THIRTY ONE: Issue 5

ISSUE FIVE / ME2 MAGAZINE P E O P L E W E M E E T: SHELLEY COLLINS SUE BISHOP L I A N N E VA N LO O N GINA SMITH C R E AT I V E C O L L E CT I V E

#5 CONTENTS P O W E R N O T E F R O M E D N A

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A B A N D O N E D B U T F O U N D . . .

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- Menaka Rajapakse

BRINGING MY OWN SUNSHINE

- Gina Smith

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P E O P L E W E M E E T

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- Shelley Collins W H I T E L I L L I E S

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- Sue Bishop B E A U T Y F O R A S H E S PA R T 2

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- Kim van Vuuren C R E AT I V E C O L L E C T I V E

- Renaissance

L I A N N E ’ S S T O R Y

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- Lianne van Loon H O N O U R A N D P R A I S E

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- Runelle Kok W E A R & E AT

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W H E N I T R A I N S I T P O U R S

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-Angela Hendricks M E 2 M E N T O R I N G R E S O U R C E

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© This publication is produced by Victory Media for me2 M e n t o r i n g J e ff re y s B a y. A l l a rt i c l e s a re w r i tt e n b y m e m b e r s o f Victory Church unless otherwise stated. This magazine is not f o r s a l e . Fo r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n o n a n y o f t h e a r t i c l e s , d o n o t hesitate to email us at me2@victorychurch.org.za Cover photography: Kara Nothnagel w w w. m e 2 m e n t o r i n g . c o m / / w w w. v i c t o r y c h u rc h . o rg . z a

Photography: Sherah Krause

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>>POWERNOTE<<

It’s Monday morning and I’m having a

with Kingdom purpose and destiny!

solitar y Chai Lattė in Woolies! Most of

Lives that carr y the sweet fragrance of

my friends can relate immediately... An

Christ, some crushed, others broken, but

unexpected interlude as I wait for my next

redeemed by the ultimate sacrifice that

appointment has given me the oppor tunity

was made once and for all so that we

to have a quick chat with you.

can be whole.

I’ve just paged through the next issue of 31:

Does it sound a bit heavy for a Monday

Beautiful! As I saw glimpses into the lives of

morning?

dif ferent women from dif ferent continents, it suddenly struck me... These are not

Words drif ting from the table next to me

lightweight contenders in the arena of life!

suddenly invade my space. “...they say

In them is a weightiness in the Spirit that is

I should forgive!!! But how is that even

not casually acquired, and that weightiness

possible?! I cannot...” A simple, overheard

earmarks so many of their lives, regardless of

conversation over a cup of cof fee fills my

ages and stages!

hear t with compassion for so many who are still trapped and tormented by the enemy’s

These are Beautiful women. Godly women.

devices and can see no way out! We are

Women who love the King and are about the

so privileged to know the WAYMAKER GOD!

business of His Kingdom.

Yes, we’re all dealing with stuf f! But it’s HOW we deal with it that determines the outcome

Stories of seasoned Women who have been

of our lives.

through the crucible of life and have come out on the other side better not bitter.

“Suf fering” is such an unpopular word. It’s something that we instinctively tr y to avoid

Young women standing on tiptoe at the

at all costs. Our natural state of mind is to

threshold of life with a resolve to be aligned

find the path of least resistance and stick

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to it, stubbornly expecting the outcome

So today, dear friends, I want to encourage

to bring comfor t and a happy ending. At

you to… “Consider it a sheer gif t, friends,

times, we need to face the storms of life

when tests and challenges come at you from

and the over whelming reality of adverse

all sides. You know that under pressure, your

*circumstances (*those things which encircle

faith-life is forced into the open and shows

me to the extent that I cannot see clearly)

its true colors. So don’t tr y to get out of

and CHOOSE to trust, rely on, adhere to and

anything prematurely. Let it do its work so

cling to God regardless of the outcome!

you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:2-4 MSG)

Paul stated it so well…

“For our light, momentar y af fliction (this

God has allowed us to be significant,

slight distress of the passing hour) is ever

heavyweight role players in His Kingdom.

more and more ABUNDANTLY PREPARING

That gives me great insight into His bigger

and PRODUCING and ACHIEVING for us

picture and the grace to embrace my par t

an everlasting WEIGHT OF GLORY beyond

with joy!

all measure, EXCESSIVELY surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent GLORY and blessedness never to cease!” (2 Corinthians 4:17 AMP) It’s not surprising that the unifying central theme throughout the Bible is the glor y of God and the advancement of the Kingdom.

The word GLORY means to be HEAVY or WEIGHT Y… it denotes SIGNIFICANCE!

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love Eds

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A B A N D O N E D, BUT FOUND BY YOU

menaka rajapakse

SRI LANKA

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When I think about my journey, I get so excited!

By the time I was 13, all I wanted to do was prove

Of course, I’m relieved that my past is in the past,

to my family (and to the world) that I could live

but I am also extremely grateful that I can see

life on my own and make my own choices. I

God’s Grace on each page of my life story. HE is

went wherever my heart led me to go, not once

the anthem of my life!

asking or receiving any form of advice from an

• He saved me from destructive relationships.

adult. These choices led to some seriously bad

• He carried me home when I lay drunk on the

relationships. My heart was extremely vulnerable

floor of a night club.

and I was on a downward spiral!

• He protected me from huge accidents which could’ve taken my life.

• He guided my steps when I couldn’t finish high school because of a lack of finances.

During this season, alcohol became my source of comfort on the weekends. I just wanted to be everywhere and do everything, and there was no

And the list goes on and on because He is a

way I was going to stay home. Boyfriend or not,

good, good Father.

I would find someone to hang out with. Deep in my heart, all I longed for was to be accepted…

And yet, despite all of these obvious encounters

needed… wanted. I can’t tell you how many

with God, my heart remained hardened towards

hearts I broke, or how many lies I told, or how

Him. How could that be?

many friends I’ve lost along the way.

To answer this question, let me take you back

Only God knows how I managed to wake up for

to the age of 7 years old. It was one of my first

school on Monday mornings. And yet, despite my

encounters with what I now recognize as a spirit

destructive lifestyle, I still managed to finish school

of ‘abandonment.’ We had gone to the zoo that

with relatively good results. His grace is very real!

day, but when it was time to leave, they forgot me there. I sat on a bench crying for hours until I was

Thankfully, God stepped back into my life when I

finally picked up. It really left an impression on

was 18 years old. I clearly remember Him saying

me. Getting left behind happened many times

“Enough is enough, Menaka. You are mine and

in the years that followed. I can vividly recall the

you need to embrace who I’ve called you to be!”

familiar feelings of abandonment… they became

These words were so clear in my head. Yes! For

very real to me.

once, I was not being led by my heart.

