President Jacob Zuma.

Both President Jacob Zuma and the ministers involved in expensive upgrades to the President’s private home are ethically and morally responsible for what has gone wrong in the Nkandla project and should therefore be held accountable, says the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa in a press statement released today.

In another development today Parliament disclosed that an ad hoc committee has been formed to consider the submissions made by Zuma in response to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s Nkandla report which was released on March 19. Zuma said last week that he will give full and proper consideration to the matter only once he receives a report from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Today’s AFM statement says: “The Nkandla Report goes to the heart of the ethical and moral responsibility of those entrusted with administrating public funds, the care for the most vulnerable in society and the alleviation of poverty.

 ”The fact that such a large amount of money was spent on one person while so many do not have enough to make ends meet is a matter of extreme concern. While the state has a responsibility to secure the President, the cost for the security upgrades and the overspending is not morally justifiable nor are the reasons ethically tenable.

“The fact that the Ministers who were tasked to oversee the project did not raise their concerns about the costs for the security essentials and the non-security expenditure such as the cattle kraal, swimming pool, fowl-run and amphitheatre is also morally and ethically unjustifiable.

“Even though the Public Protector did not accuse the President of corruption, he cannot be morally exonerated, because he should have known about the enormous expenditure including the non-security items mentioned. Both the President and the Ministers involved in the upgrades are ethically and morally responsible for what has gone wrong in the Nkandla project and should therefore be held accountable.”

The AFM statement also distances the church from a group of clergy who reportedly went to cast out demons at the office of Thuli Madonsela in a bid to defend the SABC’s  acting Chief Operating Officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

” The attacks [by the clergy group] against the Public Protector are deeply regretted. We want to call on our members to be actively involved in the fight against corruption and to pray for the spiritual and moral regeneration of South Africa.

“We also urge all South Africans to pursue the common interest of all citizen, and in particular the interest of the poor, marginalised, downtrodden and most vulnerable in society,” concludes the statement.

The Roman Catholic Church in SA (RCC) and SA Council of Churches have also recently released statements on Nkandla. The RCC last week (April 3) slammed Zuma’s lack of a prompt response to the Public Protector’s report, saying the delay undermines both the Public Protector’s office and Parliament. It says the president’s decision to wait for the Special Investigating Unit to complete its investigation before explaining himself  is “unacceptable”. It says Zuma must “tell the nation now, not in June, how and when he plans to pay back the costs of items such as the swimming pool, the chicken run and others that have nothing to do with security.”

The SACC statement says: “For the future of the nation and the sustainability of our fledgling democracy, we urge those implicated in the report to consider stepping down.

Attack on religious freedom is the most important issue facing Christians today, say US Christian leaders

South African pastors are urged to stand together against government attacks on religious freedom, says Andrew Selley, founder and CEO of FOR SA (Freedom of Religion South Africa), in a video message [see below] posted on the FOR SA website.

In the video he says FOR SA was birthed out of a growing concern about the government’s increased interference in religious freedom and the autonomy of the church to govern her own affairs.

“While churches may disagree with each other on the interpretation of certain Scriptures, we can agree on this: it is not for the government to define the Bible and dictate morality for us,” he says.

Selley warns that the current attack on religious freedom affects every one of us – our workplace, our family and church life. Christians need to rise up and stand together as our freedoms are about to be lost, and Christians who believe, teach and live their lives according to the Bible may well find themselves on the wrong side of the law. He urges pastors around South Africa to contact FOR SA, who will with their support be able to speak as a strong and united voice to government on issues affecting our religious freedom.

US Christian leaders sound the alarm
The threat to religious freedom is the most important issue that Christians face today, noted the annual National Religious Broadcasters convention in the United States which met a few days ago in Nashville, Tenn. Churches. The convention brings together ministries and organisations representing Christendom who come together to connect and communicate with one another.

Writing in Charisma Magazine, author Larry Tomczak says: Decision magazine, the publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, has been coming to my home for almost 40 years. Normally the articles are upbeat testimonies and reports on evangelistic outreaches. The recent edition is completely different, in that it sounds an alarm on the cover that we are now in a war on Christianity. Franklin Graham states boldly in his lead article, “I do not believe this is simply a culture war or a battle between conservative and liberal elements of our society. … This is a full-scale assault against Christianity and the followers of Christ.”

Tomczak also reports that “The Roundtable”, a recent meeting of senior leaders convened by Rick Joyner’s MorningStar ministries, issued a clarion call for courageous leadership amidst the radical gay agenda and its aggressive attack on religious freedom. He recommends that Christians equip themselves to take a stand in love by viewing a new 47-minute video Is Gay Ok? 10 Things Everyone Needs to Know 

BAYfm presenters (from left) Kevin Futcher (Kevin “D”) and Trevor Flugel with KMMC committee member, Lance Walton.

Opportunity to travel to KMMC by bus

Port Elizabeth-based community radio station, Bayfm will be broadcasting live from the Karoo Mighty Men Conference (KMMC) near Middelburg from April 25 to April 27 and will also be taking men to the event on a 60-seater bus.

Excited Bayfm presenter, Trevor Flugel, says that God has miraculously paved the way for the radio station to get involved in the KMMC and to powerfully impact men in the Eastern Cape through radio with a message of hope in Jesus Christ and with a call to take up their rightful places as men. He said there is also a great possibility that Radio Tygerberg and Namaqualand Radio will live stream Bay FM’s coverage to their audiences.

He says that men who would like to join their bus group should contact BAYfm at 041 360 0909. The cost of the return trip from PE to Middelburg is R300.

In an email explaining how the station got involved in the KMMC, Flugel writes: “There was recently an invitation to BAYfm presenters, to enjoy a weekend away at Keurbooms River, Plettenberg Bay. Four of us went on this trip.

“The place we went to was called Whiskey Creek. Well, it did speak of a spirit, but we got onto the Mighty Men Conference subject and the Holy Spirit. While we were chatting and exchanging ideas God dropped a thought into my heart which I shared, and which went along the following lines: What a wonderful opportunity it would be for our listeners if BAYfm could broadcast from the MMC to our whole reception area, giving the people a taste of what it is like to attend a conference like this. We are a community driven radio station; and it is our community men who are going to the Middelburg MMC.

“I shared my previous experiences of MMC conferences with Tony Venturini, our BAYfm manager, and that afternoon we kicked around some ideas, but I basically didn’t really get hyped up about the idea until Tony called me later after that weekend, to ask if we really did want to get involved. Without hesitation I said, yes, why not, and subsequently spoke to Pastor Louw Kilian, then who passed the information onto the MMC committee locally in Port Elizabeth.

First miracle
“I contacted Ruthi van der Merwe of Mighty Men Conference, Middelberg, and asked her if we could become involved with the MMC in the capacity of broadcasting to the Eastern Cape area where our listenership lies. Miracle no 1: What I didn’t know was that Namaqualand Radio had told the organisers that they wouldn’t be getting involved this year,and that therefore no radio station would be there to broadcast the conference. Miracle no 2: Immediately, on sharing this with friends and family, we were offered a towing vehicle with all expenses paid, to tow our outside broadcast caravan to the Middelburg venue.

“On Monday night (7 April 2014) I presented a short talk about what we envisaged, at Pastor Louw Kilian’s Lorraine Full Gospel Church where men from previous MMCs get together every week. I mentioned the fact that we were organising a bus to take men to the Middelberg MMC. During the course of our presentation, Kevin Futcher, better known as Kevin “D” from BAYfm, held a question and answer time. Lance Walton, the local MMC Coordinator, asked how many men could be transported on the relevant bus, as he’d had a recent tent cancellation from another group who had decided to supply their own tents instead. Miracle no 3: Lance then said that the relevant tent could accommodate sixty men, the exact number that our bus could take.

“We started our radio advertising on Tuesday afternoon, 8th April, and within a minute of the first advertisement being broadcast we already received enquiries about the bus transportation. This in itself, is confirmation that God is already moving by His Spirit.

The question is: Are our churches ready to receive a miracle of the proportion that God is giving to us? There is so much we can do for our people and yet we seem to think our hands are tied. Every night on BAYfm we receive prayer requests that go beyond the imagination of anyone in the church today. Many of the prayers are for the men who are non-functional with regard to family life. This is therefore an opportunity to reach those men through radio, giving them the blessed hope of Jesus Christ’s eternal life for them, and that they also stand up and take their rightful place as true men in their families, and then in society too.

“Radio sound waves enter prisons, hospitals, homes, old age homes, hotel rooms, orphanages, boats at sea, factories, police and emergency services, security firms, and the like. We have the necessary equipment at our disposal and we want to use it as an outreach to all.

