Discover real life
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit
From mighty men
to mighty families
We stay COMMITTED
A day in the life of a
twin otter
Dream
Big
PATMOS, Holy Island
I SSN2223- 473X
Issue 24
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Vision.
Dare to Dream … BIG! The story of the Eduplex School I just love to curl up on the couch with a good book and if it is an inspirational book that provides you with simple truths – so much better. This book, written by Nico van der Merwe, well-known businessman and founder of Eduplex School is such a book.
Review by Gerda Potgieter
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his book is all about his journey in life and the amazing Eduplex story. It is a book that will inspire and encourage you with its uplifting messages and positive life-affirming concepts. It is full of practical tips on how to grow in faith and deal with self-doubt and arrogance. The many scriptures and quotes from other inspiring writers help to put it all into perspective and will warm your heart and help you to believe in yourself. It is written in a down-to-earth style with practical advice based on biblical principles. It will inspire you to take positive action. Woven into this book are people close to the writer and acknowledgements for the roles they played in his life, and in helping him realise the Eduplex dream. Nico is always the first to acknowledge on his journey that he cannot get to the destination alone.
It is said that one of the big signs of visionaries is their willingness to share their vision with us. They simply cannot keep it to themselves and we have the benefit of this quality of Nico also.
Note from the editor: What does God know about business? Making the right decisions in tough times is Nico’s first book. Both his books are available for sale online at www.amazon.com, www.godandbusiness.co.za and also at Ear Institutes throughout South Africa.
Sign up for Nico’s Blog: www.nicovandermerwe.com/category/blog/ Vision will encourage every reader to follow their dream. It’s a true story of success and failure, obedience and, at times, disobedience. You will stand amazed at how God leads, provides and blesses the author as he shares important lessons learnt along his journey. Miracle upon miracle testifies to the fact that God is still at work today.
Nico van der Merwe
Nowhere can you do so much, for so many, with so little, as in Africa.
ISBN 978-0-620-76576-3
The amazing Eduplex Story
Nico van der Merwe
Nico van der Merwe is the founder of the H.A.S.S. Group, specialising in hearing healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. He was awarded the ErnstYoung Business Mover of the Year Award in 1996 and in 2009 he was awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal by the Council and Senate of the University of Pretoria. Nico is the author of the best-seller “What does God know about Business?”.
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12 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit
When going through tough times, it sometimes help to slow down for a bit and look at the situation again to look for new opportunities.
I n t h i s i s s u e EDS LETTER We stay committed
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FROM THE DESK OF ANGUS BUCHAN God requires ordinary people
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TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Patmos, the island of the Revelation of Jesus Christ
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OUTREACH A day in the life of a Twin Otter
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FAIR FLAIR Dream big
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
Credits MANAGING EDITOR Gerda Potgieter • E-mail: editor@devotedmag.co.za
INSPIRATION Everyone goes through something From mighty men to mighty families
NEWS SNIPPETS Christianity in action
Discover real life
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LANGUAGE EDITOR Mignionette Fair ASSISTANT EDITOR Jeannie Millington CREATIVE AND DESIGN TEAM Annerine Lubbe (Square d’zign studio) CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bekker; Mignionette Flair SALES AND MARKETING Gerda Potgieter • E-mail: editor@devotedmag.co.za WEBSITE DEVELOPER Tony Hendricks
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Content disclaimer: Devoted is published by DeVine Publishers. All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of information, the managing editor, Devoted and the publisher cannot accept liability of whatever nature arising out or in connection with the contents of this magazine. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of any of the Devoted team and remains the sole responsibility of the writers.
SOCIAL MEDIA Annerine Lubbe (Square d’zign studio)
Plagiarism disclaimer: It was confirmed by our writers and contributors that no part of the written submissions has been copied from either a book or any other source, including the Internet, except where such sections are clearly shown as quotations and the sources have been correctly identified within the text or in the list of references.
071 897 6240 • info@squaredesign.co.za • www.squaredesign.co.za
Ed’s Letter
We stay
committed!
