to choose how you spent your money. Your choice is totally dependent on where you are currently at and what is within your current sphere of financial influence. Choose wisely. • Consistency Being consistent in something good and beneficial is a most rewarding and powerful tool. The impact of your consistent financial behaviour might take time to reveal the fruit of your discipline however in time it always will. You might have made financial choices in the past that left long lasting effects, similarly your journey of financial health will take time to recover your finances to your desired state. It is never too late to start something new.

It is said that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Similarly with managing your personal finances, you would have to practice diligently: • The habit of sticking to your personal budget. • The continuous progress tracking of your personal financial goals. • Upskilling your understanding of your banking accounts, the features & benefits and learning how your transactional behaviour can make your money work for you. Continuous practice leads to you mastering your personal financial management and is the pull that can catapult you into your financial restoration. Like all things in life that is taken care of, finances, if well regulated, has the potential to drastically influence our financial position and thus start a cycle of wealth creation that can potentially serve your future generation for generations to come. Whilst we cannot change our past, we do have it in our power to influence our future and it starts with making more informed choices regarding our finances. Start Today!

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

“My kind word uit die dood opgewek”

Dit was ‘n Vrydagoggend by die werk. ‘n Doodgewone werksdag. Ek het in die bakkie gaan sit en het stil geword. Ek hoor toe duidelik hoe n stem vir my bevel om huis toe te gaan. Ek het dadelik begin oppak en huistoe gery. Die kinders het met hulle fietse in die kompleks rondgery en my vrou was besig met haar normale dagtake. Ek en my vakleerling het in die voorhuis gaan sit. Hy het ‘n behoefte gehad dat ek sekere dinge in die Bybel aan hom moes verduideik. Ons het skaars begin, toe ons n harde slag buite gehoor het. Ek het dadelik gedink dit was ‘n botsing tussen twee motors. Min het ek geweet dat dit maar net die begin was van ‘n naweek van toetse, een na die ander. Met die harde slag het ons dadelik uitgehardloop. Agter my bakkie, lê 22

my vyf-jarige seuntjie op die grond. My ouer seun vertel my dat hy op volspoed met sy fiets agter in die bakkie vasgery het. Sy kop het die bakkie se hoek getref. Met ‘n slag het sy kop op die plaveisel getref. Langs sy oor, was reeds ‘n plas bloed. Bloed het by sy neus uit geloop. Ek tel hom dadelik op, maar hy was pap en het op niks gereageer nie. Ek roep toe my vrou en ons het inderhaas met ons kind na Medicross toe gejaag. By Medicross, het die dokters hom onmiddelik begin ondersoek. Hulle het gesê dat my kind so gou as moontlik by Leratong Hospitaal moes kom. Hy is toe per ambulans na die hospitaal geneem. Opad Leratong Hospitaal toe, het die ambulans skielik in die middle van die pad stilgehou. Die paramedici

klim toe uit die ambulans uit en hulle verduidelik aan my dat hulle ‘n pyp in Dillan se keel moes afdruk want hy haal nie meer self asem nie. Ons het nie vyfhonderd meter beweeg nie, toe hulle weer van die pad af trek. Hulle het toe na ons toe gekom en gesê dat dit nie gelyk het of Dillan dit gaan maak nie, en dat hulle in kontak met Leratong Hospitaal was. Ons kry die slegte nuus dat Leratong ons nie sou kon help nie. Hulle moes ‘n helikopter ontbied van Jo’burg Gen af, tot waar ons toe langs die pad gestaan het. Dillan het geveg vir sy lewe. Hulle het my glad nie meer toegelaat naby die ambulans nie. Ons het seker so vir vyftien minute langs die pad gestaan en wag totdat die Jo’burg Gen Hospitaal laat weet het dat die helikopter nie kon opstyg

nie, as gevolg van die swak weer. Dit was seker die meeste wat ek en my vrou gebid het in so ‘n kort tydjie. Die paramedici het gesê dat hulle ‘n kans gaan waag en jaag na die Jo’burg Gen toe. Ons het vir ‘n kort rukkie agter die ambulans aangery, maar ons kon nie by bly nie. Die spitsverkeer was te swaar. Ek het vir my vrou gesê ons moet net aanhou bid. Ek het die Here se Stem weer hoor praat met my. Die Here vra my ‘n vraag: “Kan Ek vir Dillan vat?” Ek het koud geword. Ek het nie geweet wat om te antwoord nie. Ek vertel my vrou wat ek gehoor het. Ek vra die Here of ek kon dink oor die vraag. Na ek ‘n ruk gedink het beantwoord ek die Here en ek sê: “My Vader, U kan hom maar vat. Dillan sal beter af wees by U as by my.” Die Here het weer vir my gesê omdat ek Dillan vir hom gegee het, gee Hy vandag vir Dillan vir my terug. ‘n Gevoel van blydskap het oor my gekom. Omtrent ‘n uur later het ons by die hospital aangekom. Dillan was al reeds in die Intensiewe Sorgeenheid opgeneem. Teen die tyd dat ons by Dillan in die Intentief aangekom het, is hy al reeds aan masjiene en pype gekoppel. Hy het nie goed gelyk nie. Die dokter het met ons gepraat en hy het gesê dat Dillan al reeds deur “die tonnel” is. Dillan se skedel was op twee plekke gekraak en hy het bloeding op die brein gehad en was steeds in ‘n koma. Indien hy sou oorleef, sou Dillan nie weer kon loop nie. Sy rug en nek het ook seer gekry. Ons was toegelaat om by sy bed te staan, terwyl hulle met die nagskof-personeel besig was. Ons het die monitorskerms stip dopgehou, min wetend dat die groot toets toe sou begin. Ek het gekonsentreer op die lesings van die monitors en ek het vir my vrou gesê dat sy hartklop, polsslag en asemhaling besig was om al hoe stadiger te word. Tot ons uiterse skok het ons gesien dat al die lesings op nul staan! Hy haal nie meer asem nie. Daar was geen meer polsslag of hartklop nie. Ek het aan hom geruk en besef dat Dillan nie meer gelewe het nie. Ek het weer na die monitorskerm gekyk en steeds net strepies gesien. Sy toestand was onveranderd. Ek en my vrou het na mekaar gekyk en gesê: “Nou wat nou?”. Die masjien het vir 20 minute so gebly en geen pols of asemhaling nie. Dillan was dood verklaar. Ek het vir die Here gevra wat dan nou aangaan. Die Here antwoord my en sê: “Jy het die autoriteit, laat hom opstaan!”. Ek sê weer vir my vrou wat ek gehoor het. Ek loop na Dillan toe waar hy op die bed lê. Ek was baie bang en senuweeagtig. Ek kyk toe na Dillan en ek roep sy naam en ek sê: “Dillan, ek spreek nou lewe oor jou uit in die naam van Jesus!” Ek het dit nogal hard gesê. Dillan se oë het oopgegaan. Hy het geglimlag en vir ons gesê: “Hallo Mamma. Hallo Pappa”. Toe kom die lesings op die monitorskerms weer aan. Ons was so verras. Ek het geskreeu: “Prys die Here!”. Mense kon my van ver af gehoor het. Dillan wou weet waarom hy in die hospital was. Dillan was vir 20 minute oorlede gewees.

Die dokter het Dillan ondersoek en sy leêr bestudeer. Hulle kon dit nie verstaan nie. Hulle het die nekstut verwyder. Toe ontkoppel hulle die pype en monitors. Dillan was weer gestuur vir x-trale. Die x-trale het geen krake meer gewys nie. Alles was terug na normaal. Die dokter het gesê dat hulle hom na die kindersaal moes oorskuif. Daar was niks anders verkeerd met Dillan behalwe vir die feit dat hy nie kon loop nie. Dillan is na die kindersaal oorgeplaas en die staf het gesê dat ons huistoe moes gaan sodat Dillan kon rus kry. Ek en my vrou het langs sy bed gebid en gevra dat die Here Sy engele vir ons moet stuur om Dillan op te pas deur die nag. Ons het toe maar huistoe gery en gaan slaap. Toe ons die volgende oggend by Dillan se kamer instap, sien ons hom op sy bed, besig om te speel. Dillan het na my gekyk en gesê: “Pappa, ek wil Pappa iets vertel”. (Lees hieronder) Dillan het gevra om badkamer toe te gaan. Dillan kon nie loop nie so ons moes hom gedra het. Na die dokter se saal besoek het hy aan ons bekend gemaak dat Dillan nie weer sou kon loop nie. Hy het ook gesê dat Dillan pille

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

aanhoudend sou moes neem want hy sou epileptiese aanvalle kry van die slag teen sy kop. Ek het dit dadelik gekanselleer in die Naam van Jesus. Ek het geen pille gevat of aanvaar vir Dillan nie. Die Sondag oggend het die dokter Dillan weer ondersoek en gesê dat hy nie verstaan hoe Dillan so gou gesond geword het nie. Ons was so bly. Dillan was toe ontslaan. Oppad huis toe, het ek ‘n paar van my vriende uitgenooi om saam met ons in die agtermiddag in die Bidkerk te gaan bid. Ons wou vir ons Vader dankie sê dat Hy Dillan se lewe gespaar het. By die Bidkerk het ons al ons vriende ontmoet. Ons het Dillan ingedra en eers ‘n rukkie gesels. Al die kinders het rondgehardloop en gespeel. Dillan wou so graag agter die ander kinders aangaan, maar kon ongelukkig nie byhou nie. Ons het begin bid en het in n kring gestaan. Ons roep Dillan nader, en hy kruip toe in die kring in. Toe tel ons vir Dillan op en ons lê hande op hom. Toe ons klaar gebid het, sit ons hom weer neer en hy is weer kruipend weg na sy vriende toe. Ek dink toe by myself: “Maar, Here, dit is nie reg nie. Ons het dan gebid en hande op hom gelê, soos U Woord sê ons moet doen”. Terwyl Dillan so wegkruip roep ek hom: “Dillan!”. Hy antwoord: “Ja Pappa”. Ek vra hom toe: “Het ons dan nie vir jou gebid en hande opgelê nie?”. Hy antwoord: “Ja, Pappa”. Ek sê toe vir hom: “Nou, staan dan op en loop!” Tot my verbasing staan Dillan toe op hardloop agter sy vriende aan. Ons dank die Here vandag Dillan is perdfris en gesond. Dillan is al 16 jaar oud en getuig self oor sy getuienis wat hy deur gegaan het. Hier is Dillan se getuie van sy ervaring in die hospitaal Heel eerste kom al die Lof en Eer aan ons Vader toe. Ek is baie dankbaar dat ons Vader deur my pa gewerk het. Ek wil die Here baie dankie se vir nog ‘n kans om te kan lewe en te kan getuig. Om te lewe is ‘n groot voorreg. Een aand in die hospitaal het gevoel dat iemand aan my voete raak en ek het wakker geskrik. Ek het gedog dit was die dokter maar dit was ses mans wat voor my bed gestaan het en hulle het vir my gekyk. Die Man wat in die middel gestaan het was Jesus wat besig was om aan my voete te raak. Met geen twyfel het ek geweet dit was Jesus wat voor my bed gestaan het met vyf Engele. Jesus het vir ‘n hele paar minute daar gestaan en my in my oë dopgehou. Na ‘n paar minute het Hulle omgedraai en uit geloop. Ek was nogsteeds verlam. Na die gebeurtenis wat in die Bidkerk gebeur het, het Jesus my weer aan geraak en ek kon weer loop. Vandag getuig ek oor die Wonderwerke van Jesus en dat Hy wel bestaan. Ek het Hom met my eie oë gesien. 24

EK HET VIR DIE HERE GEVRA WAT DAN NOU AANGAAN. DIE HERE ANTWOORD MY EN SÊ: “JY HET DIE AUTORITEIT, LAAT HOM OPSTAAN!”.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

WHO IS THE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM?

