Devoted issue#20

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Discover real life

Cycle miles for

smiles!

Ethical leadership requires ethical leaders

Healing hands Amongst DEVASTATION

Pick up your cross and find your destiny How did Dr Tertius Venter do it?

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Issue 20

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We deliver the good stuff!

Ed’s Letter

Celebrating Celebrating

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS…

successes and staying devoted!

“This is one of the saddest things we see in the world today - people just do not seem to be able to finish the race,” says evangelist and author Angus Buchan.

“People are on fire for Jesus when they are saved, but in the years that follow some fall away.”

This has also been my experience. I will forever remember the year 2015 - not only for the many successes and achievements Devoted celebrated, but also for the many challenges we faced in keeping up the good work we started. The biggest challenge we have experienced in growing this magazine is the lack of commitment from people, or rather the lack of honouring commitments - this has a tremendous impact on our work.

And when talking to others, it is clear that this has become a common culture in modern society. When life happens, it is so easy to forget what it means to live a devoted life; it is so easy to focus on the things that do not really matter!

Over the years I have had the privilege of meeting people who are really making a difference in their world; and they continue to do so. We have shared some of their stories and we will continue to do so. These are people who focus on building a legacy for the good of others. I found that the most important attributes they all share is their commitment to ethics and their positive attitudes. Just like our hero for this issue…

Dr. Tertius Venter.

Doctor Tertius is a reconstructive plastic surgeon who has committed his talents, time and expertise to help those who need it the most – those who have no access to basic medical care. Read his story on pages 6-9 and follow his journey on our website and Facebook pages. Devoted fully supports this inspiring doctor in his quests and we want to encourage our readers to join in.

Our inspiring articles are intended to help our readers “make themselves unforgettable and to become the person everyone remembers and no one can resist” as Dale Carnegie said. In the end, that is the reason we have been placed on this earth – to serve others, not ourselves! And, if we decide to become better servants of others, who better to look to for guidance than the greatest Servant of all - our Creator?

Much love, until next time!

Editor

Gerda Potgieter

Devoted celebrates the following milestones: • Producing the 20th issue of Devoted – a magazine that has impacted more than 100 000 readers per issue. An estimated 2 million readers worldwide since Devoted was launched; • Reaching out and touching people with compassion; • Assisting people on their road to spiritual growth; • Building and maintaining relationships with a number of strategic partners, nationally and internationally; • Impacting many lives and receiving life-changing testimonies from readers; • Inspiring thousands of readers with inspirational and lifechanging stories; • Developing a small team of dedicated and talented people who use their God-given talents and gifts to help others; • Acting as a source of information educating our readers on subjects that matter; • Receiving more than 2 000 “likes” on Facebook; Getting to know awesome people like Dr. Tertius Venter, Angus Buchan, Pastor Louie Giglio, Nicholis Louw, Angelique du Toit, Janet Potgieter (Mrs Africa Globe 2014) and many more...

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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

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Discover real life

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From the desk of Angus Buchan

Celebrating

life

We, as believers, have so much to celebrate. Why, you might ask? Well, because Christ has been raised from the dead.

The tomb is empty. That is fantastic news and well worth celebrating.

The scripture that really encourages my spirit is found in Romans 8:11 (NKJV) which says, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

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he important part of that verse is the word “if”. We need to understand that we have to ask the Holy Spirit to take over our lives if we truly want to celebrate life. You see, Jesus said very clearly to His disciples in John 16:7 (NKJV), “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” If we allow the Holy Spirit to take over our lives, He becomes our Comforter (Parakletos in Greek), He becomes our Encourager, He becomes our Counsellor and He becomes our Advocate. But most of all, He becomes a Friend that sticks closer than any brother.

In other words, we don’t have to be lonely any longer and that is truly worth celebrating. Jesus ascended to heaven. He is seated at the right hand of His Father. He is praying for you and me right now and He has not left us as orphans. He has sent His very own Spirit to dwell within us.

We see ugly and unsettling things around us all the time. I see many people suffering from depression, stress and anxiousness.

That is not necessary if we would put our trust in the Holy Spirit. In fact, the Lord reminds us very clearly in Philippians 4:6 (NKJV), “Be anxious for nothing, but in

The best gift ever…

everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” So the darker things become, the closer you and I need to walk with the Lord. He told us that these things taking place on earth right now would happen. John 16:33 (NKJV) clearly states, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

We will see the signs in the world: signs of earthquakes, tsunamis, more refugees being displaced since the Second World War and diseases that confound the doctors, but we know that Jesus Christ is not coming soon… He is already His way. That is worth celebrating! God will always give you and me strength for the strain.

May God bless you as you celebrate life, as you put your hope and trust in Him. You can also know, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that nothing can come upon you or me without His permission. He has promised us in His Word that He “will never leave us or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5).

God bless Angus Buchan Shalom Ministries

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Readers can now walk through the Bible with Uncle Angus. In truly Buchan-style he challenges readers to grow and live as God has destined them. Believers are guided in their Christian walk.

This devotional Bible includes: A one-year Bible reading plan - A list of Bible promises for tough times - Scripture for specific needs. Daily readings of this Bible will encourage readers and strengthen their faith as they walk with God.

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Sample Text

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6 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Dr Tertius Venter is a South African plastic surgeon. Volunteering on the Africa Mercy Ship, he founded the Cycle Miles for Smiles campaign to raise awareness and to gain support for the poorest of the poor.

I n t h i s i s s u e

Cover picture: Annerine Lubbe Photography

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Celebrating successes and staying devoted 2 FROM THE DESK OF ANGUS BUCHAN Celebrating life

Discover real life

“A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!”

(Psalm 100:1-5)

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COVER STORY Pick up your cross and find your destiny 6

Credits

MANAGING EDITOR OUTREACH Gerda Potgieter Cycle miles for smiles 8

E-mail: editor@devotedmag.co.za

THE CONVERSATION South Africa need ethical leadership

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LEADERSHIP Ethical leadership requires ethical leaders

LANGUAGE EDITOR Mignionette Fair

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BACK TO BASICS When last were you devoted to something?

ASSISTANT EDITOR Jeannie Millington

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CREATIVE AND DESIGN TEAM

ATTITUDE Annerine Lubbe (Square d’zign studio) Another pilot please 16 I am my brother’s keeper 18 CONTRIBUTORS THE EQUIPMENT TALK Live to glorify God

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WELLNESS Boundaries, creating healthy relationships

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Angus Buchan • Disebo Pesa Elizabeth Bekker • Dr Hanlie Meyer Janny Djan • Johan Terblanche Lele Khumalo • Mignionette Flair Suzette van Huyssteen

INSPIRATION Share the good news until the whole world knows

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PRINTERS SA Print Group (Bloemfontein)

THEME You are meant to be a butterfly, not a caterpillar

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FILM REVIEW Risen 30

SALES AND MARKETING Alicia Potgieter • Cell: 074 460 4123 E-mail: aliciajorge26@gmail.com sales@devotedmag.co.za

TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Wonderboom airport, plane convenience to Cape Town 32

WEBSITE DEVELOPER Tony Hendricks

BOOK REVIEWS 558 days, a true story Digital cocaine

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BUSINESS Cut through the e-noise and be heard

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INTERNATIONAL FLAIR Healing hands amongst devastation

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INSPIRATION New beginnings and celebrating life again!

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FAIR FLAIR The fruit of the Spirit: Joy

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SOCIAL MEDIA just plain IT

Contact Details Editor: Email: editor@devotedmag.co.za

Sales:

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.

Book your advertising space for the next issue, contact Alicia Email: aliciajorge26@gmail.com 074 460 4123

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.

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Pick up your cross and find your destiny

Caroline van Sassen from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, co-founder of Water Shortage South Africa (WSSA)

How did Dr. Tertius Venter do it?

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

(Matthew 11:37-39)

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By Mignionette Fair and Gerda Potgieter

ost people will never achieve their destiny and will live a life of endless busyness, participating in a rat race of constant demands.

In the process they will miss their real calling. It is said that only a very small percentage of people actually explore what they truly desire in life and what their true vision in life is. It is equally true that we live in times where genuinely committed people who stay loyal to their calling, are hard to come by.

This is most definitely not the case with Dr. Tertius Venter, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon from South Africa. He took his calling to heart when he started volunteering in 2000 at Mercy Ships©, an organisation that sends state-of-the-art cruise liners with the best medical facilities to underprivileged countries and communities.

After an encounter with God during his quiet time on the ship, his life was deeply changed by the needs of the poorest of the poor and for his love of God. Luke 6:36 states, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”, Dr. Tertius has put this scripture into practice.

He has given up his private practice and time with his family to make a difference in people’s lives. With his expertise, he has helped thousands of people by removing tumours, repairing cleft palates and performing amazing reconstructive surgeries so others can have a better quality of life.

None of the work done at Mercy Ships© would be possible without the volunteers and the contributions from around the globe. Over the years, thousands of people, like our own Dr. Tertius, have volunteered time and donated money to improve and change the lives of people they do not know or will probably never meet again.

