It is so easy for our human nature to become complacent, that if we don’t allow Holy Spirit to lead, we can easily miss what God has planned for us. Despite how difficult it could be to the flesh – God gently leads us and patiently prepares our hearts.
Four years ago we were busy selling everything to go on the road. We looked liked loons to most people. Yes, it was painful letting go! Our old way of living in a home had to die for a new caravan life to start. Leaving, with our youngest being only two months old, into the unknown, I still don’t know how I did it, but Christ in me willing me.
Not realising that a few years along the line, our caravan became my new complacency, God put us to the test again. Are we willing to give it up? So, prayerfully we gave our caravan to the Cronje family as a home. God providing for them even before they realised they had the need. Yes, I had to mourn, not only what was our home for the past three plus years, but also the journey. Guiding our kids emotions through these many changes was no easy task, I desperately needed God’s wisdom.
We left Kosi Bay with a rented trailer carrying our belongings, not knowing where to next or how. I was ready to sell the last bit we own and just go to Indonesia! But God said it is not the right time. When God finally started talking after a period of stripping and silence, we thought surely we must be hearing wrong!
Now, four years later God led us to buy a new home with the little we own. It seemed like an impossible task, but God provided everything we needed to start afresh. Or is it really afresh?
Maybe God wants to do something completely new and different! Something we can’t see clearly yet, but He requires the step of faith in obedience. To the world we might look like we failed, but in God’s eyes we’re exactly where He wants us – at His feet…
And how great is God to confirm what He is doing in the spirit, by also manifesting it in flesh! As we enter this new uncertain season of birthing something new in our hearts and lives, we’re also awaiting the birth of our new baby girl. God is good all the time. He is in control. We welcome little Lisa into our Bear home, we are convinced she will complete our family and bring something special to God’s kingdom on earth. It might not look like how we imagined it to be, but we know that what God has in store is so much better than what we ever dreamed it could be.
We bless you dear reader with the encouragement and boldness to take the leap of faith for Christ Jesus. Say yes to his plans and you’ll be blown away, despite hardships.
What is life? Jesus is the giver of it, so therefore what we do here on earth must surely come from Him, and if we zoom out – out of our daily routines, struggles, goals, heartache, pain and discomforts and look at ourselves through His eyes, I think we will realize all that really matters is what you’ve spent your life doing and not all the “in betweens”. Are you allowing Him to shepherd your life?
We want to encourage you to look at your life and to persevere and run the race set before you.
In this last few months, our lives have really changed in so many ways, and we have been faced with so much pruning and it is such a beautiful journey…yes indeed the times that we are in can be pressing and even very difficult for everyone that strive after righteousness and wanting to stay on the narrow path, BUT remember the word says “But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved”. Our King is coming back and our reward is Jesus Christ. What an amazing Day to look forward to.
Clearing the weeds/bush often needs to be cleared several times, and if not cleared then the bush simply takes over again. BUT as we pull out the weeds it sometimes just so happens that we find a tomato plant or a beautiful flower that sprang up in between the weeds and so is our walk with Christ. There are many things that the Lord takes us through in life however if He doesn’t take out the weeds in our lives it can destroy our growth. Yes our hands and feet look terrible, however it’s trained and much stronger. Just like this, things might not look good on the outside, or in some cases you do look great on the outside or on a piece of paper, however that is not what Jesus is interested in (Matthew 23:25) what matters is a repented heart, a seeking heart, a heart of flesh and not stone.
The fruit that we want to see at the moment might not be as we would like it to be, BUT He has spoken to us to build something for His Kingdom that we might only see more fruit a lot later. BUT we need to hold on to what He said, we need to hold firm unto Jesus Christ and persevere.
There are many bad things happening in the world right now BUT if we focus on that we loose sight of our reward – Jesus Christ.
Matthew 13:24-30 – Jesus will seperate the weeds from the wheat.
We are so thankful for brothers and sisters that came to stay at the Base and can truly see how Jesus is doing a work in His body. They will also be staying whilst we make our way to Gauteng for a short while.
Religion and tradition caries the same trademark since before Christ (in every culture). A heavy yoke that hinders His people from looking up but rather pulling them down, stuck in a tunnel vision of unreachable worldly perfection.
The Ethiopian man in Acts that was reading Isaiah could not understand who this silent Lamb was that was before His shearer. This Lamb that in humiliation had to go through suffering.