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And so my journey back to wholeness began. I

never understand WHY I always felt that God and

walked back into church in January, 2004, for the

people would disappear whenever I needed

first time in six years. I was dirty, broken, hurt, bitter

them the most.

and angry, but I chose to become ‘real’ with

…w hen my finances would run dry and I’d have

my pastors and they spoke truth into my life. It wasn’t an easy journey, but God showed His heart towards me through ordinary men and woman who chose to love me through my failures and my pain… in spite of my past, and in spite of how I felt.

to sit ‘on the edge’ waiting for provision. …w hen sinus infections would keep attacking my body every 3 weeks. …w hen I would stand up on stage to lead worship and waves of loneliness would wash over me. …w hen my body was tired and my babies would

All I wanted to do was to serve His people and to be with Jesus, and it wasn’t long before I walked straight into the worship team and definitely found

cry out in hunger or need. …w hen all I wanted was to live closer to my family… and the list goes on.

my niche. Six months down the line, I also found my man! Tall, dark and handsome, playing that

Then, one day in November, 2015, I decided to

keyboard – I thought I was in heaven! Yohaan

sign myself up for SOZO counselling at our church.

was (and still is) one of my best friends, and my

That was the best two hours of my life! God’s love

relationship with him has completely changed my

just flooded my heart and restored all that the

view of men.

enemy had stolen from me over the years. That root of abandonment that had been tormenting

It’s been an amazing journey since that time.

me for so long was broken, beautifully and

Yohaan and I now live in Jeffreys Bay, South

completely! I can’t begin to tell you the relief, the

Africa, with our 2 beautiful boys, and this coming

joy, the hope!

August, we will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary! Whoohoooo! We have also been

I’m so grateful that God brought us to South

enjoying fruitful years of ministry, growing in

Africa, to Victory Church, and into the lives of so

mature caring relationships, and blossoming in

many people who have impacted us in so many

our talents and callings! God has used my life to

areas!

touch the lives of others! I am so grateful!

I can truly say that “I was abandoned but have And yet, through all this time, that familiar sense of abandonment never really left me. I could

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been found by my Father!”

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Photography: Jana Engelbrecht

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GINA SMITH

BRINGING MY OWN SUNSHINE

It’s easy to praise God when the sun is shining

heart sank as I saw not a glimmer of change

and everything is going smoothly. Surfing is

in the forecast.

much like life; it has many ‘uncontrollables’ that we cannot change, and a small number

Needless to say, I was a little more than

of things we can prepare for. We can only work

disappointed when God did not “still the wind

to make the most of the things we can control,

and the waves to a whisper.” I had trained really

and learn to overcome any circumstance in the

hard to perform on that world stage, but with

best way possible.

the storm that we had, the conditions didn’t allow for me to show my full potential.

Like I said, it is easy to praise God with the sun on your face… but I’d like to tell you about

I would bundle up miserably every day,

a time when I had to learn to praise God in

watching ‘Suits’ with my fellow teammates,

the rain!

scowling at the unrelenting wind and rain whenever I looked outside the window.

I was incredibly excited to return to Portugal for the Ericiera World Junior Championship. My

I had to come to terms with the fact that the

memories from the previous year were filled with

physical conditions were not going to change,

sunshine, incredible waves and cobblestone

and if I wanted to show people what Jesus

pathways leading to many adventures.

looks like, I was going to have to change the condition of my mind and heart. I may not

This year, however, a very different picture

fully understand God’s purposes (I don’t think

was painted.

we can or ever will), but one thing I know for certain is that we aren’t designed to swallow

I was greeted by gale force winds and rain

up bitterness and negativity. When we feel it

from the moment I stepped off the plane. The

flooding our veins like poison, we need to stop it

contest site was unrecognizable with ominous

from spreading and show people just what kind

black clouds and raging, massive swell. My

of antidote Jesus really is.

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... NO AMOUNT OF DEFEAT SHOULD EVER STEAL FROM THE FIRE INSIDE YOUR SOUL! IT SHOULD ONLY STOKE THE GLIMMERING EMBERS AND REMIND YOU WHY YOU WANT TO BURN BRIGHTER AND BETTER THAN EVER.

I was surrounded by lost souls who were

I could come out of the water smiling, barely

extremely focused on the contest and not very

visible through the mess of hair dancing

open to post-surf chitchat, but I could try to

around my face in the wind, but with a smile

show them that there is more to life than wins

nonetheless because no amount of defeat

and losses because Jesus has won the ultimate

should ever steal from the fire inside your soul!

victory for us! We can live a full and joyous life

It should only stoke the glimmering embers and

even when the elements are storming around

remind you why you want to burn brighter and

us. Wins are not only represented in trophies and

better than ever. I know, without a doubt, that

medals. Every day, we have the opportunity

God has placed that fire within us. It looks

to win over our minds and try to help others

different for every individual person, but that

succeed.

flame is there for us to keep alive.

I went to Portugal with the contest in mind; I

I grew in my strengths and learned more about

went there determined and well trained. I did

my weaknesses.

not expect the curveball that was thrown at me, but I learned from it. And life lessons are as

I learned to accept the things I cannot change,

valuable a prize as any.

and to try to change the things I can.

I may not have come out of the water with a

I learned to appreciate my family and friends

win, but I could come out smiling, counting my

who gave me so much support when I needed

blessings, and grateful for the opportunity and

it the most.

lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experiences. I had a fresh determination and was reminded of the importance of trying

And most of all, I learned to bring my own

to become the best version of yourself that

sunshine by praising God in the rain!

you could be, a little bit stronger every day.

I saw the infinite space for growth with new excitement!

