THIRTY ONE: ISSUE 23 by Victory Church

I S S U E T W E N T Y- T H R E E EDNA ELS

THE RISING CONFERENCE TESTIMONIES EDITION

#23 CONTENTS P O W E R N O T E 1

- Edna Els T E S T I M O N I E S 1 0 - 2 5

- Marina Jansen v Rensburg Alissa Henderson Pink y Leboko Anne Galloway Carin Bronkhorst Anina Vlok Puleng Mamabolo Geraldine Meyer Jennifer Keuning Lor raine Phadu B E A U T Y 2 6

- Teagan Martini

© This publication is produced by Victory Media for ME+YOU Mentoring Jeffreys Bay. All articles are written by members of Victory Church unless otherwise stated. This magazine is not for sale. For further information on any of the articles, do not hesitate to email us at global@meandyoumentoring.com // Issue 23 - November 2023 meandyoumentoring.com // victorychurch.org.za

understanding in operating Naturally Supernatural). When we do this, the quick fix is to look for the Spectacular and thereby miss the Supernatural. Clearly defining the terms Natural and Supernatural

Naturally Supernatural, from Grace to Glory

can help us to steer clear of this trap. We are all designed not for either/or, but both the Natural and Supernatural realms. There are two crucial perspectives regarding our understanding of natural. 1. In a Biblical context: Natural is normal, usual, every day, or standard. Adam and Eve were natural, made out of the dust of the earth and the rib of a man, created to walk with a supernatural God. According to the Bible, we are image bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and fearfully, wonderfully, and marvellously made (Psalm 139). Therefore, it is normal to walk connected to God. 2. In a worldly

Dear Friend

context: Natural is common, routine, unexceptional,

I’m flying home from a quick visit to the UK (and as

ordinary, uninteresting, and nothing special. It

there is nothing worth watching), I would rather chat

becomes a derogative concept, implying that “You

with you by writing the powernote for this issue of

are weak and not enough.”

our 31 magazine. These pages are filled with your incredible testimonies of the goodness of God,

You either have a biblical or worldly perspective

bringing hope and igniting our faith. If He could do it

of natural. According to that perspective, you will

for you, He will do it for me too!

either walk connected to God (which makes you supernatural) or superimpose your own super

I have been reflecting on our incredible time

on your natural. It is as old as the story of Adam

together at the Rising Conference. With a theme

and Eve wanting to become something they

such as Living Naturally Supernatural, we were

already were! Yet we buy into the lie! We have

set up to receive by miracle that which we cannot

image creators and consultants ready to assist

attain by muscle. Have you ever wondered how to

us with whatever we need to put on to cover our

live consistently Naturally Supernatural, not just in

nakedness, from superfood to super fit, super

those rare moments when heaven breaks through

bodies, and super bank accounts. We cover our

and into our mundane lives, but just ordinarily, day

inferiority and try to warrant our worth by what we

to day? If you are anything like me, then you would

wear, do, and who we associate with. Ouch! It hurts

also tend to complicate matters (and maybe lack

and takes us further away from the One, the Only

One that can bring us into freedom, wholeness, and

shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: No

the supernatural realm that we were designed to live

good thing will He withhold from them that walk

and move and have our being in.

uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). It is the in-between challenging bits where we are facing the reality of

Adam and Eve were the epitome of natural. Made

life that necessitates the natural to become the

from dust and ribs, but connected to God. Naked

supernatural. It is here where His grace enables

and not ashamed. She did not dress for success,

us and overrides our natural circumstances

and he did not drive the latest Range Rover to go

even though, outwardly, nothing seems to have

and check on the elephants. They were natural,

changed yet. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “That the God

ordinary people with a Kingdom mandate - God

of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by

said to them to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and

Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will

subdue it, and have dominion. God blessed them,

perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you”. What

enabled them, and the natural became supernatural!

