South Africa... from God's perspective!

Such a beautiful country, beautiful landscapes, diversity of people and cultures. There is so much to South Africa that makes it one of the most beautiful countries in the world, yet there is also the bad. The negativity, the crime, the corruption, the racism and the list goes on and on...

While we were on holiday in Australia I could see how a country could function where the taxpayers money goes where it is supposed to go. Speaking to some of the South Africans who immigrated to Australia sooner or later there is a negativity towards South Africa. Reading the newspapers, online comments on Facebook and different articles it just seems that more and more people are becoming negative over our country. Even to the extent that they say we are heading for another war...

How is it that a country that is so beautiful can be so detested at the same time...

I love this country, I have a passion for this country. I love the people of this country, the diversities and differences we share is what makes it so amazing.

In the beginning of the year God gave me a fresh burden for this country. Saying that "as long as He is God, we cannot afford to lose hope for this country." I know that God has a plan for South Africa, and maybe, just maybe, the trials we are facing, the difficulties we are going through are a grace. It forces us to be dependant on Him, it forces us to look to Him as our only means of hope. It forces us to Turn 2 God...

As believers we have a responsibility here in South Africa. We have a part to play in what God wants to do here. I have no problem with believers immigrating to other countries because God told them to do so, but running away is simply disobedience.

God is God. He is still in control. And we have to look to Him. As long as He is God, which is forever, there is still hope. That hope is alive inside of us, Christ in us - the hope of glory. And we can share that hope with others. We CAN fight for this country, by praying for it, for our leaders, by sharing the truth about Jesus with people we do life with and by not conforming to what society is saying.

These are words from the old South African anthem written by C.J. Langenhoven. May it truly ring true in our hearts...

"As our fathers trusted humbly, teach is Lord, to trust thee still; Guard our land and guide our people in Thy way to do Thy will."

Let's strive to do God's will together!

Australia... a glimpse into our holiday!

Our Australian Holiday!!!

My new parents, pa Louw and ma Rita, sponsored us to come and visit them in Perth over the December holidays! Due to a slight hiccup from the travel agent we ended up flying via Dubai (only an 18hr flight). But still, it was such an awesome experience.

They really spoiled us during our trip there, showing us all the 'have-to-see's' in and around Perth and then we also spent Christmas about 250km down the coast at Dunsborough.

Australia really is a beautiful country (the parts we managed to see) and there is a lot of History! Even though the cities are clean, the people in general are well off and poverty is definitely not as visible as it is here, we can really pray for the country. The biggest thing I picked up while on holiday is that, because it is going so well in the country, the people don't have a dependency upon God...

Below are just some of the pictures we brought back! I have always wanted to visit Australia, and we will definitely visit the parents again, but I am glad that we had return tickets!

Our visit to Perth Aqaurium

The Margaret River Chocolate Company

Winetasting

Standing in line for the ferry to Rotnest Island

Riette waiting for the bus at Rotnest Island

New Year at Kings Park!!

Centurion Academy First years camp

First years camp

This year we had the opportunity to join the first year on their orientation camp. Our only intention was to build relationship with the students and particularly the student counsel. Our heart is to see how we can serve them on their first year camps to help build towards the bigger vision for Centurion Academy.

We really had a good time with the students, getting to know them while their guards were off. We made some very good connections and we are trusting that it will have opened a few doors heading into the year.

During the camp we also connected with Tumi, a 2nd year sports student (they were in charge of running the camp), and since the camp Tumi and I went for coffee and He has really committed his life to Christ, been baptized and is already out making disciples on campus. A true champion for the Kingdom!

** More photos to follow - they stole the photographers computer so he will still send me the back-ups **