ISSUE SIXTEEN
SIMONÉ NORTMANN
EDNA ELS
ME2 MAGAZINE
SUE BISHOP
MIKAILÉ BESTER
ESTHEA MARTHINI
MELISSA LE ROUX
#16 CONTENTS P O W E R N O T E 1
- Edna Els JOURNEY INTO MOTHERHOOD
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- Mikailé Bester F E AT U R E S T O R Y: PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR
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- Simoné Nortmann AT M O S P H E R E C H A N G E R S
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- Sue Bishop B U T G O D . . . 3 1
- Esthea Martini Y O U R G R A C E I S S U F F I C I E N T
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- Melissa Le Roux W E A R & E AT
© This publication is produced by Victory Media for m e 2 M e n t o r i n g J e ff re y s B a y. A l l a rt i c l e s a re w r i tt e n b y members of Victory Church unless otherwise stated. Th i s m a g a z i n e i s n o t f o r s a l e . Fo r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n on any of the articles, do not hesitate to email us at me2@victorychurch.org.za Issue 16 - December 2020 me2mentoring.com // victorychurch.org.za Cover Photography: provided by Simoné Nortmann
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Dear friend, We’ve all been awaiting the end of 2020 with
the smile of Heaven over us, the fact that His Love
bated breath, ready to leave this unusual year
covers us, accompanies us, enables us to face our
behind and to move on to better days where
fears and drives out the torment that the enemy
Covid-19 becomes a distant memory.
wants to inflicts becomes our reality.
However, whether or not that happens, it is so
There is NOTHING that can separate us from His
necessary to pause and reflectđ&#x;˜‰(Selah) on the
Love, even in the midst of all these things...
past year.
Romans 8:37-39 in The Passion Translation puts it so well: YET even in the midst of all these things, we
Being in the same boat as everyone else on the
triumph over them all, for God has made us to be
planet has made it easier to be content with the
more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love
here and now and to cultivate a heart of gratitude
is our glorious victory over everything! So now I
for that which we have and not for that which we’re
live with the confidence that there is nothing in the
ever striving for to accomplish and experience.
universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over
’God with us’ has become our necessity, our hope
death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers
and thankfully, our reality, even though at times,
in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or
we have to deal with disappointment and pain.
future circumstances that can weaken his love.
Gratitude brings our Focus back to the goodness
There is no power above us or beneath us-no
and kindness of an ever-loving Father that doesn’t
power that could ever be found in the universe
love us from a distance but has made Himself at
that can distance us from God’s passionate love,
home in us. It’s a holy habitation because the Holy
which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus,
One has taken up residence there.
the Anointed One!
He’s got the title deed, and He’s never leaving
We become depressed when we dwell on the PAST
despite the squeaking condition of the hinges
and anxious when we try and figure out the FUTURE.
and the sagging floorboards. However, when we focus on God that is an EVER Yes, my friend, at times we live unaware of the
PRESENT (and FUTURE) HELP, His LOVE and PEACE
Greater One residing on the inside of us. We
that passes understanding invades our lives.
still become intimidated by the enemy’s power ploys and empty threats. We become anxious
Thank you for journeying with us, your love for
and lose our peace and joy as we contemplate
Father and each other continues to inspire us.
a future in these uncertain times instead of resting in the full assurance that He’s got this and He’s
May His love and peace be your portion.
got you and me!
We love you, Edna and the Team
As we turn our faces towards Him and glimpse
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POWERNOTE FROM EDNA
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THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND MADE HIS DWELLING AMONG US. WE HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY, THE GLORY OF THE ONE AND ONLY SON, WHO CAME FROM THE FATHER, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH. JOHN 1:14
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Photography: unsplash.com
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MIKAILÉ BESTER 5
actively involved in leading in my local church. Mentally, though, I was suffering. I had an immense desire to be in control of every possible aspect of our lives— to minimize risk, to eliminate the unexpected. Everything had to be in order all the time for me to function optimally. I was overly organised, overly prepared, overthinking the smallest details. At times my thoughts were so irrational that I worried that people would judge I’M NOT SURE WHEN OR HOW IT STARTED,
me or think less of me if they could see into my
but I remember my eldest son being 13 months
mind. And so I kept quiet and soldiered on; after
old and realising that I was mentally tired from
all, everyone was taken care of, and all was
over-anticipation. I saw the potential danger
functioning well. I had a two-year-old toddler
in everything he touched or attempted to do.