“The greatest need is for prayer; we need men and women of God to stand in the gap for us, helping us to be what God wants us to be, and praying for our nation as we bring the Word of God into the lives of the people.”

This month’s True Champion is not an individual but rather the church leaders in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) who are taking an active stand before the May 7 elections against corruption, maladministration and incompetence that contribute to lack of service delivery, education, health and unemployment. A key objective of the initiative is to keep politicians accountable to how they spend public funding budgets.

I spoke to NMB Consultation of Christian Churches task team chairman Pastor Neville Goldman about the initiative a week after the leaders released their declaration of war on political power abuse in which they say they intend to mobilise civil society, business and other sectors of society to join them. He said they had made a solid start with a round of cluster meetings in various parts of the metro, aimed at mobilising pastors to know the specific needs of their wards, the key local roleplayers, and to monitor service delivery in their wards. Next week they will have a series of meetings with politicians. And before the elections they plan to hold several mass meetings focused on service delivery and on voter education aimed at discouraging voters from supporting a corrupt system. He said churches in the metro are already educating voters from the pulpit — not as a political party but as a prophetic voice. He said it is significant that by far the biggest voting bloc in the country is made up of people who are not card-carrying members of any party and therefore not ‘owned’ by the parties.

Goldman said the church leaders do commend government for the good they have done over the years “but we cannot allow corruption and maladministration to cloud all of that.”

He said it seems that when government corruption is exposed there are no legal consequences, people make excuses and justify their stealing and the ‘tenderpreneurs’ are able to continue leading to poor service delivery which hits the poor hardest.

“That is why the church is rising up,” he said. And judging from phonecalls and Facebook responses it seems as if many people have been waiting for the church to give leadership.

UNASHAMEDLY ETHICAL invites True Champions to stand up and be counted: More than 15 000 South Africans have signed the Unashamedly Ethical commitment to a public life of ethics, values and clean living. If you haven’t committed yet, why not do so now, here?

Steph and Marina Neethling, the Christian owners of The House of Bread Guesthouse in Wolseley, Western Cape. They face a hearing in the Equality Court in Bellville on Monday (April 14) for turning away a gay couple in November, 2013.

Western Cape guesthouse owner, Steph Neething, 58, says God has told him to stand firm and be a witness for Him when he appears in the Equality Court in Bellville on Monday (April 14, 2014) for turning away a gay couple in November 2013.

The court hearing follows an investigation by the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) following a complaint by the gay couple after they were not allowed to book a room at The House of Bread guesthouse in Wolseley. 

According to a report in Eye Witness News the couple say they reported the guesthouse to the SA Human Rights Commission after they were told by the owners that the venue was not “gay friendly”.

Unmarried couples
In an interview yesterday, Neethling, who runs the guesthouse together with his wife, said that for the past six years, in obedience to God’s calling on their lives, they have taken a stand for Biblical righteousness and against tolerating any form of sin, including abuse of alcohol and sexual sin. 

He said the guesthouse’s income was only about a third of what it could be because they did not allow men to book in with prostitutes. He said that many people would be surprised to know that  prostitution accounts for a sizable proportion of the income of a number of guesthouses.

Neethling said that there is a prominent sign on the front of their guesthouse which makes it clear to anybody who visits that it is a Christian establishment: referring to the Bible verse John 6:35, the sign reads ‘Welcome to The House of Bread. Jesus said: I am the bread of life’.

“We are never against any people. We are against sin,” Neethling said.

He said that God told him in a dream that he must stand firm during the court hearing and be a witness for Him. God has assured him that he will give him the words (including words from the Bible) to speak in court.

He thanked everybody who supported them with encouraging phone calls and with prayer. 

Monumental case
According to Andrew Selley, Founder and CEO of FOR SA (Freedom of Religion SA), “this is a monumental case for Christians and Christian businesses in particular in South Africa. Increasingly, Christians are coming under fire for holding to their Christian beliefs and refusing to cave to demands that are in conflict with their beliefs. Depending on what the court decides in this case, Christians in our country will in future either be free to obey the Bible or be forced by law to violate their conscience (and face the consequences if they don’t).

“As this important case will set a legal precedent for future cases, FOR SA and other organisations have offered to assist the guesthouse in presenting their case to court. The owners are feeling however to conduct the case on their own, and the best help that we can offer at this stage is to pray for favour and a good outcome. Their victory will be a victory for all Christians in South Africa, but so will their loss be a loss for all. Let us not be divided on whether or not we agree with the owners’ decision not to make a room available to the couple in question. The bottom line is that the State should not force anyone to act against their moral beliefs, and this is why the outcome of this case is so critical.”

Eyewitness News reports that SAHRC CEO Kayum Ahmed says they’ll be supporting the gay couple as they take The House of Bread to court.

Referring to a recent incident in which two lesbian women were prevented from hosting their same-sex wedding on a farm near Wellington, the SAHRC says its investigation has stalled because the women involved don’t want to take the matter forward. 

The 500km route that Vlooi Terblanche (inset) is walking from Plettenburg Bay to the KMMC 2014 at Middelburg. He is carrying a cross on the journey. The cross on the map is at Willowmore, his current location.

Last week we reported on how Vlooi Terblanche, 59, was born again and set free at last year’s Karoo Mighty Men Conference — and how he decided to celebrate this year by walking from his hometown, Plettenburg Bay to the KMMC 2014 in Middelburg.

I phoned Vlooi this evening (Thursday, April 10), eight days and 159km into his 500km journey. He said he had just arrived in Willowmore where he has been blessed with the use of a huge house all to himself. He was feeling relaxed and happy that God is in control of all aspects of his trek to the KMMC which starts on Friday, April 25.

There have been many divine appointments along the way over the mountainous Prince Alfred’s Pass that links the coast and Klein Karoo and through the town of Uniondale, he said. About 32 motorists have stopped on the highway, questioning him, asking him to pray for them and drawing encouragement from his testimony of God’s great work in his life. He has met many other people on the road and some have committed to attend the KMMC 2014 after listening to him. He has also had opportunities to share his testimony to groups of people including inmates in a jail. He has experienced wonderful Christian hospitality all along the way with people providing him with overnight stops.

Vlooi and a roadside acquaintance Whayne chatting about the things of God under a clear Karoo sky.

He says his body is bearing up well although he only started training a month before the start of the walk. After a past knee operation a doctor said he would never be able to walk much on that knee but he is feeling stronger and fitter as the days go by. He carries a load of about 12kg with him as well as his wooden cross with its message on the love of Jesus and the dates of the KMMC. Whenever he feels weak he calls out loudly on the name of the Lord and he is immediately strengthened.

Vlooi says his heart is full with wonder over the reality of God’s great power and His great love. “I sometimes feel sad about people who don’t realise how awesome God is and that the love and the care that He has for me is available for everybody. I really desire for everybody to have that joy in their lives.”

Anybody who would like more daily news of Vlooi’s journey can join him on his Facebook page where he shares his experiences.

The 500km route that Vlooi Terblanche (inset) is walking from Plettenburg Bay to the KMMC 2014 at Middelburg. He is carrying a cross on the journey. The cross on the map is 20km short of Aberdeen, his current location.

The last week of walking through a long, flat, desolate stretch of the Karoo has been lonely and mentally tough at times but “I thank the Lord for accompanying me and for making me stronger and showing me what He is busy doing,” says Vlooi Terblanche two weeks into his trek from Plettenburg Bay to the Karoo Mighty Men Conference (KMMC) near Middelburg.

“So what is the Lord busy doing?” I ask Vlooi who has reached his overnight farmhouse accommodation about 20km short of Aberdeen.

“He is telling people if you are willing to change your life I will bless you like I have blessed this man,” he says, marvelling at the “love, grace and mercy” that God has poured on him since he encountered him at KMMC 2013.

His long days of walking have been made even longer because of motorists who stop to talk to the man in the middle of nowhere carrying a cross with the words “Jesus loves you too” and the dates of the KMMC which starts on Friday, April 25

Today he got to share his testimony with three motorists. Yesterday a bakkie driver who had driven past him a little earlier stopped to question him after turning back because the meeting he was on his way to was cancelled. After Vlooi shared how God had delivered him instantly from alcoholism and an adulterous lifestyle, the bakkie driver — “a big man” — burst into tears and said he needed help with similar problems. Women drivers have also been stopping and asking him to pray for their men who lead separate lives from them filled with drink and secret sin. At a Christian women’s camp in Willowmore that he got to address last week he also met women who were deeply hurt and bitter because of their husbands’ drinking and womanising.