After God’s miraculous deliverance of the Hebrew people

that Jerusalem is the eternal undivided capital of the Jewish

from Egypt over 3 400 years ago He spoke these amazing

people. The Arabs responded to this by threatening an oil

words through the prophet Jeremiah which spoke of another

embargo against the nations who did not withdraw their

event would overshadow their deliverance from Egypt:

embassies to Tel Aviv. All 13 foreign Embassies based in

“Therefore, behold the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that

Jerusalem at the time complied and moved to Tel Aviv. It was

they shall no longer say, “as the Lord lives who brought up the

a great insult to Israel that the nations did not respect and

children of Israel from the land of Egypt, “but, “As the Lord

embrace her beloved capital!

lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where

Israel at the time considered this to be an outrage and felt

I had driven them.” And they shall dwell in their own land.” –

led to open an International Christian Embassy based in

Jeremiah 23:7-8.

Jerusalem, in solidarity with the State of Israel, which opened

We have been a witness to this miracle of God in the last

in 1980, with the specific goal to recognise Jerusalem as the

century, culminating in the establishment of the State of

eternal Jewish capital and to be a channel of practical comfort

Israel on 14th May, 1948. The new nation was immediately

and ministry to her.

attacked the very next day by five Arab armies who were intent on destroying the newly rebirthed nation of Israel and on killing as many Jews as possible. Against all odds they survived the war, but lost Jerusalem and the Judea and Samaria area, which the world renamed the “West bank” after Jordan annexed it. In 1967 Israel was attacked again and they won Jerusalem back after almost 2000 years! Israel then went on to pass the Jerusalem Law in 1980 which affirmed 26

A number of Christians living, studying, and ministering in

PRACTICAL LOVE AND SUPPORT The ICEJ’s mandate is to comfort the people of Israel according to Isaiah 40:1-2. They do this in various ways, as also commanded in Romans 15:27, “For if the gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things”.

The ICEJ funds and runs 5 Holocaust Survivor homes in

Haifa where almost 80 survivors are cared for and have also built over a 100 bomb shelters in communities vulnerable to rockets attacks. ICEJ has funded over 157 000 Jews to make Aliyah. The miracle continues as Jewish people from around the

of Kings in the City of the King! When Christians come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, it serves as a powerful expectation of His return and a testimony to the Jewish nation. I well remember Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Chief Rabbi of Efrat remark

world continue to heed the call to make Aliyah and come

at a previous feast celebration “When I see the thousands

“home”. The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is

of Christians from the nations coming up to Jerusalem

honoured to have played a role in helping to facilitate this

to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacle, then I can hear the

return by funding the flights of more than 157 000 Jewish

footsteps of the Messiah”.

people to make Aliyah to date.

FEAST OF TABERNACLES In the miracle of a restored Israel and Jerusalem, we see with eyes of faith the evidence of what God has promised and celebrate His goodness and faithfulness… The Feast is prophetic foreshadowing of the days to come when Messiah is ruling the nations from Jerusalem! “Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles”. The ICEJ has hosted the Feast of Tabernacle celebration since 1980 in Jerusalem with over 5000 people from over

Due to the present Covid regulations we have had to adapt to an online Feast of Tabernacle celebrations which can be viewed online from the 20 to 26 September 2021. Consider joining us for anointed worship and teachings streamed live from Israel as we celebrate with the nations this prophetic feast.

To sign up for our newsletters or for any further information on registering for the Feast of Tabernacles please email: office@ icej.org.za or call 083306 0009 Vivienne Myburgh (National Director of the International Christian Embassy (ICEJ) Branch in South Africa).

80 nations coming up yearly to rejoice and worship the King

THE FEAST IS PROPHETIC FORESHADOWING OF THE DAYS TO COME WHEN MESSIAH IS RULING THE NATIONS FROM JERUSALEM!

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

According to the most recent stats as published by the WHO, globally, as of 5:42pm CEST, 19 July 2021, there have been 190,597,409 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 4,093,145 deaths, reported to WHO. As of 19 July 2021, a total of 3,436,534,998 vaccine doses have been administered. The NICD reported on the 18th of July that the majority of new cases in South Africa are from Gauteng (39%), followed by Western Cape (19%). Limpopo and Mpumalanga each accounted for 9%; KwaZulu-Natal and North West each accounted for 7%; Eastern Cape accounted for 5%; Free State accounted for 3%; and Northern Cape accounted for 2%. Data from the UK shows that the Delta variant (first detected in India) is 97% more transmissible than the original lineage. COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective in preventing severe disease after Delta variant infection, with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine showing 96% efficacy after two doses. “It is important to be mindful that reinfection with the Delta variant is possible following a Beta infection, due to waning of immunity,” comments Prof Adrian Puren, the NICD’s Acting Executive Director. Limited data are available on whether different symptoms result following Delta infection, and preliminary data

from the UK suggests that the Delta variant can potentially cause more severe disease. “It is not surprising that new variants have been detected in South Africa”, adds Adrian Puren. “We would like to assure the public that the institute is focusing their resources and research efforts towards understanding the variants and we would like to salute all healthcare workers who continue to fight bravely against COVID-19.” According to the NICD, having oneself vaccinated against COVID-19 is a person’s best defense against developing severed disease and hospitalization. Adopting the following preventative measures can help provide protection against infection: *Practice physical distancing, this means keeping a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres from all people you interact with, specifically when out in public. This keeps you safe from respiratory droplets. *Practice social distancing, this means not interacting with people outside of your household unless necessary. *The use of a cloth mask (not medical mask as these are need for health care workers) may help protect you and people around you. Please look at the recommendation for these masks.

*Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer (at least 70% alcohol). *Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. *Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin. *Avoid close contact with people who are sick. *Stay at home when you are sick and try and keep distance from others at home. *Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. For more information on COVID-19 updates visit https:// www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-zindex/covid-19/ The NICD aims to keep you updated with relevant and current information concerning COVID-19, ranging from frequently asked questions, providing technical resources and guidelines, information on prevention, an updated list of countries that are affected, advice for returning travelers and communication resources that can be utilized across settings. For daily updates of countries, territories or areas with reported laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases, please refer to the World Health Organization COVID-19 situation reports.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

HEALTH

By Riaan Louw Three years ago, I decided that I had enough of living a sluggish lifestyle. I started my wellness journey by joining the gym which led to running. I lost weight but picked it up again due to a lack of consistency. I also had no idea regarding nutritional information. All I had was a desire to live my best life and in order for me to do that I needed to reclaim my health. Our bodies are temples and should be treated as such, not as rubbish bins. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 6:19, our bodies are temples, shrines, sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit. Are we good stewards of the Divine temples that we were entrusted with? A friend of mine came to my aid and helped me with a nutritional plan and introduced me to a supportive community. I learned that instead of living to eat, I had to start eating to live. I needed to fuel my body with the things that would enrich my health and my daily lifestyle. Because of the good nutrition I managed to shape up. I feel great in my body, my skin looks good, and my energy is always buzzing. I genuinely value my health now. I’m so thankful for this body and everything it’s been through with me and put up with over the years. This process has taught me that improving one’s health is the key to

a healthy well-balanced life. If you can discipline and take good care of the body, it will spill over into other areas of your life. While lockdown has caused many to pack on weight, it has also triggered mental health issues in many individuals. Therefore, healthy body – healthy mind has never been more relevant than the current times we are living in. As mental health becomes an increasingly pressing issue, the answer may lie in keeping physically fit. As science taught us, when the body is active, feel-good hormones are released! I feel stronger and more in control of my life and I feel inspired to share my story with others as a way to give them hope on reaching their goals. I could not keep this amazing way of life to myself and started helping others on their wellness journey. I have a burning desire to see the transformation that I have experienced in my own life in others. Today I am a wellness coach, who emphatically journey with others to reach their body goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I do this through monthly body transformation challenge exercises coupled with education and inspiration. You are welcome to contact me via Facebook @Riaan Louw or Instagram @wellness_hustler to assist you in reclaiming your health.

"OUR BODIES ARE TEMPLES, SHRINES, SANCTUARIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ARE WE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE DIVINE TEMPLES THAT WE WERE ENTRUSTED WITH?"

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

PASTORAL INTERVIEW

LOVE PEOPLE, CULTIVATE COMMUNITY, INSPIRE HOPE! SHARE BRIEFLY ON WHO YOU BOTH ARE, HOW YOU MET AND HOW YOU CAME TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST? Both of us accepted the Lord Jesus as Savior at a young age. My wife grew up in the home of parents who were pioneers in the assembly that we are currently pastoring. I moved from Johannesburg to Cape Town to study at Chaldo Bible College in Wittebome Wynberg. We met at my graduation service where my wife and her sisters sang. We have been married for 35 years and have been in full-time ministry since.

HOW MANY CHILDREN DO YOU HAVE AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES AND AGES? ARE THEY ACTIVE IN MINISTRY WITH YOU? We are blessed with a daughter Roxanne, who stays and works in Johannesburg as a Journalist. She has also always been active in ministry, whether alongside us or in Johannesburg. 32

HOW AND WHY DID YOU START BETHEL FULL GOSPEL? We have been active in the full-time ministry of The Full Gospel Church of God in Southern Africa for the past 26 Years. We have served in many churches across South Africa as Pastoral couple, including Nigel in Gauteng, Durban and Bellville in Cape Town and eventually took over as Seniors Pastors of Bethel Tabernacle FGC in 2011, following the retirement of the previous Pastor VJ Christians (celebrating 10 years!). We are the third Pastoral couple of Bethel Tabernacle FGC in the 85 years of its existence.

FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, YOU DELIVER EXCELLENT SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY. HOW DO YOU STAY CONSISTENT ESPECIALLY NOW DURING COVID-19? Thank you for the kind comment. We strive to be people’s people wherever we are called to minister. The pandemic has been a challenging time. Personally, I lost my two eldest brothers in the space of 14 days. We

Celebrating 10 years of pastoring the vibrant, Spiritfilled Bethel Tabernacle Full Gospel Church, the Francis pastoral couple share some of their ministry jewels with us. Not even COVID-19 could stop this church from growing. May you be inspired by the courage and perseverance of the Francis’.

try to reach out to our community with an open-door policy, meaning not only our members but everyone is welcome to speak to us about anything they may be experiencing.

HOW HAS THE CHURCH TRANSFORMED FROM WHEN YOU STARTED TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW? Bethel Tabernacle by nature has always been a very traditional church. When we were called to the church, we undertook to understand the needs of every group in the church, more so our younger generation. We invest a lot in our youth and young adults. We believe that young people should be proud of their church and should feel welcome. So, the building, programmers and ministry must be relevant to today’s times.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN REACHING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY? Drug abuse and gangsterism challenges the wellbeing and the safety of people in our community.

Scottsville is a socially disadvantaged community, but has produced world-class leaders, sportspeople, and entrepreneurs. Our community is at the heart of church activities with various ministries catering for every age group and background.

HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR CONGREGANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN CHURCH LIFE? HOW DO YOU KEEP THEM ACTIVELY INVOLVED NOW THAT CHURCH LIFE HAS SHIFTED TO AN ONLINE PLATFORM? We have a very talented group of tech-savvy young people who help us reach the masses through online platforms. When congregating is allowed and the weather permits, we move our in-person services out into our parking area to safely accommodate everyone who attends services.

HOW HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED YOUR MINISTRY GOALS FOR THE YEAR? The pandemic has tremendously impacted our goals, but also provided us with an opportunity to rethink church and to reach more people. We have grown in membership during COVID-19 because of our online presence, and we are committed to be consistent with our online ministry.

WHAT WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO FEELS LED TO CHURCH PLANTING? The best time to do church planting is now, for one the playing field has levelled from mega churches to outreach to smaller groups, but in a sense a bigger audience (online). People have become more anxious and are looking for spiritual guidance and help. We must reach out now in order to impact lives for the next 10 years. Reach out to people affected by COVID-19, be it losing their jobs, losing loved ones or going through a COVIDaffected trial. Pray with them over the phone. Now more than ever, people need prayer and encouragement. It may also be the most opportune time to plant a church that would be geared for the next decade because of where people find themselves, a church that will be birthed out of raw ministry to people in need, instead of focusing on numbers.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

W we hat ar mo i n g re j e a t ha ns n ?!