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F E AT U R E

PEOPLE WE MEET THIS IS SHELLEY COLLINS L I K E S : E X T R AVAG A NT C A K E S , T R AV E L I N G A N D S P O I L I N G H E R F A M I LY D I S L I K E S : C O L D W E AT H E R , TRAFFIC JAMS AND INJUSTICE

UNITED KINGDOM

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Photography: Kara Nothnagel

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F E AT U R E I was born on the tiny island of Barbados, into

Christian in 1989 and started going to church,

fairly humble beginnings. I grew up in the

preaching at me and wanting me to get

Baptist church and it was there that I got saved,

involved. I was not amused! After all, I had been

baptised and tried to live the Christian life.

there, done that and got the T-shirt. I knew more

Although everyone went to church, much of it

Scriptures than he did, and so was not-at-all

was rooted in tradition rather than relationship,

interested. A great attitude, I know!

so there was no real family support or challenge to live like Christ. At the age of 18, I immigrated

Eventually, I went to church with him and met his

to England to become a nurse. That first night,

new friends who instantly annoyed me as they

alone in England – 5 days before Christmas – was

gushingly shared how they had been ‘praying

the first night I had ever slept away from home!

for me for over a year to come to Christ.’ But

It was exciting and scary, but I wasn’t too worried

beneath my pride and annoyance, there was

as I always had the sense that everything would

a nagging in my soul.

turn out ok. I remember the last song I sang in church before I left said “I know not what the

One day, I went to a friend’s house and on

future holds, but I know who holds the future.

her mantelpiece was a wooden carving, which

It’s a secret known only to Him.”

had this statement on it - “If you were taken before a judge and charged with being a

During my initial years in England, I completed

Christian, would they find enough evidence

my nursing qualifications – general nursing,

to convict you?”

psychiatry and pediatric nursing – and eventually

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finishing as a Night Sister at Guys Hospital. I

This statement stayed with me and I wrestled

carried on agency nursing and, when that was

with the question, “Shelley, if you are sure you

over, I branched out into recruiting and finally

are a Christian, where is the evidence? How are

training and administration. Along the way,

you living your life?” I had children by this time,

I fell into doing some personal development

and it was clear that my search for God was as

courses with an organization called EST, and this

much for me as it was about making sure that

helped me focus on what I wanted to do. I loved

they knew about God. Eventually, I gave my life

developing others and was attracted to training.

to the Lord in September, 1991, and my journey

It was here that I met my husband.

began.

We were not Christians when we met, and within

Life was challenging but I threw myself into being

6 weeks of meeting we got married! It was a

a Christian, just like I did everything else – 100%.

crazy thing to do, but it worked for us at the

My husband became an elder at the church

time. Those early years were full of ups and

we were attending, we led cells together and

downs, but somehow we made it. Our daughter

we continued to grow along with our church.

was born in December, 1986, and our son in 1991.

My journey with God was profound, discovering

I thought about God sometimes and knew

about His grace and mercy for me in the past

I believed in Him. My husband became a

and learning to live within His provision and

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shelley, if you are sure you are a

Christian, where is the evidence?

How are you living your life?â&#x20AC;?

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goodness. Service and giving was easy, and I

Forces in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. On

loved providing hospitality to people.

refection, I can truly say that the Scripture in Zachariah 4:10 really resonates with me – “Do

At the turn of the new millennium, life began

not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD

to turn again. I knew that, at times, our public

rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb

profession of faith and public performance were

line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (NLT)

not always the same as in our private lives. On the 5th of September, 2005, everything changed!

Who would have thought that I would be doing

The marriage was over after 23 years and my

what I am doing now?! It originally started back

world caved in. We had been leaders in the

in 1989 with me driving over 2 hours to deliver a

church, leaders in life and now the dream was

one-hour lecture and then driving 2 hours back.

broken. I was devastated, and it took a long

It seemed a silly thing to do at the time. But

time to recover. I was angry with God, the

the faithful delivery of that programme to Army

church, everyone and everything.

Recruiters has led to the opportunity to stand in front of over 50,000 military personnel since

I can hardly remember the intervening years. It

then – from brand new recruits, all the way up to

was God’s grace that carried me through. In

the One Star Generals and above, Senior Military

2010, our divorce was finalized and I was at the

Personnel and Senior Civil Servants.

end of myself, at the bottom of what felt like a dark hole threatening to swallow me forever.

It never ceases to amaze me that God is so

It took about 5 years before I even started to

gracious to have given me the opportunity

emerge out of that dark place. There was a lot

to educate and impact the lives of so many

to repair.

people. I am passionate about training leaders and managers in ‘how to identify and remove

Looking back, I can see that with the support

the micro-inequalities, unconscious biases and

of the church and friends and family, I have

outright injustices and discriminations that bring

emerged as a different woman, discovering

dysfunction into their organisations.’ Just like

anew what she is called to do. The Lord has

the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand, at times I

taken me from strength to strength, and in the

feel like that plumb line, asking leaders to judge

depths of it often gave me glimpses of what

themselves against the absolutes of truth and

was possible. The irony of those moments still

justice which they say are part of their core

astounds me. At my lowest points, He would

values. There is one value that I especially hone

show me a view from the mountaintop!

in on and that is Respect for Others.

I would say that, besides God and my children,

Sometimes, I have to pinch myself when I am

working saved my life. It gave me a focus and a

training! These are the leaders of our Armed

purpose to live, and it was a vehicle to provide

Forces and I get to work with them! But then I

safety and security for my family. Since 1989, I

remember what the Word says – “He uses the

had been delivering training to the British Armed

foolish things of the world to confound the wise”

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“AT MY LOWEST POINT

ME A VIEW FROM TH

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TS, HE WOULD SHOW HE MOUNTAINTOP!

“

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F E AT U R E and I am just that… a foolish thing! I mean,

restorative truths into the mountains of this world.

so often I have asked myself “What is a black, divorced, single woman from such a tiny island

People have said that there is an Esther anointing

doing standing in front of Generals? Who am

over my life. Having read and studied the

I to do that?” And He simply answers me and

book of Esther over and over again, one thing I

says “You are mine… my woman, for this time.”

noticed is that Esther is the only book of the Bible

And so I pray everyday that God will move in His

where God is not mentioned explicitly, but where

way and give me the courage to speak truth to

a woman had the courage to go before the

power – and He does. Every time.

king, was willing to perish, and saved a nation!

I know that I have been put there for a reason

I have had those days where it feels as if all is at

and for a season. It is for ‘such a time as this’

stake as I speak. Sometimes, if I look at the list of

that I am where I am. The landscape on the

attendees for the seminars, I can become very

issues of fairness, equality, diversity and inclusion

nervous… inside, my butterflies have butterflies!

is complex and there is a need for a Kingdom

But I also know that I have been given a work to

perspective to be spoken and put before

do and a word to speak – what I know is right –

people. It is very easy to blend all of the issues

and must be being willing to lose it all. And so

together and give them equal weighting which

far, I have come out the other end known as a

raises issues of conflict for me. I have to be sure

woman who is committed to fairness and truth.

of what the law says, but be prepared to not compromise the truth of the Word for an easy life.