“People are crying out for the Lord’s help,” he says.

Vlooi says however that the farmers on his walking route who are providing him with accommodation and food each night “are just all Christians!”

Two nights ago he spoke to 100 people — mostly farm workers — at a Christian gathering in a big farm shed. The people from various farms shared a Passover meal together. He says that typically the farmers and their workers in the area pray together on their knees and draw inspiration from Scripture before starting their day’s work.

Tomorrow he will arrive in Aberdeen where he has been asked to address a group of young men. Looking further ahead he is trusting God to see him through some zero degrees temperatures and rain that are forecast before he reaches his destination next week.

Anybody who would like more news of Vlooi’s journey can join him on his Facebook page where he shares his experiences.

Afrika Mhlophe speaking at KMMC 2013. He is one of the speakers at KMMC 2014.

Men challenged to walk their talk

The biblical book of Nehemiah’s message of the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem and the restoration of its people is valid for South Africans today, according to Port Elizabeth pastor, Afrika Mhlophe, who will be bringing God’s word to the fourth Karoo Mighty Men Conference (KMMC), which is set to take place from April 25 to 27,  2014 on the outskirts of Middelburg on Rusoord Farm

Mhlophe, who has a gift and a calling to spread the gospel of reconciliation with both God and our neighbours, regardless of race or creed, says his message to KMMC 2014 will be from the book of Nehemiah, which has many similarities to the needs and rebuilding of the South African nation today, especially the need for our return to a life based on ethical and Godly values.

The book of Nehemiah is concerned with: the reconstruction of Jerusalem; the return of the Jews to Jerusalem from exile; the rebuilding of the physical life of the nation of Israel; the reforming and repenting of the Jewish people who had fallen back into a state of sin; and the renewal of their covenant with God and submission to His will.

Nehemiah was a man sensitive to both God and his people. He was a man of faith that wept over his people’s sins and earnestly interceded on their behalf with God in prayer.

Indeed, Nehemiah was a man of prayer – he prayed to God for guidance before he undertook any task or made any decision.

Mhlophe says the book of Nehemiah challenges us to show our faith in God by the way we live and our obedience to God’s Word.

“As South African Christians we need to help bridge the gap between our national experience and God’s kingdom, His will being done on earth as it is in heaven.”

 The Spirit-Filled Bible says four lasting principles stand out in Nehemiah.

“First, compassion is often the springboard to obedience to God’s will.

“Second, cooperation with others is required to carry out God’s will. Third, confidence results from fervent prayer and the exposition of the Word of God, which reveals God’s will.

“Fourth, courage will manifest itself as sanctified tenacity in refusing to compromise on the conviction that one is doing God’s will.”

The book of Nehemiah emphasises that God keeps his word and His promises. He promises His people two things: that He will bless their obedience and curse their disobedience. He promises to reward the righteous and punish the wicked.

Nehemiah also teaches us that God prepares the hearts of all people, both Christians and non-Christians, in the accomplishment of his will and that God also raises-up the right leaders for His people at the right time to accomplish His will, which is pertinent to our country in this time of elections.

“I find many South Africans want to know what their role is now,” says Mhlophe.

“My view is that as followers of Jesus Christ we have authority to address the poverty, sickness, inequality and unethical behaviour that confronts us around every South African corner.

“We have to overcome our differences and contribute to unity in our country, which takes much effort and often requires sacrifices.

“We have to come to a place, as children of God, where we understand that the only distinction that remains is that of believers and nonbelievers. It is our task to extend the gospel of repentance and remission of sins to all nations in Christ Jesus.

“However, it is necessary for us to walk our talk and live our faith, for ‘faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead’ (James 2:17).”

Mhlophe says it is vital that we live our Christian values through our roles as South African citizens.

Visit the KMMC website at www.karoommc.co.za or facebook page at www.facebook.com/KarooMMC. For more information contact Ruthi at info@karoommc.co.za or cell no 079 947 3566.

Johnny Louw speaking at Karoo MMC 2013. He is speaking again at KMMC 2014.

A mighty light set to ignite 

Johnny Louw’s desire is to inspire people to be the light of God in their everyday lives, whether it be in their families, among friends, fellow employees or to a stranger in the street.

Louw has a rare ability to motivate people to speak life, blessings and love; to be the solution, the remedy, and the strength through Christ to every situation that presents itself.

Louw will be witnessing for the Lord Jesus Christ at the Karoo Mighty Men Conference 2014 (KMMC 2014), which will take place from April 25 to 27 on the outskirts of Middelburg in the Eastern Cape at Rusoord Farm.

 “I love the Karoo, I am born of the Karoo and I am coming to KMMC 2014 to join with my brothers.

“I have attended all the Karoo Mighty Men Conferences. This will be the third conference that I speak at, and if I am not a speaker next year, I will be there as a brother in Christ.”

Louw, who addresses church congregations, children’s events, and men’s interdenominational groups all around the country, says the KMMC has a very special anointing for empowering men to face the world as sons of God.

“The voice that comes out of the KMMC is the voice of faith, hope and love. The KMMC is a place for me to revitalise myself, serve my brothers, and enjoy the fellowship of men that have driven from as far afield as Namibia, Namaqualand, Limpopo, Gauteng and the Cape to worship God and fellowship together.

”It is an event that happens once a year during which guys get together and forget about everything else except worshipping the Lord with all of their hearts.”

Louw says he was called by God as a motivator and to spread the message of hope and power.

“My message is that God is reconciling men with Him through Jesus Christ so that they can rise renewed in their relationships with Him and spread the good message of repentance, the remission of sins and salvation in Christ to the lost, the weary, and to those who are without hope.

“God’s business is winning the lost, bringing them into His kingdom, and establishing the mind of Christ in His sons so that they will be meek, but bold to go into the world and extend the gospel to all people.”

Louw say his purpose is to speak in the spirit to the spirits of the men at KMMC to activate their love for the Lord.

“I want to motivate the men not to let their love for Christ go cold and fall into a religious rut.

 “If people new how much God loves them it would empower them to be able to do anything on earth, ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16).

“With this love, we don’t need alcohol, drugs or money. It is this love, which changes a man, a normal person, and elevates him into a son of God and allows him to accomplish anything in the world for his Holy Father’s kingdom.

“That is my heart for the men at KMMC 2014; to be carriers of the profound love of God,” says Louw.

Last week, Gateway News reported on the legal proceedings instituted by a gay couple (now legally represented by the SA Human Rights Commission) against Steph and Marina Neethling, Christian owners of a guesthouse in Wolseley, in the Equality Court of Bellville. 

At the directions hearing this week (on Monday, April 14, 2014), the Court postponed the matter for hearing on June 17, 2014. On that day, the parties will present legal argument with regard to the difficult question the Court has to decide, namely which fundamental right to protect in the current instance: the gay couple’s right not to be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation, or the Christian owners’ right to freedom of conscience. 

Importance of case
The importance of this case – not only for the guesthouse owners but for all Christians and in particular Christian business owners in South Africa – cannot be over-emphasised. Moss Ntlha, who has now joined Andrew Selley as a leader within FOR SA (Freedom of Religion SA), explains the practical effect as follows: “This case will decide how free (or not) Christians in South Africa really are to obey the Word of God in their everyday lives.” 

Given the importance of this case for all Christians and given also the fact that the owners of the guesthouse have felt to conduct the case on their own, FOR SA on Monday asked the Court for permission to intervene in the case as an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”), and was granted permission. As amicus curiae, FOR SA will be able to present legal argument to the Court in an effort to assist and guide the Court with regard to the constitutional issues and balancing of competing rights. 

As Legal Counsel speaking on behalf of FOR SA, Advocate Nadene Badenhorst says that “while our Constitution recognises the right not to be unfairly discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation as a fundamental right worthy of protection, the same Constitution entrenches the right to freedom of conscience, religion and belief as a fundamental right to be respected, protected and promoted by the State. Our Constitution does not have a hierarchy of rights and to suggest (as the Human Rights Commission as well as advocates of gay rights continue to do) that sexual orientation rights will or should always trump religious rights, is incorrect and unconstitutional.” 

The current dispute before the Equality Court arose when the owners of the guesthouse informed the gay couple that their guesthouse is not ‘gay friendly’ and politely referred them to a ‘gay friendly’ guesthouse in Wolseley instead.  