Welcome to this issue of Devoted, friends. It is so nice to be back! It has been a while since the previous issue. When going through tough times, it sometimes helps to slow down for a bit and to look at the situation again to see new opportunities. Like most people and businesses out there, Devoted has its fair share of financial (and other) challenges, but we stay committed to our calling. The next issue will only be in digital format until we find the resources to go bigger and in print again. As you know we distribute Devoted free of charge and without the needed resources, it remains a challenge to produce a high quality magazine!
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s it only me or do the challenges and obstacles indeed multiply as soon as one makes a commitment (or recommitment) to move closer to the Lord? Since the April event in Bloemfontein (Its Time!) it seems that I have more mountains to climb – some of them I have not noticed before! On top of it all I had over the past few months to emotionally work through the devastating effect of the brutal murder of not less than four dear people that I knew personally. It is so easy to fall into depression and to stop doing your part in building the Kingdom…. But, we cannot allow the devil to get the best of us – there is so much work to do and we are running out of time. The Its Time!event has birthed the From Mighty Men to Mighty Families event,
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and I truly hope that families will make the effort to attend. By the time you read this issue I would be back from a wonderful trip where I was privileged to visit Patmos, the Holy Island. I had a joyous stay in the Delfini Hotel, a family-owned hotel in Skala with a friendly management team. Read about Patmos and what it has to offer in this issue. God needs ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things, as Angus Buchan says, and you and I have a place in the bigger scheme of things. This is why I stay devoted to continue with this magazine, regardless…
With love, until next time. Gerda
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From the desk of Angus Buchan
God requires
ordinary people Possibly the greatest moment in my ministry took place on 22 April 2017 when I had the privilege of praying the sinner’s prayer with one million plus people. To see people from different cultures, race groups and languages kneeling together on the grass, under the open sky, holding hands and acknowledging Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord of their lives and our nation, is something I will truly take to heaven with me.
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od has shown me one important thing for Christians, we need to hear clearly from Him. Remember “A good idea is not always a God idea” and “A need does not justify a call.” God requires faith and obedience from us. That is all! He doesn’t require eloquent speakers or charismatic personalities. He requires ordinary people, like you reading this magazine and me writing this article, to first of all have the faith to believe and secondly to obey what He has called us to do without question. I think of the instance in the Bible when the servants came to Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the wedding and asked her what they should do. Mary told them they should just do whatever Jesus tells them to do. With that, they filled the jars full of water, and Jesus turned the water into the finest wine at the wedding of Cana.
Jesus is looking for servants in these last days who will just do what He tells them to do. The consequences are not our concern because we are merely servants. Robert Murray M’Cheyne was a young preacher from Scotland who was used by God to start a major revival in the city of Dundee. He was 29 years old when his mission was completed, and God took him home to Heaven, but when he was asked about the revival, he said: “Rather than have been an instrument of the Lord, all I was, was an adoring spectator.” In South Africa today, God is looking for men and women, old and young who will simply take their two fish and five barley loaves and give them to the miracle worker Jesus Christ. He will take it, multiply it and feed a multitude. I always thought and believed I knew my Redeemer, but after 22 April 2017 there is no doubt whatsoever, that first of
all He is alive and secondly that He hears the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man/woman and thirdly that He means well for all people. If you want a fulfilled life, I would like to encourage you to start working on your prayer life, spending time with Jesus Christ every day and He will start to direct your path. The beautiful scripture found in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” This is the answer for our beloved South Africa.
God bless Angus Buchan
Subscribe to Angus Buchans’ newsletter. Sign up with your email address to receive the periodic newsletter. www.angusbuchan.co.za
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Travel with a Purpose
By Gerda Potgieter
Patmos There are many reasons why people travel, and for the disciples of Jesus, spreading the Good News was their main purpose. Apostle Paul travelled thousands of miles in his lifetime to spread the Gospel and plant churches. Others, like John, were exiled because of their belief to places far away from their homes and they used the opportunity to tell others about Jesus
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The island of the Revelation of
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Jesus Christ
ystic Patmos is an island of wonders! I planned to stay there for only two days (during my recent trip to Greece and its islands) but ended up staying for a week. This should say something about the influence this island has on its first-time visitors. It is not easy to put the effect Patmos has on its visitors in writing, but words that come to mind include mystical, beautiful waters and beaches, pleasant, laid-back, cosmopolitan, excellent cuisine, friendly people… the list is endless. The island is relatively small, but it has more to offer than its famous Biblical, historic sites.