But the plight of the needy and desperation of the poorest of the poor was never felt so intensively as now; and since people in the remotest rural areas have become aware of being helped by Mercy Ships©, the queues have grown exponentially and more assistance and finances are required to give them hope and the free medical care they are so desperately in need of. Dr. Tertius took his calling a step further and started the Cycle Miles for Smiles campaign to increase awareness and to raise funds for this amazing organisation in order to continue their work.

Dr. Tertius has cycled many thousands of kilometres - from Amsterdam to Stuttgart in October 2014; from Pretoria to Cape Town in March 2015; and from New York to San Francisco in June 2015. In May 2016 he cycles from the Netherlands through to the UK, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and back to the Netherlands. This is to create an awareness of the plight of the poor and needy who are all in critical need of medical attention and who do not have the means and accessibility to medical care!

Cover Story Before Dr. Tertius departed for Amsterdam to start his amazing tour, we asked him a few questions.

Q: What prompted you to become involved in Mercy Ships©?

A: I lived a very blessed life - family, work, circumstances; and asked God why He would bless me so much. Deep down I knew that His blessings were not just about me – it never is. I asked Him to show me what He wanted from my life and my blessings; and He showed me. He took me to a hospital ship on the west coast of Africa and touched my heart with the outcry of the poor. My life was changed forever on this ship, the M/V Anastasis, in 2000. I closed my practice in 2006 and now serve God by serving the poor through, amongst others, Mercy Ships© on the M/V Africa Mercy.

Q: Please tell us a little more about Mercy Ships©? Can anyone get involved and who pays for the costs involved?

A: There are a crew of about 450 people volunteering on the ship, from about 40 different nationalities. It is like a small town aboard the ship. Apart from the medical crew, there are engineers, electricians, plumbers, teachers, people working in the bank, the shop, the kitchen, almost any job a small town would have.

Everyone, from the cook to the captain, pays their own way to the ship and their own crew fees to live on the ship. It is a love offering to serve people in desperate need. The costs of the operations are being paid through donations.

Q: Devoted continues to inspire its readers to use their God-given talents and gifts to help others. However, not everyone can work on Mercy Ships© or operate on people. How can our readers assist in this worthy cause?

A: You can imagine what the cost is to run a huge hospital with five operating rooms and nearly 100 beds without charging the patients anything. So, fundraising and donations play a major role to keep providing care. This includes fundraising and/or donations to Mercy Ships© or to individual crew members who have to raise their own funds to serve.

We can’t all go out into the poorest countries… but we CAN all help Dr Tertius to do that. Ways in which to get involved with this programme include donating towards Dr Tertius’ costs in order for him to continue being dedicated full time to operating on the poor and training African surgeons for Africa. He needs people like you and I to donate or get involved in fund raising initiatives!

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: The Devoted team is committed to help Dr. Tertius to continue with the selfless work he is doing. We will continue to write in the magazine about the work of Dr. Tertius and his wonderful team, but also on our website and Facebook page. We will also use events to help raise funds for this worthy cause. For example, we are planning another Cycle Miles for Smiles event from Pretoria to Cape Town to assist Dr. Tertius in raising funds for his work on Mercy Ships©.

We are devoted to Mercy Ships© and the wonderful people who selflessly spread the love of God in this way.

If you would like to be a part of this amazing opportunity to change lives for the better, do not hesitate to contact us.

Surgical Guidelines is an initiative dedicated to raising funds for Dr Tertius.

On-going specific needs include medical conference fee coverage and also general needs like living expenses, Visa’s and flight costs.

If you’d like to support Dr Tertius, please go to the website below and donate and/ or contact the organisers to find out how you can raise funds – your support can help change a life for the better! http:// www.surgicalguidelines.uk.

Contact details of the Cycle Miles for Smiles UK event: Surgical Guidelines E-mail: info@surgicalguidelines.uk Contact details of the International Media Relations Manager, Mercy Ships©: Diane Rickard – E-mail: diane. rickard@mercyships.org

“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody - I think that is a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.” (Mother Teresa)

If you would like to become involved in the South African event that is planned to support this cause, send me an e-mail: editor@devotedmag.co.za.

Follow us on our Facebook page and also on our website: www.devotedmag.co.za for the latest information on this event.

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Cycle miles for Our hero for this isssue, Dr. Tertius Venter, is a full-time volunteer plastic surgeon on the Africa Mercy Ship that docks in some of the world’s poorest countries to offer free life-altering surgeries. He founded the Cycle Miles for Smiles campaign to raise awareness and gain support for those who cannot afford medical care, but desperately need it to improve their lives

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or years, Devoted has motivated people to put their talents and skills to good use; and we love telling the stories of ordinary people using the platforms available to them to do extraordinary things for the benefit of others. We are called to make a difference by helping those in need. It is not only about giving money, but about using the skills and talents that you have to glorify His Name by helping the less fortunate.

So, what or who is Mercy Ships©? Founded in 1978 by Don and Deon Stevens, Mercy Ships© is an organisation that uses a floating hospital to give the poorest of the poor access to much needed medical care. The latest addition, and the ship on which Dr. Tertius works, Africa Mercy, has stateof-the-art medical facilities and offers free health care, community outreach programmes and care centres. They’ve completed over 80 000 life-saving surgeries at 587 ports since 1978. The majority of conditions amenable to surgery globally are mainly plastic reconstructive surgery , burn contractures, congenital conditions (eg Cleft lip and palate), hand and feet abnormalities and trauma.

The organisation depends entirely on volunteers who lay down their lives to help the less fortunate. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships© bring hope and healing to those who need it the most, but cannot afford it. Visit www.mercyships.org.za if you would like to know more about the work of Mercy Ships©.

Giving back their smiles!

There are so many wonderful testimonies of people whose lives have been changed through the devotion and selflessness of the Mercy Ships© volunteers. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ devotedmagazine to read how the lives of children and adults have been changed.

We chose a few favourites to give you a glimpse into the life-changing work done on the ships.

One of the amazing surgeries Dr. Tertius did was for Benjamine from the Congo. This beautiful little girl was burnt badly, the scars contracted and left her mouth permanently open and her arms severely contracted as well. Dr. Tertius and the team aboard the Africa Mercy spent more than two hours operating on little Benjamine. She left with a big smile on her face, but not before giving everyone on board a big hug.

{ { “Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

(Mother Teresa.)

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smiles…

Benjamine

(Photos by Catherine Murphy, Deb Louden, Ruben Plomp and Josh Callow)

Outreach Fandresena, a cute five-year old, was badly burnt as a toddler. From the many pictures taken of the smiling little boy, before and after the operation, it is clear that he has a wonderful spirit that does not allow “small things” such as severe burns and scars to take away his joy in life! Just imagine how this little boy, now that he has been given back his health and hope for a better future, will impact others.

Fandresena

(Photos by Justine Forrest and Katie Keegan)

The story of Fitia, a two-year-old burn victim, is heart-breaking. Her life was in immediate danger because of the after-effects of the burns she suffered when she fell into a pot of boiling soup. She had sepsis from the burns and the team had to work quickly to save her life. Because of Mercy Ships©, little Fitia now has hope for a better, and pain-free future.

Fitia

(Photos by Josh Callow, Katie Keegan, Deb Louden and Ruben Plomp).

Visit our website www.devotedmag.co.za and our Facebook page to read more testimonies.

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The Conversation

South Africa needs ethical

leadership!

The Conversation, initiated

by Random Moments of Faith, is a collaboration between this faith-based website and Devoted that aims to inspire people to express their views on things that matter. We print the views below, because we want to encourage readers to join the conversation on matters and issues that affect us all. Please note that all views published here are of the writers themselves.

The Devoted team does not necessarily agree, or disagree, with the views.

Devoted believes that it is our responsibility to speak out, in a responsible way, on issues that matter. This brings us to the question: Do you believe that South Africa has a leader who can provide the ethical leadership that will not only restore the trust of the citizens, but also the trust of stakeholders in the rest of the world?

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Political ruling party does not demonstrate ethical leadership – Wilhelmina Bekker

John C. Maxwell, in Daily Wisdom for Leaders, wrote that ethical leadership requires “a leader who is willing to take responsibility for his actions, be honest and transparent, someone who his followers can admire, respect and trust. That leader is also someone that they can learn from.” I fully agree with him. However, we do NOT have that kind of leadership among the top leaders of this country.

South Africans will go to the voting stations in August to make a difference with their votes, and it is important that we make the right choices! I pray that God will reveal the right choices to us so that we can vote for new leaders who can make an impact on a country that is desperately in need of ethical leadership.

South Africa lacks ethical leadership – Cate Ntombi

Following the judgement of the Constitutional Court in the Nkandla matter, namely that the president failed to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the country, it is clear that most people are of the opinion that the leadership of President Zuma turned out to be a disaster for South Africa and its people.

Religious leaders, for instance, have made it clear recently that they believe President Zuma has lost “the moral integrity to lead”.