and an infant feeding every two hours around the
I thought I was simply being a good first-time
clock, and so I simply put my struggle down to
mom, so diligently looking out for him, teaching
sleep deprivation.
him what to be aware of or careful for. Until one morning that I realised I was struggling not to see
When Luke was 3 months old, we travelled to
danger lurking behind every corner. I was not
the UK for Joe’s work for almost three months.
constantly fearful, but I was just acutely aware
Travelling extensively with two small children,
of everything that could go wrong and trying to
and all the additional ‘risk’ we were exposed to
manage every scenario was exhausting.
was stressful, and three months later, I was at a breaking point. I felt like a stranger to myself,
I called one of our pastoral couples and went
and I did not like the person I was becoming.
to see them for prayer. As I had suffered two
The situation was robbing me of my spontaneity
miscarriages before Matthew, I thought my fears
and my joy. I ended up seeing a psychologist on
of something happening to him stemmed from
our return from the UK, who diagnosed me with
that. We prayed together; I felt immense relief and
Post-natal Anxiety. The diagnosis explained all
moved on.
my symptoms, and I was relieved to know that I was not losing it after all. It was mainly hormone-
Eleven months later, Luke was born. From the
related, and as soon as I stopped breastfeeding
outside looking in and on a practical level, I was
and was rid of all my pregnancy hormones,
fine. In fact, I was more than fine. I was coping
things would look up. I was not ready to stop
well on my own with two small children, as we
breastfeeding, though, and knew that I would
live far away from any immediate family, and my
have to walk this out. I felt that it had to be a faith
husband was regularly travelling for work. I ran my
journey, and so I resisted medication and further
household effectively and seamlessly, and I was
psychological help.
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I was praying, quoting scriptures, resisting the
After Emmi’s birth, I was again diagnosed with
devil, aligning my thoughts with God and the
PNA, and medication was prescribed. I felt like
word, and yet, the struggle was real. I was sitting
a complete failure spiritually and otherwise and
on my bed one day, asking God why healing
was bitterly disappointed to be back here again.
and victory were just not coming. I would have
Although the PNA was much worse after Luke
times where I felt completely fine and in control,
and I had carried on without medication, I was so
only to have stretches where I felt like my world
tired of working so incredibly hard to keep it all
was spinning. I felt the Holy Spirit say to me that
together, that I knew something had to give.
He could just heal me…but He wasn’t going
I now had three small children and a husband
to. I felt God say that just healing me would
travelling more than before, and all-round the
relieve me of my symptoms, but if I let Him, He
number of strings I had to pull together had
was going to teach me stuff about Him and His
increased.
nature, about myself, and people on my road to healing. God’s heart for us is not to suffer, but
In His kindness, God just so happened to have
He is more interested in our character than our
Joe tune in to an interview on the radio talk show
comfort. I surrendered to the process. And so
that he listened to driving home every day, with
my journey started of trusting God in spite of…
a woman who had worked through PNA. He
in spite of what the media said, in spite of what
approached me with so much compassion and
the world or circumstances dictated, despite
understanding, and together we decided I would
the unrest raging in my heart and mind. And
go on medication. Light enough to continue
things started to change. Peace that transcends
breastfeeding Emmi, but to afford me some relief
understanding was my portion because honestly,
otherwise. I felt like I did not have enough faith
the world was no less dangerous and at times, I
to walk it out with God, and medication was
felt no less overwhelmed by the war within me.
a cop-out. Aware of the stigma that goes with
Yet, I knew that He was good and that His plans
any kind of mental condition and medicine, I
for me and family were good. Slowly but surely, I
felt such shame. I felt unfit to lead in the areas
was making my way up the mountain.
where I was walking a road with other women and was convinced that people would think
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Toward the end of my third pregnancy, I knew
less of me if they knew. But I pushed through
enough to recognise Peri-natal anxiety when it
and bravely shared with my me2 group, who
set on. I sat with my husband one night and cried
were already aware of my struggle, where I was
my eyes out as I felt I was in constant ‘fight and
now at. The judgement I was expecting did not
flight’ mode again, and the relapse made me
come; instead, I was loved on and supported
feel like an absolute failure. I was confessing and
in ways that, like so many other times in my life,
professing, encouraging people around me, but I
demonstrated how important it is to be planted
couldn’t keep it together myself.
and surrounded.