Maybe everyone was waiting for a mighty king like Saul or a wealthy king like king Hezekiah, even though scriptures like Zechariah says it so beautifully “Our King is comming, lowly and riding on a donkey”.
Today the system still teaches good morals like how to dress, talk and walk politely also to sing beautiful hymns. This is good I suppose, although in all of this I ofthen find myself wanting to walk up to a person, give them a big hug and lead them to Christ.
Could it be that today people are still looking for a king that is not king Jesus? A king that oppress instead of setting free? Jesus has come to set the captives free, free from worldly lusts and free from sin.
Do we truly know the King we serve? In Ephesians it talks about His followers that need to imitate Him. I suppose we should ask ourselves who do we imitate, Christ or the world? Jesus says that He wants us to be set apart.
The Holy Spirit leads and guides today and it does not always fit in or tick all the boxes of religion. I can just paint the picture of Philip when the Holy Spirit said to him that he must go near and overtake the Ethiopian’s chariot. Philip then actively responded by running to the ethiopian. This chapter says so much about the lively relationship He wants with all of us. This picture is too wonderful for me and gives me so much joy. Ofthen times my husband and I would not understand why we did some things whilst preaching or when making a decision, however one thing that we do know is that it does not have to make sense in a senseable way. If Jesus leads you with His Holy Spirit it can often times not be put in words. There is a peace and boldness that He gives and then we are always in amazement and even sometimes if we do not know, we can trust Him, lean on Him and rely on Him.
Now Philip understood that what the ethiopian was reading in Isaiah was about Jesus, and what did Philip do? He preached Jesus, the true Jesus. The Jesus that blead and died for our sins and rose again. Jesus who opposes the pridefull and gives grace to the humble.
As Philip and the ethiopian man went down the road the ethiopian said “here is water, what hinders me from getting baptized?” Philip baptized him and was caught up by the Spirit and was found in another place. This is the same Spirit, the Holy Spirit that is our helper for everyone that comes to Christ.
There are much more… Which Jesus do you follow and serve?
Lets take off our shoes in a room full of stilettos and go sit with the sinners… thats where Jesus was.
I can’t believe April has come to an end already! Where did the time go? We’ve finished the repairs on our caravan and we’re back on the road after four months in Gauteng. During that time we went on a missionary trip to Indonesia. After five years of prayers and waiting for the right doors to open, God came through. It was incredible and God placed a love in our hearts for the Indonesian people. In our hearts we feel God prompting us to go back long term, so we are trusting God to open the right doors at the right time, especially long term visas.
This past month, we felt to use the time to connect with disciples and get to know some of them better and catch up with others. And the best fellowship is always when we stay together! I can testify that it has been a blessed time in the Lord with brothers and sisters and meeting new people along the way, who loves the Lord and is seeking God for His perfect will. Thank you to everyone that opened their homes to us. It was a incredible month.
God is doing a great thing and I hope that everyone reading this is part of that somehow.
We’re blessed with a stay in the bushveld. God knows how much I enjoy the bushveld, so I feel like God wrapped this gift especially for me. Also the kids get to spend time with their grandparents.
All the other disciples are doing well and growing and trusting the Lord for specific things. Please check out the disciples page and their social media links and reach out as spirit leads.
Until next time, May God keep you all and continue to run the race.
I started writing this update from our car as we making our way back to Gauteng. We had an amazing time in George with fellow brethren. We had the privilege of attending Marc and Carly’s wedding – fellow disciples- and it was truly special. This is also the couple that we will meet up with in Indonesia! As the time to go to Indonesia draws near, we are preparing, praying and listening. With that also hardships, persecution and we realize it will take a Good-size miracle to get us to long awaited Indonesia.
It is also with a heavy hearts, after long time in prayer and fasting that we are blessing Bradley on his separate journey to follow the path God had set apart for him. We wish you a joyful, awestruck journey with God. God willing our paths will cross again as with all other disciples.
In the meantime, our caravan has to go in for a service and long overdue maintenance work to be done. So God led us to rent a small townhouse for time being. Please pray with us for all these things to follow through God led.
We would like to remind you not to neglect Jesus during this holiday season. Re-evaluate what you treasure most. Look in retrospect of this past year where you might have missed God’s voice and how to pursue Him more actively in the year to come.
