Devoted Magazine#32

Issue 32 www.devotedmag.co.za Wellness magazine – toward a healthy and fulfilling life Missionary work is noble and impactful Building peace Proudly African, Doctors for Life, through football Lucy shares helping those knowledge in need www.devotedmag.co.za 1

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CONTENTS In this Edition 6 10 12 Editor’s Note, Missionary work is 4 Front cover picture noble and impactful 5 We pay tribute to all the missionaries in the Rock of Hope, place of safety 6&7 world. They deserve our love and respect. for abandoned babies Every member of the body of Christ plays a 8&9 role in the Great Commission and they are What does it mean to be a missionary? 10&11 therefore regarded as missionaries. We are all put on earth to serve others. Doctors For Life, helping the 12&13 vulnerable in need Credits 14 Building peace through football 15 MANAGING EDITOR Gerda Potgieter Proudly African, Lucy is sharing her knowledge to empower others LANGUAGE EDITOR Mignionette de Bruin Concerned youth stand up for Jesus in EditA faith against social ills CREATIVE AND DESIGN Give God the credit for your talents Annerine Lubbe Square Design Studio Advertise with us & build relationships 071 897 6240 with your customers WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT We have introduced special advertising rates to help you and your James Hendricks business during these trying times. NOW is NOT the time to stop Stormtank marketing your business, rather be more strategic and use cost- effective options. Contact us. CONTENT DISCLAIMER: All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of information, the editors and Devoted magazine cannot accept liability of whatsoever nature arising out or in connection with the contents of the publication. The views expressed in this on-line publication are not necessarily those of any of the Devoted team members. It remains the sole responsibility of the writers. Like us on Facebook: www.dViesitvouor wteebdsitemat ag.co.za www.facebook.com/devotedmagazine Emails: editor@devotedmag.co.za; or devoted603@gmawiwl.wco.dmevotedmag.co.za 3

Editor’s Note Missionary work is noble and impactful Over the years, I have missionary, and this magazine is part of of course, saving a soul for the Lord. After often crossed paths with that missionary work - I like that! all, that is why God placed us on earth - to missionaries, and I have serve others. And to be a missionary is developed only the highest The idea that a weak and sinful person to have a servant’s heart. Matthew 9:38 respect for each of them after meeting with an awful lot of mistakes can make a explains it nicely: “Pray ye therefore the them and learning about the good works difference in someone else’s life and serve Lord of the harvest, that he send forth they do. But what does it mean to be others is wonderful to me. And this is labourers into his harvest.” a missionary? I wonder if the ‘ordinary’ exactly what God expects of Christians; person understands what it means to do to serve Him by making the world a To do missionary work is to work full- missionary work? better place. time for the Lord, and others do not have the right to criticise if they do not walk in Missionaries are often labelled because Evangelism is a very big part of those shoes and are willing to make the they (perhaps) look, speak, and act missionary work; it forms its core. sacrifices. Therefore, this Devoted edition differently from what most people are Missionaries are called to reach out is lovingly dedicated to the missionaries used to. However, my Bible does not to other nations, but this does not and their wonderful work. refer to a right or wrong way to be a necessarily mean standing on a pulpit missionary. God uses each of us in a and preaching. It does not necessarily I hope you enjoy reading the wonderful different way to do His work. include planting churches, although stories about the missionaries of there is nothing wrong with that specific KwaSizabantu Mission, the Doctors for And God does not use perfect people calling. Missionary work requires much Life team, the Concerned Young People because they simply do not exist. The more than that. Full-time missionaries of South Africa, and Lucy Quainoo in only perfect human who ever walked this are special people who are often not this edition. All of these stories are earth was Jesus Christ. The rest of us fall valued enough. examples of missionary work at its best short! He is the one who not only told and the importance of serving others. We His disciples how to serve others but also They sacrifice a lot to do the work certainly have loved writing them. demonstrated the example in His deeds - God called them to do, and the job is He even washed His disciples’ feet! Many not always easy. There is often little With all my love until next time, people will find the gesture demeaning! appreciation or understanding for their Gerda work, and the criticism is severe when I recently asked Dr Jurie Vermeulen, they make mistakes. Like us on Facebook: the national director of the Far East www.facebook.com/devotedmagazine Broadcasting Association South Africa I have been fortunate to visit a mission (FEBA Radio SA), what a missionary is station more than once and have spoken www.devotedmag.co.zaRead our newsletters and inspiring stories on because the dictionary’s definition does to many people working in various full- not do it justice. time missionary fields. What struck me Share the good news articles with others was that NO ONE referred to the sacrifices Dr Jurie explained that the general they had to make. There were also no idea or concept of missionary work is a complaints about man’s ingratitude or bit old-fashioned and that everyone who the criticism they sometimes receive. It is makes spreading the Gospel their task is striking that they see their reward as the a missionary. So, that means I am also a difference they make in others’ lives and, 4 www.devotedmag.co.za