As the pandemic continues to rage and considering how the world will never be the same again, we have been forced to adapt to new trends. With over a year of social distancing, wearing masks, and mostly staying home chilling with Netflix or meeting via Zoom, dressing comfortably has become the new norm. The pandemic has prompted a lot of controversy about clothes and despite a few adjustments, the world has gradually gone back to normal. The time has come to move away from pyjamas, leggings, loungewear, and joggers. It is time to stop putting life on hold indefinitely and get back to looking good.

WITH BLAZERS OR COATS

By Natasha Ralph

HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS ON HOW TO ROCK THOSE JEANS: WITH A FORMAL SHIRT

WITH A KNIT

Jeans with just about anything! 34

FASHION DESPITE THE HIGH FASHION WORLD BEING SLIGHTLY PUT ON HOLD, YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH A PAIR OF JEANS. YOU CAN WEAR THEM FORMALLY OR CASUALLY, TO WORK, SHOPPING OR EVEN DATE NIGHTS.

WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF BOOTS

WITH COMFORTABLE FLAT SHOES

IF YOU DO NOT OWN A PAIR OF JEANS, I SUGGEST YOU STOCK UP ON THEM NOW BECAUSE COVID-19 HAS GOT US ON OUR KNEES, WHY NOT BE IN OUR JEANS? COMFORTABILITY IS NOW, BUT DRIP REMAINS FOREVER!

WITH SNAZZY SNEAKERS

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

ADVERTORIAL

COMMON

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT INDEPENDENT EDUCATION IN SA

Inequality of opportunity is a common theme in our country today and we believe that the sincere intention of many companies across multiple industries is to contribute to the establishment of equality of opportunity in our society, especially in previously disenfranchised communities. It was this premise upon which John Wesley School was founded by the Pinetown Methodist Church in 1977 when a pre-primary programme for 10 children was started by Lynne Jolliffe, the wife of then Pinetown Methodist Church minister, Reverend Derek Jolliffe, in their garage. This outreach to the community grew rapidly and eventually incorporated 75 children, thus necessitating a move to the church premises, where it continued to expand into a primary school. Since 1987 our school has actively educated and empowered children from disadvantaged communities, going so far as to openly defy the legislation that enforced segregation in education prior to 1990. John Wesley School was officially registered with the Natal Education Department on 2 November 1989. We have continued this established tradition of empowerment and today we boast an enrolment of 664 learners, all of whom are from previously disadvantaged communities. We have succeeded in providing an exceptional standard of education over the years in spite of tightly constrained budgets and corporate sentiment aligned against us. Not all independent schools in South Africa are wealthy, high-income institutions, as perception appears to dictate. John Wesley School is a low-fee independent school. Many schools such as ours have been established over the years as demand has increased exponentially for viable, yet affordable alternatives to 36

the dysfunctional and largely ineffective state schooling system. The majority of our school’s parents are employed in the public sector. They are not wealthy in the conventional sense. They work hard and make sacrifices to keep their children at our school, secure in the knowledge that they are receiving a superior education. John Wesley School is a Non-Profit Organisation and we endeavour to keep our school fees as low as possible each year so that the education we provide is as accessible as possible to children in our immediate community and beyond. We receive no financial

assistance from government and our only source of income is school fees and certain fundraising initiatives in which we engage throughout each year. We have no financial reserves to speak of and after we have covered our essential expenses, such as salaries and key operational costs, there is very little left for infrastructure development of any magnitude. Our school fees are less than R29 000 per annum. Whilst we usually have no inclination to denigrate our state school counterparts, over the years we have observed, with great exasperation, the steady flow of corporate and trust fund capital into the state schooling sector, many of the beneficiaries of which are already a great deal wealthier than us. There are many former Model C state schools whose annual school fees exceed ours, in some cases significantly so. In addition, the government pays the salaries and benefits of a certain quota of their teachers, a privilege that we are denied. Former Model C schools may argue that their school fees are used to enable their governing bodies to employ extra teachers, however, this still does not preclude some of them from generating millions in reserve funds from school fees, which, often augmented by external donations, they utilise to build and develop impressive infrastructure on an ongoing basis. We acknowledge that there are indeed many state schools in need of financial assistance and we appreciate that this has to be the primary focus of the private sector. However, as we have elucidated above, the need is certainly not universal. As is the case in the state education sector, there is a massive disparity in income between many schools in the independent sector and equating our means with schools that levy annual fees ranging from 100% to 700% higher than ours is, as our numerous experiences dictate, a somewhat unfortunate propensity in the private sector. Our fervent wish is that the private sector would recognise the tremendous investment potential that we represent, especially in a

contemporary South African context. In a country in which the vast majority of schools are dysfunctional in some form, one would imagine that an expertly managed, financially viable and highly academic institution, populated exclusively by learners from previously disadvantaged communities, would be a sought after investment destination for organisations that are serious about advancing the prospects of our youth and making a telling contribution to our country’s future. We hope that by presenting our school on various media platforms, as well as in publications with a Christian readership, we may attract the interest of a philanthropist or business owner who may, God willing, want to know more about our school, whose vision and values align with ours and who wishes to form a sustainable partnership with a viable Christian educational institution. John Wesley School represents a success story within the local educational sphere in terms of shaping young lives and giving hope to young people. We want to continue to make a difference in the lives of our South African youth. With God’s guidance we are more determined than ever to ensure that John Wesley School remains a beacon of hope for the many families it serves within the greater Durban and Highway area. For more information please email our Principal, Mr Darron Tarr, directly at prin@jwesleyptn.co.za or alternatively, contact us via our website www.jwesleyptn.co.za or telephone us on 031 701 5603.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

LEGAL

TAKE CARE OF THOSE YOU LOVE IN A CONSTRUCTIVE AND EFFICIENT WAY! “If COVID has taught us anything, it’s the impact of unexpected loss. People need to get ahead of the threat and ensure that their dependents are not left to suffer the consequences of procrastination. And COVID is by no means the only threat, who knows with any certainty what today may bring?” Trust specialist Mervin Messias shares with us the importance of trusts, wills, and estate planning. WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND HOW DID IT INFLUENCE YOU? I grew up in Mayfair, Johannesburg, which was home to low-income families of the day, most of whom had Russian Jewish ancestry. It was a close community clustered around the synagogue where much of the community-building happened. So, mine was not a privileged upbringing in the material sense but I was part of a typical Jewish family. My father was head of the family, my mother was head of the house and my grandparents lived with us. My parents were hard-working people who ensured my brother and I had everything we needed to get ahead in life – a moral compass, traditional Jewish values, a good education and the drive to succeed. I have very fond memories of those times!

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE LAW AS A CAREER? Both the Torah and the Bible reflect our turbulent history as Jews. We have learned that in the face of persecution, the one thing you can carry with you is your education. That said, Springbok radio is responsible for my choosing law. From the age of six, I never missed an episode of ‘Consider Your Verdict’! I took an avid interest in the weighing up of the legal 38

arguments in relation to the court findings and it got me hooked on law.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SPECIALISE IN TRUSTS, WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING? I believe we need to take care of those we love, in a constructive and efficient way. The many dual-income households of this day and age, indicate that it’s difficult to survive on a single income. When the primary earner dies, how will the surviving family members manage financially if there is no back-up plan to see them through? When heads of households step up to the plate, it demonstrates they care deeply about the ongoing welfare of their families. It’s not about how much money a person has, it’s about doing the best with what you have. Trusts or life insurance policies are geared to provide financial support to families while the process of winding up the estate takes its course. These mechanisms help mitigate financial hardship through an already difficult, emotional time. The current reality is that it could take a couple of years to wind up an estate through the Master of the High Court because the Master’s offices are critically backlogged – owing in part to volumes, manpower and efficiencies. When monies to be dispersed form

part of a Will, they could be frozen and inaccessible indefinitely. If ever there was a time (and a way) to circumvent the Master’s offices, it is now! If COVID has taught us anything, it’s the impact of unexpected loss. People need to get ahead of the threat and ensure that their dependents are not left to suffer the consequences of procrastination. And COVID is by no means the only threat, who knows with any certainty what today may bring?

IN A NUTSHELL, HOW ARE TRUSTS USEFUL? Trusts are an independent legal entity that offer security and protection on multiple levels. They resonate with the entrepreneurial goals that help direct one’s unique ability to make a difference. Trusts, as part of an estate plan, have the power to provide freedom of money, time, association and purpose. When those four principles come together, they determine the strategy to achieve those freedoms. Such is my faith in trusts, I’m in the process of writing a booklet that explains the function and the benefits of trusts in a manner that makes it more accessible to laypeople. Legal jargon is off-putting and confusing to most folk, I’d like to enable them to view trusts in a more positive, comprehensible light.

HOW HAS JUDAISM SHAPED YOU? There is a strong sense of brotherhood amongst Jewish people which makes us particularly community minded. We are especially family minded and like to stay close to our children and parents, hence the importance of Friday night Shabbat dinners. We care for each other through moral, financial and material support, we mentor younger people, refer business to one another and try to alleviate suffering where we can. The book of Psalms has a special place in my heart. I was once involved in curating a limited edition, collector’s book of Psalms in which Psalm 117 was dedicated to my family. It’s a very short psalm that is a call to all mankind, summoning them to pay homage to God and acknowledge Him as the Master of the universe.

WHAT ELSE HAS HAD A ROLE IN SHAPING YOU AS A PERSON? Judo. I started when I was 12 years old and found it to be a very noble sport. I highly recommend it for youngsters as it teaches discipline, co-ordination, obedience, comradeship and respect (for a higher authority and one another). Learning how to use controlled aggression as the basis for self-defense is useful for staying out of trouble - no bullies ever picked on me at school! I ultimately advanced to a 6th. dan black belt. I was, for many years, involved in martial arts in an administrative capacity and am currently in the throes of setting up a martial arts trust.

WHAT ELSE INTERESTS YOU? I developed a love for art in the mid-1980’s, African art in particular. I’m drawn to bright colours and African abstract art just seems to pulsate with colour and energy. There isn’t a wall in my office that doesn’t have an artwork adorning it! Thando Ngwenya is one of my favorite artists, he seems to capture South Africa emerging from the struggle in a positive way.

DO YOU INTEND TO RETIRE IN THE NEAR FUTURE? No, I enjoy my job too much! I like to have a reason to get up in the morning and a place to go. I’m determined to keep my mind and body in good working order for as long as I am able. I also have a great support team that keeps me on my toes. They play a pivotal role in the proficiency and performance of my business.

"IT’S NOT ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY A PERSON HAS, IT’S ABOUT DOING THE BEST WITH WHAT YOU HAVE"

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

Including: Wills | Estate Planning | Tax

CONTACT +27 (0)11 783 0108 +27 (0)82 881 0765 mervin@mmtrustspecialist.co.za www.mmtrustspecialist.co.za 104 - 11th Street, Parkmore, Sandton, 2196, South Africa P.O. Box 653009, Benmore, 2010

DON'T DELAY CREATE A LIVING TRUST PLAN WITHOUT DELAY

JD (Juris Doctor) / BA,LLB (Wits) TEP (Trust & Estate Practitioner)

“IF ANYONE TELLS YOU TO RELY ON A WILL FOR YOUR ESTATE PLAN, RUN OUT THE ROOM!”

TRUST SPECIALIST

KIDS

OUR WEAPONS

Think about some of the weapons some of the Marvel Super Heroes have – Batman had all sorts of hidden weapons in the belt he wore; Captain America had his special shield; Ironman had a protective armor and a helmet that talked to him and gave him all sorts of special information; and the list goes on! Each one had a different set of tools and abilities to fight against evil. God has given us tools and abilities to fight against evil too! For the next few days, take time each and every day to be still in a special place and time without distractions and draw near to God using these devotions to get to know Him better and how He has equipped us to fight against evil. Always remember that in addition to all the armor of God; His greatest gift is that He is with us and fights for us!