Ephesians 5:14-16 KJV
[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. [15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
We’re watching the beautiful sunset over the ocean on the West Coast. Every evening is a new masterpiece of artwork from Abba! Then, at night we fall asleep with the thunderous roaring of waves. How magnificent is the work of His hands? I stand in awe and I will miss it, but again it’s time to raise the anchor and sail onward.
Our season at Lambert’s Bay was good. It was encouraging to see the growth and the promises of God, that He is at work despite what things might look like in the physical. It was a blessing to meet up and reconnect with our family in Christ and find them well and growing despite hardships.
This year was an exceptional flower season and what a blessing to experience the beauty of colours! No photo can compare to seeing it in real life. When the sun comes out, the flowers gleam, but when it is cloudy they slumber a little longer. As to remind us that we can only fully bloom when we look to the Son!
The ministering highlight of Lambert’s Bay was the opportunity to share the gospel both at the primary and High schools. Fellowship with everyone was blessed and powerful. We were reminded again of the importance of discipleship. To be God’s hand and feet in a broken world, connect people, rekindle and ignite hearts for God, and point people to Jesus. We also had the privilege to meet up with Quinten again and minister hand in hand to the community while handing out food parcels.
We had the unfortunate experience of opportunists coming into our tent at night while we were sleeping. They took food, milk, toys and all our paint and brushes. In times like these one really gets challenged to search your heart attitude and to walk in forgiveness. I was also reminded of a cleansing prayer for the trauma and violation. God is good.
Tian was promoted to make our way back to Gauteng and God confirmed it in my heart as well. We’re looking forward to seeing family and friends again, but also wanting to spend the time wisely to pray into Indonesia.
Just last week I was looking through a collection of photos whose timestamp was dated back to a year ago. I couldn’t believe that I had been on a mission trip for a full year! How time flies when you are on a journey to the promised land. Walking down memory lane I discovered that some of my most memorable moments I have spent with my newfound family in Christ. I would like to pick up from where I left off and would like to share what the Lord has been doing for me lately.
East London
After spending some time on the South Coast, we all gathered at Pastor Danny’s church called Lighthouse Ministries in the heart of the Wesbank neighbourhood. It was there that I would meet Stefan and his family together with Tjaart and the Du Preez not forgetting the De beers and the Cronje’s with whom I travelled with on our way to East London. Marc was also one of the people who joined us on the East London reunion as well as Juan and his wife Marisa who later joined us for a brief period.
It was at that time that the Book of Acts came alive. We fellowshiped and ate together sharing our lives as we communed together. Our journey took us to Frere Hospital where I met an old friend whom I had last seen in my early childhood days. Ironically, I prayed for his mother and a week later I heard that his mother had fully recovered.
I must admit that a lot did happen during our stay in East London. The most significant being the two Boerie days where we served the community with some hotdog rolls while we shared the gospel with them. The power of unity was for me a valuable lesson learnt as I watched how the different ligaments of one body coordinated in unison. Amazing.
Jeffrey’s bay
Well after a month spent in East London, Jeffreys Bay became our next destination. It was hard to say goodbye to my family in Christ yet there was a feeling that we had really bonded as a family and that against all odds, we had grown spiritually.
Jeffrey’s Bay led us to meet our other family members in Christ, Uncle Jan and Auntie Ruth as well as Uncle Jaku and Auntie Judika. Our time invested in fellowship helped us to share our experiences as well as learn from each other.
I managed to take a walk with the cross during my time there and found my way into the townships where I must admit that I had a real taste of persecution which almost cost me my life. As though that wasn’t enough I had come across a group of children who almost single-handedly hijacked my cross while my focus was on sharing the gospel with this one gentleman who was working away with his wood and making shelves as I spoke. It was fortunate enough that it looked more like a prank rather than theft as I ran a distance after the three little children who just smiled as I approached them to recover my cross. Anyway, that is a day in the life of a disciple fishing for men. Most of the stuff you witness in a day is not even on the script and will blow your imagination away.
I have to say that I enjoyed fishing with Tian and Ruhan. It was awesome that we caught some fish for supper on one good day. I almost found myself walking a thin line when I almost lost my life while attempting to swim in the ocean. Luckily for me, God saved me and I was able to come out alive.
