Monday, January 31, 2011

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...




Monday, January 10, 2011

Mad Year 2011 kicks off

This year couldn't have gotten off to a better start. From the word go we are back into family. Serving one another, praying together, laying foundations and growing together towards the ultimate goal - God’s Kingdom! I am SO excited to see what God is going to do, not just in South Africa, but globally in 2011.

My “baby sister” (she is turning 21 in June) has decided to take up the task of doing life with me this year and we moved into our flat in Centurion on Sunday. It’s taken us a good part of the week to get settled in, but I must say it’s starting to feel like home!

As we were spending time as a church team on Tuesday, God gave me the following word for 2011 which is something that has been stirring in my heart since at least December:  My life should reflect Jesus as my all in all. His face alone  is enough for me. I really want to take up the challenge this year of falling deeper and deeper in love with God and to allow Him to shape me into the image that He sees. I am really excited to be able to share this journey with you. I believe and trust that God will, during this year, give me a lot more detail regarding the calling He has placed on my life and exactly what it is He is preparing me for. There is no way I would be able to get to the end of 2011 standing without each of my partners!!
Jesus said in Matthew 10:40 - “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me, receives Him who sent Me.”

I’m worshipping and praising God for each of you. Whether it be through financial support or covering me in prayer, thank you! Without you the vision that is in my heart would never be able to come into existence. You are laboring with me in absolutely every step that I take and those who labor unto the Lord do not labor in vain. I honor you for your steps of faith!

I would like to especially thank my parents. They have been supporting me 100% ever since I came to realize the call of God on my life. Mom and dad, you are examples of God’s grace in my life!

Please pray with me for open doors and new relationships to be established on the campuses. Also, please share your prayer requests, as we are all partnering with one another and together we can accomplish the impossible.
May 2011 be a year of intense growth in every area of your relationship with God and also your relationships with people, and may we learn to embrace the fire (Romans 5:1-5).

Jaco                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Me and my family...