Demand apology
The gay couple contends that the owners’ conduct violated their right to equality as “sexual orientation, like our skin colour or belief system, is not a basis for discrimination”.  As a result of their alleged humiliation and emotional scarring, the gay couple claims an unconditional and sincere apology from the owners; that the owners pay a fine and the money be donated to Pride Shelter Cape Town; and that they be prevented from discriminating against gay people in future. 

The owners, on the other hand, contend that just as they respect the couple’s choice (to be gay), they expect the couple to respect their choice (in terms of how they run their business). As owners, their choice is to follow God’s Word and not to knowingly allow or enable guests to commit sin on their property. For this reason, they also do not allow unmarried couples to sleep together in the same room, or allow drunkenness or prostitution on the property. 

With regard to the issues that the Equality Court will have to decide in this case, Advocate Badenhorst explains that the owners’ decision to turn the couple away as a result of their sexual orientation, does not automatically make them guilty of “unfair discrimination”. Even if the court were to find that the gay couple was “discriminated” against on the basis of sexual orientation, it still has to be proven that the discrimination was “unfair” taking into account a number of factors, including but not limited to the intention of the guesthouse owners and the purpose of the discrimination. 

In the present instance, the intention of the guesthouse owners was not directed at impairing the dignity of the gay couple. While the gay couple may dislike the owners’ decision and feel hurt because of it, it does not necessarily mean that the owners were legally in the wrong. Likewise, even if the Court were to find that the owners discriminated against the gay couple, the Court still has to have regard to their reason for doing so, namely that their moral conscience would not allow them to do otherwise. 

Restaurant
In this regard, a distinction has to be drawn between “discrimination” and “participation”. By way of example, while there can be no moral or legal justification for a Christian refusing to serve a gay couple a meal in a restaurant (and to do so, would generally amount to “unfair discrimination”), the same does not necessarily hold true in the case where a Christian refuses to make a room available to a couple practicing homosexuality; or refuses to make a wedding venue available for, or bake a wedding cake or take photographs in celebration of, a homosexual “marriage”. 

In the case of serving a gay couple in a restaurant, the Christian is not asked to participate in any sinful activity, does not violate his conscience and can therefore have no moral or legal objection to preparing the meal. In the case however where the Christian is asked to be involved in the arrangements for a gay wedding (by providing the wedding venue, baking the wedding cake or taking the wedding photos), the Christian may feel that he is participating in or celebrating something that goes against the Word of God and which would therefore violate his conscience if he were to do so. To explain: It is a central tenet of the Christian faith that marriage is a covenant, a sacred bond between a man and a woman instituted by and entered into before God (Gen 2:24). The Bible also uses this picture of marriage between a man and a woman, to explain the sacred relationship between Christ and His church (Eph 5:21 – 33).  For this reason gay marriage, while legal in South Africa, is understood by Christians as contrary to God’s Word and offensive to Christ’s picture of His relationship with us. The Bible also specifically forbids the practice of homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9). To expect or force a Christian therefore to help a gay couple to get married (by providing the wedding venue, baking the wedding cake or taking the wedding photos), is really expecting or forcing the Christian to help the gay couple to do something that grieves God and thereby, to himself grieve God. 

Likewise, to expect or force a Christian to make a room available to a gay couple who is likely to have same-sex intercourse in the room, is to expect or force the Christian to help the couple practice homosexuality and sin against God. Again, this may make the Christian himself a participant in the sin and in this way, violate his conscience. For this reason, the Christian’s conscience should be legally protected in such instance, for to do otherwise may be to expect or force the Christian to place his own salvation at risk.   

Speaking on behalf of FOR SA, Founder and CEO Andrew Selley asks Christians to intentionally pray for this watershed case and in particular, for the owners of the guesthouse who are directly involved. Referencing Romans 14, he appeals to Christians not to condemn the guesthouse owners for having followed their convictions and having done what they believed to be right before God, even if they themselves would have dealt with the situation differently and would not have turned the gay couple away. “While as Christians we may hold to different convictions of the faith, we can agree on this:  It is not for the State to prescribe what our conviction should be.” 

Against this background, FOR SA calls upon Christians to unite in prayer and in action to defend our religious freedom and our liberty to hold to Christian convictions and act according to our conscience.

Richard Preston, recovering from a battery of serious injuries he sustained in a cycling accident three months before the Ironman 2014. More injuries were to follow before the great endurance event.

At the end of 2013 whilst contemplating the arrival of 2014, I asked God to make 2014 different. I asked for a testimony of His goodness and faithfulness and that He would give me a story to tell of His kindness. I had no idea how this simple prayer would work out and anticipated that it would relate to a spiritual aspect of my life or the church. I had decided to enter the Ironman largely after sensing God’s approval and  as a result of my sister believing that she had heard God to offer to sponsor 50% of my entry fee. The entry fee is quite expensive and for the 2014 race was set at R4250. The race was unique in that it was the 10th year anniversary of the race. I knew the day would be difficult because I was carrying a knee injury which I contracted three years ago in training for the 2010 Ironman.

Severe injuries
On the 4 January 2014 I fell off my tri-bike at speed after I had hit gravel that was lying in the road. As a result I picked up severe injuries.  When hitting the tarmac I removed the skin off my left shoulder, left elbow and left hip. I was taken to hospital where my hip, left elbow and right hand were x-rayed.  The radiologist informed me that everything that was x-rayed was fractured. I was then operated on and pins placed in my right hand.  I was discharged in terrible pain and told to lie on my back and not move for two weeks to allow the crack in my hip to heal.  After the two week period, I was re-xrayed and all the fractures were seen to be healing well. Six weeks after the accident my cast was removed and I tentatively restarted training.  Race day which was set for the 6^th April was approaching quickly and I had lost a month and a half of training. I had been told that swimming was a great rehabilitative training exercise so I started swimming in a wetsuit at a public swimming bath. 

On the 19 February whilst I was swimming in the public swimming bath, a teenager jumped from the 10 metre high diving board and landed on my back seriously injuring my right lung and breaking ribs. I had to be rescued out of the water by 2 life guards who helped me remove my wetsuit as I was unable to on my own.  Lying on the side of the pool I asked God what is going on. I felt Him clearly say He has placed a limit and the limit has been reached.

Elated and thankful to God, Richard crosses the Ironnan 2014 finish line at 11pm after gutting it out since early morning.

So once again it was back to the doctors and bed rest. I had great difficulty in breathing properly and after 10 days tried to restart training on a stationary bicycle. I tried my best to increase training, but was unable to run or swim.  The effect of these exercises on my right lung was too painful.  With threeweeks to go to Ironman and fighting pain in every training session, I said to God “What is the point?  Ironman for me is never going to happen”.  I felt God say to me “You do what you can and I’ll do what I can”.  So I continued to train, but in great pain. One week to Ironman I was able to sleep for the first time on my right side.  As the day of the race approached, a confidence began to grow in me and I was very keen to see what God would do on the day.

The day arrived and standing on the beach facing a 3.8k swim, a 180k cycle and a 42.2k marathon I was fully aware that I did not have the talent, energy, training or ability to complete the race.  My right hand ached when swimming, my left elbow ached on the bicycle and I was still not able to take full breaths with my right lung.  The rest is history.  God sustained me magnificently through the swim where I was about 5 minutes off my best time ever. Notwithstanding a very strong head wind for approximately 100km, I was able to cope with the 180km cycle leg. I knew the run was going to be tough but God carried me through that as well. 

Cramping
After 200metres into the marathon, with 40km left to go, I started cramping severely in both legs, so much so I thought my race was over. I managed to hobble on and 2 kms further on a friend saw me and said I desperately needed to get a few Rennies tablets which would help with the cramp. In Ironman you are not allowed any help on the course and I never carry Rennies tablets with me.  I tried to continue to run.  About one to two kms further on, I saw a Rennies box on the ground.  I picked it up and inside was one sealed sheet of Rennies tablets.  I immediately took two, the cramp disappeared and I was able to continue and finish the race.

A great joy was being presented with my finishers medal by my daughter Abigail, who is employed by Ironman SA.

I have learnt a few things out of this experience.  God places limits on what the enemy is able to do in our lives.  He calls us to do what we can do and leave the rest to Him.  It is so important that we continue to take little steps forward and He will get us to the end. When we are prepared to risk, the rewards are far sweeter. Although the Ironman has no eternal significance, God used it to display His faithfulness, kindness and sustaining power to one of His sons. 

Richard sporting his Iron Man medal at the office on the Monday morning after the event.

 

Women will have the opportunity to focus on their relationships with God and their neighbours during a conference with popular speaker and bible-study lecturer Mila Venter from Graaff-Reinet while their husbands are fellowshipping at the Karoo Mighty Men Conference (KMMC) in Middelburg.

