January 2011

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go…

                                                                                                                               Joshua 1:9

I strongly believe 2011 is a year during which we will enter into our promised land, with confidence and boldness, knowing that our King has already prepared the way. I am so encouraged by Joshua’s story about how God won the battles for them! Just these past couple of weeks I have seen how God has prepared the way for us and how He has broken down walls and pulled down strongholds so that we can enter in and claim that which He has given us. It stirs up a confidence and a belief that wherever we place our feet, it really IS ground God has given us (Joshua 1:3). May you be encouraged to step out in faith and step into what God has promised you, and may these words of a Chris Tomlin song echo with you as it does with me: 

“If our God is for us then who could ever stand against us…”

 Centurion Akademie

 We are starting completely fresh with a campus ministry on Centurion Academy. This year they have moved to their new premises and for the first time they will actually have campus grounds, so a whole new culture has to be developed. Currently, there is  a little under 1000 students, and I am trusting God that we will be able to impact the entire culture of Centurion Academy. At first this thought was really overwhelming and it would take a lot of laboring work before we will see any fruit, but God showed me that the land is fertile and many seeds have already been planted as result of many who have gone before us. So I am expecting to reap fruit which we didn't plant or watered. In our short time in Centurion we have already found favor with the Student Body and with the head of the entire campus. It is so encouraging to see that God is with us, that He is going in before us and preparing people’s hearts. These first couple of weeks will be spent engaging the students by physically being on campus, getting to know who they are, their likes and dislikes and how they spend their time. Really  just entering into their lives, and through establishing relationships reaching their hearts!

Oliewenhoutbosch 

We also went for a quick visit into Oliewenhoutbosch, scouting the school and the community for a possible community project during the June school holidays. It was my first time ever driving in a taxi and I absolutely loved every moment of it. We met up with an awesome guy named Simon who showed us where to go etc. I was blown away by the openness of the community. Almost everyone we met was just SO friendly and helpful. We had a great time with the vice-principal at Steve Tshwete Secondary School and afterwards a lady named Elizabeth went out of her way to take us to a place where we could enjoy lunch. There Philip served us some of the best “pap en vleis” I’ve ever had and two cokes, all for R47 for 2 people!!!!!

Again I was just reminded that when we walk in God’s will He WILL provide!!! I can’t wait to see what He will do in the lives of the people in Oliewenhoutbosch!

Thank you for all your prayers and support! Please pray for me for continued boldness and a sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit telling me who, what and when. (Acts 4:31 & Luke 12:12). Also please pray with me for a partner who is currently trusting God for work! That He will open the right doors and close the wrong ones...