Rock OF HOPE Place of Safety We have received a prophecy in 2011 that we will open our home for abandoned, abused and neglected babies and children and that we will love them as our own. Rock of Hope was born! In the past 11 years we had 195 babies and children through our home. We cry when they arrive and we cry when they go to their forever homes. And then we cry when we share our stories of hope, life stories of how God saved our babies. ONE LIFE CHANGING, MIRACLE WILL ALWAYS LET ME IN TEARS. It was a cold winter’s day, when I received a call from a social worker, that they have found a 6 week old baby girl! She arrived in the arms of the social worker, wrapped in an dirty and wet towel. Her family couldn’t take care of her, as they were staying in a wendy home without food, electricity or water. She had been drinking only water for the past week, as her mother’s breastmilk dried up. She was starving, but she survived! But the real devastation was only revealed once the towel was removed. The little baby girl had nappy rash from the soles of her feet to her arm pits. Her troubles was not at an end though.The rash was slowly soothed by loving hands, gently nourished the painful abused skin until it was once again pink and healthy. Her digestive system needed more time to adjust to proper nourishment. She suffered from severe reflux, vomiting up mostly what she took in. Despite this fact, she grew and got stronger by the day. After a few months, she became a cute and much loved baby girl. Giggles and smiles followed. She reached all her milestones and she became a smiling happy child that is 3 years old today. She was saved and was placed in foster care with her new forever family. She makes their life a rich and happy place. This baby and many like her, have brought joy to the lives of house parents and volunteers at our home and more especially to would otherwise, not have had the opportunity to have children. Baby A was saved and she saved the hearts of her new family, giving hope to someone who gave up hope. The words on the wall come to mind: if a baby is not a blessing to you now, let it be a blessing to someone else. CONTACT US: 079 423 4799 • wouter@therockpos.co.za WE LOOK AFTER ABANDONED, ABUSED, NEGLECTED AND SICK BABIES AND TODDLERS. PBO 930066803 www.devotedmag.co.za 5

What does it mean to be a missionary? Missionaries are special people Missionary work, in general, is “I’m not afraid of failure, I’m afraid of and serving a mission can be inspired by Matthew 28:19-20. succeeding at things that don’t matter.” one of the most rewarding Christian missionaries refer experiences. Those I have met to the verses as the Great (William Carey) over the years carry a special Commission, which inspires missionary spirit with them that is hard to work. The website, Just Disciple, describes Apostle Paul was not a perfect man, and 28 natural skills and qualities required to be he had a history of wrongdoings like the describe. What I have noticed is a good missionary. These include (firstly) a rest of us. He actively participated in the the unconditional love they have heart devoted to God, a concern for others, persecution of early disciples of Jesus before perseverance, and ever-growing faith. his conversion. But God used him for His for their fellow man without In short, a missionary’s character should work, just as God is still using imperfect and expecting anything back. But we resemble Christ. ordinary people to do His work and change lives for the better. often do not know or consider The Apostle Paul was the first person who the sacrifices missionaries make, travelled to spread the teachings of Jesus, The work of missionaries is inspiring, and and many therefore refer to him as Paul the they make a huge impact. Famous successful however, we can surely show missionary. I believe missionary work is not missionaries include David Brainerd, Hudson them a little more appreciation. only about travelling to other places to tell Taylor, William Carey, Mary Slessor, Amy people about Jesus. It implies getting out of Carmichael, and the famous missionary to Missionary work is important, your comfort zone and being willing to make Africa, David Livingston. If you study the life-changing, and should sacrifices. Missionary work needs a willing work of these historic missionaries, they all be respected. person who will do hard things that others seem to have one thing in common - they will not or cannot do. made mistakes, but they repented and “Therefore, go and make carried on with the good work. Despite their disciples of all nations, baptizing Many start with the best intentions and human errors, these missionaries helped then give up once they realise the sacrifices more than they harmed by their mistakes them in the name of the needed to continue the work or because and made a difference in the lives of others. Father and of the Son and of the they cannot agree with the organisation they joined. Many move on to other organisations The most important duty of a missionary Holy Spirit.” that are a better fit for them and continue is to teach people about Jesus Christ, and His with missionary work there. However, some great commandment to love God and others. become disgruntled and reject Christianity, Not many people understand why anyone returning to the secular world and their would willingly give up worldly pleasures to previous lifestyles. Not everyone can handle dedicate themselves and work so hard. And, the challenges and hardship of serving unfortunately, people sometimes tend to others the way missionaries do, and some label things they do not understand instead quit along the way. But those who do not of educating themselves and learning more quit and keep on keeping on are blessed in about the topic. many ways. 6 www.devotedmag.co.za