begins with grace leads to glory. What starts in the

We have defined natural, but did you know that the

Natural with God ends in the supernatural with God.

word ‘super’ means so much more than just large in

Romans 9:23 says, “That He might make known the

size or exceeding expectations? Definition of Super:

riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy which He

Excellent, superb, first-rate, first-class, superior,

has prepared beforehand for glory.”

outstanding, remarkable, dazzling, marvellous, magnificent, wonderful, splendid, fine, exquisite,

My friend, be encouraged that God has prepared

exceptional, glorious, perfect, brilliant, awesome,

us as His (natural) vessels of mercy and is pouring

stellar, divine, and miraculous. Doesn’t this sound

out His (super) glory in and on us to be carriers of

like the glory of God? The natural becomes

His grace - Naturally Supernatural! Enjoy this issue,

supernatural when God puts His super on our

knowing that you are deeply loved and created for

natural.

supernatural adventures of the glorious kind!

He comes and imparts His Glory on us! He gives

Love Edna

grace and glory: “The Lord God is a sun and

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Marina Jansen v Rensburg SJOE MEISIES!!!!! What a download. As we were worshipping on Friday evening the Holy Spirit showed me how HE VISISTED EVERY CHAIR. Moving from one chair to the next, spending time. It is like there are no rush - time standing still. I felt in my spirit a heavy download for things to come, being in a season where God are keeping me in the waiting for the next season. Though I know it also means, to wait for strategy, preparation and in prayer. Thank you for obeying.

Anne Galloway During the conference, I really felt the presence of God and felt like God has woken me up to a new season.

Pinky Lebok I would like to start by thanking God for the complimentary ticket, i truly had an appointment with him. I have been walking around with pain, anger, hurt and resentment for a while. Going through a divorce and recently moved to Jbay alone leaving my daughter behind in joburg was not an easy decision but one that had to be made. I got here not knowing anyone and everyday i went to sleep crying and in such pain that i cannot even begin to explain. That friday i walked into church not feeling any different from all the other days and my only request to God was whatever He was about to do that weekend can i please not be left behind. I worshipped like He was standing right in front of me and by the end of the session on friday i went home feeling a lil bit better, lighter and a lil at peace. Saturday came back knowing and this time really believing that His plans are far better and greater than i could ever imagine. I left it all at His feet and after Pastor Edna’s teaching i went to were they prayed for healing because i knew i needed that more than anything. All i can say is God is good and He is a wonderful and great God. Never has He ever left my side and i haven’t been crying since and i believe that it is only just the beginning of great and wonderful things to come.

Carin Bronkhorst As we were praying together for the Rising there was such a anticipation, such a awareness that God is about to not just do something phenomenal but the result would be a continued working of Holy Spirit that will take place long after the actual conference. There was a tangible awareness in my spirit that there is a shift taking place and I experience it still. Before the conference I spoke to Father about revelation and understanding. Receiving revelation but also having the understanding of what God is revealing and to not just be happy for the revelation but truly getting understanding and being enabled to walk in that which God imparted. I can truly say that this is exactly what happened in my life during the rising. There was a impartation into my spirit which I felt like as if someone is pressing on my body and pressing something into it. At times it was difficult to breath. Each person that ministered had something that they invested into my spirit. I heard the word “breakthrough” several times during the services. I also heard the words, “I have dealt with it”...I just experienced a “inner” work as if God was putting a final nail into the enemies coffin, so to speak. The first night of the conference I had such a stirring in my spirit that I was awake the whole night. As we ministered to women of all ages at the different stations several said, (I ministered at issues of the heart), “there is a stirring in my spirit please pray with me”. God truly began a work that will have a ripple affect into families and nations. This conference truly as Edna said was God putting His SUPA on our natural. Each person that I ministered to told me that they have such an awareness of God calling them into something deeper. Several