It was also good to catch up with Linderie who is sister to Tian. I happened to go to the Mighty Men within that week of her visit. Indeed, my stay in Jeffreys Bay was quite a roller-coaster ride yet in it I learnt a lot of lessons.
George
Soon after spending time in the small surfing town of Jeffrey’s Bay which was just a stone’s away from the Indian Ocean, we moved on to George where we took part in a Kickstart event. I spent the greater part of my birthday on the road and eventually arrived at the Du Preez home where we would spend three weeks.
During the Kickstart event, Yaluza got born again. It’s amazing the freedom that he experienced at the time of his conversion. That week, I met Kevin, Quintin and Juan also joined the team to host the Kickstart event. It was amazing how we moved together as one-inch Christ that weekend regardless of the low turnout at the venue.
Henri, Yolandi and I got an opportunity to share and speak on Eden FM radio. It was quite a great opportunity to share our testimonies and what God has done in our lives. Ironically we had met one of the presenters of the Sunday show while walking with the cross one day in George.
Life at Carmel
After our stay at the Du Preez, we found our way to a caravan park stationed in Victoria Bay called Carmel. It was a great feeling to hear be at a place where we could live in community with fellow brethren that have been serving the Lord in different parts of the world
I recall in one instance, sharing my testimony to a church group that had been visiting Carmel. It was such an interesting encounter because I had woken up that morning intending to Take a walk and find one or two books to read when I bumped into a group of ladies who had been sitting in one of the lounges. Before long, God arranged an opportunity for me to speak and share my testimony.
While I was pondering on what I would say, the Lord put it in my heart not to prepare anything but to rather speak what I have been sent to say. So I arrived a few minutes late which was unlike me but Shared my lengthy story of what God had done through me. I believe that the Holy Spirit guided me that day. It was so amazing that you can meet people in a short space of time and relate to them.
After a day or two went by I received news that the bus that the church group had been travelling in was involved in a tragic accident, causing several fatalities as well as injuries. I was hurt inside that such a thing could happen to people I had been fellowshipping with, all of whom I had met only briefly. It was within that moment that God reminded me of His eternal purpose and Promise. Nothing can separate us from the love of the Father. Romans 8 verse 38. No angel, no person, no principality, nor even powers, not things both in the past or in the present, no not even life or death. Nothing! So I want to take this opportunity to pay my respects to those who were involved in that tragic accident.
It was also during my stay at Carmel that I met several more missionaries as well as ordinary people who had just crossed my radar as a result of my being nearby. The Sunday soup gatherings were a highlight for the week as the Carmel community would reflect on the events of the week and look forward to the coming week.
A fellow brother by the name of Quinten visited us at Carmel. His journey with his white Nissan Champ bakkie was a true testament to Mathew 28 in which Jesus instructs us to go and make disciples of all the nations.
It was also painful to see the Du Preez leave for Namibia during our stay at Carmel. I enjoyed my stay with them while they were staying in George and their reunion with the Cronjes is something worth looking forward to. All the same, I wish them all the best of luck in their travels.
I often say that I wish I could fit everyone into my short story and share all the events that took place in more detail, but I am limited in my human capacity. I enjoyed my year of walking with Christ in the mission field. An ordinary man like myself walking with Christ in the Kingdom with my fellow brethren. Special mention to all the families I have been with.
I would also like to make a special mention to all the communities I have been to since day one when I left Johannesburg. I share my love for all of you as Apostle Paul would often write. To the Carmel community, I am glad I was able to meet you. I enjoyed playing some songs on your piano. To those who provided us with love, words of encouragement and prayers we are all humbled and grateful for being in your midst.
One last word of encouragement is that of unity and being God wants you to be. But never look back when you get hold of that plough. Until next time it’s good tidings. Thank you
It’s that time again. It’s MOVing time! We are leaving George after almost four months! We really enjoyed our time here. The people are so friendly and welcoming. We have been exploring the city and met people from all walks of life. We have also been meeting with other missionaries from all over the world and learning from them.
**People We’ve Met**
We have met so many amazing people since we arrived in George. It is amazing to experience how God connects people. We have met people who are passionate about Jesus and have been inspired by their faith. We have also met struggling people, and we have been able to offer them hope and support. We are so grateful for all the people we have met, and we are so glad that we have had the opportunity to connect with them. In Carmel, we found a home and lasting family relationships. We would like to highlight meeting with Indonesian missionaries, and we’re blessed with Indonesian gifts.