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The judgement I was expecting did not come; instead, I was loved on and supported in ways that, like so many other times in my life, demonstrated how important it is to be planted and surrounded.Â
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Photography: Impact Studio
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Photography: The Le Sueurs
One of the best analogies offered to me by a
separate, but not alone. To look to Him alone
dear friend was that when you break your leg,
in all things, amid one of the loneliest and most
you use a crutch until it heals. The crutch, like
challenging years of my life, so that even in the
the medication in this case, is not what heals
hardship, there has been joy and blessing.
the break, but it definitely helps to facilitate the healing process. This was so freeing to hear.
In this process, God has taught me to approach
I was not turning to medication for healing, God
others with so much more grace and love. Giving
would be my deliverance, but it was ok to use
me so much more compassion, understanding,
a ‘crutch’ to take the weight of my ‘leg’ as it
insight, and tolerance for others’ circumstances
healed. As the medication began to come into
and situations. Despite what you see, you never
effect, everything I had to work so hard on to
know what battles someone else may be fighting.
keep together started happening more naturally.
As believers, we are called to encourage one
As those struggles started to fall away, it was
another and build each other up. (1 Thess 5:11).
so much easier to approach the situation from
We are to love one another, as He loves us (John
a place of victory, instead of defeat. God was
13:34), without judgement or condition. Struggling
parting the sea for me, making it possible for me
with something or walking something out does
to walk through the situation, without fear of it
not disqualify you, does not lessen your worth in
engulfing me.
the Kingdom. If you are willing to allow God to use you, despite your process, then nothing is
As promised, God has revealed so much to me
for nothing in the Kingdom. As I have refused to
in this process. He has taught me how to make
let this define me, or allow it to stigmatise and
bold moves, despite what I feel, to wholly rely
shame me into silence, I have had the privilege
on Him, trusting in His nature and character,
of sharing with others and walking a road with
His faithfulness and goodness. To stand on
people who have had similar struggles. Even
the promises in His word. And thus, despite
though it has been discouraging at times to walk
overwhelming anxiety at times, God has enabled
this road, I have watched God work even this
me, and His Holy Spirit empowered me, to pack
together for my good as He promises in His word.
up my house and my three small children and
And I know He who has begun this good work in
move to a foreign country for a year. A year
me, is faithful to bring it to completion…for
where very little has gone to plan, where we
His glory.
were hit by a global pandemic and have been separated from all that we know and love for
—
longer than ever anticipated. (An entire story all
Recently relocated back from Bath, England to Paarl,
in itself). Yet God has sustained me, carried me, His Holy Spirit, my voice of reason amid chaos.
South Africa, where she and her husband Joe are part of the Eldership Team at Paarl Family Church.
His love ever-constant amid all the change. He is good. He is kind. I have learnt what it is to be
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HERE IS A TRUST WORTHY SAYING THAT DESERVES FULL ACCEPTANCE: CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS—OF WHOM I AM THE WORST. BUT FOR THAT VERY REASON I WAS SHOWN MERCY SO THAT IN ME, THE WORST OF SINNERS, CHRIST JESUS MIGHT DISPLAY HIS IMMENSE PATIENCE AS AN EXAMPLE FOR THOSE WHO WOULD BELIEVE IN HIM AND RECEIVE ETER NAL LIFE. NOW TO THE KING ETER NAL, IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, THE ONLY GOD, BE HONOR AND GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN. TIMOTHY 1:15-17
Photography: unsplash.com
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PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR
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SIMONÉ NORTMANN 16
I’VE ALWAYS DREAMT OF MARRIAGE. I’VE ALWAYS ASKED GOD WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE AND DREAMT OF A MARRIAGE THAT WOULD GLORIFY HIM.
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MY HUSBAND (MY KIND-HEARTED, TALL, DARK
I’m by nature a very impatient person (before I
and handsome gift from the Lord) and I, have
had the fruit of the Spirit) and decided to make
been married for a year and a half. Many people
my appearance a month before the due date.
warned us that our first year of marriage would
Because my mom’s actual gynaecologist wasn’t
be the hardest, and we should prepare ourselves
present during labour, another doctor helped out
emotionally. We laughed whenever couples said
and put me on my mother’s chest before she could
that because we definitely chewed rocks for the
say anything. She keeps telling me that once that
first few years of dating!