The Bible has a lot to say about Satan and that we should be on guard, but also remember the truth of 1 John 4:4! Yes, Jesus is greater and because He lives with in us as believers through His Holy Spirit, we are more than conquerors! One more verse today… Romans 8:37-39; what can separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus our Lord? __________________________ That’s right! NOTHING! THINK ABOUT IT & REMEMBER: As believers we know the truth of the Bible…in the end, God wins! Jesus has already conquered death for us! PRAY: Take time to thank God for fighting for you! Talk to Him about any fears you may have, and thank Him that no matter what, He is with you, and NOTHING can separate you from His love in Jesus!

LOOK IT UP: Turn to Ephesians 6 in your New Testament. Go ahead and read verses 10-18 and jot down all the pieces of armor God gives us. (Ex. belt of truth, …) Now go back and write down each thing we are to do such as “be strengthened”, “put on the armor”, “stand firm”, etc. Now go back and look at verse 12. Who is our battle against? Look up the following verses and see what they say about Satan. Write it down. • 1 Peter 5:8 • John 8:44 (Jesus was talking to the Pharisees)

For more of these amazing kiddies lessons go to https://www. creativebiblestudy.com/kids-Bible-lessons-heroes.html THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

3 Months - Grade 12 011 100 5377 admissions@tkswr.co.za www.kingsedgrp.co.za 42

W O N L ENRO

RAND

WEST

VERY DISCO

ARD VINEY

DRIFT

ERS MULD

3 Months - Grade 12 011 100 5377 { admin@tkswr.co.za Grade R - Grade 12 011 763 7012 { discovery@tkswr.co.za Grade R - Grade 7 087 022 0345 { admin@vineyardschool.co.za Grade RR - Grade 4 068 202 5378 { muldersdrift@tkswr.co.za

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

WOMEN'S DAY

WOMEN'S Worthy to be loved! By Siobhan Koopman In the bible we read about the sacrifices that women made to ensure that the plan of God comes to pass. We learn that no matter your history you are still worthy to wash the feet of Jesus and get a second chance. From committing adultery to becoming Jesus’s best disciple we are all worthy to be loved by Jesus and get a second chance. We are the products of the women that played a significant role in our lives. Those who went before us, paved the way for us. Every disappointment, heartache, abuse, and every hardship they faced, was to forge roads for those who followed them. A woman is known to be strong and sculptured by God as divine, unique, and so spectacular. A home without a woman is a house without a vision. God has given us the ability to carry forth the vision he placed in our hearts. Let us be clear; we might have a soft exterior like butter and a heart like gold, but we have stood the test of time. A woman’s comeback game is so strong that even after bearing children, leaving an abusive relationship, or whatever tried to knock her down, she will come back stronger, better, and wiser! We were often told who we cannot be or what we cannot become based on our femininity. However, many women today have proven that statement to be wrong! Look at our grannies, regardless of a lack of education, they know how to hustle and put bread on the table. How about single mothers who ensure that their kids get to school on time regardless of the distance sometimes. All these women sacrificed for us! Having children before or after marriage does not define our purpose and not having a baby does not make us less of a woman. We are beautiful, strong, and true statements of what power looks like. We can also cry at times for no reason, we have our days where we are weak and can’t be strong anymore and that’s okay! Mind us it is just for a few hours! We are 44

emotional beings and show our affection in that manner. That is how we give to others, we value time over money, choose love over material things and prefer joy over being better than the next person. Life may knock you down sometimes, but remember, winter is but a season. We cannot be limited by the negative words of others. Women are full circle, within them is the power to create, nurture and transform. Some of us may not be where we want to be but thank God we are not where we used to be. May we be reminded this women’s day of the transformative power that we carry in our loins. Let us always use what God has given us to empower, equip and contribute to the well being of our societies.

ENCOURAGEMENT

By Ps Chester Swart

Understand your ideas. I believe that success is intentional and not accidental! Our ideas should not remain ideas but should be manifested through us by the direction of God. Most people perish due to lack of understanding their purpose, by being too afraid to take the first step. Connect with right people that inspire you to reach your success. Build relationships and interact with the crowd you would want to be listen to and learn from. Invest in yourself by reading and broaden your knowledge with research. Take baby steps and DO IT!! Everything you see was once a thought, an idea. You may not succeed after the first attempt, but do not quit! The most successful people in the world, failed many times but never gave up. Have values. Your values are tools that will help you achieve success. Ask for help if you have to, it is not a bad thing to reach out to others. Get a mentor and be willing to humble yourself. Make sure you understand what you want in life and why you want it. If the why is strong the how will follow! You must believe in yourself. You are well equipped to make your dream become a reality. God will never give us a desire and not give us the tools for it to manifest. Act and let that idea take you into your purpose. Just know that your idea is there to create opportunities not just for you but for others. Envision and act! If there is no

movement, your idea cannot become a reality. Everything started with an idea, with a dream. YOU ARE THE LINK TO TOMORROWS SUCCESSES. God intends for our imagination to be a locus of sacred dreams. God wants us to be successful and prosperous. God is our source and has given us everything we need to be successful on earth! God is not a failure therefore you cannot fail. Stop procrastinating. We live in a world of procrastinators. Some people who have great ideas, great goals, great visions yet do nothing; put it on hold. Cultivate a spirit of excellence. In every successful person there must be a spirit of excellence. Aaron Stoller once said “Excellence is not an ACT it’s a HABIT! A person of excellence has a habit of excellence. Everything that they do is a HABIT. It’s a process and not a product. Don’t focus on the product but the process, because there are too many young people who get into faith, not so much for the word of God but for the things. It’s wise to know what caused the individual to be where they are today and how they did it.” Remember, “The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is giving your gift away”- David Viscott.

Zechariah 4:10: “Who dares despise the day of small things…”

INTENTIONAL NOT ACCIDENTAL

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

ALS ALS 20222022 31 July –31 7 Aug July – 7 Aug

ALS 2022

Venue: Ramada Hotel, Jerusalem Venue: Ramada Hotel, Jerusalem

Theme:Africa! BuildingSupporting Great Nations Transforming Israel! 31 July – 7 Aug Theme: Building Great Nations

In Partnership with associate ministries Venue: Ramada Hotel, Jerus Hosted By Hosted The Abrahamic Foundation By The Institute Christian Development Thefor Institute Christian Leadership Theme: Development Building Great Nat AndforLeadership And The Institute for Christian LeadershipAnd Development The Abrahamic Foundation TheByAbrahamic Foundation Hosted In Partnership with associate In Partnership with ministries associate ministries Hosted By The Institute for Christian Leadership De

Transforming Africa! Supporting Israel! And Theme: Building Great Nations Transforming Africa! Supporting Israel!

The Abrahamic Foundation Venue: Ramada Hotel, Jerusalem In Partnership with associate mini

HIGHLIGHTS

HIGHLIGHTS 31 July – 7 Aug Transforming Africa! Support

ALS 2022

 Africa/Israel ‘Biznəs Indaba  Community Development Collaborations  Africa Diaspora Homecoming  Gala banquet  Prophetic Prayer Tour of Israel

Transforming Africa! Supporting Israel! 46

REGISTRATION PACKAGES PLATINUM PACKAGE

GOLD PACKAGE

SILVER PACKAGE

CONFERENCE ONLY

$1 100 per person sharing

CONFERENCE ONLY

$1 000 per person sharing

CONFERENCE ONLY

Conference attendance & Conference package Full board during Conference at 4* hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Tea/Coffee & Dinner) Gala Banquet

Conference attendance & Conference package Full board during Conference at 3* hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Tea/Coffee & Dinner) Gala Banquet

Conference attendance & Conference package Own accommodation & transport to Conference

CONFERENCE AND TOUR

Lunch & Tea/Coffee at the hotel during Conference

$1 600 per person sharing

guA 7 – yluJ 13 Conference Only package

Conference Only package Half board during Prophetic Prayer Tour (Breakfast & Dinner) Lunch during Prophetic Prayer Tour

Gala Banquet

$1 100 per person sharing

Conference Only package Half board during Prophetic Prayer Tour (Breakfast & Dinner) Lunch during Prophetic Prayer Tour

Half board during Prophetic Prayer Tour (Breakfast & Dinner) Lunch during Prophetic Prayer Tour

melasureJ ,letoH adamaR :euneV

Transforming snoiAfrica! taN taSupporting erG gnid liuIsrael! B :emehT REGIONAL BANKING DETAILS

Transforming Africa! Supporting Israel!

SOUTHERN AFRICA

WESTERN AFRICA

yB detsoH Account Name

Account Name

Natanja Travel & Tours

Bank

EASTERN AFRICA Account Name

tnempoleveD pihsredaeL naitsirhC rof etutitsnI ehT Africa Leadership Summit Initiative

The Abrahamic Foundation In Partnership with associate ministries

tions

Holyland Excursions Tours and Travel

d nA

Bank

Nedbank

Access Bank Plc Nigeria

Bank

Cooperative Bank of Kenya Ltd

noitadnuoF cimaharbA ehT seirtsinim etaicossa htiw pihsreAccount nt02100170306600 raP nNumber I 0794146438 And

Cheque Account Number

Account Number

The Institute for Christian Leadership Development

Branch Name & Branch Code

Hosted By

1988442117

Swift Code

Branch Name

Payment in USD($) only

Swift Code

!learsI gnitroABNGNGLA ppuS !acirfA gnGreenhouse imroBranch, fsnNairobi arT

Keywest, Krugersdorp 198841

Swift Code

Theme: Building Great Nations

NEDSZAJJ

KCOOKENA

Transforming Africa! Supporting Israel!

evelopment

PAYMENT DETAILS Send Proof of Payment to als@icld.co.za ENDORSEMENTS

ting Israel!  To secure booking, a non-refundable deposit

ENDORSEMENTS

Venue: Ramada Hotel, Jerusalem

istries

2202 SL A

$1 700 per person sharing

salem

$500 per person

of minimum 10%Transforming is required by 31 March,Africa! 2021  30% by 30 August, 2021  30% by 30 January, 2022  30% by 30 June, 2022  5% discount on full payment by 31 August, 2021  Airfares are not included Transforming Africa! Supporting Israel!

Supporting Israel!

31 July – 7 Aug

ALS 2022

Call: +27 12 803 5877; WhatsApp: +27 7616 74326; Email: als@icld.co.za Transforming Africa! Supporting Israel! Visit: www.africaleadershipsummit.org Register online at: http://africaleadershipsummit.org/summit-registrations/ Hard copy registration form available on request from: als@icld.co.za THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

MARRIAGE

Dying to self is a reality in marriage.

Growing in love requires patience and involves lots of time and hard work. We grew up with the idea of falling in love, which in itself is a beautiful feeling, but it is sometimes followed by falling out of love. Partners/ spouses who understand the notion of “growing in love” consciously choose to love their partners as he/ she continues to evolve. As for the Akonwies, their love started as a seed that was nurtured and blossomed into marriage. Growing-in-love continues long after the celebration has ended. All the way from Cameroon; we are delighted to share in the growing-in-love story of Kinglsey and Allie Akonwie.

HOW AND WHERE DID YOU MEET? We met through an online missionary community forum.

WAS IT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT OR FIRST FIGHT? It wasn’t love at first sight or first fight. It was more of a growing process. A seed of love that was nurtured to blossom into a solid foundation that led to marriage. Given that we are both vision oriented individuals, it was pertinent that we had a firm grasp of who and what the other person was about.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY, WORK AND MINISTRY LIFE? It’s always tough navigating through these three aspects of life. There are times when a certain degree 48

of disappointment sets in because the need to meet numerous commitments within ministry and business overshadows family time. We have an understanding that our marriage and family are of utmost importance. As we’ve grown, we’ve learned to set some boundaries with family and friends that’s given us the ability to prioritize each other. We’ve learned to say no to people and certain things that will take away or disrupt something of greater priority to us.