There are many reasons to be worried about the current leadership. The requests from various political parties to impeach the president, and the reactions of many high profile people revealed that they also have had enough of the corruption and scandals that are continuously associated with the president.

It is a no-brainer: South Africa clearly lacks ethical leadership. However, now is the time

to do something about it. We, as the citizens, are responsible for making the right choices when we cast our votes at the ballot stations in August later this year. If we, through our votes, put unethical leaders in a position where they can corrupt the country, we are just as guilty. We have to make informed decisions when we go to the voting stations.

It is our individual responsibility to vote, because not voting means a vote for the wrong leader!

But it is not all doom and gloom for South Africa. Our Public Prosecutor has demonstrated an ethical leadership style since she took office. This is what Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said about Thuli Madonsela: “She is the embodiment of a biblical David … who fights the most powerful and very well-resourced Goliath,...

The Public Protector is one of the true crusaders and champions of anti-corruption and clean governance.”

I salute you, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, you give us hope for a better South Africa!

Current leadership disconnected from historic leadership – Jasper Cloete

The word “leadership” implies influence, guidance, direction and governance; whereas the word “integrity” refers to reliability, honesty and truthfulness.

One of the reasons the current government is under such pressure from the media and their own constituents is that people feel there is a strong “disconnect” between the party’s original cause, and the track record of their historical leadership and the current leadership. The deeds and actions of the historical leaders are perceived as consistent with the stated cause. And, even if some individuals had character flaws, the overall leadership could be trusted to serve their constituents.

Through a series of wrong individual choices and the overall leadership’s failure to act in a way that shows integrity and

The Conversation truthfulness, the entire government is now facing the problem of total distrust - even though there are still many individuals in government that are doing sterling jobs.

What is true for politicians is also true for any leader in any business, industry or organisation. What you say and do must show wholeness and integrity.

The world today is crying out for leaders of integrity. Let us start to take leadership in our communities and demonstrate integrity with our personal actions and conduct.

Ethical Leadership – Jimmy Wright

The quest for ethical leadership in South Africa has never been so in focus as in the last two months! From our government- to parliament leaders, from provincial to municipal leadership - our nation is staggering under the lack of ethical leaders in our day!

Corruption, lies and the mockery made of Chapter 9 Institutions such as the Public Protector and the higher courts of South Africa are evident! If the national leaders in South Africa’s locus of control are ONLY external, why should any person in South Africa adhere to the law? You will only be persecuted if you are caught out and could not buy yourself out of trouble!

It seems that even the very fibre of our juridical system is placed in question by our own leaders. If you do not appreciate your day in high court, you call on the traditional leaders to bail you out! The question that could be asked is: “Why should the courts tell us what TRUTH is?”

The Church is the only answer to the local community! We call on pastors, spiritual leaders and unashamedly ethical Christian business people of South Africa to be our beacon of hope in our local communities!

For a time such as this YOU were called to save a nation!

Walking with Integrity conference Faith and Law Around the Globe (FLAG) joint the conversation on ethical leadership. They chose Walking with Integrity as the theme of its 2016 global FLAG convocation. This historic gathering of legal professionals from around the world recently came together to address how the restoration of integrity can transform the culture of nations. This event addressed the interplay between integrity and the serious global issue of corruption.

A legal system, based upon any standard less than complete integrity, can never provide true justice for the people it serves. Sadly, in many countries, corruption is so rampant that equal justice for all has ceased to exist. Judgments are awarded to the highest bidder and there is no justice available for those who cannot afford to offer an adequate bribe.

Speakers from South Africa included Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, Supreme Court Justice Eberhard Bertelsmann and Teresa Conradie (recently nominated for a position in the IEC). Please visit the website, http://www.flagglobal. org/, for more information.

(Information provided by Gerda Snyman from Campus Crusade for Christ SA)

The conversation Collaboration between Random Moments of Faith and Devoted

There is a time for silence, and there is a time to speak or act. Now is the time to speak out and act - or as you would say in isiXhosa: “Sekunjalo”!

We can no longer turn a blind eye to the social ills that have impacted so negatively on our country and its people. We invite you to join the conversation LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Discover real life

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

- Martin Luther King Jr. -

Website: www.rmof.org.za Facebook: RANDOM MOMENTS OF FAITH Email: Jacques@rmof.org.za Website: www.devotedmag.co.za Facebook: Devotedmag Email: editor@devotedmag.co.za Follow The Conversation on the website: http://rmof.org.za Learn more about Devoted on: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LkCD0qUCw9M

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Leadership

Ethical leadership requires ethical leaders

In the previous issue, we started to explore the role of a transformational leader in changing the world for the better.

In this issue, we identify the behaviours that make ethical leaders.

South Africans will go to the voting stations in August to make a difference with their votes, and it is important that we make intelligent choices. The right choices! It is the little things that count when it comes to voting for the right leaders. Things like: Do they keep their promises?

Do they only work for the constituents when it is election time or do they stay committed to take this country forward; and do they take responsibility for their actions?

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thical leadership is needed in South Africa and the world, now more than ever. There is a great need in our country for ethical leaders who will ensure high standards of moral and ethical conduct. The current context in which South Africans live calls for religious and political leaders to demonstrate an ethical integrity that can restore the trust of people.

More and more people are looking for religious and political leaders to provide meaning and hope. Things are not what they are supposed to be and poor leadership is hurting our country and its people.

South Africans will have to make a choice again on the kind of leadership they want for this country when they go to the voting stations in August this year for the municipal elections. Our country has a vibrant, multiparty political system, but do voters really know what and who they are voting for? The question is if voters are well informed of the values, vision and mission of the leadership they vote for; or are they still voting for the party that maybe served a purpose 20 odd years ago, but has since moved away from the communities they are supposed to serve?

The high level of corruption and mismanagement of funds that is going on now is reason for enormous harm as it hungrily eats into the pockets of the taxpayers. It also

prevents governments from providing basic services to those who need it the most. South Africa can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to what is happening and we – most definitely – can no longer keep quiet and do nothing.

Our votes are the most powerful way in which we can make a difference.

The time has come for voters to make intelligent choices. The future is in the hands of us all and it is time to decide what kind of future we want for our children and the future generations. It is a fact that a vote – any vote – can transform South Africa.

The world is full of aspiring political leaders and this is also the case in South Africa.

However, many of the current and inspiring political leaders seem to lack some of the most important leadership qualities, such as integrity and accountability. It is no wonder that the word “politician” has such negative connotations for so many people!

Ethical leadership requires ethical leaders, but what makes a good ethical leader? Books on leadership list a number of characteristics of an ethical leader and therefore, what to look for when voting for our next political leaders.

The list below provide a few characteristics of ethical leadership: • Ethical leaders understand, articulate and demonstrate a commitment to good core values. They know what their core values

•

• •

are and they are not afraid to live them out in all aspects of their lives for the common good.

When it comes to servicing others, ethical leaders have the ability to frame their actions to what is the right thing. They also have the ability to articulate the vision to others and inspire them to action.

An ethical leader is an example of integrity and displays loyalty to the people they serve. It involves leading in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of others.

It is someone with strong character and with a conscience who can resist the many temptations; and who can ensure that ethical practices are carried out throughout the organisation.

“Divorced from ethics, leadership is reduced to management and politics to mere technique.”

(James McGregor Burns) Now that we know what leadership books say about ethical leadership, let us look at what the most important book, the Bible, has to say about being a good leader: “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” (Titus 1:7-14)

“A leadership strategy without ethical clarity produces moral and economic bankruptcy.”

(Bill Donahue) I cannot think of a better way to end this article than to refer to what our heroine and good example of an ethical leader, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, said in a speech at the annual Black Management Forum in 2013: “Operate ethically, taking into account the need for sustainability, including knowing that having islands of influence in a sea of poverty is not sustainable.”

For me, that is a very important aspect of how to be ethical within the South African context.

Sources: http://www.theworkplacecoach.com/the-importanceof-ethical-leadership/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140615012844-27554839ethical-leadership-the-standards-and-test-questions-fordecision-making-close-the-dilemma-gap Resources for more information: http://ethicalleadership.org/about-us/philosophies-definitions/ ethical-leadership http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/dec2010/ ca20101215_957125.htm http://www.managementstudyguide.com/leadership-ethics.htm

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Back to Basics

devoted

When last were you This is the second article in our series on the importance of being devoted to something and to live a purposeful and more joyful life. You can still read the first part on www.devotedmag.co.za and follow the Issue 19 link.

I hope that we can inspire you to live a fruitful life and to help make a difference - in whichever way - in the communities that are less fortunate than we are!

to something?

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he process to enjoy a happier and more fruitful life starts with the individual. We have to get back to basics if we want to make the world a better place. We have to BE the change we want to see in the world. And the best place to start is with our own thoughts; followed by actions.