Nelmi Uys, who is organising the women’s conference at Agape Church, New Street Middelburg at 10am on Saturday, April 26, says there has been a call among woman whose husbands are attending the KMMC 2014 for a time of sharing God’s word, discussing how they can develop their own personal relationship with God, improving the relationships in their families and communities, and enjoying each other’s company.

“The Saturday women’s conference started as a parallel event to the KMMC in 2012 with about 50 women attending. Last year over 200 women were present and this year we are expecting 300 women.

Positive feedback
“Each year there has been very positive feedback from the women who attended,” says Uys.

She informs that many women who are accompanying their husbands to Middelburg for the KMMC this year have again contacted organisers to inquire whether there would be an opportunity to meet other wives for a time of companionship and discussion in a friendly environment.

“Although women and children are invited to KMMC’s Sunday morning family session there is a strong demand for a gathering specifically geared for women.

“Women that attend the conference will be encouraged by Mila Venter to discover the word of God through which they can gain strength, wisdom and support for any situation, whether it is a crisis or a celebration,” says Uys.

She says the women’s conference together with the KMMC Sunday morning family service makes it a weekend of worship and fellowship for both men and women.

“We want to make sure the weekend is enjoyable and rewarding for all the women that accompany their husbands to Middelburg for the weekend. In our correspondence with the women we have made sure we inform them of all the places of interest in the town.”

Uys says an indirect benefit of the women’s conference is that it has brought women together from across the spectrum of Middelburg’s church denominations to organise the event.

“Likewise, it is one of the few occasions that women from different church denominations in Middelburg come together to praise the Lord.”

Uys says any profits will be distributed among institutions that support the old aged and needy of Middelburg. The cost of the conference is R50 per person. More information can be obtained from Nelmi Uys at 076 230 0915 or nelmi@uysfin.co.za.

Johnny Louw was ‘n spreker by Karoo MMC 2013 en is weer terug vanjaar.

Hierdie lig brand vuur en vlam

English

Johnny Louw se roeping is om mense te inspereer om hulle lig te laat skyn in alledaagse situasies, hetsy of dit in hulle families, tussen vriende, met kolegas of met ‘n vreemdeling op straat is.

Louw het ‘n unieke vermoë om mense to motiveer om seën, liefde en lewe te spreek; om die oplossing te wees en genesing te bring deur die krag van Christus in elke geleentheid wat te voorskyn kom.

Louw sal getuienis lewer van Jesus by die Karoo Mighty Men Konferensie 2014 wat van 25 tot 27 April plaasvind aan die buitewyke van Middelburg in die Oos Kaap te Rusoord Plaas.

Hy praat met groot lof oor die konferensie : “Ek is mal oor die Karoo; ek is nietemin hier gebore en gaan KMMC 2014 toe om dit met my broeders te deel. Ek het elke Karoo Mighty Men Konferensie bygewoon maar hierdie sal die eerste een wees waar ek praat, en as ek nie volgende jaar as spreker optree nie sal ek daar wees as ‘n broeder in Christus.”

Louw wat gereeld kerke, kinder byeenkomste en interkerklike groepe reg oor die land toespreek sê die KMMC het ‘n spesiale salwing om manne te bemagtig om die wêreld te betree as kinders van God.

“Die boodskap wat vanuit die KMMC weergalm is een van geloof, hoop en liefde. Dis ‘n plek waar ek my siel voed, my broeders bedien en lekker kuier saam met manne wat uit heinde en verre saamtrek vanaf Namibië, Namaqualand, Limpopo, Gauteng en die Kaap om saam te aanbid. Dis ‘n jaarlikse geleentheid waar die manne kan saam staan, vergeet van alles en God uit volle bors kan prys en aanbid.”

Louw is oortuig dat God hom geroep het as ‘n motiveerder en om die evangelie van hoop met krag te verkondig.
“My boodskap is dat God die mens met hom herenig deur Jesus Christus sodat ons kan uitstuig en herstel word in ons verhouding met Hom en die evangelie van versoening, wat die vergifnis van sonde en redding van Christus is, aan die verlorenes, die moedelose en almal wat hoop verloor het kan versprei.”

God is in die proses om verlorenes te red, hulle in die koninkryk in te bring, te hernu met die sin van Christus sodat hulle nie net nederig nie, maar ook paraat sal wees om die wêreld te betree en die evangelie te verkondig aan alle mense.

Louw is van mening dat dit sy doel is om deur die Gees in die harte van die manne by KMMC in te spreek en hulle liefde vir God te aktiveer.

“Ek wil die manne motiveer om nie hulle liefde vir Christus te laat koud word en in ‘n godsdienstige groef te laat verval nie”.

“As mense maar geweet het hoe lief God hulle het sal dit hulle bemagtig om enige iets op aarde te doen, ‘Want so lief het God die wêreld gehad dat hy sy eniggebore seun gegee het sodat die wat in Hom glo, nie verlore sal gaan nie, maar die ewige lewe sal hê’ (Joh 3:16)”

“Met hierdie liefde het ons nie alkohol, dwelms of geld nodig nie. Dit is hierdie liefde wat ‘n mens verander, enige normale mens, en hom verhoog tot sy regmatige posisie as ‘n kind van God en hom in staat stel om enige iets op aarde te bereik ter wille van sy Vader se koninkryk.”

“Dit is my hart vir die manne by KMMC 2014; om draers van die onbegryplike liefde van God te wees” se Louw.

Afrika Mhlophe was ‘n spreker by KMMC 2013 en is weer terug vanjaar.

Mans gedaag om hulle Christelike waardes uit te leef

English

Die bybelse beskrywing van die fisiese herbouing van die tempel en herstel van die volk deur Nehemia is vandag van toepassing op Suid Afrika volgens ‘n Port Elizabethse pastoor, Afrika Mhlophe, wat die woord gaan bring by die vierde Karoo Mighty Men Konferensie (KMMC) te Rusoord plaas aan die buitewyke van Middelburg op 25-27 April, 2014.

Mhlophe, wat ‘n roeping en gawe het om die evangelie van versoening tussen God en mens oor rasse grense te verkondig, sê sy boodskap aan KMMC 2014 sal die boek van Nehemia wees wat vele ooreenkomste het met die nut vir die herbouing van die hedendaagse Suid Afrika, veral die noodsaaklikheid vir ons terugkeer na ‘n lewe gebaseer op etiese en goddelike waardes.

Die boek Nehemia fokus op die herbouing van Jerusalem, terugkeer van die Jode na Jerusalem vanuit ballingskap; die herbouing van die fisiese lewe van die Israelse volk; die vergifnis en hervorming van die Joodse nasie wat in sonde verval het; die hernuwing van hulle verbond met God en hulle onderwerping aan sy wil.
Nehemia was ‘n man wat sensitief was vir God en sy mense. Hy was ‘n vader van die geloof wat geween het oor die volk se sonde en opreg namens hulle ingetree het deur gebed tot God.

Nehemia was inderdaad ‘n man van gebed – hy het sonder uitsondering tot God gebid voordat hy enige taak onderneem het.

Mhlope sê die boek van Nehemia daag ons uit om ons geloof in God te demonstreer deur die manier waarop ons lewe en ons gehoorsaamheid tot God se woord.

“As Suid Afrikaanse Christene het ons nodig om die gaping te oorbrug tussen ons nasionaliteit en God se koninkryk en toe te sien dan sy wil geskied op aarde soos in die hemel.”

Die Gees Vervulde Bybel noem vier beginsels wat uitstaan in Nehemia.

“Eerstens, deernis baan menig maal die weg na gehoorsaamheid aan God se wil”

“Tweedens, samewerking met ander is noodsaaklik om God se tot stand te bring.”

“Derdens, selfvertroue spruit voort uit vurige gebed en die bestudering van God se Woord wat sy wil bekend maak.”

“Vierdens, selfvertroue manifesteer as heilige vasberadenheid om God se wil deur te voer.”

Nehemia lê klem daarop dat God sy woord en sy beloftes hou. Hy beloof sy volk twee dinge: dat Hy hulle gehoorsaamheid sal seën en hulle ongehoorsaamheid sal straf. Hy beloof om die gehoorsame te beloon en die ongehoorsame te straf.

Nehemia leer ons ook dat God die harte van alle mense voorberei, beide Christene en ongelowiges, in die voleinding van sy wil en dat God ook die regte leiers op rig vir sy mense op die regte tyd om sy wil tot voleinding te bring wat van radikale belang is vir ons land ten tyde van ‘n verkiesing.