HOW DO YOU RESOLVE MARITAL CONFLICT? Given the fact that we are two separate entities with different cultural upbringings, perspectives, personalities and experiences, the first consensus we’ve arrived at is there’s always going to be conflict on some level. Managing whatever conflict that arises requires patience in communication. We are learning to listen intently and patiently to each other’s view points because it reveals the other person’s state of mind. By understanding and considering each other's view points, it often curbs the urge to jump to conclusions and therefore saves us unnecessary downward spirals. We have also learned the importance of giving each other personal space, when necessary, to allow the other person to process and/or de-escalate when emotions are high.

UNITY IS VITAL TO A HAPPY AND HEALTHY MARRIAGE. HOW HAVE YOU COME TO THIS

"HAVE A TEACHABLE HEART. YOUR WAY ISN’T THE ONLY WAY, AND THERE IS BEAUTY IN LEARNING FROM YOUR PARTNER." POINT OF UNIFICATION? Primarily, it was vital for us to have a unified objective to getting married concerning vision, goals and dreams. It was important for us to have our personalities, strengths and weaknesses compliment each rather than divide. Just like a car, I could be the wheels and engine that facilitates acceleration at times and my wife could be the steering and side mirrors that grants direction and perspective. Though our personalities are more different than similar, it has positioned us to be dependent on each other for the proper functionality of our marriage and vision, hence birthing a need for unity. The secondary aspect is rooted in our life of worship. We make certain that our interpretation and understanding of Biblical principles are aligned, which gives no vacancy to discord or disunity.

AS AN INTERRACIAL COUPLE, DID YOU OR DO YOU EXPERIENCE CHALLENGES FROM SOCIETY? IF SO HOW DO YOU HANDLE IT AS A COUPLE? One of the blessings we have is that we’ve had the opportunity to travel and experience diversity amongst other cultures before we got married. These experiences have exposed us to elements of the other person’s world, which is very important

in interracial and intercultural marriages. For example, here in Cameroon, some of the women here feel they have a sense of entitlement to me. They question why I chose to marry outside my culture and country, and marry a white woman. In Cameroon we also experience financial exploitation as people raise the prices for us, assume we have more resources then we do, and frequently ask us for money. When we experience a racially targeted event, we are open to allowing each other to debrief or share feelings to process what happened, and then let it go. We have come to a place where racial pressure, expectation or exploitation does not come as a surprise to us. We also have frequent discussions about racial issues or events, which encourages deeper understanding between the two of us. We do not enter such discussions with the mindset or intent to hurt the other person, nor to take the other person’s opinion personally.

MONEY IS OFTEN A MARRIAGE KILLER. DO YOU HAVE A SET WAY OF HANDLING FINANCES? WHAT WORKS FOR YOU AND HOW DID YOU GET THERE? Handling and managing money is an area we are constantly revising and revisiting. My wife is great with money management, saving

and implementing a budget. I am a visionary and will more readily dive into risks, so our polar opposite approaches have created numerous challenges. Communication is key. We have learned that acting before having a discussion or agreement on how to budget and spend money, creates conflict. If one person is upset by a financial decision the other person made, we try to talk through it and agree on how to make changes moving forward. I think we are arriving at what financial strategies work for us by making mistakes and learning from them, prioritizing communication, understanding our partner's views on money, and agreeing on what our financial goals and priorities are.

ANY WORD OF ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS? Invest time in each other so that you can gain understanding in who the other person is and how they operate. Be consistent in loving the other person daily. Have a teachable heart. Your way isn’t the only way, and there is beauty in learning from your partner. Learn how to be vulnerable with the other person. Prioritize communication in all areas of your individual lives and your marriage. Understand and apply biblical principles of love and marriage in your relationship. Dying to self is a reality in marriage. THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

Teach Every Nation believes every local pastor deserves access to quality training and empowerment.

T Dr Bruce Wilkinson, Teach Every Nation Founder.

Martin Deacon, Teach Every Nation President and CEO.

of God. With this conviction at their core, Bruce and here is a spiritual race for the hearts of the his international team, led by President and CEO Martin peoples of the world, led by the explosion Deacon, set out to develop a unique and comprehensive of Christianity in the Global South. In no educational program called Bible School on Wheels. other world region has Christianity grown this fast during the past 2 000 years. Practical and Missions experts comprehensive project that there will be a flood of new churches in the next training material several years, with new church The Bible School on Wheels Nothing is more plants expected to exceed five curriculum focuses on personal life million worldwide. change - facilitated through both strategic to fulfilling the But sadly, too many of those spiritual and skills development, Great Commission than new churches may never reach as well as a deep Biblical their full potential. This is due to understanding. the training of millions the lack of training for these Martin Deacon, TEN CEO of pastors and church millions of new untrained pastors. explains, “We have courses In Africa alone, the number of focusing on the head (content) leaders who cannot untrained pastors is more than the heart (spiritual) and the hands access or afford one million. (skills). This makes Bible School on Wheels a practical teaching traditional academic Meeting the training program for pastors and a institutions. need of pastors comprehensive discipleship tool for church members. Bible Teach Every Nation (TEN) is DR BRUCE WILKINSON School on Wheels will equip the meeting this training need headpastor to grow his church both on. Founded in 2013 by global spiritually and numerically.” ministry leader and best-selling author, Dr Bruce Wilkinson, TEN is the culmination of Delivering training solutions to pastors four decades of ‘best practice’ - learned from Bruce’s teaching, training, ministry and international leadership. Bible School on Wheels is the first mobile Bible School At the heart of TEN lies the Great Commission Jesus ‘University’ for pastors and includes an entire year’s gave to His followers in Matthew 28:18-20 “…to teach worth of courses. These courses focus on understanding all nations…” the Bible, effective communication, church planting, In obedience to this command, TEN believes church growth, leadership, and spiritual development. every local pastor deserves access to training and The study material is delivered as video teaching empowerment to reach their communities with the Word sessions on USB. The student workbooks for each course are all bound together in a SuperBook. Also included are resources and tools to launch a successful Bible school.

The Bible School on Wheels curriculum focusses on personal life-change, facilitated through skills and spiritual life development as well as deep content comprehension.

Teaching every nation Bible School on Wheels is therefore means every language a ‘turnkey’ teaching and training With the Great Commission solution – enabling anyone to start Right now, Teach Every as the game plan, a Bible school in their church or TEN continues community. Nation with the Bible to invest in The Bible School on Wheels School on Wheels developing courses are available digitally and Bible School online – ensuring a global reach and program is one of on Wheels that students can register and take the foremost training programs for courses from anywhere in the world. use worldwide. The success of TEN’s training and programs for With the goal content delivery methods is evident international Christian to ‘teach every in the organization having registered nation’, it was Bible School on Wheels facilitators leaders and certainly vital that the in more than 50 countries. Students the fastest-growing material also from more than 100 countries have be available already registered for a TEN course, program globally. in other in either a classroom or online setting. languages besides According to Martin, the success STEPHAN SPIES the original English. MANAGING DIRECTOR, of Bible School on Wheels lies in the Again, TEN focused on CHRISTIAN MEDIA PUBLISHING unique combination of important where the greatest need is subject matter, sound Bible-based and spearheaded its translation theology and brilliant presentation program by translating Bible School on Wheels into through high-quality video sessions and the full-colour French for Africa in 2018. Since then, Bible School SuperBook workbook. on Wheels has also been translated into Mandarin Currently, Bible School on Wheels Year One and with Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Bahasa and Bible School on Wheels Year Two are complete, each Arabic all in process. including ten courses. Bible School on Wheels Year Three launches in September 2021.

Bible School on Wheels has been translated into French, Mandarin and Spanish, with Portuguese, Russian, Bahasa and Arabic all in process.

A PLACE OF TRAINING AND RESTORATION Creating a training program, delivered through several delivery mechanisms, is key for global reach. Yet, nothing compares to reallife in-person training. Having seen the tremendous benefit of live teaching in a conference setting, TEN acquired and developed a training campus for international leaders. Situated in the Waterberg Biosphere in Limpopo, South Africa, the Mackouwkuil Game Lodge and Conference Centre is home to the TEN Campus. This beautiful lodge is just over 3 hours’ drive from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The TEN Campus serves three strategies: “Our number one priority is to train leaders. We bring them in for a week of intensive training and equip them with the Bible School on Wheels program and curriculum to take back to their countries. We know from experience, the value of networking and fellowshipping with like-minded leaders from around the world. The TEN Campus facilitates such an environment for leaders to connect. Secondly, we wanted to create a place where leaders could be rejuvenated. Here they are treated with 5-star accommodation, good food and friendly service in arguably one of the most beautiful natural settings in South Africa. This really is a place for rest and restoration.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stephan de Villiers (BA Theol. Theol. Hons, MBA) is the International Director for Bible School on Wheels at Teach Every Nation.

Lastly, TEN wants to serve the greater body of Christ by making the TEN Campus available to ministry groups running their conference programs at the facility, at preferential rates.” Martin Deacon, TEN CEO The TEN Campus at Mackouwkuil offers 25 luxury rooms, accommodating up to 50 delegates sharing. Groups booking out the entire facility may add the 5-star luxury tents, if available, thereby increasing the delegate capacity to 65. The fully functional conference room can seat up to 100 delegates with smaller breakout and meeting rooms also available. Teach Every Nation’s goal is to serve the body of Christ with this facility and all-inclusive preferential rates and packages are available for ministry groups.

An opportunity to join the race

With its training focus, life changing Bible School on Wheels material and campus facility, TEN has joined the race for the hearts of the world.

We invite you to join us in this!

May it be that, together with Paul, we exclaim: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Email enquire@teacheverynation.org Websites www.tencourses.org www.teacheverynation.org www.mackouwkuil.co.za

WITH GOD, THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

By Liezel Snyman

HAPPILY, NEVER AFTER! I fell pregnant at the tender age of 15. At the time, falling pregnant at such a young age was not just an uncommon sight, it was also an act of shame on the families and the church community. The only way adults knew how to fix such a sin, was to cover it with the institution of marriage. I was encouraged to marry and at 15, due to the pregnancy, but first had to go through the process of asking forgiveness from the church, publicly. That moment broke me to the core as the public scrutiny and the kissing of the mouths of those who condemned me, took a toll on my teenage mind. I experienced emotions 52

that no teenager, regardless of what they did, should be faced with. A day before the wedding day, I suffered a still birth, the foetus being seven months old. Even though my dad said the wedding plans can be cancelled I refused; it was a way to cover my shame. My dad walked away with his head bowed down not responding to me. I walked down the aisle, a teenager who just lost a baby, not knowing what was waiting for me on the other side of the “I do”. Two children and nine years later, I underwent a spiteful divorce and found myself in a place of rebellion. I resorted to a reckless and negligent lifestyle, losing my property in the process.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!” CATAPULTED INTO MY DESTINY Fast forward a few years, I remarried and 7 months later went through another divorce. The dissolution of that public fail and the shame of going through a second divorce made me end up in a mental retreat centre. It was there that I heard a familiar

TESTIMONY voice. The still small voice just said; ‘you don’t belong here’ and the familiar comfort of God’s voice gave me the courage to approach the nurses desk to have myself discharged. Broken and vulnerable, I remembered the voice I heard at the mental clinic. That weekend I encountered God in the most amazing way. I felt God’s unconditional love, His boundless forgiveness and His tender mercy in the most redeeming of ways. So much so, that when I looked into the mirror afterwards, I was no longer ashamed of what I saw.

I WILL NEVER LEAVE OR FORSAKE YOU Shortly after that, I was appointed as Regional Manager for a division of FNB in Western Cape. I started losing weight, struggled to sleep and experienced some severe night sweats. I just shrugged it off as the effects of the new role. Late 2010 I felt some lumps in my neck and eventually opted to have it checked out. I was sent for a biopsy and was informed in Dec 2010 that I had Lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system and because it impacts your immune system it is treated as a blood cancer. As the doctor explained the aggressive nature of the cell and the treatment process all I heard was, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ I knew that everything was going to be okay! My treatment started on the 7th of February and finished at the end of September 2011.