Equality legislation is about providing equality of opportunity. Diversity is about valuing

Now, more than ever, I am challenged to really

difference. In recent years, both personally

research what the Kingdom perspective is on all

and professionally, I have had to take these two

of these issues – race, gender, disability, sexual

things and weigh and adjust my thinking against

orientation, transgender, class and age. As

the values, ways and customs of His Kingdom

Kingdom people, we need to know how respond

– remembering that I am first His ambassador

to the challenges of today’s society. How do we

and His woman before anything else. I have

stand on such a radical, cutting edge? This is the

learnt that head knowledge is not everything –

tightrope I walk everyday.

application is the key, and relationship is vital, otherwise you will be taken out, not only by the

The world is at a crossroads and the voices of

enemy’s devices, but also by the thoughts, ways

Christians are being lessened in England today.

and opinions of the world around you. If you

Everyone has “rights,” but as the fabric of society

want to make a change, you can – not just by

deteriorates more and more, we see that just

what you say, but also by what you are willing

because everything is permissible does not mean

to do. Not alone, but in-step with Him.

that it is beneficial. I am trusting that Kingdom men and women of influence will rise up and

And if you allow Him, He will shape a

heed their callings so that they can speak

small beginning into a great adventure in a lineage of grace.

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ME2 IS TURNING 16!

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CANADA

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WHITE LILIES

By Sue Bishop

I love the outdoors. I love to garden. I am

grow. One of the great lessons I’ve learned is

passionate about helping seeds grow into their

to not get discouraged when something does

fullest potential--the evidence being flowers, fruit,

not produce flowers or fruit. Rather than ‘giving

and ultimately reproduction of the plant itself in

up the gardening gloves,’ I ask the following

the next growing season.

questions: Was it the wrong season, zone, or soil?

Was there not enough or too much light, water,

Every day (from spring to autumn), I will go to ‘my

or heat? Were there certain pests that prevented

happy place’ where I work the soil, pull weeds,

growth? Or, was there a lack of faith and

water, smell, touch, taste, and experiment with

patience on my part?

our diverse flower and vegetable garden. It’s a beautiful place where I hear God speak. Almost

I have had the privilege of living in two very

all of life lessons can be paralleled to the

different growing zones: Canada and South

garden as stated in Scripture. I am no expert

Africa. Understandably, my various gardens did

gardener, but I love to learn and I value the

not look exactly the same, mainly due to the

many practical lessons that can be so easily

colder and longer winters that we experience in

applied to our spirit, soul, and body life.

Canada. Tulips, crocuses, daffodils, and my white lilies are bulbs that can survive the frozen ground

Anyone can garden as it is very simple to place a

for months before re-surfacing in the spring. This

seed in the ground. When I place a seed or

cycle of rest and new growth occurs in the soil,

bulb in the earth, I do so with faith that it will

hidden from our sight.

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“ M AY Y O U A L S O H AV E T H E F A I T H T O S E E L I F E I N S T E A D O F D E A T H . M AY Y O U H AV E T H E P A T I E N C E T O K N O W T H A T A L L YO U R W I N T E R S W I L L E N D A N D SPRINGTIME GROW TH WILL COME.”

Two years ago, I bought three white lily bulbs.

am working as an oncology nurse, leading Me2

After transplanting them into the garden, I

mentoring sessions, or church planting.

became disappointed as I saw no flowers or noticeable growth. In fact, they shrivelled up,

May you also have the faith to see life instead of

and I assumed they were dead. Summer ended

death. May you have the patience to know that

and we endured the winter until my crocuses,

all your winters will end and springtime growth

daffodils, and tulips coloured the garden once

will come. May you have clear understanding of

again in March and April. During my assessment

what your part is in helping that seed grow,

of the garden, I initially thought weeds were

whether it is through prayer, speaking truth and

growing in the places where the lilies had been,

words of life, or acts of kindness and love.

but I was shocked to later find nine new lilies growing there! Where I had thought death was,

Planting seeds and reaping the harvest for God’s

life had been multiplying in the earth for nine

kingdom is not always easy. Is it worth it?

months.

Absolutely! Let us do what we are called to do and let God take care of the rest!

What a life illustration! It may take weeks, months, years, or even until eternity before we see the fruit of our labours. I am learning to apply this faith lesson in all areas of my life, whether I

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BEAUTY FOR ASHES

Asher’s Story -Part Two - Kim van Vuuren -

Contiued from Issue 4:

He passed away on Friday the 12 April, 2014, at 7:23pm. His tiny heart finally failed, and

My husband, Morne, was amazing through it

my mommy heart finally broke. It broke out

all! He stayed with my parents at night, and

of sadness, disappointment, gratefulness and

then would come through to the hospital during

inevitability…

the day and spend the day with me. We’d visit Asher every couple of hours. I couldn’t manage more than 10 minutes at a time with Asher, as the emotions, fear, disappointment and dread would overtake me. I spent so much time worrying and fearing the worst.

It was Day 7 in the NICU and Asher was starting to deteriorate. After multiple blood tests, they discovered that he had a massive infection in his gut. They were pumping him full of anti-biotics but nothing was helping. We were desperate.

We didn’t know what to do, what to say, or what to pray for anymore. When the doctor says that “We’re taking it 12 hours at a time,” you know you’re in trouble. I started to realise that I may have to say goodbye to my precious little boy. It was the most heart-breaking realisation ever.

Sadness at losing the most precious thing in the world to me, disappointment from having to say goodbye to a dream, gratefulness that my son’s suffering was over and he was with Jesus and inevitability that this was how it was going to be.

We were the people who lost a child.

Even now, I cry when I think about that moment of such brokenness, such helplessness. I remember sitting in the NICU holding my son for the first time ever, thanking God over and over that he was no longer suffering, that my Asher was in heaven, in the perfect place for eternity. I was so grateful to God that Asher was with Him. It’s the only place a mother ever wants for her child… that they come

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My son was NEVER alone, he was NEVER afraid, and he was comforted by the Almighty through it ALL. â&#x20AC;?

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to know Christ, and then eventually get to spend

Through it all, there was God, hovering over us

eternity in heaven. Asher just got there WAY

and over Asher with His arms stretched out over

before I thought he would.

him, covering him, sheltering him, loving on His precious son. It was beautiful. My mommy heart

The journey out to the other side of this was slow,

was so comforted. God Himself had shown

long and filled with heartbreak, sorrow, grieving,

me that He was there with my son. My son was

miracles, love and support from friends and

NEVER alone, he was NEVER afraid, and he

family. We were blessed with food and groceries

was comforted by the Almighty through it ALL.

for about two weeks after Asher passed away.