It is said that a person has between 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts per day. That is 35 to 48 thoughts per minute per person. The most important thing to remember is that over time we become our thoughts. If we constantly think negatively, we will eventually become negative people. Negative thoughts are caused by ingrained patterns. The problem with continuous negative thinking is that it impacts our feelings, our health and the quality of our life.

It is for this reason that behavioural therapy practitioners remind us that we have the ability to change our behaviour by changing our thoughts.

By making our thoughts more positive, we will start transforming our lives.

OPEN YOUR HEART

When you listen to your heart (and not your head) you don’t become preoccupied with success, status, possessions, materialism, jealousy, power or pride. And when you follow your heart, you will find peace, ignite your passion and discover your purpose.

Here are five reasons why you should follow your heart: • To connect with others • To find your true path • To allow yourself to heal from hurts • To love yourself • To love others

HAVE GIVING HANDS

Winston Churchill once said, “You make a living by what you get… But you make a life by what you give.”

Hands are associated with giving and receiving.

The big question is “Are you a giver or are you a receiver?” The ideal situation is a balance between the two. There is unfortunately also a third dimension to this: the taker - something we all should really strive not to be!

Everybody wants to be financially secure.

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Ironically, the key to financial security lies in letting gratitude; contentment and generosity govern your financial decisions. Love and money are the only things in life that become more by giving it away. You can only receive love if you give love. And, ask yourself why the richest, and most generous people on earth become richer and richer? … The more you give away possessions and money, the more you will receive to give to others. This is not only a Biblical principal, but also the Law of the Universe.

Generous people know Jesus was right when He said: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).

Learning to live with an open hand is a life-long process, but it will give you dividends beyond your expectations. This is exactly what motivated Dr Tertius Venter and many others who joined the Mercy Ships© discovered. Through life-long dedication the Mercy Ships© team have changed so many lives and enriched their own in the process. Read more about this amazing devotion on pages 6 to 9.

(Sources: www.tinybuddha.com; www.successconsciousness.com) Here are some ways you can make generosity part of your lifestyle: • Be grateful for what you have • Focus on what you have and not on what you don’t have • Recognise that many of the best things in life are free and they can enrich your life • Make a daily inventory of what you’re thankful for • Be content with what you have • Distinguish between essentials and nonessentials • Don’t let wealth and possessions define who you are • Give freely, “for freely you have received” “See the positive side, the potential and make an effort.” ~ Dalai Lama

Attitude

Another pilot

please

By Johan Terblanche

Whenever a preacher, a pastor or a reverent addresses certain subjects, the church often turns against them.

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t is said that a plane was about to take off at an international airport when the pilot aborted take-off and returned to the terminal. The pilot apologised to the passengers stating that there was a technical problem and that the flight would be delayed.

More than an hour later, a different pilot announced that the flight would resume. A concerned passenger asked the stewardess what was wrong. She responded: “Earlier, just before take-off, a number of warning lights came on in the cockpit. Afraid that this could be disastrous, the pilot decided to return to the terminal. It then took us more than an hour to find another pilot.”

I have found a similar situation in the church or should I say the body of Christ.

Often a preacher or teacher would point out the dangers of continuing on a certain path, whether it be sin, a lack of holy living, a decay in ethics or morals, self-worship or even prosperity, just to be ousted and replaced with another. This ousting can take on many forms. The pastor could be asked to resign, church members may leave the church or the church council (or even a church member) will prescribe to the pastor what he is allowed to preach and what not. In my ministry, I have often heard people saying that I am too harsh, I should rather talk about grace than holiness, I should refrain from mentioning sin, I should focus on the rewards of living in Christ rather than talking of God’s judgment.

Now let me tell you: The warning lights are flickering, and if we do not attend to the problem, we might go down with the plane.

There is little or no value in changing churches or finding another pastor (or finding another political leader) if all we want is a nicer sermon, a more compromising message. The Bible tells us that there will come a time when they (the church) “will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4) The warning lights are flickering. We can see them all around, but people are no longer prepared to hear what the Word is saying. They are turning a blind eye to the warning lights or warning signs. Many prefer to hear sermons on self-consciousness, self-awareness and even

self-elevation.

It is written “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Yet, many now believe that there’s more than one way to be saved and the preacher should not be so narrow-minded.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) Yet, we would rather hear sermons of how God is seeking to bless us. We are seeking His hand rather than His face.

2 Peter 3:9 states “The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.” Yet, many who are not willing to turn from their sins accuse the pastor of judging them.

God says: “Be holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) Paul confirms this in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 in which he states “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” Still there are many who would prefer the preacher not to preach on this because then they will have to change their lifestyles. Holiness is not optional, but a requirement of God. Luke 6:38 states “Give and it shall be given unto you.” But, when the preacher preaches on this, many say all he wants is our money. We prefer receiving rather than giving. Even in our relationship with God, our spouses and others, our needs and wants are far greater than our desires to give.

Next time a pastor or a preacher points out that the warning lights are flickering, do not change the pilot for another pilot… It won’t solve the problem. Do not shoot the messenger if you don’t like the message. When we hear sound doctrine, let us not harden our hearts or seek a seeker-sensitive church or message, but let us adhere to the word.

(Pastor Johan Terblanche is from Christ Alone Minstries, an e-mail-based ministry and non-profit organisation that offers weekly messages of encouragement, also to ministers, encouraging them to stand firm in the calling of God. Visit the website: www.christaloneministries.weebly.com or contact him on his e-mail: christalone@telkomsa.net.)

For more information Contact Jeanette and Dalena • 012 753 0082/ 083 964 4335

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Attitude

I am my brother’s

keeper

By Lele Khumalo

Human beings tend to be so cruel without even realising it. I mean, for example, what if someone offered you R2 000 to down a 2 litre bottle of water, you’d obviously drink it, but what if you were offered R2 to do the same thing? You wouldn’t, do it right?

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o why do we decide as human beings, that some people are worth our time and others are not? Why do we feel like we can be seen hanging around certain people and others are just not good enough to be seen with? What happened to being equal? What happened to being my brother’s keeper? Why do we measure people’s worth based on worldly standards and material possessions? Why do we miss the opportunity to get to know the inner beauty of a person by looking at the outside?

Society has basically trained and taught us that we need to have a certain image or look: the way you dress, the way you speak, the things you do. You need to conform to that particular group, which I think is boring. Why can’t you rather work towards being the person you were created to be?

The sad thing is that most of the time, the people you look down on, are the ones you will need in the near future or can learn a lot from in the present.

Realistically speaking, this is not the perfect world we all want it to be, although that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be kind.

Show compassion, smile at strangers and help people. The ultimate goal is to treat people how you’d treat Jesus and how you would want others to treat you. It’s that simple. What does being your brother’s keeper mean? After Cain had murdered his brother Abel, God asked him where his brother was. Cain answered “I know not; am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain’s words have come to symbolise people’s unwillingness to accept responsibility for the welfare of their “brothers”.

It’s not even about being there for blood siblings, but each and every single fellow human being! Go out there and don’t be afraid to make a difference. The smallest things make the biggest differences.

You never know what someone is going through and your small gesture of kindness could change their life. Let us be our brother’s keeper and truly care for the family of God.

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The Equipment Talk

Live to glorify God Live a life of purpose...

To glorify God means we have a heartfelt gratitude. We glorify God.The Bible says that we were also created to be filled with joy!

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By Disebo Pesa

n a race, all the runners run, but only one wins the prize. You must run in such a way that you may be victorious.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24 Apostle Paul says that you should run every step of your journey with purpose.

The story I am about to share reminds me of James 3:13 that says, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!”

We embarked on a journey because the purpose of the assignment was to assist learners from Eduplex High School, situated in Queenswood in Pretoria, to strive and achieve excellence in their studies and to follow the correct approaches that are biblical and educational. It is important to discover that it is beneficial for our communities to acquire knowledge that will contribute to the economic and social impact that is sustainable for the development and growth of the country we live in. There is a need to learn from those who were able to master the right techniques that led to the

expected outcomes.

We were also curious to learn what the future would hold for the learners after 12 years of hard work. During our brief encounter with the learners, I noticed the following factors that contributed to their success that others can learn from: • It’s important to be part of a good support group; • Have another student you can count on you will make it together; • Determine your purpose and goals from the start and be determined to reach them; • Focus, work hard and always go the extra mile; • When you put all your effort in from the start and do your very best throughout the year… you cannot do better than that; • Make an outline of your study curriculum; • Split your workload; • Take breaks between your studies; • Have a well-rounded CV and do not only focus on your academic life, focus on other aspects of life as well;

The Equipment Talk • Live a healthy lifestyle, exercise and take care of your whole being - mind, body and soul; • Dedicate most of your time to the subjects that will count more for your future aspirations; • Above everything else, have faith in God, because that’s what will always carry you through; and • Always get up when you are down and never give up on your dreams!

This beautiful group of matric learners of this amazing school showed me that success is possible through positive attitudes, hard work, persistence and determination. It is such an inspiration to see young people spending their youth well, because they have a dream to give back to the communities they live in.