happened she couldn’t give me away because I
was so cute up close. My husband confirms this. My
I’ve always dreamt of marriage. I’ve always asked
parents got married a few months after my birth but
God what it was supposed to look like and dreamt
got divorced four years later. I saw my father every
of a marriage that would glorify Him. I read every
second weekend, but when he moved to Cape
book on marriage and dating that I could possibly
Town, I saw him twice a year.
find. I watched sermons on it, asked my mentors
about it, and attended relationship conferences
At the age of fifteen, God, by His grace and by the
year after year. And yet, my fear of rejection
power of the Holy Spirit, enabled my heart to open
always looked for validation and acceptance
wide and receive His love and mercy. I had no
in relationships and made me fall back on
choice but to surrender everything - every broken
compromise.
piece, mystery, question, anger, and even my
depression. Most of my life, I felt unloved, unwanted,
When I was fifteen years old, I found out that my
and unworthy. I performed for acceptance and
parents weren’t married when I was conceived,
questioned my existence. So, when I tasted God’s
and that they had attempted to abort me three
love in a very tangible manner, it turned my world
times before they put me up for adoption. My
upside down completely. It was pure grace and
mother, being in the Air Force, would have been
real unconditional love. None of it made sense. I fell
dismissed for falling pregnant outside of wedlock,
to the floor, weeping as electrical currents of love
and my father was worried about his reputation in
swept through my entire body. It was tangible and
the military. When the attempted abortions failed,
the most real experience and encounter with pure
adoption seemed like the best option. Luckily
love that I have ever tasted.
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From that encounter, God the Father started
heart would send me into destruction. I had to put
ministering to my heart, reforming my identity into
Andries on the altar and surrender him completely.
one that said, “beloved daughter.” But it took a
IF we ended up together, God would intervene as
while for the revelation to go from my head to my
he did with Abraham.
heart. The lies from my childhood were still deeply
entrenched in me, and most visibly surfaced when I
In that season of consecration, He started teaching
started dating Andries.
me that the foundation of marriage lies in laying
down your own life for another regardless of
When we started dating at the age of 24, I thought
how they behave towards you, and ultimately,
I was ready to be in a relationship. We dated for
regardless of whether or not they love you back. The
a year before God revealed to both of us that we
way God loves you and me. The problem is that the
weren’t ready for a commitment to marriage. I
Spirit of rejection hates this kind of love. Rejection
put a lot of pressure on Andries because marriage
feeds off of someone else’s behaviour. It is carnal,
was an idol in my heart, and Andries was wrought
volatile, and changes with the wind. No marriage
with fear of commitment due to his own parents’
can be built on the sand of rejection. When the true,
divorce. It became a very hurtful cycle. His triggers
fulfilling, all-encompassing love of Jesus went from
triggered my trigger. We knew we had to break up.
my head to my heart, I started fearing rejection less.
So we did, but only half-heartedly. We continued
I started believing what God said about me, and I
seeing one another, hurting one another, trying
began to trust in His love. The fruit of my life started
to change one another, and eventually decided
to look different. Song of Songs says, “Who is this
to get back together again. Those few months
coming up from the wilderness, leaning on the one
weren’t fruitful at all. The hurt continued. God
she loves?” God became the One I leaned on to
couldn’t heal Andries because his distrust triggered
fulfil my heart’s desire for acceptance and love.
anxiety, which he unloaded onto me. God couldn’t
heal me because I kept putting my expectations of
A few weeks later, I unexpectantly bumped into
love and fulfilment onto Andries. In 2017 God told
Andries in Stellenbosch. The rest is history. The day
me that the point of obedience was the point of
we got engaged, Andries showed me what he had
power. We finally broke up. This time it seemed final.
engraved on the inside of my ring: 1 John 4:19, “We
love because He first loved us.”
After the break-up, God showed me that Andries
was my Isaac. My promise from the Lord that took
God, the ultimate author and knower and perfector
first place in my heart. He became the big love of
of love wrote our love story, and I wouldn’t have
my life, taking the seat of Christ in my heart. God
had it any other way.
was gracious in breaking us up because He knew having someone else seated on the throne of my
— Wife to Andries Pretorius, beloved local actress, speaker and entrepreneur, residing in Pretoria.
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WHEN THE TRUE, FULFILLING, ALLENCOMPASSING LOVE OF JESUS WENT FROM MY HEAD TO MY HEART, I STARTED FEARING REJECTION LESS.