Nothing can move me now! My heart is settled,

Faithful friends would come and visit us every day,

and peace has come to that burning question.

or call us, and pray with us and listen to us. I’d cry

No accusation, no doubt could move my faith

and cry and mourn and cry, and they would listen

and trust in my God WHO IS EVER PRESENT in my

and hold me and pray for me. It was a profound

time of need. (Psalm 46:1)

journey. The loss was deep, yet we didn’t feel it quite as intensely as we should have. We were

Let’s fast forward now…

very aware that God had placed a cushion

• Fast forward through 10 months of ups and

around us to buffer the rawness and the pain of the situation. He was VERY, VERY present in our

downs, grief and comfort, and gradual healing.

• Fast forward through another pregnancy,

time of need! Even though we were not actively

another miscarriage, and another heartbreak (a

seeking Him, He was THERE, and every day we felt

story for another time and place).

Him surrounding us!

In February 2014, we found out we were pregnant I remember asking God “Where were you? In the

again, and we were so excited! By this time, God

hospital, and with Asher in NICU, God where were

had done such a marvellous work in both of us

you?” I wanted to know. I wanted to hear it from

that we were filled with hope for this new baby. I

HIS mouth. I wanted to hear HIS voice tell me,

got countless confirmations that this baby was

because HIS voice is the ONLY voice that can still

going to be healthy and strong (my ribs will be

my heart.

forever grateful), and that he would make it!

He was so good to me… During a time of worship,

But this journey was so different. Firstly, the

he showed me the whole scene again: the birth,

overwhelming physical challenges were like

the rushing of Asher to the NICU, the days and

a mountain in front of me. I had so many

nights in the NICU, and the moment he passed.

complications. But more importantly, I had to

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fight fear every day and trust God for His promises.

was the best feeling ever! Hearing that sound,

That isn’t as easy as it looks sometimes. I had to

that healthy, strong sound. We had our precious

choose daily to put one faith-step in front of the

little Cal with us… he was here, he was perfect,

other and keep my mind on positive, lovely and

and we were in love!

beautiful things. I had to constantly remind myself that God had promised, and thus far, God had

We are still so grateful to God for our beautiful son,

ALWAYS shown Himself faithful in my life… when He

and I am reminded of ALL the good and perfect

makes a promise, He delivers!

things that God has done in my heart through this experience:

It was a challenge like I’ve never faced before!

Yet, we continued to trust Him. We continued to praise Him. We continued to believe that His promises were TRUE… and it eventually became our REALITY.

• I am reminded that fear has no hold on my life, and that my heart should dwell only on good and perfect things.

• I am reminded that God is ALWAYS present, a reality that makes fear disappear like the mist.

• I remember my Asher and all the beauty that

On Wednesday morning, the 29th of October,

God brought to my life through having him and

2014, we calmly drove to Port Elizabeth and

losing him.

prepared to meet our Cal (“Battle mighty”) two

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weeks early by planned C-section. At 2:20pm,

I wouldn’t change one thing, not one moment,

we heard the most beautiful sounds of a healthy

because our lives are held in the palm of the One

baby boy screaming his lungs out in theatre! It

who planned us and knows us and loves us!

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This year at Creative Collective (our creative community at Victory Church here in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa), God is speaking to us about a Renaissance, a renewal, rebirth, revival of the arts in the church and in our community Renaissance was “great period of revival of classical-based art and learning in Europe that began in the fourteenth century,” 1840, from Old French renaissance, literally “rebirth,” usually in a spiritual sense, “be reborn” (Modern French renaître), from Latin renasci “be born again, rise again, reappear, be renewed.”

There is a new wave revival or creativity and the church needs to once again lead the way. But to move forward we need to re-evluate and go back to the basics. In order to do this we need to revisit our focus.

This year we are refocusing. we are going back to the start, the basics of what we do and who we are. we are going back to pursuing relationships. To re-establishing again our identity as sons and daughters of the most high. To rise again in our inheritance and to be renewed and re-energised in our creativity.

The three areas we are focusing on are IDENTIT Y, COMMUNIT Y AND CREATIVIT Y. Identity, who we are with and without our gifts and talents. Be resilient in our faith and how we are as communicators of the gospel.

Community, creating a culture of community and discipleship. identifying and Pursuing those relationships that will take you to another level in your craft and in your walk with God. Creativity, equip and steward our creativity. So we can use our artistic expressions to reach and touch the wider community.

We as a creative community ned to be focused so that we can continue unwavered on this journey that God has called us to.

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THE NETHERLANDS

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L I A N N E VA N LO O N I grew up in a strict Christian family where my

to him. He also got delivered from his depression

parents were very involved in their church.

and was happy again. We were just about to

Although believing in God was really important

get married, so I went to visit him in Jeffreys

to my family, it was not really something

Bay. I didn’t know what was happening. I had

I enjoyed. We were never allowed to go

a happy, joyful boyfriend, but I couldn’t stand

swimming or watch TV on Sundays, and it felt

the church where it all happened. During my

to me that being a Christian was more about

first Sunday in church, I actually ran away. Why

serving God than loving Him. It was a lifestyle

were all these people clapping, shouting and

that separated us from the rest of the world, but

behaving like God and church was something

not with a heart of caring for that lost world.

great and joyful? I was used to a quiet, orderly

God was “holy” but far away.

church service. This was too hectic for me.

When I was 20 years old, I moved out on my own

But I was getting married to this man who was

and going to church was not so strict anymore. I

fully going for Jesus, and he really wanted to do

liked the church I went to… I didn’t have to miss

a second year in Surf Masters. For me, it was not

out on things, and the focus was on simply being

an option in my mind to attend Surf Masters for a

content.

year with him. So, instead of pushing me, Martijn simply prayed... If God wanted us in Surf Masters

My fiancé did not like church at all. He felt that,

together, God would change my mind.

if that was what church (God) was like, he could live without it. He wanted to have something

So we returned to Holland and got married.

“real” or nothing at all. He had recently heard

Surprisingly, within a few weeks after we got

about the Surf Masters (VGY) program in Jeffreys

married, something changed in me. Both of our

Bay, South Africa, and he decided to leave

jobs were ending at the end of January, and we

Holland.

also had to leave our house that same month.