AMAZING GRACE! God literally walked with me through the valley of the shadow of death, He was ever present, and I lived in His presence every step of the way. I remember one day, when I was ready to leave the earth, I was in my 22nd day of isolation, my white blood count was on zero, the sores in my mouth and throat so severe that I was being tube fed. My skin was dark from the chemo burns and lifting my head from the pillow took just too much energy. I was simply lying there with tears because I was remembering all God has done for me. I was just so grateful. I remember one day a nurse came in, lifted me from my bed, into a wheelchair and pushed me to the door that separated the isolation ward from the rest of the hospital. On the other side a choir was singing, I could not see them, they could not see me but that day they were singing AMAZING GRACE. That day was a turning point in my healing, literally the next day, my white blood count started rising and every day after a little more and on my 32nd day I was discharged from hospital. Today, 10 Years later, I am standing as a living testimony of God’s healing and redemptive power. Not to mention, I am happily married to the love of my life! My life is a testament of how God can turn around a life that was riddled with sin and bad choices and use that same life to reveal a process that resounds in glory of Him alone.

Personalised engravings on wood, granite and glass. Perfect for weddings, birthday gifts and home decor to add that special touch.

Contact us on 0824404692; Email: cass.crafting@gmail.com Facebook: Max_Cass_Crafting; Instagram: Max_Cass_Crafting THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

YOUTH

By Raisham Goliath “I believe in the power of prayer; I pray about everything”.

1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. My name is Raisham Goliath. I am 15 years of age and I live in Hanover Park. I grew up on the Cape Flats. I attend Groenvlei High School and I am in Grade 9. At the age of 9, I moved to Pretoria and stayed with my dad. As a 9-year-old it was difficult to re-adjust to a new environment and different people. I eventually adapted and it became second nature. I am a humble girl. I have a love for music, it helps me to focus and takes my mind off negative vibes. Dancing is my happy place, it brings me joy, I am quite good at it.

2. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A TEEN AT SCHOOL AND IN SOCIETY? The worst challenges I have faced was bullying among younger folks. It impacted me and others negatively. I am against any form of abuse. Another challenge I face as a teen in my society is peer pressure where modesty is a very big issue. This forms a major negative impact on many who cannot afford the latest fashion especially name brands and the like. And therefore, as a young girl I have become mindful of these 54

traits and I gently distance myself from people causing toxic vibes in my space. I am a positive thinker, and I walk by Faith!

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES? I try to speak to someone more matured than myself who can give me good advice, motivate, and uplift me. My mother is the person I turn to most of the time when I need to talk to someone. I believe in prayer, when trials come my way, I pray, and I pray about everything. I acknowledge God in my life and I turn to Him for whatever problems I face. I have faith in God because He is a miracle worker and with Him in my life everything is more than okay. God helps me to find the positives in a negative situation.

4.WHAT MOTIVATES AND KEEPS YOU INSPIRED? Knowing that in this unpleasant world we live, good people have risen to the occasion to make a difference in the lives of many and that God has kept me through this time. I feel motivated that amidst the battles God will keep me and others and millions out there in perfect peace and harmony.

5. ANY WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHER TEENAGERS THAT IS READING YOUR STORY? My advice to other teens is that when you go through struggles in your life, find someone of a more matured nature to speak to and mostly turn to the Lord. He is always present and has an ear to listen. You can be completely honest with God and tell Him about everything you face. Don’t give up on life even if it feels like the end of world. God is always near to protect you especially when it doesn’t seem that way. I am speaking of experience as a 15-year-old. I never knew that I would face battles at this young age. But it came my way and I remained prayerful to our heavenly Father. He has been around for me since day 1 and I will forever love Him and never turn my back on Him no matter what comes my way. I say Thank You a thousand times to the Lord for always protecting me. If He can do it for me, He will do it for you too.

CELEBRATING SINGLES

ALL SINGLES By Diana Distefano I will be discussing several important points in this article and pray that you will be encouraged and strengthened by it. My calling is to equip and encourage singles to prepare them for their purpose mate.

UNGODLY SOUL TIES The bad choices we make concerning companionship brings us into bondage through the soul ties that are formed through agreement. Jesus came to set us free, but the bonds formed by ungodly associations takes us captive. However, when we know how the devil works to enslave us, we need to resist his games. 1 Peter 5:8 says. The Bible encourages us to “be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5:8). There are many ways ungodly soul ties are formed, here are a few namely, association, harboring toxic emotions, prolonged grief, manipulation, pride, evil attraction, secrecy & gossip, etc. I will address a few of these.

HARBOURING TOXIC EMOTIONS Toxic emotions that linger are products of unforgiveness resulting in bonds with those we hate. Our wounds and anger form these kind of ungodly soul ties will keep us in bondage until we make the choice to forgive. When we forgive from the heart, we experience a supernatural transaction that sets us free and replaces negative emotions with the peace of God. To be honest, sometimes we must forgive without the apology.

PRIDE A soul tie with self can form due to excessive pride. Pride was the sin that turned Lucifer, an anointed cherub of God, into Satan, the father of lies. The sin of pride is a preoccupation with self. Pride is not just an emotion. It is a spirit. It is listed amongst the seven deadly sins. Pride ruins relationships!

EVIL ATTRACTION Seducing spirits attracts other evil spirits. Just as the Holy Spirit brings people together for divine purposes, evil spirits can also link individuals to one another. If there is something we want and we cannot let it go, we bind to ourselves a seducing spirit of lust that functions as an individual umbilical cord seeking an attachment. Unfortunately, even if we get what we want, a bad outcome is practically guaranteed. Single men and women need to know their worth. I have personally gone through many counterfeits before the Lord sent me my Purpose Mate on February 25, 2021. I have learned many painful lessons because I chose to ignore the red flags of the Holy Ghost. Pay attention! I want to encourage a single person today, if someone ghosts you, in other words, if you reach out to them via text or call and you do not hear from them or do not reply, let them go! Do not allow yourself to suffer the pain of a blue tick! Do not take rejection personally. Rejection is protection from the Lord! Let them go! The person that is for you will not do all these things and put you through unnecessary trauma and drama. Do not entertain anyone asking you for inappropriate pictures, block and delete! Do not allow anyone to devalue or diminish the gift God has placed in you because you want to settle. PLEASE DO NOT SETTLE ! GOD HAS AN AMAZING PERSON FOR YOU! TRUST GOD. Blessing and love, Prophetess Diana Distefano. diana.distefano7@yahoo.com

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

TESTIMONY

IS POSSIBLE; WE DO RECOVER In the darkness of addiction: God’s grace is sufficient! I am Lauren Jones, a former drug addict of 9.5 years. I was born and raised in a good Christian home. My Dad is a pastor. Both my parents worked and provided a fairly middle-class lifestyle for my younger brother and I; we lacked nothing. My Parents were very strict and overprotective of us. We could never play outside and hardly had sleepovers with friends or go out with friends. We were always in the house and went out with my parents often.

she also went the extra mile for me. Meeting her changed my life and I aspired to be just like her someday. She placed me in my first rehab program, which I completed, however, I relapsed a few years later and my life took a turn for the worst!

WHERE IT ALL STARTED At the age of15 years, during the June school holidays, my neighbor’s child invited me to their house while my parents were at work. I went with much excitement because I could not believe that the “cool kids” wanted to hang out with me. I felt unloved and unaccepted for most of my life. I felt I was the “fat and ugly child”. Upon my arrival at the neighbors’ house, they were busy using tik. Unable to resist the peer pressure, I soon joined in. Smoking took place almost every day for most of the school holidays and by the time I returned to school, I was a full blown tik addict.

1ST ATTEMPT AT INTERVENTION Three years later my parents got me an amazing social worker. Not only was she punctual, but 56

My addiction led to me losing my family and good friends. I ended up being arrested several times. I was homeless and slept in someone’s back yard. I suffered every form of abuse, physical, emotional, sexual etc. I even ended up dating a gangster. One Friday night he beat me with a hockey stick; I thought I was going to die. After calling my mom she fetched me and her words that Saturday morning to me was, “Lauren, if you don’t get help, you are going to die. You are my only daughter, please get help”. There was something about the way she said it that really moved me, also I think after the “rough” night I had I was just tired. She

introduced me to a Christian rehab center, and I agreed to book in the Sunday morning.

WHERE I FIRST SAW THE LIGHT! My time in rehab felt like the worst time in my life. No one liked me and I had no friends. Even staff mistreated me. I now realize that it was the best time as it forced me to depend upon Jesus. It really helped me to establish my relationship with God. I believe that I would not be celebrating 9 years of sobriety without God’s grace. My family relationships have been restored and deep healing took place. Today my life is amazing. After 5 years of singleness (and being done with men/love) I met an amazing man who is now my husband. His relationship with God enables him to love me correctly. Benjamin is exactly what I needed, a direct reflection of God’s heart for me. I am currently a 3rd year social work student at the University of the Western Cape. To be in my third year is absolute grace as it is not an easy journey. I am excited about the future and hope to be a social worker that will make a difference in society. I also hope to inspire other addicts, by showing them that change is possible. We do recover.

POETRY

By Reinhardt van der Westhuizen

On the cross, His final words spoken “It is finished” as He hung there broken Physically beaten and bruised And that not a result of being shrewd. Please excuse this gruesome picture But I have to go a little deeper, As the flagrum also sunk I little deeper.

Via dolorosa Is half a mile long You can’t even begin to conceive the distance in that condition. But still He completed His mission.

Ripping up the flesh of our LORD Tearing, bursting, bleeding as He fell to the floor. Demanding again to mount to the post The cat o’ nine tails is no joke. 40 whips less one That is actually more like three hundred and fifty one. Steel barbed hooks attached to each end Here I am praying now for it to please end.

7 inch nails driven through His hands and feet Even the thought of that makes me scream Pearcing His side with a Roman spear Can I see hand for any volunteers?

Mocking and teazing with a crown thorns Pearcing His head with blood being drawn A purple robe placed over His naked and torn flesh So that when it is dry they can rip it off and re-open that flesh

Now just to put you in the picture This story is only half of the picture The other half is impossible to describe And in a sense I’m glad that I don’t have to try

Beams of wood He was made to carry The estimated weight of the wood is just scary 300 pounds or 150kg’s That is pure insanity Remember the 39 lashes That gave so many gashes The skin that is broken The emotion that is broken And most of all the heart that is broken.

Having to lift yourself up for every breath a stab in the side, flesh ripped off your back and crown of thorns that Pearced His head. I’m sure I would be able to smell death.

The sin of the world put onto Him Your sin, my sin... There He was, a spotless Lamb Then, for you, for me, He was being damned. The ultimate sacrifice Paid the highest price The full wrath of God Was given to Him And payment was made in full for my sin. THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

CONNECTED

TO THE

THE TIME

VINE UNDE

A T S

By Simanay Lalla The year 2020 came in like a thief in the night to kill, steal and destroy lives. Many good men and women of God went to rest and many souls that were tragically lost. The time is so much closer to the end than what we can tell...the winds are changing, and the plans of the enemy are not new, just more and more deceptive; infiltrating our justice system, disrupting places of worship, controlling what is preached and legalising the things that go against God’s will. Yet we follow a law system that was given by God; however, man has chosen what is good and suitable and pleasing for himself. Yet the price is so high... the price is eternal death in hellfire. Defiling the thoughts 58

of innocent minds with the types of sex education being taught in school today and the lack of dignity displayed brings us into a closer proximity of the second coming. As the Body of Christ, we need to pray and raise our children in the ways of the Lord. It is our Christian duty to raise them up so that they will not depart from His way. This is the time for Gods army to rise and take our place.

PERSEVERE: THE BATTLE IS REAL! December, last year, I contracted COVID-19. During this time, my grandfather passed away. I was saddened because I was not able to mourn with my family or attend his

funeral. I was isolated in my room with nothing but my thoughts. I realised how short life was. During my 18 days of being sick my past mocked me, and my future called me; the battle of the mind can be a dreadful place when fear is present. I had to fight it with the weapon of warfare, the ultimate name of Jesus the Christ. So, I had lots of time to pray, speak and listened to the Lord. I experienced Him in a very intimate way. I didnt want to end up in hospital so I sought Him earnestly and had many in the priesthood praying with me. In the period of healing, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the gifts that I had neglected since life became so busy and church

WORSHIP worship was done via a screen, phone, or laptop. For me this was a time of process and reconnecting with my purpose.