“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was
in the Spirit on the Lord’s day and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and “What you see, write it in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia.” (Revelation, 1:11)
Patmos has significance for the Christian visitor. Affectionately known as the “Holy Island”, the Holy Cave of Apocalypse, situated in Chora, is the most visited place on the island. It is widely accepted that the beloved disciple of Jesus, John the Evangelist, received his visions in this cave. It is also in this cave that he, with the help of his student, Prochoros, wrote about the Apocalypse. Today, the Saint Anna’s Church within the Holy Cave celebrates this magnificent Christian event and it is a must-see.
Travel with a Purpose
A total of 43 steps will take you to the 1 000-year-old Saint John the Theologian Monastery. Majestic in its appearance, this impressive landmark can be seen from pretty much all angles on the islands. It is no surprise that property in Chora, where the above two places are situated, is regarded as the most expensive in Europe. But Patmos is worth a visit for many other reasons. The Greek islands are famous for its crystal clear waters, and beautiful beaches and Patmos most definitely has some of the best to offer, even though some of them are somewhat
secluded. However, if you make an effort to reach them by using the many mysterious paths, you will be surprised by the beautiful landscapes on the way to the beaches. Make a plan to visit the beaches of Psilli Ammos, Aspri, Agrio Livadi, Kampos, Liginou (or Twins) and Grikos. Even the names suggest something magical! The island is an easy-to-visit island. The language is not a problem purely because the inhabitants understand the value of the universal language called friendliness. I visited the island during the
low season when bus (and other) services are not as frequent, but I had a joyous time nonetheless. I stayed in a beautiful familyowned hotel in Skala, is the main village and port of entry. The port is also the set-off point for daily excursions to nearby islands. If it is peace and tranquillity that you are after, Patmos is a laid-back, picturesque island with beautiful blue waters. It is only 34 kilometres big with a maximum length of 25 kilometres and it offers a welcome alternative to the touristy other Greek islands.
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Sample Text Inspiration
something
Everyone goes
through
By Elizabeth Bekker
There is one thing we will never be able to deny, no matter how hard we try or how hard we fight against it. The best and worst part is that it doesn’t matter where we are in life, where we are in this world, everyone is going through something. Something that changes them personally and challenges them. But it is more than that - it challenges their attitude, their mindset, and their circumstances.
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ife is hard, life is cruel, and sometimes it gets one over on you. You try so hard to stay strong and positive, heaven knows you try so hard, but then something strikes, and your whole house of cards and positivity comes crumbling down. Pastor At Boshoff always said that if you live long enough, you will go through stuff, bad stuff, and happy stuff. Things that make you wish you can freeze that moment for the rest of your life. Other times, things happen and you just want to delete it from your life. You want to never, ever think about it again. We get so zoned into our own lives, and just trying to overcome our obstacles and challenges that we forget everyone we meet is facing a battle. We just don’t see it anymore; we don’t have the time in the rush of today’s life to look at someone and see the pain in their eyes. A moment can pass where someone would cross your mind or you go onto a social media website and read about other people’s trials and tribulations. Some of them are so horrible that you feel a moment of relief that you aren’t going through it. You can be stuck in traffic and see a homeless man and for a moment imagine a story of a way they could’ve ended up like that. Then the light turns green and with that, your momentarily thought about others disappears. Statistics show that 75% of the world’s population hate their jobs or the situation they are in. That is more than half of the world, so it makes sense that people are more distant, angry, and frustrated with their life and the lives of others and therefore, they are more likely to take it out on someone else. There is a saying, “Hurt people hurt people”. When you are hurting, you are more likely to hurt someone else, maybe out of anger, maybe out of frustration. No one makes good decisions out of anger, pain, and if we are in a constant state of negativity, surely it would expand into every area of our lives?