Eduplex consists of an independent pre-primary and high school. It is an inclusive and unique parallel medium school (English and Afrikaans). The school caters for both normal and a small number of deaf children. The Eduplex high school opened its doors early in 2014. Special characteristics that ensure that Eduplex stands out from the rest of the pack include: • Classes comprise an optimum number of 25 pupils; • Pupils are part of a holistic curriculum that keeps up with the latest educational practice, information and technology, allowing the development of both skills and creativity during the school day; • Deaf pupils are educated alongside those with normal hearing with a benchmark of one deaf pupil to every five normal hearing pupils; • Emphasis is placed on the importance of the development of good listening skills; • Eduplex is a Christian school with a biblical world-view.

Visit www.eduplex.co.za for more information.

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30 Apr – 1,2 May

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28 May

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24 Jun -17 Jul

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24 – 28 Aug

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1-4 Sept

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9,10 Sept

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24 Sept – 1 Oct

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25-30 Oct

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24 – 27 Nov

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Wellness

BOUNDARIES

CREATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Part 2

By Dr. Hanlie Meyer

In the previous article, I emphasised the importance of realising that God is the source of all authority.

I explained that spiritual authority, which results from obedience to God, enables us to set boundaries and stick to them. On the other hand, those who do not surrender to His authority might find it difficult to discern what is important and gather enough courage to make decisions and stick to them without manipulation, aggression, coercion or giving in under pressure.

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suggested that if man would turn to God in repentance as 2 Corinthians 3:16–18 suggests, spiritual authority would be regained through the restored intimacy with God. However, disobedience will weaken this authority and the individual will reap the fruit of doubt and uncertainty – although it might be hidden beneath bravado, loudness, aggression or manipulation.

God does give us clear guidance on the boundaries He sets. Where can we start looking for those boundaries that are good representations of the heart of God? When I read the book of Exodus, it struck me that we could start with the covenant God made with Israel on Mount Sinai. When reading this, we need to keep a few things in mind: Who were the recipients? What was the context? What would they have heard? And lastly, how do I respond?

Before exploring this set of boundaries, let us define the term: A boundary is like a fence with a gate in it – you can decide what/who to let in and what/who to keep out. The gate has a handle on the inside only! It is intended to let the good (things and people) in and keep the bad out. Christians who misunderstand this concept tend to see boundaries as selfish and self-centred.

Secondly, boundaries define who we are and are not. It is also not something we are born with or which is cast in stone for the rest of one’s life. As our identity develops, our boundaries need to be strengthened in some areas, shifted in other areas and as we mature, new boundaries are employed to define us in

a work situation, a marriage, as parents and in the community we live in. Without these boundaries, we cannot build or uphold a sense of who we are. By definition, a boundary is like a double-sided coin that never lands on its side: it is either heads or tails; either yes or no. The reality is that whenever you say “YES” to something, you inadvertently say “NO” to something else. This could be a useful tool to support you in making a decision! Whatever your choice – check the flipside of your “decision coin” and see what the consequences of your choice will be. In other words, if you say “YES” to working overtime on a regular basis, what are you saying “NO” to? Family life? Time with God? Exercise? The question to ask is can you afford this? What will the price be?

Let us take a closer look at the marriage contract between God and His people recorded in Exodus 20 and link it to our discussion on boundaries. The first thing God said in this chapter is that He has taken them on this journey. Secondly, He said He took them out of the “house of bondage”. They were a broken nation that had spent 400 years in bondage under their slave drivers, who did not care what they did to the people as long as they got results. They did not respect them as people, their property or their God. God’s people were not allowed to set any boundaries! But God Himself took action.

In Exodus 19 we see that God invited them into a close relationship with Himself when they camped at Mount Sinai. They responded positively and God could give them this covenant – an undertaking from His side that

Wellness things were going to be different now. From now on they were allowed to have boundaries in line with His character and heart for them – the one side of the coin – and there would be dire consequences if they did not live within the boundaries reflecting His identity – an identity He replicated in His people at creation and wanted to restore. His intention was that all the nations on earth should get to know Him and His goodness when they watched His peoples’ way of living.

They had not done anything to deserve this relationship – He invited them into this relationship before He gave the boundaries. The boundaries were not a set of rules to obey so that they could be loved by God or approved by Him, but the result of a love relationship. It was not an effort to make them better or good, but to restore their dignity and teach them how to live free from their slave drivers.

How should we respond to these boundaries? Do we interpret them in this way or do we see them as a set of rules to be obeyed in order to get into and stay in God’s favour?

If the latter were true, it would bring about fear of failure, perfectionism, evaluation of self and others, self-abasement, inferiority, anger, powerlessness, fear of and a motion of distrust in God and eventually rebellion. This rebellion will then cause the loss of spiritual authority and a loss of direction when we want to set boundaries in our everyday lives. However, if we could see them as God restoring our dignity and teaching us to live free from our slave drivers, we might be able to endorse them and appreciate the way in which they were perfectly manifested in the life of Christ on our behalf. We might even be willing for God to take us on our own spiritual journey of learning to live through His Holy Spirit as Jesus did so that all the nations could get to know Him through our lifestyle and leadership style!

Look out for the article in the next edition as we are going to explore this a bit more…

Order the full Boundaries CD series now for only R500 Book Dr.Hanlie as guest speaker for your women’s conference or camps.

Other series available: Intimacy with God Depression Emotional Wounding

Boundaries

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Share the good news until the

whole world hears

By Suzette van Huyssteen

“I am just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. My mission is to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ until the whole world hears.”

(From the left) Johandre Potgieter with his two biggest fans, his sister, Neska Potgieter and his brother, Lohan Potgieter.

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hese are the words and mission statement of 21-year-old Johandre Potgieter, who is constantly sharing God’s Word and truth through videos and posts on Facebook. He lives in Mossel Bay, but aims to reach the whole world.

Johandre shared some of his trials and tribulations and his continuous journey with God with Devoted… from where it all started to where he finds himself today.

From a very young age, Johandre often received prophecies about his life, that God called him for His work. At the age of 16, he accepted Jesus as his Saviour and crowned Christ as the King of his life. “For 16 years, I knew about God, but then I started to really get to know God”. He served God with his whole heart until things started to go wrong in his family life. “I saw my whole life falling apart and I turned my back on God, because I could not understand how some things in my life could happen to me while I was serving God the way I was.”

Johandre wanted to take his own life at the age of 17. “I stood in my room and asked God if He still saw me, He should please speak to me and give me direction. God did speak to me and told me to trust Him and allow Him to show me the plans He had for my life. That evening I put my weak hands into God’s almighty hands and never looked back. God changed my circumstances and made my whole life new.

“I felt that I was too young to mean something to God, but the Word of God directed me time and time again. God spoke the following words into my heart: “God Himself puts His mantle on my shoulders to bring the Good News until the whole world hears.”

Johandre and a fellow friend in Christ started preaching to small groups of people in the countryside. “I constantly felt that I did not reach enough people and that there are millions of people out there that needed to hear the message of Jesus Christ.”

After praying earnestly about this distress in his heart to reach more and more people, he woke up one morning in December 2014 with the idea to record a video of encouragement and put it on Facebook. “From that day, God

paved the path to where my Facebook page has grown today”. He currently has more than 20 000 followers on his Facebook page. He also speaks at churches and seminars.

“I think social media and my videos are a good platform to reach a lot of people. It definitely has a positive impact to make the world more conscious about God. It also enables people who are not churchgoers to hear about God. I have had the privilege to receive numerous testimonies from across the world regarding the impact some of my videos have had on people’s lives and how their lives have been changed for the better.”

He often receives criticism regarding his videos and posts, but he feels that anybody who speaks the truth about Jesus Christ will receive criticism on some level. “Jesus preached more about hell than He did about heaven. He warned people to turn away from sin, take up their cross and follow Him. In the beginning I did not know how to handle the criticism I received, but I realised that I am not doing what I am doing to get more followers or to please people, but rather to please God by sharing His truth as written in His Word.”

The main message that Johandre would like to share with Devoted is to use their time. “While people still have breath in their lungs, they still have the opportunity to give their hearts to God and can be assured that they have a place next to Jesus in heaven. Each and every one of us will meet God, as our Saviour or as our Judge. It is our choice. The Word of God says in Romans 14:11 that “every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is God”. My prayer for everybody is that all will come to the cross before the hourglass runs out.”

The Bible says in Romans 14:11, “It is written: As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

To view the videos of Johandre, visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/johandre.potgieter

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Theme

butterfly, caterpillar

You are meant to be a not a Butterflies… there is something absolutely timeless about them, something that reminds one of a fairy-tale, of a warm spring or summer.

It tells a story of survival - of lightness and a new birth. It tells you about overcoming hidden pain and obstacles and then the fight for freedom.

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n legends and myths, in story books and movies, butterflies always play a positive role. The thing is, when you understand the lifecycle of a butterfly, it all makes sense.