It suddenly became an option to go… perfect

During that year at VGY, he got saved and had a

timing to leave Holland and go to South Africa.

major encounter with God! Jesus became alive

God really set it up for me to attend the GAP year.

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To be honest, being in the GAP year was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life.

Hearing God’s voice, praying out loud, quiet time, speaking in tongues, worship, dancing, talking to Jesus, praying for each other, knowing Bible verses, asking Jesus to help you with finding the road, praying for protection before having a surf, the Spirit-filled life, deliverance, inner healing, baptisms, laying on of hands, sonship, tithing… it was ALL new! And I was a girl who had grown up in church, although I had never learned these things. How could my church miss all of this?

What impacted me the most was that I could see these people living their lives with Jesus in a real way. They weren’t pretending. I lived with them in the same house, so they couldn’t fake it. I soon realized that I also needed Jesus. I needed His forgiveness and His grace. I was not such a good girl, and I needed to be a God-girl. His girl.

He really changed my life! I fell in love with Jesus… His goodness and kindness! Church became fun, rather than just being about serving and keeping the rules. Living with Jesus became an adventure!

I am so thankful for the people He has placed in my life! Thankful that they could show me the love of Jesus, His Reality!

It was also during our GAP year that we heard God speaking to us about planting a church in our hometown of Scheveningen, The Hague. So that’s what we did! We planted a church and we called it “Reality Scheveningen” because Jesus IS our Reality!

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“ W H AT I M PAC T E D M E T H E M OST WA S T H AT I CO U L D SEE THESE PEOPLE LIVING T H E I R L I V E S W I T H J E S US I N A R E A L WAY . T H E Y WEREN’T PRETENDING.”

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HONOUR & PRAISE TO THE ALMIGHTY

By Runelle Kok (as translated from the original in Afrikaans)

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My name is Runelle Kok and I’m 51 years old.

While I drove home alone that day, I told the

In 2010, I was diagnosed with Grade 2 Breast

Lord that “I do not accept this cancer at all,

Cancer from which I had fully and completely

and I completely reject the doctor’s words.”

recovered. In fact, I was so healthy that, in 2013 (after my husband passed away at the age of

SUPPORT

49 years), I was even eligible to take out a life

My Patensie mentoring group and leaders were

insurance policy.

such a great support to me during this time, supporting me in prayer, all while keeping my

We have three children. My eldest son, Graham,

condition confidential. I was so grateful.

farms with me; my 2nd son, Emgee, will graduate as an electrical engineer this December; and my

Initially, I felt that I couldn’t tell my children

daughter, Marinel, recently passed her 1st year

because two of them were just about to begin

at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch.

their final examinations. Exactly a year ago, while attending the Me2 End-of-the-Year Gala,

BAD NEWS

Marinel kept looking at me enquiringly and

A year ago, I visited the GVI Oncology in Port

eventually asked me what was wrong! That

Elizabeth for my six-month check-up. My doctor

night, I was compelled to disclose my illness to

was concerned about a few indications and

her, and the next day also to Emgee via Skype.

scheduled a CT scan for two days later. My dear

Sunday evening, while Graham and I went to

friend, Cato, was there to support me throughout

inspect the new calves, I also shared the news

the whole ordeal, armed with a comprehensive

with him… and so all three finally knew.

list of questions.

Only my mother (85) and my mother-in law (80) Yes, there were a few symptoms that had been

still needed to be informed. They were very

concerning me, but I wasn’t really worried about

upset at the news, but I was not prepared to

them. I truly did not expect what the doctor

disclose the true implications of the condition as I

would say next… the cancer had returned and

felt it would be too much for them to deal with.

was now at stage 4 (the final stage).

During this time, the Lord truly sent angels in human form across my path. I had more than

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enough help from people offering to drive me around, and others were consistently popping in, phoning, and sending messages. I am so grateful to everyone who interceded for me during that dark time.

THE PROMISE In December, 2014, I started oral chemotherapy, and anyone who has been through it can understand how terrible the side-effects are. I also suffered with extremely sensitive hands and feet, and was even in the hospital with gastroenteritis and later pneumonia.

On Christmas Day, with a house full of family, I decided to relax after lunch with my new Christmas gift, the book “Promises from God’s Word.” I immediately paged to the chapter on healing. There it was...

John 11:4 (1953 Version) says “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified.” WHAT A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT! I started to feed my body with optimal supplements and VERY healthy food.

“Juicing” became part of my life, and very little sugar and starch. I felt good.

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In April, another CT scan was done. The result was “stable disease” which meant no improvement, but at least there was no further deterioration. It was “good news,” but not what I

• M y blood count or ‘cancer marker’ was very close to normal!

• A ll of the lymph nodes in my chest bone were cancer free!

had hoped for. I was expecting to be healed, or

• M y left lung, which had been so full of moisture

at least see an improvement in the results. What

that I at times found it difficult to breathe, was

had the Lord meant by His promise? Would I die

normal!

of other causes before this disease would kill me?

• T he holes in several ribs, front and back, eroded

Despite my questions, I still firmly believed in

• T he disintegrated vertebrae had recovered!

by the cancer had almost disappeared!

His promise and never wavered. I was not

• O f the four lesions on my liver (the largest being

exactly sure what it meant, but I came to

43.5mm), three had completely disappeared

understand that it meant I would not suffer

and the biggest one was significantly smaller!

due to the cancer.

It has now been six weeks and I cannot stop Our Medical Aid authorized an alternative

praising and honouring God for the miracle in my

type of chemotherapy, and so I began to drive

life! I’m not much of a speaker, but I cannot help

through to Port Elizabeth three times a month for

but share with you this wonderful story of faith,

this intravenous procedure. According to the

love, support and grace.

doctor, I fared well on the chemo; I experienced fewer side effects, and of course, I did not lose

GOD IS GOOD! And if He could do this for me,

my hair. It’s amazing how morale is affected

He is able and willing to do it for all his children!

positively when one is not being reminded about your illness every time you pass or face the mirror.

THE MIRACLE! In September, it was once again time for a CT scan. When I walked into his surgery that afternoon for the results, the doctor was smiling from ear to ear.

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WEAR

BY ANNE HUANG

WHITE ON WHITE No colour is more fresh or crisp than white, so when you wear the hue from head to toe, it results in an exceptionally stylish, highimpact look. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to of the all white ensemble. The key is compiling different textures and shades. Consider white denim jeans with a knitted jersey or structured shirt, or a white dress with a pair of white sneakers. The only thing you need to worry about is giving that spaghetti bolognas a miss at lunch.