“Ek vind dat menige Suid Afrikaners wil weet wat hulle rol nou is” sê Mhlophe.

“Dit is my siening dat ons gesag het as volgelinge van Christus om armoede, siekte, ongeleikheid en onetiese optrede hok te slaan soos dit ons konfronteer om elke hoek en draai in Suid Afrika.”

“Ons het nodig om ons verskille uit te stryk en by te dra tot eenheid in ons land; iets wat baie werk en vele opofferinge gaan kos.”

“Ons het nodig om, as kinders van God, tot ‘n plek te kom waar ons verstaan dat die enigste onderskeid wat oorbly die verskil is tussen gelowiges en ongelowiges. Dit is ons taak om die evangelie van bekering en vergifnis van sonde te versprei onder alle volke in Jesus Christus.”

“Dit is nietemin van kardinale belang om ons geloof te aktiveer want geloof is ‘as dit nie werke het nie, in sigself dood. (Jak 2:17).”

Mhlophe sê dit is noodsaaklik dat ons Christen waardes uitleef deur ons rol as Suid Afrikaanse burgers.

Burn 24-7 founder, Sean Feucht.

There is no better hour for a unified sound of worship to rise from Southern-most tip of Africa than right now.

With the recent passing of unity-leading and national figurehead, Nelson Mandela, South Africa is now at a crucial crossroads. The trust of the masses in a mortal man to keep the tranquility between the vast ethnic diversity of the nation has now been lost. Combined with a widespread disdain for the continual corruption, intense crime and racial tension across the land, the atmosphere is increasingly unpredictable as the national election nears next month.

Many feel riots, boycotts and a surge in tension is inevitable. With the ongoing media-frenzied murder trial involving famed Olympian “blade runner” Oscar Pistorious in Johannesburg, the eyes of the entire world are again fixed on the land and the integrity of the justice system. All of these elements combined together are causing the hearts of people to be vulnerable and receptive. They are looking, longing for steadfast hope and answers.

On the crazy 40 something hour journey down to South Africa early last week, the Spirit kept impressing upon me the verse out of Hosea 2:15 which has become a theme for my few days on the ground here.

“There I will give her back her vineyards, and I will make the valley of Achor a door of hope, There she will sing as in the days of her youth.”

I believe this is the church’s greatest hour, for her steadfastness always shines in the darkest and most unsettling days.

Rainbow Nation
Upon my first few trips to this beautiful nation, I realized there was a unique and powerful reality when the various ethnic groups gathered together to worship, pray and seek the face of God. Although this is apparently rare, the moment we began mobilizing worshippers from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg, we found an incredible grace in hosting hours and hours mingling all three major races (blacks, whites and colored) in one spiked worship cocktail! When those songs, prayers and hearts would merge, it was almost as if heaven would instantly invade the rooms, sanctuaries, school halls and the kiss of God was upon the gathering!

I have never felt anything like it in any other nation I have been in! Unity is a powerful force here and a key answer to every crisis that lurks in the shadows seeking to separate and divide the people. Perhaps this is why the enemy has been working with divisive and hate-filled schemes for decades and generations to break up those whom God has beautifully placed together. This is why South Africa is affectionately and prophetically called the RAINBOW NATION! (see more on this -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Nation)

It has seemed that unusual doors of favor have swung wide open for me to personally implant the DNA of this grassroots worship, prayer and missions movement over the years into various groups. I have had the privilege to preach and impart in large and well-known ministries outside the typical white churches. It has been so much fun as very close friends, musicians and allies of Day and Night worship have emerged!

The presence of God is the great equalizer, lowest common denominator and language in the spirit that all tribes fluently speak! We find our home together as we dwell in His house!

“LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.” – Psalm 26:8

Momentum of unity
There is a profound unity movement spreading across South Africa like I have never seen in my numerous trips from the past five years. These legendary Burn 24-7 leaders are massive contributors and paving they way for a unified sound to rise.

This past week, we gathered multitudes from all different races across Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg over the Easter weekend. What an incredible time to celebrate this Man, this freedom and this hope for Unity!

In response to the cry of Jesus’s last words to “become one” as He and the Father are one in John 17:21, we drew near to Him this weekend. 44 hours of beautiful songs, melodies, prayers filled the atmosphere over Johannesburg and the grace, ease and oil of unity flowed almost effortlessly. Every hour, it continued to get better and better, richer and richer, deeper and deeper. As the days merged to nights merged back to days again, we experienced the sticky, smelly and all consuming oil of unity from the Psalm 133 reality.

These are great days for the nation of South Africa and worship is uniting a nation to usher her into the brightest days ahead!

“How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.”
– Psalm 133

Flashback to KMMC 2014. Thousands of men from all corners of South Africa are expected to gather here again over the weekend. (PHOTO: Rob Southey).

Vlooi completes his journey and another crosswalker approaches from north

The arid Karoo veld has been converted into a fertile field of prayer for the thousands of men who will converge from all over South Africa – from Addo and Benoni to Yzerfontein and Zeerust – on the Karoo Mighty Men Conference 2014 (KMMC).

KMMC organisers believe those attending the conference, which is taking place this weekend from April 25 to 27 2014, will personally experience the presence of God in the vast calm and quiet of the Karoo on the edge of the Sneeuberg mountain range.

Certainly, it is not difficult to be aware of the divine in the seemingly limitless environment of space and stillness with the amphitheatre-like backdrop of Rhenosterberg rising majestically out of the Karoo “vlaktes”.

Majesty
And if the sense of freedom, silence and majesty are not enough, then the never-ending clarity of the myriad stars at night are sure to humble even the most proud sceptic into a feeling of relative insignificance and heavenly awe.

Indeed, this is a venue fitting for the worship of God’s glory, and for expressing gratitude for His creation. It is a setting that silently speaks of the timeless and infinity – of something greater than our material knowledge or experience.

Among the crowd of thousands, are two men who each walked hundreds of kilometres carrying a cross with the aim of glorifying God on their journeys to be part of KMMC 2014. Perhaps symbolically, one travelled from the north and one from the south, each unaware of the other’s journey.

(TOP PHOTO)KMMC coordinator Jannie Moolman (second from left) and KMMC camp commandant, Hendrik Putter (right) welcome Vlooi Terblanche (with cross) on his arrival at Middelburg at the end of his 500km walking pilgrimage from Plettenburg Bay. With them is Andre (left) who apparently walked to Middelburg from Port Elizabeth. (BOTTOM PHOTO) De Wet Swanepoel who has also been walking for hundreds of kilometres to the KMMC 2014. The two men who approached Middelburg from the south and the north, respectively, were not aware of each other’s treks.

Theo (Vlooi) Terblanche completed a 500km “Celebration Journey” of faith on foot from his home in Plettenberg Bay to KMMC 2014 without seconding support, back-up vehicles or sponsorship, to praise God’s grace by which he experienced salvation a year ago at the KMMC 2013.

The 59-year-old says although he was brought up in a Christian family and even became a deacon in a church, as an adult he fell into a life of alcohol abuse, criminal activities and unfaithfulness to his wife.

Then some friends invited Vlooi to join them on a trip to KMMC 2013.

“I wasn’t keen, but eventually conceded, because they said it would be a camping weekend in the Karoo and I could take alcohol.

“However, I had no idea, nor could I have imagined in my wildest dreams, what God had prepared for me.

“By the time we drove through Uniondale on the way to the KMMC, I was already drunk and stopped the car to buy more alcohol for the rest of the trip.

“After arriving at KMMC I had a few more drinks to fortify myself before we went to listen to the first speaker.

Set free
“Nevertheless, that night of the 28th April 2013 I had the most miraculous experience when I accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour, which turned my life around and immediately set me free from addictions,” explains Vlooi.

“On returning to the tent I poured out all my alcohol and when I returned home I asked my wife to forgive me, admitted to sexual and criminal misconduct and apologised for how my behaviour had damaged our family.

“To my relief she accepted my repentance instead of divorcing me. My youngest daughter sent me an SMS saying how happy she was to have a father again and how much she had missed me,” says Vlooi.

He admits there is still much work to be done repairing his family’s relationships, but Vlooi trusts that God will finish the process of reconciliation that He started.

De Wet Swanepoel, who also walked to KMMC 2014 without seconding support, back-up vehicles or sponsorship, has been carrying his huge cross around the country for more than two years to attract people’s attention to the sacrifice that Jesus made for the reconciliation of each of us with God.