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THEREFORE THE LORD HIMSELF WILL GIVE YOU A SIGN: THE VIRGIN WILL CONCEIVE AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND WILL CALL HIM IMMANUEL. ISAIAH 7:14
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Photography: unsplash.com
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ATMOSPHERE CHANGERS Bringing hope, encouragement and truth to the workplace.
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By being intentional, maintaining an excellent work ethic, respecting all (even those with differing world views and beliefs) and being authentically me, countless opportunities have arisen to influence the atmosphere and to share the love of Jesus. I have lots to say about this subject, however I will focus on 7 practical ways I have personally been able to encourage and inject truth into my workplace: 1. Laughter: “A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul. But the one whose heart is crushed struggles with sickness I NEVER IMAGINED MYSELF BEING A NURSE.
and depression.” Proverbs 17:22 [TPT]. “Your
The only reason I went to nursing school was
laughter is contagious,” is what I’ve been told
because I had no clue what else to do after
by co-workers. For those that know me, I do
graduation. I had enjoyed high school biology
like to laugh, especially at myself. Working with
and my friend Gail enrolled into nursing a year
cancer patients does not mean we are always
ahead of me, so, I followed her. I was seventeen
sad. In fact, it is a place of hope and there is
years old. Heaven knew it was the right fit for
lots of room for smiles and laughter. I believe
me and I am grateful for over three decades of
laughter is self-explanatory to changing the
experience working in various areas - urology,
atmosphere.
plastic surgery, ICU, CCU, cardiology, emergency, research, patient and staff education, recovery
2. Injection of scripture and the prophetic (God’s
room and, for the last eleven years, oncology.
encouraging words) into natural conversation:
I love nursing! I have some incredible stories of
“Sharing words of wisdom is satisfying to your
life, death, endurance, hope, sadness, laughter,
inner being. It encourages you to know that
personal growth, and extremely interesting cases
you’ve changed someone else’s life. Your
that might intrigue you or turn your stomach. Just
words are so powerful that they will kill or give
ask my kids.
life” Proverbs 18:20-21 [TPT]
I am passionate about bringing truth and love into
One of my colleagues recently stated she
areas of influence, whether it is to my neighbours,
had a dark cloud following her and that she
local grocery stores, or my workplace. One of the
expected bad things to happen. What an
privileges I have had over the years, is to learn to
opportunity for me to say, “Your words have
be an atmosphere changer and an ambassador
power...speak life into your day, and don’t say
of hope and encouragement - not only to my
that your patients are all going to have serious
patients and their families, but especially to my
reactions, because they will.” She agreed and
co-workers.
we ended that workday with no serious adverse events.
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There have been numerous times where I
brook— like deep waters that spring forth
have been able to declare scripture into the
from within, bubbling up inside the one with
atmosphere without my patients or colleagues
understanding.” Proverbs 18:4 [TPT].
knowing I was speaking the Word. How fun! However, one needs to know scripture in order
Story of Allison: When I first met Allison, I was
to do this. It is easier than you think to declare
fairly intimidated by her crass comments. I
God’s goodness and blessings over people
dreaded working with her but over time, my
and to give prophetic words naturally (without
heart became stirred when I found out that
having to say, “This is a prophetic word”).
she had no family in Canada. So, with great courage I invited her to Christmas dinner, and
3. S trategic timing in giving scriptures, words
she accepted. Over the years this became
of encouragement, songs and Bibles to co-
a tradition even though we had gone onto
workers: “Like apples of gold in settings of silver
different workplaces. I knew something was
is a word spoken at the right time.” Proverbs
very wrong when she told me that she had lost
25:11 – [AMP]. Holy Spirit often prompts me to
her job as a nurse (that is something that does
share a particular scripture, song, word, or Bible
not happen easily in Canada). One day I felt
verse with a specific individual at a specific
prompted to call....no answer, so I went to her
time. It has taken great courage to do so, but
house and broke in. At the door, I met her
oh, the joy I’ve experienced over and over
very large German Shepherd for the first time....
again when I’ve been told, “Thank you, this is
he let me in. I found her emaciated with a
exactly what I needed.... it was perfect timing.”
dangerous low body weight and consumed
Please know that most of these dear people
with alcohol. By God’s grace, I managed
have a very different faith or belief system than
to get her to hospital and a detox Center.
I do.
Allison recovered from severe alcoholism
and eventually became a follower of Jesus.