However, you should not let it get you down, don’t let your thoughts or the actions of other people remove you from your ability to have a good and positive life. Positivity doesn’t happen overnight; it doesn’t even happen in a week or a month. However, if you decide every day to be more positive, you will see a difference in a week or a month. No doubt. There’s a quote I came across that explains this so well: “Baby,” she says in a harsh whisper, “In this world, lots of people will try to grind you down. They need you to be small, so they can be big. You let them think whatever they want, but you make sure you get yours. You get yours.” Holly Black, Red Glove. People will do everything to bring you down. Not just your circumstances. People will use your circumstances to bring you down even further, but it is up to you to cast them out, ignore their voices and focus on the truth, on what you know, on what you can fight for. The world may try to get you down, but the world and your life are not dependant on their opinion. You will live your life regardless and once you accept that, and rise above it, nothing will be able to stand in your way, except you of course. The challenge lies with us to cast them out of our lives, push that aside and “go get yours”, whatever you are fighting for. Whether it is a promotion, a degree, an overseas holiday… all of us are working and fighting to do or accomplish something, it is within us. We just have to go out and get it. It will take a lot of sacrifice and effort on your end; it will not fall in your lap, you have to work for it, sweat for it.
So, whatever it is you are fighting, aiming or working for, make sure you get it. “Go get yours.”
Inspiration
From mighty men
to mighty families
It feels like yesterday when a million people united in Bloemfontein on 22 April to pray to God for a range of social and other ills. Did this event change anything dramatically in our country since the mass gathering? No, it did not. However, the prayer gathering was the catalyst that encouraged all of us, each individual, Christian and non-Christians alike to practice responsibility. The mass prayer event also gave birth to an initiative to unite families – yet another historic South African event inspired by the beloved Angus Buchan. This is an account of what is happening in Bloemfontein.
“The media launch for the first Mighty Families Conference took place on 14 August 2017 in Bloemfontein. After the It’s Time event, many people asked what is next for South. Now, the Mighty Families Conference promises to be a special experience in the Lord’s presence – an event where families from different segments of society will be ministered to. South Africa is experiencing a worrying time of family structures gradually falling apart. And so, the heartbeat of Mighty Families is to create an opportunity for healing in our families, for marriages on the brink of divorce to be saved, and the hearts of children and their parents to be united as it states in Malachi 4:6. The event is planned to take place on the same farm (Wilde Als, Bloemfontein) where the It’s Time event took on 16-18 March 2018. The event will place specific emphasis on diversity to welcome everyone to enjoy a weekend of strong, Word-based ministry, wholehearted worship led by Heinz Winckler and his wife, Aletté-Johanni, and devoted counselling and prayer. Nationally recognised speakers has partnered with Mighty Families, and the names will be announced at a later stage. The Vision of Mighty Families is to inspire the people of South Africa to place the emphasis back on good, Biblical values, and to rebuild the country with strong families. The Motto is Strong Families. Strong Nation. It will be an event where Jesus will be at the centre as we believe Jesus Christ is the Saviour of South Africa and change will only come once families reconnect with one another and build on the Rock. Ultimately, Mighty Families aims to make a meaningful contribution to the healing of South Africa between different racial groups, within the family context and specifically in marriages. The team is led by Dr Arno van Niekerk (chairman and author of the book Enough! What is the plan?); co-chairman, Klaas Els (marketing); Ollie le Roux (owner of the farm Wilde Als); Nolan van Wyk (involving Heidedal); William Porotloane (involving Rocklands and Botshabelo); and Emmerentia Muller (media and liaison). Apart from the abovementioned members, the organising committee is supported by various skilled men and woman. The organising team hopes this event will be the blueprint for several similar events to follow throughout South Africa.”