PRODUCTIVE IN THE PROCESS On the first of February 2021 I launched my single 'Champion of Heaven'! Thereafter the desire to fullfill the mission of completing my album burned fervently within me. I spent much time in fasting and prayer. Late February I received conviction in my spirit to record and the Holy Spirit led me to take the next two to three months to work on the album and trust Him for the next step. Within two months we completed the album 'King of Kings', in Exilic Music Studios. The single 'Full Surrender' launched, and the completed album will be launched on 4th Sept 2021. We will have a live hosting with a limited number of guests based on COVID regulations, however we will avail the live song recordings online, at Simanay Lalla YouTube channel and Facebook. This has truly been such an exciting part of my journey to bring Glory to the Lord.

We are God’s workmanship, wonderfully and fearfully made. I have experienced His peace and tranquillity in new ways and my spiritual eyes has been opened to deeper Kingdom vision. May the Glory of the Lord surround you as You come into your full Surrender! Much Love Peace and Blessings through this beautiful Journey!

FOR YOUR GLORY! The holistic view of the mountain peaks, rock formation, greenery, as well as the hills of the road indicates the highs and lows of life. I watched the sun glittering on the ocean as the soft tide was in; it certainly was two months worth remembering. Entering the studio brought me to an even deeper encounter in worship as we always allowed the Spirit of the Lord to lead us before starting.

WE ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP, WONDERFULLY AND FEARFULLY MADE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED HIS PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY IN NEW WAYS AND MY SPIRITUAL EYES HAS BEEN OPENED TO DEEPER KINGDOM VISION.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

MUSIC

IS We celebrate local talent! It is our delight to introduce to you Johnny Snyman, who despite the current situation with Covid-19, exhibits his heart of worship in his new singles. WHERE IT ALL STARTED Johnny Snyman grew up in Ravensmead, Cape Town, South Africa. He was born on 15 September 1983 and is the eldest of four siblings. Johnny’s mom fell pregnant at the tender age of 21, and when his father denied paternity, his mom, young, hurt, and dealing with her own rejection, asked her parents to assist with parental responsibility. Johnny’s grandparents, who were avid Christians, were also the catalysts that shaped his future in Music ministry. It was their love for music that introduced Johnny to the gospel sound at a young age. His childhood music memories include the sounds of The Gaither’s, Jimmy Swaggart, 62

and old church hymns as familiar sound in their house. His love for the guitar was sparked in the moments he sat on his grand-fathers lap whenever he practiced for Sunday worship. He often recalls how his grandmother spent her days humming her favorite hymns and how her voice transcended above those of the other congregants in church.

HIS LIFE, LOVE AND PASSION Johnny boldly walks in his purpose and is often heard saying how he feels most alive when he worships. Other than leading worship, Johnny is also a Gospel singer, musician, song writer and music director. He is a devoted family man, married

to Liezel and together they have three kids Simone, Larnelle and Ethan. With all the music influence Johnny had growing up, it was only natural for him to get involved with music at school, and by the time he reached high school, Johnny was leader of a boy acapella group. It was during his teenage youth days that his passion for worship drove him to running back and forth between two churches, just to participate in the leading of worship at both. Johnny is a relentless worshipper, unashamed to do just what God lays on his heart. Although Johnny had a

loving home and a stable childhood, as a child he always had a void, a place that was set aside for a father. That immense desire to talk to a dad led him to pour himself out to the Father of Fathers. He realized that whenever he worshiped, he felt complete, thereon, worship was his way of immersing himself into God’s presence. Not only does he captivate believers with his natural ability to change the atmosphere, he also does it with such humility, all the while professing that Glory belongs to God.

RELEASING HIS SOUND TO THE WORLD Johnny’s songs were birthed during seasons and seasons and tells a story of gratitude, grace, and love. His journey inspired more than 15 of his own songs, songs written and composed during the seasons and seasons, that tells a story of God’s indescribable grace. Johnny has already released two songs; 'What Kinda Love', was birthed out of a season of immense mercy, a time where Johnny in his fallibility felt the boundless Love of the infallible God. 'You are Good', is a song written as a prayer of thanksgiving for all God has done and continues to do in his life. Johnny’s ministry, 'Love God, Love Worship', seeks to create a platform for worship without an agenda, without programmes, just relentless worship because God is worthy of our time and because it is our chief end to worship God. The time has come for more of the world to hear Johnny’s unique sound.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

INNOVATION HUB After speaking at a youth event in March this year, Ricardo and Dominique Adonis invited me to witness the realization of their dream business. What I witnessed was breathtaking. A state-ofthe-art facility in the heart of the community of Kraaifontein. I felt immensely proud of this couple whose desire is to see underprivileged young people living their God-ordained lives. Here is what they have to say about The Daily Grind Innovation Hub. South Africa is an entrepreneurial nation and Cape Town is home to

inventive business minds ready to get their ideas off the ground. The Daily Grind is a facility with space for thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to get the support, coaching and mobilization they need, especially now. The Daily Grind aims to connect entrepreneurs, small businesses, and youth to solution. Our vision is to see small businesses and at-risk youth in under-served communities transform their entrepreneurial concepts into sustainable businesses that are drivers of economic growth. So, if you have an existing business and

would like to rent office space, plug, and play or have a meeting with your client... We’ve got you! Do you need expert business advice? The Daily Grind offers on-site Business Development for small businesses and a host of other perks at the Kraaifontein co-working space. The Daily Grind Innovation Hub boasts a 10-seater coding lab and has pulled out all the stops in bringing coding to Kraaifontein. Not only does the hub have a coding lab, but it has also secured a coding program internship for 10 unemployed applicants with US

(RLabs). Our aim is to create environments and systems where people are impacted, empowered, and transformed through hope, innovation, technology, training and economic opportunities. “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” This famous quote by Marc Anthony is a wonderful philosophy to live by. Starting a small business can have its own obstacles but the rewards you reap are worth it. We’re here to help your ideas thrive and grow!

OUR VISION IS TO SEE SMALL BUSINESSES AND AT-RISK YOUTH IN UNDER-SERVED COMMUNITIES TRANSFORM THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL CONCEPTS INTO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES THAT ARE DRIVERS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

HERITAGE DAY

UMUNTU NGUMUNTU NGABANTU By: Claudene Sebolai

e s u a c e re b , a m a you I

As Africans our heritage is deeply rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu. The title of this article is a Zulu phrase which means a person is a person through other people. One of the main proponents of Ubuntu is Archbishop Desmond Tutu who describes a person with Ubuntu as someone who is “open and available to others, affirming of others ... has a proper self-assurance.” This idea of Ubuntu reminds me of our Christian heritage which is rooted and grounded in love. When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His response was; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” These two are totally inseparable. Someone cannot say “I love God” but dislike one’s neighbour nor have anything to do with one’s neighbour. Since God is love, and so we will love as Christ loves us. Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 13. Love does not lend itself to rivalry but to peace, not to pride but to humility. Love binds where there has been division, heals where there has been hate, and believes the best of others instead of the worst. Love enables the ministry of others rather than selfish interests. Without love there can be no unity. Love does not harm others by its inappropriate actions. Love does not satisfy its own needs while ignoring that of others. Love does not easily take offence. As we prepare our outfits and meat for heritage day celebrations, let us also reflect on our words and actions. Let us strive always to love our neighbour as ourselves. Happy Heritage Day! Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu!

OUR GOLD SPONSORS

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLD SPONSORS:

KELLY KOSKY MINISTRIES

INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: WWW.ICLD.CO.ZA

CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST: CCCSA.ORG.ZA

KELLY KOSKY MINISTRIES

KELLY KOSKY MINISTRIES: WWW.KELLYKOSKYMINISTRIES.COM

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

MOVIES

FAITH-BASED FILMS TO INSPIRE

Relax with these Christian movies that will leave you feeling inspired!

FRESHMAN YEAR

After CJ graduates high school and moves to college, this preacher’s son’s beliefs are challenged every step of the way.

A woman’s life is forever changed after her husband is killed in combat and she must figure out how to raise her daughter and keep her faith.

GOD BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD

THE HEALER

CHANGE IN THE AIR Screenwriter Audra Gorman tells the captivating story of a quiet new neighbor (played by Rachel Brosnahan of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel fame) who these small-town folks just can’t quite figure out. But one thing’s for sure—they will never be the same after knowing her. 68

Meet down-on-his-luck Alec, whose uncle has coined him “the disgrace of the family.” He gets a chance to start anew, but must agree to move abroad to Nova Scotia, where a misleading ad in the local paper guides Alec to discover that he has inherited a special family gift.

By Claudene Sebolai Someone once said, “Your life goes in the direction of your most dominant thoughts!” To me, that phrase is in line with the following words of Jesus Luke 6:45: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” The subconscious mind has far greater power than the conscious mind and learns through repetition. Even though it is more powerful than the conscious mind, it has no control and changes at level occur through the initiation of the conscious mind. Eliminating negative or limiting word habits is a conscious decision. Research shows that toxic thoughts such as stress, worry, unforgiveness, and anger actually cause damage to our brains. Dr. Leaf also says, “As we think, we change the physical nature of our brain. As we consciously direct our thinking, we can wire out toxic patterns of thinking and replace them with healthy thoughts.” Let’s declare the word of God over our lives through these biblical affirmations:

E. HE EFUG R D N A Y. TODA ROCK E Y M M R S ORD I CE FO THE L FE PL A A S A E 18:1 WILL B PSALM

D AY EVERY T U O B S AND RRY A NEED ’T W O Y N M O S D W I E HIS D KNO I MAK O E S G . U E A R N. LIF M BEC ONCE E C H T Y R S MEET R R Y, PRIMA M MY TO WO O Y D A G W RIO KIN T GIVE CENA O S N E S L L A I WI -3 3 R S T- C R WO W 6:25 O E , H R T A T A FE ING. M THINK EN TH WH G N E R E ST S MY IVES M REASE G C N D I O D G AN EAK. EARY I AM W N I AM W E H RW POWE 40:29 ISAIAH ITH LIFE W Y M D E HIM S FILL RUST A T H N D A GO S. I C :1-5 THING L M 103 A D S O P O . E G M TISFY TO SA

IONS. B U L AT I R T L IN AL TS ME R O S 1: 3-4 F OM THIAN N I R GOD C 2 CO HOW AT T E R M O ROL N IEL 6 CONT N I . DAN S I K D O O O G SL THING MY URE IN S A E L R HIS KES P E R TA I F AV O H E T S A U F A C 5:27 MY IT Y BE ALM 3 R S E P . P E S PRO CAUS EOUS T H G I R A L E D, AM HE I , S U S AND OF JE A L LY, N RIPES T O S I T E 2 : 24 MO BY TH ETER L LY, E P 1 A , C 5 I : S PHY I A H 53 LY. I S A L A T N ME D GOD FE AN I L G N 1:16 ITH LO ALM 9 S W P D . E N I AT I S F VA T I O I AM S IS SAL H E M RD S SHOW T H E LO F O T UGH 54:13 ARE TA ISAIAH N . E E R C D A E IL HEIR P MY C H AT IS T E R G AND

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

BOOKS

BOOK REVIEWS WOMAN EVOLVE: BREAK UP WITH YOUR FEARS AND REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR LIFE By: Sarah Jakes Roberts As the first woman, Eve was also the first woman who had to deal with the mistakes of her past. In a dramatic reinterpretation of Eve’s story in Genesis, Sarah Jakes Roberts shows how the slow seduction of our minds can knock us out of our orbit. Pastor Sarah guides women in identifying the dragons that have taken them down, then encourages readers to get into a new orbit as she reminds them “enmity” is a two-way street. Everyone faces trials, and everyone will mess up. But past failures should not be the focus. A person’s purpose in life does not change; it evolves. In the same way, someone should not be attached to who she was but to who she can become. Chapters include: • Identify Your Weakness • Silence Is Golden • Touch but Don’t Eat • Naked Is the New Black • You’re Gonna Mess Up • Rest in Hope Woman Evolve teaches women that they can use failures and mistakes to break through to their future. Like Eve, they do not need to live defined by the past. Pastor Sarah says, “Bruised heels can still crush serpents’ heads.”