Until recently, I was unaware of something very extraordinary about butterflies. During the transformation process, in the cocoon phase, there is a point where they completely break down into liquid form before they are transformed into a butterfly. They can also remember their past as a caterpillar once they transform. Isn’t that just magnificent?

I think the same thing happens to us. We live as caterpillars, going about our business, just trying to the best we can in a world that is hard, challenging and sometimes very unkind.

Then one day, we retreat into ourselves, because we have become so hurt and broken by the world, whether it is through betrayal, mistrust, losing a loved one or whatever it may be. Our fragile hearts get broken and bruised.

It’s times like those that we feel the only thing we can do to survive is to build walls around our hearts in order to protect it. So we retreat into our little cocoon of safety.

That’s the moment we break down. The process and duration is different for every person. Some of us cry, some of us scream and others yell. We run away or chase things that can only give us temporary relief.

By Elizabeth Bekker

In case you didn’t know, even the tears we cry have a different microscopic compositions.

Tears of joy look different than tears of grief.

We are all unique.

When it comes down to it, we must have our liquid breakdown so we can transform. It is in those dark moments when we truly connect to our emotions and the strength that lies within us to transform us, to alter our minds and lives into something beautiful. It is only when we go back to the foundation of who we are in Christ, and our true identity, that we can become who we are meant to be.

I won’t lie… It’s painful, it hurts, but it is worth it. We have to acknowledge the pain of the past before we can move on. You have to break the ties that bind you to the caterpillar you, so that you can fly as the butterfly you were meant to be.

Butterflies are beautiful, because they know there was something inside of them that was never content with just being a caterpillar. They remember the past, but they do not let it hold them back.

Whatever you do, do not let the butterfly in you surrender to the caterpillar… especially because you were born to fly.

Film Review

Risen

The resurrection through the eyes of a non-believer

By Mignionette Fair

Clavius is a powerful, successful Roman officer. He is loyal, hard-working and ambitious. He is respected by the soldiers who report to him and Pontius Pilate. One day, he gets tasked by Pilate to figure out the mystery behind Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) “disappearance” after He was crucified.

Through his investigation, Clavius embarks on a journey that will change his life forever.

Risen is a wonderful, feel-good movie that tells the story of Jesus’ resurrection through the eyes of a non-believer. It has humour and suspense and is an all-round good movie. It is a fresh angle on a story that has been told many times. Don’t watch this movie expecting a 100% biblically accurate movie… but do yourself a favour and definitely go watch it! The movie opened at cinemas on the 18th of March, and it is now available in DVD.

The stars of Risen are Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love), Tom Felton (Harry Potter), Peter Firth (The Hunt for Red October; “MI-5”), and Cliff Curtis (“Fear the Walking Dead”). Kevin Reynolds directed and co-wrote the movie with Paul Aiello. The movie has a PG13 rating due to a violent scene at the beginning of the movie, but the rest is suitable for young and old.

We give it a 4 out of 5.

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012 622 8973 www.justplainit.co.za

How to transform your inner self by transforming the outer you

Janet Potgieter, Mrs. Africa Globe Classic for 2015 shares how she could participate in the international Mrs. Universe beauty pageant during August 2015 with confidence, being the best version of herself… and all with help from Needleless to Say! “The greatest honour you can give back to your Creator is to take good care of your body on all levels, including your inner self. With the technology available, such as the anti-ageing and slimming procedures at Needleless to Say, you don’t have an excuse to not be the best physical version of yourself - at any age. By transforming my body, my soul was also transformed and it showed on the outside!”

Needleless to Say specialises in anti-ageing non-surgical facial treatments; centimetre loss; weight loss; toning and firming; wrinkle treatment; hair restoring; and we have a needle-free baby clinic.

Phone: 076 288 4310 • Website: www.needlelesstosay.com

Benefits to YOU: • Body Analysis • 6 x shake Mix (2 x per day) • Delicious recipes • 6 x Herbal Tea’s (2 x per day) • Tips on Nutrition 012 991 6329 or 083 258 8697 Nico Email:lipbco@vodamail.co.za

Travel with a Purpose

Wonderboom Airport Plane convenience to Cape Town!

Convenience is high on the agenda when selecting an airport and the right air partner to take you safely where you want to go, whether it is for leisure or business purposes. This is what the Wonderboom Airport took into consideration when they initiated scheduled flights to connect Pretoria to the Mother City

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he Wonderboom Airport in northern Pretoria – in collaboration with Airlink now has scheduled flights from and to Cape Town International Airport. You no longer have to struggle through traffic, pay excessive toll fees ‌ and then get frustrated and lost at an inconvenient airport when you want to fly down to Cape Town from Pretoria or back.

The Wonderboom Airport is a medium-sized airport with a single terminal building, providing easy and quick access to its effective facilities. It is a fully functional airport and hosts more than 184 businesses on its premises. It has a unique ambience that makes you feel right at home.

Celebrating 80 years in existence this year, the Wonderboom Airport plans an air and car show for 11 and 12 June 2016, called the Airlink Adrenaline Show. You can visit the website: www.adrenalineshow.co.za or like the Facebook page for updated information on how to become part of this exciting

event: https://www.facebook.com/even ts/949988058383485/994564473925843/ At the Adrenaline Show, the Cycle Miles for Smiles will be launched. This event will link Pretoria to Cape Town when Dr. Tertius Venter, South African surgeon, will kick off the 80th anniversary of the Wonderboom Airport in operations. He will depart from the airport, cycling all the way to Cape Town to create awareness and raise funds for the plight of the poor and needy and the work done at Mercy Ships.

For flight reservations, call 011 978 1111 or visit: www.flyairlink.com / www.flysaa.com If you want to be part of the exciting Cycle Miles for Smiles event or become a sponsor, please e-mail us on: editor@devotedmag.co.za

Cycle Miles for Smiles…

From Pretoria to Cape Town

Dr. Tertius Venter, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, will cycle from the Wonderboom Airport to Cape Town International Airport in November this year. The Cycle Miles for Smiles event, linking the two capitals symbolically, will mark the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Wonderboom Airport.

Doctor Venter regularly cycles between cities to create awareness for the plight of the poor and to raise funds for the Africa Mercy Ship, the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship that offers free health care to those who cannot afford it. Doctor Venter is a volunteer on the Africa Mercy Ship.

“A call to compassionate action in a hurting world bringing hope and healing, restoring dignity and self-worth.”

(Mercy Ships’ Mission)

Get involved. Help us to help them.

Follow the journey on Devotedmag Facebook page.

For more information on the event, you can email us on: editor@devotedmag.co.za; or visit www.cyclemilesforsmiles.org For information on daily flights between Pretoria and Cape Town, visit www.flyairlink.com For information on the Africa Mercy Ships, visit www.mercyships.org

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Discover real life

Book Reviews

558 days A true story

By Yolande Korkie Summary by Gerda Potgieter

The book reflects on the time when Yolande and her husband, Pierre, were hostages of Al Qaeda in Yemen in 2013. Yolande was released first to raise the money to free her husband. Pierre had to stay in captivity for 558 days under the most appalling circumstances and while he was terribly sick. Pierre was killed by his captors the day before he would have been released, because an American task team made an effort to save them.

What stood out for me about the book was the message of forgiveness that runs through the story like a golden thread. The concept of forgiveness is such an important part of the book that the writer also emphasises it at the end: “Forgiveness does not imply that we condone the deeds that had such a radical impact on our life. It does not mean that we approve of the wrong choices they made. Forgiveness is an order, a command from Jesus Christ, and it reveals God’s heart to us. Through forgiveness, God can make a way for something good to happen out of what was meant for evil.”

558 days is a must-read book. It is a book that, if you open yourself to the messages in it, will change your outlook on life – to the glory of God and His kingdom. It is a book that, because of its lifechanging qualities, I will definitely be reading again and again…

558 days is published by Christian Art Publishers and is available from all Cum bookstores countrywide. Get your copy today! The book is also available in Afrikaans.

Note: Read the full review of the book on www. devotedmag.co.za under The devoted bookworm.

Digital Cocaine

by Brad Huddleston Reviewed by Suzette van Huyssteen

“Truth can be a hard pill to swallow. Sometimes we shy away from truth and tell ourselves untruthful things in an effort to avoid the very thing that holds the key to our freedom. It’s just human nature. Fallen nature. If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, pastor, youth pastor or anyone else who influences people, I would like to remind you of the words of Jesus: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32).”

These are a few words from Brad Huddleston’s new book, Digital Cocaine, A Journey Toward iBalance. Brad is an internationally respected speaker, consultant, teacher and author on the important issues of technology and culture. In Digital Cocaine, Brad will replace your confusion, hesitancy and fear as it relates to the

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digital world with the facts that can make you and your family safer and more secure.

According to Brad, there is no difference in being addicted to technology and cocaine as far as your brain is concerned. In his book he explains why by digging deeper into the neurological

Book Reviews aspects of the human brain. “I do not have a flawless past and I have been the recipient of much grace and love from God and His people. It is in that spirit that I wrote this book.”