Devoted would like to encourage its readers to attend this event. It is no secret that families are in danger and attacks from the devil to destroy this unity is on the rise. It is also our prayer that Mighty Families makes a huge contribution to the much-needed miracles in our country. The following are just a few of the highlights of the event that you can look forward to: • Children ministry and a safe playground for children while parents enjoy ministry and worship; • 24-hour counselling tent; • Inclusive and devoted worship throughout the weekend led by Heinz Winckler and his wife, amongst others; • A whole weekend where the focus will be on the family (16-18 March 2018); • Camping facilities for at least 20 000 families are available on site; • The event is free of charge – registration is only required for the numbers – only those who will be camping will have to pay R150 per space (because of additional and outsourced facilities being provided to them).
Important details of the event:
• Date: 16-18 March 2018. The event will start at 6 pm on the Friday evening and end after the Sunday morning service where the main speaker will minister; • Event costs: FREE (camping costs: R150); • Where: Wilde Als Farm, Bloemfontein (where the It’s Time event took place); • Registration: Required for numbers and logistics on the website; • Where can I obtain more info/detail: www.mightyfamilies.co.za OR info@ mightyfamilies.co.za OR phone 0711419215 OR join the Mighty Families Facebook page for regular updates. “The family unit is absolutely crucial if a country is to succeed. You can get the economy, the politics, and everything else right, but if there is no unity in the family, if the hearts of the fathers are not turned to their children and the children to their fathers, you are wasting your time. If ever we needed to pray for our children, for our families, for our nation, it is now.” (Angus Buchan, The Bible With Grassroots reflections, 2015:33)
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Outreach
A Day in the Life of a
Twin Otter By LuAnne Cadd
It’s my third flight of the day on Mission Aviation Fellowship’s (MAF’s) Twin Otter in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The two propellers dissolved into a blur as the plane began to rapidly move down the grassy airstrip, lifting off the ground in a steep climb. Suddenly, the girl sitting next to me on the back row doubled over. I look at her brother with an expression of concern. “Is she sick? What’s wrong?” He leaned over and shouted above the noise of the engines.
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“It’s her first time. I’ve flown before,” Hitton explained with an obvious bit of pride. It’s his second flight with MAF. As the plane jerked in a pocket of turbulence, Galcie grabbed her brother’s wrist in a death-grip, squeezed her eyes as tight as she can and cried, “Oh Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” I could tell it was a prayer, not a swear. Since our family moved to the Philippines when I was just four, I’ve sat in more planes than I could ever count, from the largest modern airliners to tiny two-seaters. I love the differences in each aircraft model, and I love seeing the unique way MAF uses their planes for ministry, humanitarian assistance, and community support in particular. Mission Aviation Fellowship flies to remote communities around the world to bring people practical help, spiritual hope, and physical healing. But it’s my first time flying in a Twin Otter, and I have to confess: I’m a nervous small plane passenger. I just hide it better than Galcie. I especially don’t like mountain flying for which I blame my bush-pilot brother. He loves to tell crash stories and they mostly take place in mountains. There are dangers inherent to these particular mountains of Papua New Guinea, and MAF goes to extreme lengths to make sure the pilots are experienced and able to make the right decisions each step of the way. It must be a safe flight or there is no flight. I would not be doing this with anyone else.
Outreach
My “day” actually began the night before when the two pilots, Jason Marsh and Brad Venter (MAF South African Pilot), Caravan pilot Mike Dupuis and I, stayed overnight in Telefomin, a medium-sized community in an isolated valley where MAF has a base they call an ‘outstation’. Jason and Brad live with their families on the opposite side of the country, but this area has a huge demand for Twin Otter flights. MAF has since placed two to three permanent pilots and their families here, which reduces the need for long-distance commutes or overnights for Jason and Brad. We left early the following morning, walking the kilometre from the MAF houses to the airstrip. Knowing that it was my first time on a Twin Otter, Brad informed me that it will look like he and Jason are holding hands at take-off but assured me they are not. Many jokes followed
Jason flew above the clouds and mountain tops until Wobagen was below us then made a sharp turn and dove through a hole in the clouds. At least that’s what it felt like. Several loops toward the ground later and we landed at the grassy Wobagen airstrip where a crowd of men and women converged on the plane to help unload the heavy materials and replaced them with bags of produce to sell in the town. At Wobagen, I met Freddie Taran, a primary school teacher who was instrumental in starting the church and inspiring the community to build a better structure. “We have this convenient aviation service provided by MAF, and we are so pleased that it can bring a maximum load per flight,” he said. This is where Galcie and brother Hitton joined me. It was not only Galcie’s first time flying but her first time, at 19, to leave her village. She was not enjoying the experience.