Burden for broken
Swanepoel has a burden to share the gospel with everyone that is broken and bruised, in spiritual captivity and in blindness according to Isaiah 61. He walks for revival, for the body of Christ to be unified and to stand in His authority and act in His anointing.

“As I walk, the Lord is also busy healing me. It is a two edged sword; as the Lord heals me he places a burden on me to bring comfort to those members of his body that He places in my path,” says Swanepoel.

It is for this healing that Swanepoel has come to KMMC 2014, “to be filled with the presence of God,” to be restored and renewed.

But at the heart of the KMMC is a desire for the reconciliation of relationships; starting with people’s relationships with God and extending to their relationships with family, friends, and neighbours.

Jannie Moolman, event co-ordinator, says attending the KMMC 2014 allows men to focus on the relationships in their lives, share testimonies, encourage one another, pray for one another, and receive teaching, guidance and counselling.

Moolman says family day on Sunday, when women and children are welcome to attend KMMC 2014, is a critical aspect of the event, because the family is important to God.

“The Lord God has a heart for the family. Relationships within the family, with Jesus Christ at the centre, are critical, because they encourage the love of God to be extended from family to friends, neighbours, whomever the Lord places in our paths, and with those in authority.
“We hope to lead people into a closer relationship with the Lord, which will impact on the quality of all their other relationships,” says Moolman.

Relationships
It is this emphasis on relationships and the family by which women benefit most from their menfolk attending the KMMC.

Ursula Steyn says she experienced a complete turnaround in her husband, Johann, after KMMC 2013.

“He often used to frequent bars till the early hours of the morning. However, when he came back from KMMC he had accepted Jesus as his saviour and his attitude had completely changed towards his family.

“It made our relationship much stronger and his relationship with the children also improved dramatically.

“Everything just came together as if our family lives had been pieces of a puzzle, which had been scattered, but now were perfectly fitted into place”, says Steyn.
Carine van Kerken says her husband, Tommy, had always been religious and a churchgoer, but did not have a relationship with God.

“Through attending mighty men conferences he developed a personal relationship with God, which changed his relationship with me.

“Although he has always been a good man, he became a Godly man with a much softer heart who was more attentive of his family and less concerned with pleasing the world.

“He is a much more humble person now,” says van Kerken.
However, she points out that it has been a process which needs more than the input of a KMMC once a year.

“Our church and cell-group have supported our spiritual growth in Christ,” concludes van Kerken.

Cheryllyn Dudley.

By Cheryllyn Dudley — ACDP MP

I will be voting ACDP at this election! Now, that may seem obvious to you – self interest is a great motivation – I have a well paid job depending on that vote – although the reality is I have had other offers that could have trumped what I have at present – but the self interest does not stop there – I have concluded that it is in my, and my family’s best interests to do all I can to see the ACDP succeed. I am convinced that the ACDP has the best chance of producing the kind of leaders I would like to see leading South Africa and has the best chance of being a genuinely pro-people party defending our freedoms and taking seriously our responsibilities.

After the last national election I had a very serious conversation with myself on this topic, which went something like this “Lord what…are you finished with this work…have we done what we were meant to do…should this thing called ACDP just be allowed to die a quiet and as dignified as possible death – or is there something worth fighting for?” I came to the conclusion that for me – there was very definitely something worth fighting for.

Now, I have no doubt that what makes this work worth fighting for in my eyes, may be different to what makes it worth it, for you – we are a diverse people in South Africa and even within the Church of Jesus Christ we are diverse. I personally don’t think that in any party there are two people who think alike on every single issue and in the ACDP it will be the same – we will not agree on every single issue but we will find ways to agree to disagree if we are convinced that we agree on enough of what is important to us. I have purposed to be true to myself and to you in arguing as constructively as I know how on less than popular issues within the party – on many occasions decisions have gone in a direction opposite to what I would like to have seen but at no time have I been given less opportunity to put the less popular view. This is important to me because I want to be in a political party that understands humans are fallible and can be wrong, a party that thinks things through and considers the possible consequences both intended and unintended, is not afraid of a dissenting view and is prepared to stretch their thinking to be sure everything that can be considered has been considered.

Multi-party democracy gives our diverse society very real options – we can get behind any party which we feel best represents our values and principles and be assured that we will have a voice in the democratic processes in South Africa. The degree of influence that voice has will of course depend on things like the competence and integrity of the representatives, the number of votes received etc. For me, our proportional vote system has given almost every part of society a voice — it has ensured a degree of nation building that would not have been possible if people were constantly having to resort to violent and destructive demonstrations to be heard. Yes I know violent and destructive demonstrations take place despite broad representation – but how much more so would this be if sections of people had no representation and no hope of representation.

Christian values and principles
What makes the ACDP worth fighting for, for me, is that it is unashamedly based on Christian values and principles and has a 20 year track record in terms of applying their biblically influenced worldview in Local Municipalities, Provincial Legislatures and National Parliament. I am grateful that I have had the option of putting my energy and my vote into a political party that has understood the value of being guided by Christian values and principles. I have witnessed the difference the ACDP has made in bringing this – often ‘politically incorrect view’- to the debates and deliberations in Parliament. I believe South Africa would not be what it is today if the ACDP did not exist and I am convinced that we would be doing a disservice to the country if we were to allow the ACDP to disappear from the political landscape of our country.

In 1993 when the ACDP came into being there was a very real sense that the ‘Christian Voice’ was under threat. The last national election however indicated that Christians were no longer seeing this as a threat. My take on this is that because the ACDP had succeeded in protecting religious freedom and by its presence – reminding other parties that Christians within their ranks had other options – other parties have had to show a semblance of consideration on issues important to Christian and religious communities. This will not be the case if there were to be no ACDP – without the ACDP parties committed to a secular worldview would not have to waste time explaining themselves on these issues and without opposition, could decide what churches and religious leaders can and cannot teach and preach.

Religious freedom has been under threat and is under threat. At the time of the drafting of the constitution the ACDP was able to bring to the attention of the public a proposed clause that would have referred to South Africa as a ‘secular state’. The original concept of a secular state was that of keeping government from interfering in the affairs of the church and religion – in recent times it has been interpreted as keeping the church and religion out of the public arena, out of government, out of schools, etc. What is important about the ACDP’s success in getting that proposal dropped is that ‘religious freedom’ which is protected in the constitution is now able to be balanced against other rights in a court of law – if South Africa were constitutionally declared a secular state, religious freedom would not have even the relative status it has today.

There have been many examples of attempts by legislators to curtail freedoms in general and religious freedom in particular and the ACDP’s response in defending these freedoms is on record. One of these would be the example of the clause in the Children’s Bill which would do away with the defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’ – effectively outlawing spanking of children, criminalising parents and churches who taught or used this method of disciplining children. The ACDP firstly succeeded in alerting the public and ensuring that the controversial nature of this clause was felt enough to split the bill in two with the offending clause being placed in the part of the Bill that would be dealt with later as an amendment. When the amendment was before Parliament some years later, the ACDP managed to convince the committee that it was in everyone’s best interests to remove the controversial clause. If the ACDP had not existed during that time, no-one would have fought to protect the right of parents and churches to hold and practice their beliefs. Child abuse is a problem in South Africa and we must use the laws we have in place, to deal with it. Spending budgets meant for families and children at risk on disciplining parents and churches who are not vulnerable or in need of this kind of attention would be tragic.

The Women’s Empowerment and Equity (WEGE) Bill is another example of how important it is that a political party – committed to ensuring that the church and religious communities are free from government interference – has a strong presence in Parliament. Without the relevant opposition and submissions this legislation would have allowed the Minister to place onerous burdens on – not only business – but charities, NGOs and Churches. The ACDP, working with FORSA managed to get a definition changed and averted another attempt to curtail Religious freedom in South Africa.

Vlooi Terblanche at KMMC 2014.

Last year he was reborn at the Karoo Mighty Men Conference (KMMC). This year he walked 500km to the conference carrying a cross. But now he says: “It’s a new phase with the Lord — as a child of God”.

I was talking to Vlooi Terblanche, 60, on the final morning of the KMMC. He said he asked God to show him what next and the Holy Spirit had just inspired him to launch a new initiative.

“I’m going to ‘adopt’ a son for the Mighty Men next year. I never had a father and I think there are a lot of single moms whose boys don’t get the opportunity to come to the Mighty Men; and sons whose fathers don’t want to or can’t take them. I am going to really challenge guys to adopt boys for the weekend next year and to bring them to the Mighty Men.”

Terblanche touched the hearts of thousands of men at the KMMC on Saturday morning as he shared his testimony of how he encountered Jesus at last year’s event and was instantly set free of alcoholism and a debauched lifestyle, and how his marriage was restored.