Photography: Pinterest

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EAT

APPLE CRANBERRY WA L N U T S A L A D

BY R U T H PA S Q U E S

Crisp apples, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and hearty walnuts come together in a fresh salad.

FOR THE SALAD:

FOR THE DRESSING

6 cups salad (any salad mix)

1 cup apple juice

1 red apple

4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 green apple

2 tablespoons honey

1 cup walnuts/ peacans, roughly chopped

½ teaspoon salt

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1/3 cup dried cranberries

¼ cup oil

Core and chop apples (thin slices). Toss lettuce, apples, walnuts, feta, and cranberries together in a large bowl. Whisk together all dressing ingredients. Toss with salad immediately before serving. Enjoy!

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WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS AN GE L A HE ND R IC K S

SO IT WAS ‘ BACK TO T H E DRAWING BOARD’ F OR U S, BUT THIS TIME W E HAD A CHURCH FAMILY THAT LOVED US 51

I am Angela Hendriks, a 41 year old mother, with

I still remember very clearly as I was having my

3 amazing kids and 1 adorable grandson! I am

quiet time one morning, I felt God telling me that

married to a super awesome man named Rudi,

things were not going to get better but worse.

and together we own a laundry business called

What?! Sure enough…

“ON TIME Laundry.” We are both from Cape Town

• The promises that had been made to Rudi by

but have been living in Jeffreys Bay for almost nine years. We have also been a part of the Victory Family for all of those nine years.

his employer were broken.

• I was now forced to get a job to help the family, and there went my dreams of being a full-time mom.

If I could summarize the early years of our life together, it would look like a series of unfortunate

• When I finally got work, the company talked of closing their doors.

events…

• We met in high school and got pregnant soon after graduation.

• We never went to study but got married 4 years later.

One Sunday, I saw the church advertising for a receptionist position. This was definitely NOT where I saw myself at this time of my life, but it was worth a try and with just my luck, I got the job.

• Two years after getting married, we lost everything we owned and ended up having

I started working at the church and Rudi was

to move back into my parents’ house (into

still working at the company, and we were kind

the same room I grew up in).

of doing okay. Then all of a sudden, Rudi got

• Soon after, Rudi lost his dad and I lost my brother.

promoted and received everything he was originally promised. Things were starting to look up. You know the saying, “When something looks

Like they say, “When it rains, it pours!”

too good to be true, it probably is.” Yeah…

• Just as suddenly, Rudi’s company sold the

In 2007, Rudi was offered a fantastic job in St

business to a company in Johannesburg.

Francis Bay and we moved our family to the

• We were expected to also move our family

Eastern Cape. We didn’t know what God had in

to Johannesburg. I didn’t want to raise my

store for us, but we both believed that it was the

children in Joburg!

right thing to move here. And at that point, our marriage needed the break. We moved right

Life was throwing another curve ball at us.

across the street from Victory Church and soon

How much more can one person handle? I felt

after became members. We planted ourselves

confused and defeated. So it was ‘back to the

in Victory and decided to walk in accountability

drawing board’ for us, but THIS TIME we had

and transparency.

a church family that loved us, and God had surrounded us with people who believed in us!

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WH AT KE P T US G O I N G TH ROU GHO U T T H I S TI M E WA S O UR FA I TH I N GO D (E VE N T H O UG H I T WA S D I FFI CULT AT TIME S), E N CO UR AG I N G WO R D S FRO M L IFE GRO UP S , PA STO R S A N D FR I E NDS, AND T H E I R CO N STA N T B E L I E F IN U S.

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Thankfully, we also had an amazing pastor who

encouraging words from life groups, pastors and

refused to give up on us! It was during this time

friends, and their constant belief in us.

that Pastor Louis spoke a crucial word into our lives. He basically told us that “he did not believe

Eventually, I resigned my job at church and joined

that God had brought us to Jeffreys Bay just to

the business. It was a great challenge to let go of

take us to Joburg,” and that “he believes that our

the little cushion that gave us just a bit of security,

inheritance is in Jeffreys Bay.” He also encouraged

even though it didn’t even cover half of our

us to “stop running and allow God to do a work in

expenses.

us!” He said that we didn’t have to take his word for it, but “just trust God.”

At this point, it was easy to start looking around at people and hoping that someone would see

Believe me, that’s much easier said than done.

our need and assist, but God really just stripped

Long story short… We eventually decided to stay

us from all of that. He wanted us to focus on

in Jeffreys Bay, not knowing what was going to

Him! Every time we turned our heads and looked

happen next.

around, God was turning our faces back towards Him. He was trying to tell us the whole time that

After 11 months of being unemployed, Rudi

He was our Provider and that He was our Source!

eventually came into some money and decided that he wanted to own his own business. We

When we finally turned to Him and focused on

didn’t know how to run a business, let alone own

Him, things started to change for us. We realised

one. I was still working at church but we were

that God is our Source and everything else, and

barely making it.

everyone else, is just a way for Him to get His

• I remember the feeling of having our own

provision to us!

business but absolutely no money.

• I so clearly remember paying our staff but not having a cent left for us.

• I remember losing valuable contracts and wanting desperately to give up.

• I remember how helpless I felt as a wife and as a

God has shown Himself to us in such a huge way!

We had lost everything that was not built on Him: our house, our car, literary everything we owned.

But He is still the God of the Impossible! What I asked and trusted Him for, He gave me, not in

woman, crying my eyes out, and then having to

my time but in His time… and there I realised that

face people the next day.

God is always ON TIME! And so, the name of our business now has a new meaning!

What kept us going throughout this time was our faith in God (even though it was difficult at times),

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>>MENTORING RESOURCE

RESOURCE

DEAR FRIEND, Welcome back to another wonderful year of Me2 Mentoring! We are so delighted to be walking this journey together with you, and we trust that 2016 will be a life-changing year for you!

FOCUS is the word that God is speaking to us as a church family for this year! To be focused means that we center of our attention so that we can get clarity (understanding and insight) on a situation.

In John 8:31-32, Jesus told his followers that, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

There has never been a time on earth when so many different versions of the Bible have been available (even in digital form), and yet so many of us know so little of the Word of God. We believe that it is truly in the heart of every child of God to want to study the Word and to discover the truth that is written in there for us. The ‘how to’ is often the real problem.

By turning our full attention to the Word of God and focusing on that Word, we will grow in understanding and insight into who God is. This concentrated study will bring clarity… it will help us “know the Word”… and then, as we apply it, we will become focused disciples of God. Daily Quiet Time vs Bible Study Before we discuss the powerful tool of Bible Study, it is important to identify the difference between a ‘daily quiet time’ and a ‘Bible study.’