Jason and Brad not holding hands at take-off. The first flight took cargo from Telefomin to the larger town of Tabubil. It is connected by a road, thanks to nearby gold and copper mining, and is the main stop for picking up building supplies to take to remote communities. As the plane was loaded with heavy corrugated roofing sheets and metal pipes for Wobagen, Francis, MAF’s traffic officer, based in Tabubil, told me Wobagen is his home. The community raised the money to buy these materials to build a church as the current one is old and made from bush materials. “There’s no road to Wobagen. The only way is by aeroplane,” he tells me. “To walk to Wobagen from Tabubil takes one week, depending on how fast you walk or how heavy your load is.” I looked at the heavy pipes being loaded onto the plane again and could only imagine how many people it would take to carry the load for a week through the mountains.
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News Snippets
Christianity in action Christian Action Network regularly sends us media releases that contain important information for the Christian reader. What follows are the highlights that we feel you should take note of. International Co-ordinator of the Christian Action Network, Taryn Lourens can be contacted on 021-689 4480, Email: info@ christianaction.org.za. Website: www.christianaction.org.za.
OGOD COURT CASE JUDGEMENT IS CONCERNING BUT NOT YET THE END OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM FOR SCHOOLS The judgement handed down by Judge van der Linde on 28 August, in the South Gauteng High Court, the OGOD vs six public schools case, stated, in short, that School Governing Bodies (SGBs) must amend their policies to not favour or promote only one religion at their school. The judge rejected most of OGOD’s demands and asserted religious convictions must be respected. This judgement is concerning for parents who wish to send their child to a school with a single faith ethos. Parents should be able to decide the religious ethos of the school through the SGBs, which has mostly been the case up until now. An advocate who studied the judgement believes that the court order does not necessarily mean multifaith school assemblies. What the court said is that it is for SGBs to go back to the drawing board and work out how they will create an environment where everybody’s rights are respected. For some, it may mean they have readings from the Bible or the Quran, etc. sequentially in the same school assembly. For others it may mean that
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they create a space where Christians can read the Bible together, and Muslims can read their Quran together, simultaneously, but separately. Each school must work it out for themselves, taking the imperative of diversity into account, but also doing what works for them. Even though the judgement seems to undermine the authority of parents to decide the religious ethos of their school, it should benefit Christian parents who have children at a Muslim ethos school or even a completely secular school with no religious observances in school assemblies. Should the respondents choose to appeal this case (which is likely), it will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal and then to the Constitutional Court, and thus school governing bodies will not be legally bound by this decision until such appeals are concluded. In the interim, they will be able to continue as before. The following should also be noted about the judgement: • Current Religious Practices at State Schools Remain Unchanged • Voluntary Christian Associations Must Be Respected • Threats to Religious Freedom Need to be Resisted and Opposed For a more comprehensive analysis of the judgement, please read Freedom of Religion SA’s article: BREAKING NEWS: Court Says Public Schools May Not Promote A Particular Religion.