of the women that came for prayer, which I encountered, did not come with any “complaints” but rather an awareness that God has started something in them which they are going to pursue. I just felt to pray that the Divine seed that was deposited in their spirits they will carry it full term to the glory of God! . One lady told me that she has cut herself off from everything and that she is just floating and not truly alive, but that she felt she had to come for prayer as something will change in her life, she experienced a touch of Holy Spirit and would I please pray for her. Wow! God was at work! God just did the work through Holy Spirit and I believe by coming for prayer, that which God began in their lives were sealed by Holy Spirit. I am excited about what God has begun in each one of their lives. The other thing that blessed me and amazed me was the transparency of the women that ministered to us. Wow! No masks just women who were prepared to allow God to continue His work in their lives so that Holy Spirit could minister through them to the glory of the Father and be a blessing to the body of Christ. Women who shared their struggles and demonstrated what God can do in and through you as you allow Him to do what He knows best. It imparted such hope and joy. The me and you mentoring panel blessed me as well and just once again confirmed how we need the body of Christ. That we are called for unity and togetherness which are key to our personal and spiritual growth and survival. God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Glory to God!

Anina Vlok It took me some time to work through the Rising conference. This year is 10 years since I gave my heart to Jesus. 10 years of growing and really getting to know Jesus. The Rising 2023 was also the 1st conference that I did that I finished. All my other courses/conferences I couldn t finish. I always got sick or had a heavy migraine on the last day. This year I decided I am not going to miss anything and made sure that I registered for everything. On Saturday morning I registered for Robin’s “stretch session”. When she mentioned before the time that we can cry if we need or want to, we must go for it. She focussed a lot on natural easy movement and breathing, taking care of your body as it is a temple of God. I didnt think I would be so touched by the Holy Spirit at that specific stage. I physically broke down, realizing that I have NEVER thought I am good enough for anything…I actually never thought about ME. Since the age of 2 years old my innocence was taken away…and from an early age I have never grasped the idea my body being a temple. I have heard it a lot, spoken about it but it never made sense until that Saturday. My body is so broken that I couldn t do the basic stretches and movements. That shocked me…that at the age of 53 i have realised what it means to honour Jesus with taking care of my body That Saturday evening i was ready to send all my sicknesses and diseases back to the pit of the hell. We have the authority to do that. I went for the praying session and declared healing. For the first time since Feburary I could actually close my left hand. The arthritis was much better…..until the mext morning. When I woke up the Sunday my arthritis was worst than ever…I just laughed … I mean. It knows where it comes from and it knows where it’s going (back to hell) but it is trying to cling to my body. I believe Jesus died on the cross so that I can live arthritis free….diabetes free and free of ANY bondages or chains. I will not stop believing that I am healed.

Puleng Mamabolo The Rising was a place that afforded me the privilege and opportunity to catch up and connect with a dear friend, briefly but intimately. As we stood on a queue to buy coffee, a friend and I quickly exchanged updates of how we were doing. We had tried to make plans to meet prior but our schedules kept clashing. It was such a blessing to just be able to share and be, surrounded by people yet be able to talk so freely and seemingly privately. The service started, we got to sit next to each other. During whorship, this friend of mine shared how the Holy Spirit was showing her how the Lord is going to meet me and my husband where we are. She saw the sun and the great, bright light God is placing in front of us to lead and guide us in our journey. Soon after worship, Marylin shared the Word and her scripture reference was Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” What a confirmation?! When that verse was shared, it felt like a stamp of seal on the prophetic word I received. A guaranteed assurance because God is faithful to His Word and will see to the fulfillment of it. So I wait with great expectation, anticipating to see Him do the supernatural in my natural as I keep in-step with Him.