4. I ntentionally meeting co-workers outside
Her story did not end there. Allison went on to
work and supporting them in their passions.
develop severe MS. After several years, God
Giving time to co-workers outside work gives
told Allison to move back to the UK to reconcile
them a sense of worth and allows deeper God
with her family and she did. Shortly after, Allison
conversations to occur. I’ve had so much fun
died suddenly of a heart ailment, but not before
kayaking, going for walks, drinking bubble tea
she told them about Jesus’ love. I learned an
and supporting their side business ventures
invaluable lesson: Never underestimate the
(i.e. exercise courses). Yes, it has required a
power of obeying Holy Spirit, especially with
sacrifice of time and sometimes money. Was it worth it? Every time!
difficult co-workers. 6. Prayer: “Pray for all men with all forms of
5. R eaching out to the coworker who is ‘difficult’. “Words of wisdom are like a fresh, flowing
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prayers and requests as you intercede with intense passion.” 1 Timothy 2:1 [TPT]. In all my
ONE OF THE PRIVILEGES I HAVE HAD OVER THE YEARS, IS TO LEARN TO BE AN ATMOSPHERE CHANGER AND AN AMBASSADOR OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
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ALL OF US HAVE THE ABILITY AND OPPORTUNITY TO BRING HOPE, ENCOURAGEMENT AND TRUTH TO THE ATMOSPHERE AROUND US...NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE
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career I’ve had only one patient say “no” to
had no perforations, no bleeding, no adverse
prayer. I’ve never had a co-worker say “no” to
outcomes, except a little embarrassment for
prayer. This is huge! My friends, most people
not chewing my food better. These miracles
are open to prayer and it is not dependent on
and other testimonies have given me so many
their belief system. We were created to have
opportunities to give glory to God and talk
relationship with God, and it is an innate desire
about His goodness.
to have connection - even if it initially means someone else is connecting to God on their
All of us have the ability and opportunity to
behalf.
bring hope, encouragement and truth to the atmosphere around us... no matter where we
7. P ersonal testimonies of God’s miracles and
are. My advice in a nutshell: “Just do it”. We
goodness. See Revelations 12:11. During this
may never really know the results of our words or
COVID season, my elderly father and myself
actions but do it anyway. This is where we trust
ended up in ER with potentially serious and
Holy Spirit and Father’s love for our co-workers,
life-threatening situations. My 88-year-old
neighbours, family and the plans He has for them.
dad fell off a step ladder and sustained a
It is not really about us; it is about allowing Him to
small brain bleed which lead to a critically low
love and work through us.
sodium level. I prayed for two things: He would have the smartest and most compassionate
“So, we are convinced that every detail of our
nurses, and that he would not pass away during
lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s
COVID isolation. As I was not allowed to visit,
perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we
I often called the hospital to get updates.
are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his
During his most crucial time, my co-worker
designed purpose.” Romans 8:28 [TPT].
(who also works in the ER) answered the phone. She was assigned to my father and is
—
that super smart and compassionate nurse
Married to Graydon Bishop, Sue is an Oncology Nurse
I’d prayed for. My heart sang! I told her that God had answered my prayer! Within a week,
and Lead Pastors alongside her husband at The Local Church Edmonton, Canada.
my dad was completely mobile and back in his garden. A few weeks later, I ended up inadvertently and unknowingly eating a 2.5 cm piece of glass while at work. I had no idea until 4 days later when I developed sudden razor-sharp pain in my lower GI tract. A scope procedure recovered the piece of glass, which we found out later came from a cracked rim of a food container I had taken to work. I
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FOR TO US A CHILD IS BOR N, TO US A SON IS GIVEN, AND THE GOVER NMENT WILL BE ON HIS SHOULDERS. AND HE WILL BE CALLED WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHT Y GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.. - ISAIAH 9:6
Photography: unsplash.com
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ESTHEA MARTINI But God... 31
This was my “BUT GOD” year. Even though
In order for me to explain my “BUT GOD” year,
everything around me looked different, and
I need to share some vulnerable thoughts and
insecurities surrounded me, I concluded that God is
emotions. I had thoughts and questions like:
my constant! “Will we make this?” Never have I ever felt so insecure and unsure about what I saw happening around me, yet so secure in
“Will our children be okay with all the change and
God and sure of who He is.
disappointment?”
I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions daily
“Will we have food to eat and enough supplies in
and was completely overwhelmed by the tornado
the house during lockdown?” (yes, I bought way too
of information that came my way every day over
much toilet paper and canned food!)
WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and daily news updates. I would find myself gripped by fear or
“What is going on in the world?”
worry. Trying to ignore those thoughts and emotions, I would watch a movie or find some other way to
For the most part, I felt totally out of control.
deal with it. BUT not even that helped quiet the noise in my mind or the overwhelming emotions that
BUT GOD - He gave me the most precious scriptures
caused me to feel like someone in an ocean trying
that carried me through this year, and they still
to keep my head above water.
sustain me today ...
BUT GOD!! Yet again, He showed Himself faithful. It
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet
was in the drawing aside, putting on worship music,
and a light to my path.”
reading and meditating the Word, journaling, and choosing to praise Him especially when I did not
Through this verse, God told me that He would lead
feel like it, AND, YES, I did have those days!
me step by step. We need a lamp when it is dark … okay let me just be brutally honest with you … it
As I chose to draw close to the Father, I
felt pretty dark to me, and I needed God’s written
experienced His peace that surpasses all
Word and spoken Word to lead me step by step, as I
understanding, and I knew I was okay because
allowed Him to lead me, I started to feel safe!
God is my hope!
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Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same
weeks became months, and as I come to the end
yesterday, today, and forever.”
of 2020, I can see His faithful leading.
Everything changed around me, but He remained
This was a different kind of year, but looking back,
the same. This truth caused hope to arise within
different is not always bad. My “BUT GOD” year
me in a time where hopelessness was trying to
anchored me deeper in God and caused me to
overwhelm me.
seek God like never before.
These scriptures became my anchor that I held
I believe God is raising up “Davids” in His Kingdom.
on to. I think for me as a daughter of God, it was
A people that know God. People who know their
time to implement and live what I believe! It is so
authority in God and walks in humility and boldness.
much easier to tell someone what the Word says,
We might face a few giants in the future, but we
but to actually believe it and walk in it amidst
know who God is, and we know who we are in
very challenging circumstances is another story! I
Christ.
came to a place where I had to ask myself some important questions:
As you come to the end of your year, take time to reflect on your “BUT GOD” moments, and you will
Whose voice is the loudest — that of the world
see that He has led you step by step, day by day,
or God?
week by week, always remaining the same.
What do I really believe about God?
— Along with her husband Brent Martini, they are lead
In who do I put my trust? Navigating these questions are a lot more complicated when considering the challenging year we’ve had...BUT GOD, true to His Word, lead me constantly and consistently. He reminded me to turn my full attention to Him. He reminded me who He is. He reminded me of His faithfulness in my life. And as He led me daily, days became weeks,
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Pastors of Paarl Family Church.
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WHEN THEY HAD SEEN HIM, THEY SPREAD THE WORD CONCER NING WHAT HAD BEEN TOLD THEM ABOUT THIS CHILD, AND ALL WHO HEARD IT WERE AMAZED AT WHAT THE SHEPHERDS SAID TO THEM. BUT MARY TREASURED UP ALL THESE THINGS AND PONDERED THEM IN HER HEART. THE SHEPHERDS RETUR NED, GLORIFYING AND PRAISING GOD FOR ALL THE THINGS THEY HAD HEARD AND SEEN, WHICH WERE JUST AS THEY HAD BEEN TOLD. LUKE 2:17-20
Photography: unsplash.com
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YOUR GRACE IS SUFFICIENT MELISSA LE ROUX
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HI MY NAME IS MELISSA. I GREW UP IN A BROKEN
My past left me feeling broken and damaged,
household. My father was abusive, jealous, and
but I got to a point where I had to make peace
unfortunately, I was his victim. He was addicted to
with the people that had hurt me, forgive them
pornography, and I was exposed to it from a very
and set them free, especially my dad. It was so
young age. I grew up thinking pornography was
difficult, but I found so much freedom and joy by
love. I saw love as a very sexual, manipulative,
doing it. I decided to tell my close friends what
and controlling. I grew up thinking that women
was going on in my life and I shared everything
are only objects to men, that we are only here to
with them that I had struggled with. Talking about
give pleasure to them and that we have no voice.
it and bringing it into the light was the start of my healing process, it gave me so much freedom.