News Snippets PRO-LIFERS CONVERGED IN DURBAN FOR NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE Sunday, 1 October is International Life Chain Sunday. As many as a million Christians in approximately 1 800 locations worldwide have previously participated in Life Chains. This year, a National March for Life organised by the National Alliance for Life (NAL) saw thousands in Durban, Tembisa, Bloemfontein, East London and Cape Town marching for the cause. The NAL is a loose affiliation of churches and organisations, which was formed in 1995. The Christian pro-life stance is based on the fact that the Bible and medical science make it clear: life begins at conception. The Life Chains recognise the abortion holocaust as one of the greatest evils being committed in the world today. The Life Chain is an international prayer rally and peaceful placard protest against the abortion holocaust. “In stark contrast to pro-abortion groups, who have proclaimed today (28 September) as the Global Day of Access for Safe and Legal Abortion, pro-lifers proclaim that no abortion is ever safe – a helpless preborn baby is killed, and the mother is often physically, but always psychologically, wounded (as numerous peer-reviewed studies on Post Abortion Syndrome testify. Abortion is also the violation of the most basic Constitutional right – the Right to Life of innocent and defenceless citizens – the pre-born,” says Taryn Lourens, International Co-ordinator of the Christian Action Network. “Pro-life groups uphold the sanctity of life – that every life is valuable to God. We provide women with real choices (alternatives) and loving support, not just one choice – abortion – that pro-abortionists coerce women into choosing.” “Life begins at conception. The pre-born baby is then genetically, physiologically and organically a distinct person. At about three weeks after conception, the baby’s heartbeat can be detected. Six weeks after conception the baby has its own lifelong brainwave.” “When a nation devalues it’s most helpless and innocent citizens and allows them to be slaughtered in their millions, it is no wonder that all other life is treated as cheap. It is an urgent priority for the Church to expose, oppose and end this genocide of children made in the image of God.” The Christian Action Network estimates the number of babies killed by legal abortions since 1997 to be well over 1,4 million. The Christian Action Network believes that the number of legal abortions is higher than the official amount - due to outstanding statistics from some provinces in previous years and a possible failure of some hospital officials to accurately record
abortions in state hospitals. “The war against the pre-born is compounded by the illegal abortionists who are ensnaring vulnerable young women in every town and city in this country to use abortion as a contraceptive, for as little as R150,” says Lourens. “The Christian Action Network urges everyone to scrape off illegal abortion posters whenever possible. You could potentially be saving the lives of two people – both the preborn baby and the mother (as many women die from these backstreet abortions). We also urge you to lay charges against illegal abortionists at your local police station. A form detailing how illegal abortions violate both the Termination of Pregnancy Act and Medicines Act has been drafted for this purpose.”
NEW WAY OF THE MASTER FILM EXIT – THE APPEAL OF SUICIDE Thursday, 3 August saw the South Africa premiere of the new film by Ray Comfort and Way of the Master – Exit: The Appeal of Suicide. Other films by Ray Comfort include: Evolution vs God, The Atheist Delusion and Audacity. Before you finish reading this, one individual will have ended their life through suicide because they think they have no other choice. According to the World Health Organization, 800 000 people take their lives every year — that is one death every 40 seconds or 3 000 a day. For millions who suffer from depression and despair, Exit points to a better way. This compelling movie shines a powerful light into the darkness and offers true hope to those who think they have none. Someone you know may be secretly considering their final exit. Watch Exit, and share it with those you love. “Exit is powerful and effective... I hope this reaches a wide audience and turns many to the hope of the Gospel.” Alex Kendrick, filmmaker: War Room, Fireproof, Facing the Giants. “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8
SUMMIT TO RECLAIM OUR HERITAGE It is time to reclaim our Christian heritage and demonstrate to the world that the Bible has the best answers to society’s most pressing problems. To do this, we need to understand the times in which we live and learn to effectively defend and
clearly communicate the Gospel to a needy world. Are you equipped to fight the battle of the mind in the media? While claiming to be neutral, secular newspaper journalists and TV presenters often report the news from an antiChristian point of view. At one time, especially in the 19th century, most leading newspapers were Christian. However, there has been a major shift in the news media on what is covered and how it is covered. It is essential that radio presenters, journalists and editors be trained in a Biblical worldview in all areas of life but especially Biblical principles for politics, economics, education and entertainment. The programme This summit will be the best investment you have ever made. The subjects covered include: • The Battle for the Mind in the Media • Understanding the Ideas that Rule the World • Creation vs Evolution • Christian Apologetics and Effective Evangelism • Dealing with Guilt Manipulation • Leadership and Conflict Resolution Skills • Exposing Lies We Have Believed • Free Market Economics vs Socialism • Public Speaking and Debating Skills • The Message in the Music • Love, Courtship and Marriage • Reformation and Revival • Heroes of the Faith • Hunger for Reality “Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 The Biblical Worldview Summit helps you realise your God-given potential to take positive action to change your world for Christ. This is accomplished through a unique programme of guest lecturers, international speakers, authors and key leaders in their fields, special film presentations from all over the world, discussion groups, practicals, outreaches, outdoor activities, projects and interaction with others determined to make an impact on the world for Christ. Detailed manuals, textbooks and lecture notes are provided as part of the course. The cost per person: R950 (Includes accommodation, activities, meals, textbooks, manual and data DVD). 10% discount is available for families and groups. Venue: Amana Conference Centre, near Hermanus, Western Cape. Datum: 5-10 January 2018
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Fair Flair
DreamBig I By Mignionette Fair
Have you noticed that it’s a lot easier to say something good about someone else than yourself? People struggle to put the proverbial best foot forward when talking about themselves and they often have the most amazing stories!