**Things We’ve Been Up To**
Here are some of the things we have been up to:
* We all took up Indonesian, learning the language.
* I joined the Carmel prayer group every Wednesday morning and was reminded again how important prayer is.
* We had fellowship often during Sunday soup and praise and worship afternoons.
* We attended a few church services at local churches. I was moved by the praise and worship of the deaf community!
* Meeting disciples of Jesus, sharing stories and learning from each other.
*We could sort out Tian’s eyes by a recommended optometrist.
* I had a blast with our rock ministry at Carmel.
* We served local kids with love and soup on youth day.
* Bradley was blessed with keeping his own veggie garden at Carmel.
* The kids had so much fun with their new friends and meeting other missionary kids serving in other parts of the world.
* Living community in a different sense was amazing!
* The babies loved the prayer walk, exploring and playing at the “parkie”.
* We were blessed and honoured to send the Cronje and du Preez’s families prayerfully off into the mission field.
* Visited the local transport museum
* Baboons had a food party in our tent while we were on a gospel mission.
We are so grateful for all the experiences we have had during our stay in George. We’ve grown, and we have made so many new friends. We are excited to continue our journey and to see what God has in store for us. We’d be in Sutherland soon and hoping our YouTube video won’t take too long to put together.
What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31
Guys, what an honour to serve and labour for Jesus. We might not always have things figured out and need growth in many areas, but God is at work. Philippians 1:6 says: “being confident that He who has begun a good work in us, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
We managed to get our passports, so now we are ready when God says GO to the nations. Think of us in your prayers that God will make a way to Indonesia. That He will prepare the place and people’s hearts.
We’re still in George. And God is really growing us in the area of community living! At the missionary retreat, we connected with Indonesian missionaries. Also, we joined in on the retreat fellowship routines, prayer and worship. We feel so blessed by everyone we’ve come in contact with and built relationships with. The kids all of a sudden have a string of missionary friends!
I’m really seeing how God’s heart is to connect people and the body of Christ, coming alive and starting to function as God intended! While we stayed with the du Preez, we joined a kickstart, and it is amazing how God moves when there is unity and transparency among disciples! Twenty-one people living under one roof, with one goal – to do what Jesus commissioned us to do. Praying and coming against the enemy. The men got to serve and preach the gospel at a local shelter. Jalusi found Jesus and was baptised. It was incredible! Hope to share more on our George video soon.
Our art ministry: I’ve never written about our rock ministry. We left rock art and blessed special people with scripture rocks at every place we’ve been. We love it! Our art also took the form of a tree house, paintings, drawings, and the Jesus cow shed. We got feedback that the shed is thriving and doing what it was set out to do! Thank you, Jako and Judicka, for doing the follow-up work on the shed. I feel so blessed that God’s word never turns back void!
In closing, I want to encourage you not to get too caught up in the business of this world and miss God’s whispering. Stay close to Abba’s heart.
We’ve been in Jeffery’s Bay for more than a month now after departing from East-London. After a busy season, we’re once again called into rest and fellowship. We met Jako & Judicka who are green markers on the TRL map and Oom Jan & tannie Ruth with alot of missionary experience! We are truly blessed to learn from and be inspired by them!
God is really speaking to my heart about giving the gift of the gospel in love. It can so easily become task orientated, performance driven or just something on a to-do list. I shared the gospel the other day with someone that just wanted me to join their pity party. I felt condemned afterwards for talking straight and a bit harsh. God comforted me in His word that showing mercy is giving the truth in loving kindness. The truth hurts, but without His truth we won’t grow or mature. Some need to be pulled from the flames and hard hearts need a scorcher. I trust that my words are from Abba’s heart and not from mine!
We feel God prompting us to start the process of getting our passports ready. Indonesia has come up a lot recently and also an invitation to Swaziland. No idea what God has in store for us, but we have willing hearts and trust in His perfect timing. I for one feel completely unequipped, but I know in our weakness, He’s our strength.
Soon we’ll be making our way to George to join fellow brethren for a kickstart. Always excited to see what God is going to do. And having fellowship with the body of Christ.
Out of our hearts we thank everyone for praying for us, ploughing into this ministry and encouragement.
Jesus love and greetings to all. From the Bear 🐻 family and Bradley.
family and Bradley
DisciplesOfJesus 