He recently visited South Africa and spoke at a church leader conference where the Devoted team had the privilege of interviewing him. While listening to Brad, a key message that stood out was “God is on a rescue mission”, because in today’s time and age, our intimacy with God is often stolen by technology.

According to Brad, he wrote his book out of a personal testimony of being addicted to technology. “I thought that by sitting at my desk making Christian videos, Christian television content and Christian radio content, that I was immune. I got severely burnt out, experiencing anxiety. I had to put it all down completely for an extended period. But I have recovered. Now I have approached it as a tool instead of an addiction.” Brad has compassion and speaks in love to share his knowledge with other people. “I have sorted myself out, otherwise I would have been a hypocrite,” he said, smiling.

We asked Brad what the first signs of being addicted to technology are. His answer was that anxiety is the most obvious sign. If you take it away, for example the Facebook or Instagram application on your phone, do you experience anxiety? “The very thought of going without it and experiencing a sense of feeling lost is definitely a sign of being addicted”.

In Digital Cocaine, Brad explained what happens with the hormones in our brain. “Dopamine is the basic neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that carries the signal to your pleasure centre form different parts of the brain. As you go for more and more pleasure, you push the dopamine level higher and higher. This is called dopamine flooding and it creates a spiralling effect that results in compulsive drug or behaviour abuse.”

According to Brad, it is possible to fully recover and restore the balance of dopamine levels in your brain. “Yes, one can fully recover, but it depends on how deep the addiction is. The human body has the amazing ability to heal itself, but sometimes the healing can leave a scar. But your head will clear and cognitive abilities will come back.”

He puts a lot of focus on physical exercise throughout his book.

“Exercise releases those feel-good chemicals called endorphins, while at the same time getting rid of the bad and negative hormones”.

After reading Digital Cocaine and listening to Brad, I personally think the first thing to consider is whether or not you are addicted to any form of technology. For example, Facebook, Instagram, other social networks, television etc. If you find yourself experiencing any form of anxiety when eliminating technology from your life, get out of denial and deal with your addiction hands-on. You will be able to recover and use technology as a tool to build the Kingdom of God and not be mastered by anything.

The most important message that Brad would like to share with our readers relates to our intimacy with God. “I am honoured to be part of Devoted and my heart for your readers is this: You know your Facebook page, the red dots that appear when you receive a message, friend request or tag, the urge you experience to click on it, is a little dopamine hit. If I am hearing Jesus in this whole project, He is saying this: ‘I wish you felt that way about Me. I wish you would stare at Me all the time, I wish you would constantly be checking in with Me, and instead of screening that, you would be praying’.”

Brad shared that God wants a relationship with us, but often the technology we use has become the god in our lives.

“The goal is to get to the point where you are so intimate with God, His Word is so rich to us, walking with Him is so deep and His Word has come alive, and that this just fades into the background. It doesn’t go anywhere, but rather becomes a great tool, realising that you are not tethered to it.”

Brad also shared that change only becomes real when your heart is changed. When your heart changes and you walk in an intimate

relationship with God, it will be the filter you have to protect yourself from the negative impacts of technology.

His book, Digital Cocaine, was published by Christian Art Publishers and is available at CUM stores nationwide.

From the left, Suzette van Huyssteen, journalist and marketer for Devoted, Brad Huddleston, author of Digital Cocaine, and Octavia Ephraim, marketer for Devoted.

Brad Huddleston and Sua du Plessis, publication manager for Christian Art Publishers.

Brad Huddleston’s desk at home, which he displays at his seminars.

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Business

Cut through the e-noise and

be heard

By Gerda Potgieter

It is a noisy world out there and if you run a business or provide services to others, it is hard to cut through the chaos and loudness of the noise so that people can hear your message.

In difficult financial times, it is even more important to select the best way to communicate with customers and value for money is the key

Devoted remains: • Optimistic about the future, even within an environment filled with fear, despair and destruction; • A promulgation of social and moral reforms; • Designed for the general public containing a mix of easy-to-read articles which promotes positive family values and positive relationships, healthy lifestyles and transformational beliefs; • Inspiring and informational stories; • Aiming for prosperity and showing readers the potential of life.

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he digital world has provided us with a great number of possibilities to communicate with customers.

However, the challenge is that the digital noise has become so loud that small to medium-sized “voices” are getting lost in the chaos. In addition, with all the warnings against digital corruption, digital addiction, digital ills, etc., I doubt that it is currently the best and most effective option to get a message out. I recently sent out more than 4,000 e-mails to a targeted database and posted a campaign that impacts millions of people on a Facebook page… and I have not received one response. On the other hand, I have received a lot of results from print media – even from the UK! Statistics show that people are increasingly “divorcing” their digital gadgets because of the negative effects it has on their relationships and their health. There are also still far too many baby boomers out there – those with money to spend and who prefer a good book or magazine. They are going back to print media after a brief encounter with gadgets!

Although the baby boomers generation embraces technology, they still value the benefits of proper and effective communication and they are increasingly setting the trend on how they want businesses and others to communicate with them. There are many people out there who realise that we are becoming too connected to connect with people.

Conveying your message through print media and lifestyle magazines have specific benefits: 1. Your message has a longer shelf life as opposed to the electronic versions. Not only do magazines stay in people’s homes, offices, etc. for longer, they are also passed on from one person to another…

2. Most print magazines reach an audience who is interested in specific goods, services, businesses, etc. Niche marketing is still king and loyalty plays a huge role in influencing buyers and customers.

3. Well-designed advertisements and advertorials are eye-catching and it provides a certain level of professionalism to your services and products.

In this busy world, it is not the product or the service that counts, but the person (customer).

People will only buy your goods or use your services if they have a connection with it and you.

Frequency is the key to getting your message out there. Most people write about or advertise their services or products only once and then they complain that they did not get the reaction they wanted. The point is: you have to build a brand first, you have to create trust and rapport and you have to have an audience before you can get your message out there. The more your target audience is exposed to your message, the more your brand and credibility will be established. The time to get your message out is in the so-called bad times, mainly because your competition has stopped communicating!

Although I am a supporter of digital communication to a certain extent, I believe that multiple communication vehicles are more effective and more cost-effective in the long run. Electronic media increases the reach of your message beyond measure, but print media, especially niche magazines, increase credibility.

The blog, Get your message out, points out that you should carefully select your delivery method. They propose a multifaceted approach. However, effective content is emphasised and they give the following advice: • Showcase your product or your services regularly; • Share your own reality because people like stories; • Get rid of stereotypes.

When the Devoted team started the magazine a few years back, they dedicated themselves to provide its readers with only good news; to help readers through difficult times; to show them that life is filled with joy and hope through inspiring stories; and to give readers confidence to face the future. A biblical perspective gives us the guidance we need. We provide you with the opportunity to partner with us and to make a difference in the world through your positive message.

(Source: http://ncjrs.gov/ccdo/toolkit/)

Sample Text

We feed our readers

good food…

As a lifestyle magazine with a difference, we provide • Good and informative articles for the body, soul AND spirit • A wealth of information and opportunities for personal growth • A source of information for a fruitful and unforgettable life • Tools to help our readers to cope with everyday issues.

We distribute in hard copy and Devoted is also available online (digital on the website). It has an estimated more than 100,000 readers per issue – and it is still growing.

If you believe – like us – that life ends the day that we stop talking about the things that REALLY matter, you are invited to join us.

Alone we can make a difference … together we can make an impact.

Read Devoted on-line on www.devotedmag.co.za Like us on our Devoted Lifestyle Magazine Facebook page • Write to us at editor@devotedmag.co.za Advertise with us - Email: aliciajorge26@gmail.com Cell: 074 460 4123

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Discover real life www.devotedmag.co.za

37

International Flair

Healing hands amongst devastation

I don’t think any of us have any idea what it is to live in a society with very limited or even no medical services when we make an appointment with a doctor the moment we have a cough.

I was confronted with this truth when I met Elizabeth, a war victim and widow from Masisi, NorthKivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Elizabeth suffered from endemic goitre disease and the massive goitre was busy suffocating her. Endemic goitre disease is a swelling of the thyroid gland and it is estimated that approximately half a million women in Eastern DRC are suffering from this condition. The main causes are eating cassava and cabbage and deficiency in selenium and iodine Inter 38

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hrough the search to find help for Elizabeth, I had the honour of meeting Dr. Luc Malemo Kalisya, the medical director at HEAL Africa Hospital in Goma, DRC. HEAL Africa has more than 4 000 women with goitre disease on their waiting list and is only able to operate on 50 to 100 women per year.

But without hesitation, Dr. Luc operated on Elizabeth, giving her a quality life back.

Latlong International carried the cost of the operation that is less than a third of what someone would pay in South Africa.

At HEAL Africa Hospital, we experienced superb and affordable medical treatment in one of the worst war-affected areas on the planet. HEAL Africa Hospital was founded by a Congolese orthopaedic surgeon and his English wife in the 1990s.