Geraldine Meyer The Rising 2022 was a very special time for me and the five girls from my local church who attended with me. From when we entered the auditorium on Friday evening until we left on Sunday, we cried as we could feel the Holy Spirit moving. The Rising 2023 was obviously going to be epic, so I made it my mission to take as many ladies with me because I just knew that their lives would never be the same. We arrived in Jbay on Friday and headed to Victory for our first session. Dr Pearl was on fire, but I was battling to “feel” Holy Spirit. I was examining my heart and wondered if I was doing something wrong. Where were the tears? Saturday’s sessions were intense and life-changing, but still, I was battling to feel connected. I was wondering if there was something wrong with my heart and my attitude, and I kept checking myself. I decided to relax and prepare for the Saturday evening session and believed God would do something in me. Saturday evening’s session came along, and Pastor Edna was preaching about Esther, and I heard some revelations there that I

had never heard of in my life. When you read her story, you never realise just how difficult it must have been for her and what she also had to give up. Pastor Edna made an altar call; we used communion together, and there were different stations around the room for specific prayer requests. I was battling in my mind to go out for prayer. I have been battling depression for over twenty years, but I put God in a box because I wanted Him to heal me in a particular and specific way. You see, my father struggled with severe jealousy and made my mom’s life unbearable at times. She had to wear certain clothes no makeup, she had to look down while they drove in a car, and he often locked her in the bathroom so that she could not go anywhere. She was pregnant with me when she climbed through a window to get out and nearly lost me in the process. It got so bad that my dad tried to commit suicide a few times because he knew he was destroying my mom’s life and didn’t know how to change. One day, he went to their room and said to my mom that he was not going to come out of the room until Jesus had delivered him from jealousy. He entered the room, went, and lay on his back looking up at the ceiling. The next moment, Jesus appeared above

him, and after that, he could remember nothing else. When he woke up there, God had delivered him from that spirit of jealousy. My grandmother asked my mom if she did something because my dad didn’t look the same. I asked God to heal me from depression like he healed my dad from jealousy. I told the God of the universe how I felt He should do it. During the Saturday evening session, Marilyn stood up and said that she felt that people battling with anxiety and depression needed to go out for prayer. I was still fighting with God because I wanted God himself to do it, and the next minute, I believe I heard him say that he wanted to use people to help me. I decided to get up and go to the healing station and ask someone to pray with me. Anne approached me and asked if she could pray with me and what I believed God for. I answered that I wanted her to pray for the depression I had been struggling with. The strange thing is that I am not sure what Anne prayed for regarding the depression. She prayed something about an umbilical cord that needs to be cut. Then she spoke about my creativity and that she saw me leaving colourful footprints wherever I went, but not once did she raise her voice, shout in my ear or grab me by the hair (I say this because, at one point

in my life, this was my reference for being delivered from sickness or demonic oppression). She spoke to me calmly and gently in her natural tone of voice. There were no tears and goosebumps during the conference, and I concluded that I was probably not in the right place and state of heart (not mind) to have received something from Father. But I was so wrong. A month passed after The Rising, and I was sitting and talking to my sister when I realised I had not had a depressive episode since then. They usually happened at least once a week for a few days and have kept me in limbo for so long. It’s been another two weeks since then, and still no episode. It was then that I realised that even though I was not crying like last year and feeling like the previous year, God was working without me even knowing it. I was placing God in a box and telling Him how I thought he should work. I need to let go of how I think things should happen and let God be God. He knows what He is doing. Thank you so much for The Rising and everyone who has put so much into it. I know my life has changed because of all of you.

Jennifer Keuning I arrived on Friday evening of the conference with a heavy heart, but conference weekend has changed my life. Last night I received prayer for healing and relationships. God touched me and healed my aching heart, both physical and emotional pain. I got up the next morning and I’m pain free. Praise God!

Lorraine Phadu God has been so good to me. From an independent 6 year old in the villages of Limpopo, with no window of hope to a successful Soil Scientist. This weekend he has healed me from anxiety, shame and the trauma that I carried for 30 years of my life. I would love to share more. Because God did it for me and He can do it again. Today I am no longer Lorraine “the orphan” as I was called but Lorraine of the Lord most High.