• D aily quiet time: We should be in daily contact with Jesus. A time set apart for worship, meditation and reading the Word, journaling, prayer requests and yielding our days and lives to Him. This is, without fail, the single most important part of your relationship with God. • B ible study is, however, different and needs to be more planned and purposeful. We study the Word to discover Jesus more intimately because we love Him and are grateful toward Him. We focus on Him in the Scriptures because we want to know Him more.

The PURPOSE of Bible Study = APPLICATION James 1:22 says “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says”.

Jesus wants us to be doers of the Word.

The problem is that it is sometimes the Word of God is difficult to understand… so we need to read it, and then re-read it, and meditate on it, and ask the Spirit to reveal it to us. [An excellent book on this subject is Bible Study Methods, by Rick Warren, 2006.]

RESOURCE

Applying the Word to our lives requires the help of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who brings us the insight, the Rhema Word, the God-breathed insight as we study it. The Holy Spirit mixes with the Word of God and our faith, and we become transformed by the renewing of our minds as we spend time with Him. Let’s get started!

STEP 1: SET THE TIME AND PLACE. Clear your schedule for this specific time and gather your books and stationary and prepare the area to work in. Planning leads to success! Here’s what you need…

• A set amount of time – possibly an hour or two, scheduled once a week or as often as possible.

Think of it as the time you would normally watch a movie or series on TV. It can be day or night – whenever your brain is still active and able to concentrate.

• A comfortable table or desk, away from distractions and family if possible. Switch off all technology. Allow this time to be without any outside interference.

• A book to make notes in and keep track of your progress, and enough pens and highlighters. Be prepared to write… a student learns better when they write things down.

• Try to have more than one version of the Bible available. Comparing between versions helps in understanding. A Study Bible can be very useful and a concordance is vital. A small concordance is often found in the back of most Bibles. There are also many resources available on-line if technology is an option.

• D ictionaries and Topical Bibles all add context and cultural understanding. This opens up the Scripture beyond our 21st century world. But don’t get despondent if you can’t afford to invest in these right now. These extra books can be added over time, and second-hand bookshops will often sell them cheaply. Remember, Bible study is a lifetime love affair with the Word.

STEP 2: ALWAYS START WITH PRAYER. Before you even open a book, pray for Godly insight into the Scripture. We are seeking Jesus in the Scriptures and also how to apply what we have learnt of Him in our daily lives. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into the truth. Spend a few moments just allowing your mind to settle in on Jesus. Focus your attention on Him. STEP 3: HAVE A PLAN OF WHAT YOU WANT TO STUDY. It needs to be systematic and not just from anywhere or without structure. We need to build line-upon-line and precept-upon-precept. We can plan our study by topic, by book, or even by certain words in the Bible.

RESOURCE

Choosing the Scripture from last Sunday morning’s sermon is an excellent starting point because it helps bring us to a deeper understanding of the vital word being shared in the house at the moment.

If the whole church body would do this, the level of understanding of what is being preached would rise significantly and we would see a whole body of people moving together in unity.

Remember that Hebrews 4:12 says that “The Word of God is alive and active…” That means that God is able to speak to each individual, regardless of their circumstances, using the same Scriptures. He wants to take the Scripture and breathe on it and speak to you specifically.

STEP 4: READ THE SCRIPTURE YOU HAVE CHOSEN. • Read it, and read it again.

• Read it in the different translations you have with you.

• Read it slowly. Think on each word, phrase and sentence.

• Write down words or thoughts that spring up in your mind.

• A sk questions like: who is speaking and who is hearing?

Have you read this somewhere else in the Word?

•U se your concordance to find other uses of the same particular words and see if they are used in the same context in different Scriptures.

•R ead the Scripture in the Topical Bible, which will bring the context it was written in at the time of writing. Context shows the history of the people to whom the Scripture was written and what they thought concerning the issue. What was the writer trying to say and who were the hearers? Is the message still applicable today?

• T ry using a dictionary or thesaurus to understand the exact meaning of the words.

•R emember to make notes on these thoughts and Scriptures, and all the information you have discovered, especially any words or concepts that jump out at you.

•U nderline those concepts that you feel are applicable to YOU and highlight them so you can look for ways to apply them in your life. This is how the Holy Spirit leads and speaks to you, making that section of the Word come alive to you specifically.

STEP 5: IDENTIFY HOW THIS SCRIPTURE APPLIES TO YOU BY ASKING SOME MORE PERSONAL QUESTIONS. • Did I learn something new about the Father and Jesus?

• What do I believe concerning these Scriptures? Will my beliefs need to change?

• Is this a promise of God to me? Do I claim the promise yet? Do I qualify for this promise?

• Is this a command for me to obey? Am I willing to obey?

RESOURCE

• Is there an example I need to follow or to avoid?

• D oes this require a change of how I think and “do” life? Am I prepared to change my behavior?

Does it bring an adjustment to the way I think about something?

• Is there something that causes my heart to be thankful? Does praise rise in my heart as a result of this new revelation?

• W hat changes in my prayer life will happen because of this new insight?

STEP 6: WRITE DOWN HOW YOU CAN APPLY THIS WORD TO YOUR OWN LIFE. What will happen if you start applying these new revelations you have just made from the Word?

• Write down which changes you recognize need to happen.

• Write down what you will do to bring about the change (be reasonable and practical).

• S et a goal and a time limit, and if it is a difficult one to do, consider telling a mentor to help hold you accountable for this change.

• C heck back over time to see if you actually made that change, and if it has become a truth in your life.

So, as precious women of God, we are ALL going to practice what we’ve just heard. We are going to read and study, and write and journal, and allow Holy Spirit to FOCUS us on the Father and on His Word for us!

Here are some of the key Scriptures that God has been speaking to us as a body for 2016: Ephesians 1:17-18 / Colossians 2:2-3 / Luke 9:51 / Psalm 34:1-3 / Hebrews 4:12 / Matthew 14:26-32 Please spend time this month reading them, studying them, learning more about them, and applying them to your lives. Don’t rush through them… take time and allow God to speak to you!

And then come back to your mentoring meeting NEXT month prepared to share the revelations that you have received about these Scriptures! Don’t be shy! Your insight could be life changing to another member of your group! You have a valuable contribution to bring this year!

It’s going to be a great year, ladies!

Much love, Edna & the team

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