HEAL Africa works throughout Eastern DRC and performs over 1 000 operations a year. But, talking to Dr. Luc I realised that they don’t even touch the tip of the misery iceberg they face on a daily basis.

The lack of experienced surgical teams in remote areas, as well as the lack of adequate funding, unfortunately resulted in thousands of unattended cases. Where people stay in rebel areas, medical teams are also constantly under threat and relatively simple procedures that can change thousands of lives become nightmares to execute.

During my various conversations with Dr. Luc, the condition “fistula” kept coming up. He is very passionate about it, but it was only when I did some research on the subject that the horrifying truth behind it was revealed. The number of women who suffer from this condition is staggering.

One million women worldwide are currently living with this heart-breaking, but treatable condition, obstetric fistula.

It occurs when a woman gives birth and her labour is obstructed. With no medical help, she will endure days of painful, prolonged labour that will most of the time end in the death of the infant and leaving the mother with a broken body.

This results in uncontrollable leaking of urine or sometimes faeces leaking through the same hole. Because of the smell, these women are rejected by their husbands, families and communities.

Reading about this unthinkable condition that women in impoverished and war-ridden countries have to live with, I understand why Dr. Luc calls it one of the most rewarding surgical procedures he performs. The surgery lasts 90 minutes with a success rate of around 90%. These women spend one to two months in the hospital to allow for their healed bladder to be re-educated, their mind to heal, as well as social healing to take place. Some of these women, who begged Dr. Luc for the operation, have lived for 10 years and longer with this condition. Two of them were prepared to share their story with us: “I am from Pinga, Walikale, approximately 400km west of Goma. I was six months pregnant when our village was attacked during the armed conflict. I was raped throughout the night in the presence of my children. Early the next morning, people who passed by on foot saw my condition and carried me to reach a health centre five days away. I went into labour and it was obstructed. Afterwards, I started to leak urine.

International Flair My surgery at HEAL Africa reunited me with my family again.” – K.B., 26 years old, married and mother of three children.

“I was 19 years old when I was displaced by the armed conflict in Masisi, DRC. I was almost nine months pregnant. We had to run from the war and walked 45km by foot. The baby died in my womb because of fatigue and I had an obstructed labour. I started leaking urine immediately. A few months later, I was referred to HEAL Africa Hospital where Dr. Luc operated on me. I was discharged and rejoined with my husband. Two years after my healing, I delivered a new baby.

I am very happy.” – A.M. I wanted to know more about this kind doctor who is standing firm amongst the devastation and who refuses to give up hope and carries on doing the almost impossible task of helping these women. Doctor Luc was born on 13 August 1973 in Lubango, North Kivu in Eastern DRC. His father was the headmaster of the high school and his mother a teacher at the primary school.

Growing up as the second oldest of 11 children, they experienced difficulty with poverty, rejection and armed conflicts. Despite all the challenges, he never let go of his dream to become a doctor in order to alleviate the sufferings of his people. He says that when he sees a child or a woman being rejected because of their disease, he feels the suffering in his flesh and soul.

After graduating as a young doctor in 2002, he joined HEAL

Africa Hospital. He was also registered in the postgraduate Family Medicine Programme at Limpopo University, South Africa, where he graduated from in May 2007. He then moved to Makerere University to pursue surgical training and he graduated as a surgeon in January 2011. At HEAL Africa he has climbed all the ladders from young doctor to Chief of Medical Staff, Chief of the Family Medicine Training Programme, Chief Surgeon, Deputy Director and Director of HEAL Africa Hospital today.

His areas of expertise are fistula surgery, goitre surgery, cleft lip, palate surgery and paediatric surgery.

He has published 15 articles on surgery and fistula in international journals and since 2014, he has been invited to speak at different surgeon conferences in USA, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and the UK on topics such as Global Initiative for Essential Surgery and Emergencies (GIESC/WHO), G4 Alliance of Surgeons, Global Initiative for Paediatric Surgery and Smile Train.

He has just created the Surgical Association of the DRC and has started training rural doctors to fix the most common surgical problems under COSECSA (College of Surgeons of Eastern Central and Southern Africa) of which he is the DRC Programme Director.

He is married to Stephanie Bake, a lawyer and they have four children, two boys and two girls.

Our prayers and well wishes will accompany Dr. Luc and his team with their magnificent calling. If you are interested in assisting Dr. Luc, please contact me at janet@care4all.co.za.

Elizabeth in consultation with Dr. Luc before her operation.

Janny Djan meeting Elizabeth for the first time.

Elizabeth after her operation.

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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Discover real life

We will get your message out there…

Advertise in the lifestyle magazine that speaks to your body, soul and spirit

THIS IS HOW WE HELP BUILD YOUR BRAND: • • • • • • •

Devoted adds value to your products and promotes your brand to our loyal readers Devoted provides a sense of community that people want to be part of (credibility) Devoted is a vital source of information and is closely associated with trust Devoted helps to strengthen your relationship with existing markets Devoted goes into people’s homes, reaching a loyal and relevant reader market Devoted has more than 100,000 loyal readers … and it is still growing!

We distribute through selected bookshops and strategic points such as: hair and beauty salons, coffee shops, consulting rooms, business network opportunities, special events.

TOP SIX REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ADVERTISE IN DEVOTED • • • •

We offer an effective advertising option; and a greater range of responses We provide you with printed and online advertising opportunities With us you reach a focused target audience cost effectively We distribute amongst the 5-8 and 8-10 target groups, and we provide you with a geographical footprint that will give you return on your investments • Devoted has a long shelf life

Visit our website at www.devotedmag.co.za CALL US NOW TO SECURE YOUR SPACE Alicia – 074 460 4123 • Suzette – 082 735 8045 • Octavia – 073 778 7025 EMAIL US: Aliciajorge26@gmail.com • suzprinsloo@yahoo.com • octavia@octaviae.com Alternative email: sales@devotedmag.co.za Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/devotedmagazine

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Sample Inspiration Text

New beginnings

and celebrating life again!

With the help of a small group of people, Wim Fourie founder of the Life Centre - has built it into a place of hope for the hopeless. The centre is an example of how individuals can get together to reach out to others and to use their own life experiences to help them.

We asked the centre to share their success stories with us and this is Darryl’s story…

D

ARRYL KERRYGAN VENTER was the very first resident to approach Life Centre and arrived on the 29th of June 2015. Darryl cracked himself right out of his life. At the age of 44, Darryl wanted change… lasting change.

As Darryl explains: “We all have junk from the past; when we add addiction, we have even more junk. We get entangled, and no matter how we try, we just can’t get rid of the junk. Even as a Christian for over 20 years, I just could not get rid of my junk.

I just kept on falling back to my crack pipe.

I realised that religion cannot save, money cannot save and you certainly cannot save yourself! I was looking for a purpose which I couldn’t find. Now I know that only Jesus can save and give me a new purpose. A good purpose with plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future’.

“Before I came to Life Center my fruit were not rooted in the Spirit. I had no stability and no patience. Because there was no accountability or responsibility in my life, I was not rooted. I started too many things I never finished, I was not listening and made continuous wrong and bad decisions, wanting to take the easy way out. I was surrounded by people who took me back to my old life, as much as I tried to break free. I moved from job to job. Like a

wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind, I doubted myself and God’.

“At Life Centre I met people who truly cared. I have made true friends, who are tough with me, but their love and support on the programme is what has given me a new lease on life. I have learnt to listen and to stay the course. I have learnt not to give up because things are not quite going your way! Get rid of the junk in your trunk, because the enemy will come to kill, steal and destroy. That is his job’.

“I started off tending the gardens on the premises. I made a brand-new vegetable garden. Tending the garden taught me about being rooted in good soil to produce better fruit. Removing the weeds from the garden taught me to be surrounded by good God-people. Watering the garden taught me the importance of washing myself with the Living Water of Jesus continuously. Seeing the vegetables grow has given me a new view on the meaning of nurturing, us and others, in Christ. To grow and constantly renew ourselves with His Word’.

“I will be a long-term resident at Life Center, for as long as it takes, until God sends me into the world again. I am no longer self-employed, I am God-employed and I am rooting my identity in Christ.

I am nurturing my fruit to add to God’s vineyard”.

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Fair Flair

The Fruit of the Spirit:

Joy

Our theme for this issue is Celebrating Life! We all have something to be joyful about right? And you guessed it… The next fruit of the spirit we will be looking at is joy!

A

n increasing number of people are suffering from depression in our world. According to the World Health Organisation’s website, “an estimated 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression” and all over the world, “over 800 000 people commit suicide every year”. The world is hopeless, but thankfully we know who the Hope of the world is… His name is Jesus!

Habakkuk 3:17-18 explains this hope so nicely: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.”

We can have joy and praise the Lord despite our circumstances - “And now my head shall be lifted above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6).

The Bible also says that the “joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). What a wonderful promise this holds for us. No matter what we go through – good or bad – we can rejoice in the Lord and we can know that His joy will sustain us.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).

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Joy 44

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