’ve also noticed that ladies seem to struggle even more to acknowledge their accomplishments and their best qualities. Why do we minimise ourselves, our businesses or our families? Why do we struggle to admit that we have good (even great) qualities? Do we have inferiority complexes? Perhaps. But maybe it goes deeper than that. Maybe we don’t believe we are capable/ beautiful/smart/successful. Margaret Thatcher said, “Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become.” How powerful and scary is that? What you think, you become. If you think your business is successful, it will become successful. If you think you are not good enough, you will become that also. And that is just no good! So, how do we stop minimising and start increasing ourselves? Here are some suggestions:
Renew your mind
We all have thoughts of insecurity or inferiority at some point in our life. However, the trick is not to dwell on those thoughts. As soon as those lies enter your mind, you have two choices: Dwell or dispel. Easy as that. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” Ephesians 4:23 “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” (ESV)
Change your confession
Your words have power. If you have dwelled on some minimising thoughts, the chances
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are very good that what you say about yourself has also changed. You have to change your confession. And you have to declare it out loud so you can hear yourself! “I am unable” has to change to “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”. “My business is surviving” has to change to “My business is thriving”. Change what you say and watch how things will start improving! Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Numbers 14:28 “Just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will surely do to you.”
Be
Once your thoughts and your words have changed, you need to be. Be strong. Be innovative. Be creative. Be courageous. Be bold. Be positive. Just be. The good news is, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Surround yourself with people who can think and speak life over you and your situation at all times. Surround yourself with people who can help you be. Ask God to show you who you are in Him because I promise you; He does not see you as insignificant! Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous… Only be strong and very courageous.”
You are strong. You are able. You are creative. You are successful. You are beautiful. You are smart. It’s about time you start telling yourself that!
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We pray for … • • • • • • • • • • • •
Rape and abuse of women and children Murders and hijackings Robbery with aggravating circumstances Gang violence Alcoholism and drug abuse Corruption and mismanagement of taxpayers’ money State capturing Human trafficking and slavery Hatred, racism and all forms of discrimination Violent killing of our farmers and their workers Poverty and suffering Drought
... to STOP!!!
South Africans - It is time to reconcile and build a nation The Motsepe Foundation, in partnership with various religious groups, will be staging a National Day of Prayer. All South Africans are welcome to join in praying for our country. DATE: 26th November 2017 PLACE: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, TIME: 08:00 to 16:00 We will pray for … • the unity of all South Africans of all races and languages; • the poor, unemployed and marginalised; and • for God’s guidance, leadership and blessings for a bright future for all South Africans.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit
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Rock of Hope Profile
Needs List
Devoted supports the Rock of Hope Place of Safety.
Rock of Hope is registered as a transition home under management of the Tshwane Place of Safety Association that focuses on the needs of especially babies and toddlers in crisis since 2003. Registration number: 031-809-NPO If you want to support them and reach out to the children in need, please contact the nursery manager, Wouter Prozesky on: Cell: 079 4234799 Email: wouter@rockofhope.co.za
BANKING DETAILS: Name: Tshwane Place of Safety Association Bank: Standard Bank Branch Code: 012345 Swift code: SBZAZAJJ Branch: Menlyn Branch Bank Account Number: 012781282 14
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