PRAYING FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE By: Dutch Sheets In this two-in-one volume, you'll find two definitive books on prayer from pastor and author Dutch Sheets. Called foundational, revolutionary, illuminating, and motivating, Intercessory Prayer is a classic work, still fresh and inspiring after more than 20 years. This rich, biblical teaching shows how vital our prayers are and how God works in partnership with us through prayer. As Dutch Sheets explains the nuts and bolts of prayer with wisdom, gentleness, and humor, you will find inspiration and courage to pray for the impossible--and the persistence to see your prayers to completion. Includes questions for reflection and discussion leader's guide. Authority in Prayer will show you how to take hold of God's promises and pray with the authority he wants you to have. You can reign in life and be the overcomer God intends you to be, taking charge of your personal world and changing the world around you. Don't allow sin, Satan, or the circumstances of life to weigh you down.

PRAYERS FOR FREEDOM OVER WORRY AND ANXIETY By: Sarah Jakes Roberts By: Bruce Wilkinson, Heather Lynn Set your heart free as you are encouraged by God's truth and empowered by His love. Be uplifted as you read short devotions to quiet your mind, scripture to guide your thoughts, and prayers to help you convey your burdens to the Lord, who can handle them all. Burdens such as... • staying safe • navigating your finances • repairing relationships • maintaining good health • facing the future Are you ready to release your worries and receive God's infinite peace? This book will help you in your daily prayer time, enhancing your current experience and freeing you to fully embrace heavenly peace. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

SPACE TOURISM: BILLIONARES LAUNCH INTO SPACE Two competing billionaires have launched successful trips to space in the race for commercial space travel. Richard Branson became the first person to ride into space aboard a rocket he helped fund. The supersonic space plane developed by his company, Virgin Galactic, roared into the sky over New Mexico early Sunday, 11th of July 2021, carrying Branson and three fellow crewmembers. As Branson floated around in microgravity, he taped a message using cameras onboard the space plane: “To all you kids out there — I was once a child with a dream, looking up to the stars. Now I’m an adult in a spaceship... If we can do this, just imagine what you can do,” he said. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has made a short journey to space, in the first crewed flight of his rocket ship, New Shepard. They travelled in a capsule with the biggest windows flown in space, offering stunning views of the Earth. On this flight was the oldest person who has been to space - Ms Funk (82 years old) - and the youngest, student Oliver Daemen, (18 years old). At a post-launch news briefing, Jeff Bezos said: “My expectations were high and they were dramatically exceeded.” Jeff Bezos said he was surprised by the sensation of microgravity: “It felt so normal,” he explained. Ms Funk added: “It was great, I loved it, I can hardly wait to go again.” Cheers to the future of sub-orbital tourism!

CANADIAN PASTOR ARRESTED FOR BREAKING CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS Tim Stephens, the pastor of a Baptist church in Calgary Canada, has been arrested for the second time for continuing to hold in-person gatherings breaking the cap imposed by COVID-19 restrictions the area. The lead pastor of the Fairview Baptist Church was arrested on Monday after holding a church service outdoors. A video from Rebel News showing Pastor Stephen’s arrest has been circulating on social media. The father of eight can be seen being walked out of his home by officers while engaging in a debate on the religious and legal grounds of his arrest. “The rules certainly don’t apply to everyone equally. Why is it pastors that keep getting arrested for this?” he says. “Right now, we are just doing our job. So, if you hadn’t broken the order or the rules that are set up right now, I would not be here,” officers replied. Pastor Stephen’s wife, Rachel Stephens, took to Instagram to ask for prayer. She said: “We are shaken, but our faith is not. We are sorrowful, but always rejoicing. As I prayed with the saints tonight, I couldn’t help but sense their joy at this opportunity to proclaim the excellencies of our Lord Jesus. In God’s providence, Tim’s imprisonment will strengthen us in the faith and embolden us to love and obey Christ, no matter the cost. “Pray for Tim to stand firm; that he would meditate on the love of Christ and his sacrifice for sinners; that he would be comforted in his chains. Pray for his release,” the post reads.

REST IN POWER SHALEEN SURTIE-RICHARDS Veteran actress Shaleen SurtieRichards had been in Cape Town to shoot episodes of the show she was appearing in – and when she didn’t show up on set on Monday morning, someone went looking for her at the guesthouse where she was staying. The 66-year-old star was found dead in her room, plunging the South African entertainment world – and her many fans – into mourning. Shaleen, who shot to prominence playing Nenna in the long-running soap Egoli, had been in the Mother City to film episodes of

the kykNET&Kie telenovela Arendsvlei. The circumstances of her death are still unclear, says Shaun Mynhardt, founder of the South African Legends Museum. “Her death is tragic and a huge loss for the arts world,” he says. “You kind of wonder if there wasn’t something you could’ve done. But there wasn’t. No one could’ve guessed she wouldn’t wake up.” “None of us know exactly what happened. I understand she was still fine yesterday. They’d rehearsed all day and no one suspected anything was amiss,” he says.

FROM CAPE TOWN TO TOKYO: CAPE FLATS MAKING WAVES! Tokyo 2021 Olympics will host three athletes from Bonteheuwel: Genevieve Lentz, Theo Cogill and Antonio Alkana. As one of the Bonteheuwel group members state, “Bonteheuwel is becoming a nest of success and opportunity and we have no intention of stopping now.” This is a proud moment for areas such as Bonteheuwel that are mostly reported on for the gang activity in and around the community. Talk about changing narratives GO BONTEHEUWEL! Not only is the Northern suburbs making waves; Ashwin Reynolds from Grassy Park is the proud owner of Kommetdieding, the new Champion Racehorse of the 2021 Durban July. The name alone implies that this horse definitely came to change the game. Ashwin Reynolds has become the first Coloured person to own a Durban July winner and Kommetdieding also seems to be the first horse with an Afrikaaps phrase as a name on the acclaimed roll of honour. On Saturday 3 July 2021, Kommetdieding won the 2021 Vodacom Durban July over 2,200m at the Greyville Racecourse in Durban. Kommetdieding came from the outside 18 draw to win the historic 125th edition of the race. THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

LEADERSHIP TRAINING - 2020 You are invited to enroll in a life-changing online leadership program, hosted by the Institute for Leadership Development (ICLD). Come and be equipped with Kingdom Leadership principles that will set you apart in your sector of influence!

THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM is now

ONLINE with the

ZOOM platform

Remaining Dates for 2021 Online LTP For enquiries:

ICLD Office: 012 803 5877 Christél: 084 222 4697 E-mail: admin@icld.co.za

Session 7: Covenant Driven Leadership

26 August

Session 8: Nation Building – A Biblical Perspective

30 September

Session 9: Leadership & Culture

28 October

Session 10: The Lamb Leadership Model

25 November

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE DIRECTORY ACADEMIA

PRIVAATSKOOL / PRIVATE SCHOOL (Vereniging ingelyf kragtens artikel 21) 2001 / 003894 / 08 (N P O Registration No 097 – 207 – NPO)

Tel: (014) 736-5881 (014) 004 0065 (071) 695 6822 Fax2Email: 086 665 1269

Posbus / P O Box 965 Bela Bela 0480 Ludorf street 24 Bela Bela 0480

www.academia.org.za info@academia.org.za admin@academia.org.za

Walking with Christ

Architects | Engineers | Surveyors | Construction Managers We make a difference in education by being Christ-like, and following an International Curriculum: Cambridge International Examinations

Serving Christian organisations through tailored design services. Contact us with your project today @ emiworld.org.za

TRAINING CHILDREN IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO

Join the El Shaddai family in Port Alfred. Grades RRR to Grade 12. 046 624 3616

Impophomo has helped over 8000 vulnerable households with relief, livelihoods and ministry since the lockdown began. Help us to continue Christ's mandate...

Empowering People

LIST OF ADVERTISERS

Academia Private School Baby Steps Bergventure Bible Institute of South Africa NPC Campus Crusade for Christ South Africa Cass Crafting Christian Guide Inside Christian Missions International

www.impophomo.org.za

info@elshaddaiportalfred.co.za

Personalised engravings on wood, granite and glass. Perfect for weddings, birthday gifts and home decor to add that special touch.

El Shaddai School Emi World Faith Global Institute Gatyana Bible School Impophomo Institute for Christian Leadership Development International Christian Embassy

Jerusalem John Wesley School Pinetown Kelly Kosky Ministries Living Products Mervin Messias Trust Specialist Teaching Every Nation The King's School West Rand

THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

Xhosa-speaking bible college > Under the aUthority and accoUntable to african christian Ministries > in association with kelly kosky Ministries > willowvale, eastern cape, soUth africa > established 1999 In 1998, while building a permanent mission station, Sebadine, one of Kelly's leaders, suggested that he believed the Lord wanted the mission to start a Bible college. Kelly was reluctant to do this. Because he had never been to a Bible college himself, Kelly felt unqualified. But Kelly and the mission were open to do whatever the Lord was calling them to do. After several years of prayer, the Lord established Gatyana Bible College (GBC) in the Transkei.

GBC is unique in many ways: 1. GBC is the only Bible college in the world that teaches the Word of God in the Xhosa language. Other Bible colleges require students to learn one of the “white man’s languages” (English or Afrikaans). 2. GBC allows local leaders to study the Bible in their own culture, their Xhosa homeland. 3. Other Bible colleges require the students to relocate to the more westernized cities of South Africa. 4. GBC does not require a high school diploma for admission. The only requirement is that students be able to read and write in Xhosa. 5. GBC is the only Bible college that does not charge students to pay tuition in order to study the Word of God. The Xhosa are a very impoverished people, with little or no money. GBC believes that nowhere in the scriptures does Jesus, Paul, or any teacher/ rabbi ever require payment from anyone to learn the Word of God. Accordingly, GBC does not charge students fees for studying the Bible. 6. GBC is the only Bible college that is governed by indigenous Africans (with the exception of Kelly). Almost all other African Bible colleges are governed by prominent white theologians. This governance has been an example that the national Africans are very capable of leading their own ministry. 7. GBC is registered and recognized by the national government as a nonprofit organization, and it complies with all the regulations of a registered trust.

Postal eddress: P O Box 18, Willowvale, 5040, Eastern Cape, South Africa Contact info: Rev Sipho Maqhinyana - Dean / head master; SiphoMaqhinyana@gmail.com; 083 887 8119; 060 581 5347 Dr M. Sebe - President; msebe3@gmail.com, 084 505 4978, 083 254 1025

www.KellyKoskyMinistries.com

Brand New A5 Bi-Annual Christian Digital Guide and Directory

CHRISTIAN

GUIDE inside Your Guide: All things Christian Supplied Inside. AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE! We flash a bright light and publicize every business and organization inside our guide through focused campaigns, various online, and social media platforms. Highlighting every region, every area, and every business!

at d a e r S: Sp RATE uble Page o .95 1 x D .95 5 9 0 9 1 R1 99 l Page at R 99.95 l R5 1 x Fu f Page at t R259.95 a al 1 x H arter Page u 1 x Q elay, y! a d o t d Don’t your spot e secur l be

hal s d e Blessasket and thy b tore thy s y 28:5 nom

ero Deut

webCGI@WEBMAIL.CO.ZA - www.weservegroup.co.za EMAIL: email US - info@weservegroup.co.za FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK: @CHRISTIANGUIDEINSIDE 78 CONTACT +278181514 514 5992 call - +27 5992

The Christian Lifestyle 10

Articles inside

Worthy to be Loved

Prayer of Salvation

Biblical Affirmations