“It was so special after I spoke on the stage how many guys came back to me and to say ‘thanks Uncle Vlooi’ and to talk to me because the found a friend of Jesus in me.”

One of the highlights was talking to a man who came to the Mighty Men specifically to meet Terblanche after his marriage was restored as a result of the impact on his wife of a talk by Terblanche at a women’s camp in Willowmore during his walk from Plett to Middelburg.

He said he has been invited to share his testimony at a men’s group in Johannesburg in 2 weeks. He said the organisers of Bobby Mighty Men is Struisbaai have also been in contact with him.

Some of the approximately 400 men from Cape Town who came to the KMMC 2014 on 11 sponsored buses. This group entered into a joyous time of praise and worship after we asked them to pose for a photo in front of their buses.

“There is such a calm and contentment over me, a wonderful, wonderful joy,” said a Cape Town man last night as he began to receive thank-you emails from men whose lives were deeply impacted by God at the Karoo Mighty Men Conference after he sponsored their weekend travel.

The man (who wants to remain anonymous) was deeply moved by his communion with God and with other conference goers at last year’s KMMC. After God directed him in a dream in March this year, he arranged to transport about 400 men in 11 buses on a 1 540 km round trip from Cape Town to the KMMC near Middelburg. The men paid only R100 for the trip and their food for the weekend. Those who did not have tents were accommodated in a large tent provided by the KMMC organisers.

Among the testimonies shared in yesterday’s emails to the sponsor men shared how they gave their lives to Christ at the conference, were baptised, were set free from pornography, washed their wives’ feet when they got home, were healed of emotional baggage, and were provided a life-changing experience that they could not have afforded without the financial blessing.

Closer to home the sponsor said his two sons and nephew made re-commitments to Jesus during the conference and his brother-in-law made a first-time commitment. They were all part of the 9-man support crew that travelled ahead of the buses to set up the camp and who cooked for the bus passengers through the weekend.

The man, who attended his first KMMC last year, when he organised a single bus to transport a group from Cape Town, said the beautiful natural setting of the KMMC and its remoteness prepared men’s hearts to meet God in a special way.

Here are testimonies which some of the men emailed to the sponsor yesterday:

Rev Phumzile Stofile and his wife (A picture he sent with his testimony).

Rev Phumzile Stofile: “[My testimony] is simple yet difficult, as a young Pastor, Married for 8 years with three kids, twin girls and a boy. I have been wrestling with God regarding my calling as whether I should start a ministry or continue working. I had a personal struggle as well with pornography and women. When I was invited to attend this Mighty Men Conference I made a deal with God: Please confirm Lord, whether you truly want me in the ministry and break me free from this bondage of sin. Well, the confirmation came on the first day, Friday. When the man of God, talked about David and how he understood his identity in Christ. That was an “aah haa” moment that I needed. I can now confirm that I’m free and I know my identity in Christ and I’m gonna reclaim my position. Please continue praying with me and my family so I don’t fall back to sin of pornography and women and that I continue loving my beautiful wife, and kids, and continue with the ministry. Thanks Mighty Men #Bus104 I love you guys.

Vernon: I did wash my wife’s feet last night and it was not easy and to make it even more difficult, she did not want me to ,so I had to push through with Christ ‘man with a plan’. We have to make plans with Christ in prayer and let nothing stop you when living out that prayer, especially pride. JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! Let your wife ,family or the world be changed by your love for Christ.

Hilton Daniels:
Hi im Hilton Daniels from Bayview, Strandfotein. When I left for the conference on Friday I didn’t know what to expect on my way and at the conference. This was a first for me in everything. This was a life changer. I met people who open my eyes and in turn I opened my hart to the LORD GOD on 25th of April 2014. Thank you all the Mighty Men for giving me this opportunity to give my heart to the LORD. Keep me in your prayers so I may stay on the straight road and not fall away from God. Bless you all.

Riaan van Niekerk: MMC Karoo stopped when the bus stopped at the Total garage in Somerset West. It was a awesome experience and I was filled to the brim. I pray the blood of Jesus over all of you, the bus company, and just know that the Lord will bless all of you! Love and Blessings

Aubrey Barber: My boeta.  Heel eerste en bo enige mens en enige iets anders wil ek vanoggend helder , duidelik en onomwonde konstateer dat Jesus Christus my lewe tydens die mighty men konferensie in Middelburg ingrypend verander het. Ek het soveel emosionele pyn en bagasie na die die konferensie gebring , maar Jesus het my hart gesien en n bo- natuurlike Goddelike operasie- werk in my lewe gedoen.  Dit was ook wonderlik om as n bejaarde uit die doopbad op te staan tot n splinternuwe lewe in Christus en daarom kan ek saam met Paulus in Gal 2 v 20 uitroep……Ek is met Christus gekruisig , en ek leef nie meer nie , maar Christus leef in my. En wat ek nou in die vlees lewe , leef ek deur die geloof in die Seun van God wat my liefgehad het en Homself vir my oorgegee het. Net die ewigheid sal opbenbaar watter bydrae die anonieme donateur tot die koninkryk bydrae. Ek kry n staatstoelaag en daar was geen manier hoe ek andersins die konferensie sou kon bywoon nie. Ek sal ewig dankbaar wees en ek weet dat ek daardie skenker nog gaan ontmoet , al is dit in die hiernamaals wanneer ons op daardie strate van suiwer goud gaan stap. Dankie ook aan Vernon en die sussa wat die reëlings vir ons getref het. Hulle het geen moeite gedoen om my met alles tot hulp te wees nie. Vanoggend salueer ek Mighty Men Konferensie , die anonieme skenker en elke kind van die Here wat geestelik en finansiël in my lewe gesaai het. Bo alles wil ek vir Abba Vader dankie sê dat Hy nie n aannemer van n persoon is nie…….. He took me from the guttermost to the uttermost.

Dirk Kruger: Hi to all my new brothers in Jesus. I also washed my wife’s feet on Sunday night! It was good! She is very pleased with the new man she received from God! May God bless you all today! Mighty Men conference did not end. The venue changed to our homes and offices. We have to carry it on every day!

John Lots: Dit was ‘n wonderlike naweek gewees – ek is steeds besig om dit te verwerk en self by die Here en uit Sy Woord te bevestig wat ek moet doen. Ek sal baie graag volgende jaar weer op hierdie kamp wil gaan – maar dan wil ek meer gee as wat ek ontvang.

Everall Taljaard…Hope restored.

I am an ex Policeman who was an alcholic and drug addict for nearly 30 years. At the age of nine I was sodomised by an older man and from that day I had very little self esteem and I masked my insecurity with a tremendous amount of rage. My insecurity and anger has affected every relationship I ever had.

My first marriage was a disaster and ended, leaving three young boys without a father.

I met my present wife and although I nearly destroyed my second family with my drinking, we both met the Lord. For many years my relationship with God was not consistent and there were many issues that I could not resolve.

Apartheid regime
As a policeman in the apartheid regime, I was taught that black people were nothing but K@$$^s and that they lacked intelligence. I couldn’t accept that God had created them equal to whites.

Praise God for His patience and grace. It is written in Phillipians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus”.

It has taken many years and many hard lessons for me to fully understand and accept God’s grace.

Pastor Afrika Mhlophe

In the last few years we have been living on a farm in the Karoo and have had to depend on Christian TV and outreaches
for spiritual input. The Mighty Men Conference in Middelburg has been a highlight for me. I first attended in 2011 but missed last year when Afrika [Mhlophe] spoke.

Cynical
When I attended MMC this year (2014), I was somewhat cynical when I heard that Afrika would be one of the speakers. I am 67 and have for many years used the derogatory term “kaffir” when talking about black people. I believed there was NO hope for this country. Then on Saturday morning I heard God’s voice come out of Afrika’s mouth and I had to face the fact that I was a racist and racism is not from God.

God had been preparing my heart as I had been praying about my feelings about black people. God, through Afrika, showed me that I needed to deal with my attitude in a tangible way. So in Godly humility and with tears rolling down my face, I asked Afrika to forgive me. With great compassion, he freely did. I have been set free and now I know there is HOPE.

I finally get it!!!! God doesn’t see people as we do. We see and judge people by the colour of their skin, or gender, or denomination, or language, or even by their personality traits. God sees people through their hearts and when
we truly have Christ in our hearts, He sees us as perfect and worthy.

Psalm 51

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you who are God my Savior,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.

Your brother in Christ
Everall Taljaard.