In grade 8 I met a guy. He was my best friend,
From there on I really just focused on getting
and this relationship was my escape from my
closer to God and hearing the truth from Him. I
home life. One day he showed me a video, it
really had to focus on the renewing of the mind. I
was pornography. From that moment, I started to
had been programmed to see the world as full of
believe the lie that I was going to be a woman
hurt, rejection and lust. So I had to re-programme
who was going to be trapped in a sexually
my mind to think differently and to see the world
abusive relationship, with no voice. It affected my
in light, love and freedom.
whole being, my entire identity. I felt trapped in my thoughts. I felt alone, guilty, and so dirty. I felt
Today I am free, fearless, and faith-filled. I am
like I didn’t deserve to be loved or even give love.
no longer on medication, and although I do
I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. I rejected
sometimes struggle with anxiety, I know it’s an
myself in every way.
ongoing journey. I want to encourage you, keep moving forward. There is so much healing and
Because I didn’t know how to cope with all of this
joy in store for you. You are NOT alone. No matter
I struggled a lot with anxiety and panic attacks.
the extent of your brokenness, anxiety, guilt or
Whenever my father raised his voice, I would get
regret, there is ALWAYS a bigger plan, picture, and
a panic attack that lasted several minutes. When
purpose when you put your faith in God! I know
I reached high school, I started taking strong
that I am loved and accepted and that no matter
medication to control these attacks.
how tough and long my journey has been, I have never been alone. I have encountered true love
In 2016 I got the chance to move to Cape Town,
from God, and I know that I am capable of being
which I thought was an answer to prayer for a
loved and giving love. Love is beautiful. It is an
new start. I was so excited, yet it quickly went
invitation to love others past their walls of shame,
from bad to worse. The circumstances in which I
guilt, fear, and unforgiveness. I have experienced
found myself were full of triggers that increased
God’s freedom and forgiveness, and so can you!
my anxiety: from manipulative relationships, to
You were made to be loved. Freedom and joy lie
unhealthy habits, to feeling trapped. I was stuck
on the other side of the big wall that you build to
in a dark, deceptive world, and I couldn’t get
protect yourself.
out of it. All of this left me angry, disappointed, suicidal, hopeless, and scared. I felt so alone and
—
defeated.
Intern & VGY Alumni from Victory Church, Jeffreys Bay
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WEAR BY JANA ELS
LINEN With it’s effortless elegance, a linen garmet is an essential investment to anyones wardrobe. Linen is lightweight and loosely woven making it both breathable and absorbent, keeping you cool in Summer and warm in the cooler seasons. Yes, linen does crease - but that is part of linen’s unique beauty and gives it it’s classic elegance. Think style and comfort with flowy dresses, button-up shirts, bermuda shorts, structured blazers and wide-legged pants. Linen has the versatility to compliment any occasion, so whether you’re spending the day lounging around or dressing up for an evening out - you can’t go wrong with linen this summer. Styling linen is easy. Pair your linen pieces with your favourite denim jeans or jacket, a cotton tee, leather jacket, wool sweaters and don’t be afraid to layer! Complete your look with your summer go-to accessories, a leather bag or basket, a straw or linen wide-brimmed hat, sandals, espadrilles, wedges or a block heel, a pair of huggie earrings and a statement lip and you’re good to go.
Photography: Pinterest
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EAT CRÈME BRÛLÉE
B Y A N N E G A L LO WAY
A classic crowd favourite, this Crème Brûlée will surely impress.
INGREDIENTS: 500 ml heavy whipping cream
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5 ml vanilla extract
•
4 large egg yolks
•
sugar, white or brown, for sprinkling on top
•
55 g sugar
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METHOD: 1.
In a small pot, heat cream over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around the edge of the pan.
2.
In a larger pot (off the heat), whisk egg yolks and sugar until well-blended.
3.
Slowly stir in the hot cream, while continuing to whisk.
4.
Place the pot on a burner, and cook over medium-low heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens and coats a spoon well, about 15 minutes (the temperature of the custard should be about 76º to 80º (170º to 175º F), but do not boil or it will curdle).
5.
Stir in the vanilla extract at this time.
6.
Pour the hot custard into ramekins, cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 6 hours.
7.
Just before ready to serve, or a few hours beforehand, sprinkle the tops of the desserts with some sugar; natural sugar (raw sugar) works best. Using a kitchen torch, heat the top of the custard to melt the sugar for the brûlée topping.
8.
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Serve immediately or within a few hours (keep refrigerated) so the crisp shell doesn’t turn soggy.
Photography: unsplash.com Photography: unsplash.com
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