Missionary work is noble work. A person the visit was how fully integrated the to his community through training and called to do missionary work: multicultural community was, despite mentorship programmes. • crosses cultural barriers to share the the laws and government restrictions that Busi Radebe grew up in a Christian home, and her parents were doing missionary Gospel and make disciples; kept different races apart. work at KSB and got married there in • makes sacrifices and leaves After hearing the founder, Reverend 1962. She has a long history with the Mission but makes it very clear that she everything behind to serve God; Erlo Stegen, preaching the Gospel, did not start working full-time at the • lives simply, and works full-time in they decided that KSB was where they Mission because a person told her to do wanted to do God’s work. They joined it. She explained that the Lord called her the ministry; the Mission in 1976 and have been there • is good with people, self-motivated, ever since. The couple were married for over 52 years and have four children and kind, faithful, a life-long learner, positive; and 14 grandchildren. Sadly, Danie recently at the tender age of 15 to specifically join • has the ability and willingness to passed away after a short illness, but his KSB, and she obeyed. learn their organisation’s rules, goals, legacy lives on at the Mission. The many Busi has been at the Mission since 1982 and doctrines and work within those testimonies are evidence of the lives he and is currently part of the Concerned boundaries. touched and with whom he shared the Young People of South Africa (CYPSA) Lord’s love. team that helps people with drug and It is a privilege to work with and talk to Elsa is still at the Mission and regards alcohol abuse. What she loves most about full-time missionaries in the field, hear learning as an ongoing experience. Her her work is to see people saved and their their testimonies, and see their dedication career as an educator span over 25 years, lives changed. to their work. I met a few missionaries at and she is now pursuing her PhD, even KwaSizabantu Mission (KSB) in KwaZulu- though she is already in her eighties. Elsa Gremah Khwela (born in 1946) joined Natal who contribute in different ways to feels that she can serve the Mission and its the Mission in its early days after a special serve others. Each of these missionaries people better as she continues learning. experience led her to believe that the Lord called her to the Mission. She is currently has a relationship with God, read their Themba Mzobe had a heart attack in still working there, and apart from being bibles, pray regularly, and have the November 2021 and sadly passed away. a preacher, she sometimes helps in the qualities needed to do missionary work. A few weeks before he went to Heaven, kitchen, which feeds the workers daily. I asked some of them why they decided to he spoke to me with great enthusiasm Because she has been at the Mission become missionaries at KSB. Here are their about his work at the Mission. His mother since the beginning, she has many answers: worked at KSB for many years, and inspiring stories about KSB, its people, Themba said the fact that his mother was and especially Reverend Erlo. She fondly Elsa and Danie Bosman went from always so joyful in doing her work there remembers working side-by-side with him church to church during their early inspired him to follow in her footsteps. in the vegetable gardens they planted married life, searching for a better spiritual to feed the churchgoers. Those humble life. During that time, they visited KSB. It He had a BA in Psychology but chose gardens have since grown into big to work at the Mission’s nursery, which enterprises over the years and have made he later headed up. What Themba was at the height of apartheid in South enjoyed the most was that he could the Mission sustainable and help finance missionaryAfricaandwhatstruckthemduring pass on his knowledge and experiences its work. missionary www.devotedmag.co.za 7

LucyProudly African, Quainoo is sharing her knowledge to empower others The negative narrative about Africa has bountiful natural resources MIW in SME Sector (2019/2020); MIW in Africa, mostly coming from and boasts countless talented and Agriculture Sector (2019/2020) and MIW in caring people. Contrary to popular SME Sector in Ghana (2019/2020). outside of Africa, has created a belief, Africans can and do help narrow and distorted view of the themselves, and they enjoy helping others. Lucy’s list of outreaches to others through continent over the years. It seems The many successful, positive stories of her skills, experience, and knowledge is grassroots projects established by Africans endless, and it isn’t easy to profile her in like the Western media sees for Africans are making a difference and only one article. She has won numerous the continent and write about it positively impacting the communities. awards over the years, but those are not the through a prism of poverty and These wonderful Africans deserve a positive important things to her… people are. narrative so the world can notice them and hardship, corrupt leadership, change how they perceive the continent and Lucy was born on 9 July 1975 in Ghana. crime, starvation, and disease. its people. Reading through her CV, it quickly Countless negative media stories becomes clear that she is actively working support this negative narrative, One such person is the kind-hearted Lucy on becoming the best version of herself. but Africa is much more than Akua Kyerede Quainoo, who lives and works Her experience as an entrepreneur is that. It is a beautiful continent in Accra, Ghana. The tradition of sharing overwhelming, and so are her academic remains deeply rooted in African culture, qualifications and achievements. with 54 different countries, and Lucy’s passion is sharing her knowledge cultures, and beautiful stories and experience with other women. She Her parents, Bartholomew Essilfie and actively partakes in mentorship programmes, Margaret Yeboah Quainoo, played a huge, just waiting to be told. which helps build her networks and help positive role in her upbringing and set the grow her professionally. Through offering foundation for her to later become the advice and sharing her knowledge and strong woman she now is. Her father was a vast experience, she also develops young renowned consultant for Cooperative Credit women professionally. On top of it all, she Unions from the sixties to early eighties but provides technical assistance to four financial sadly passed away when Lucy was only eight institutions for agri-business product years old. Growing up without a father was development for women-led small and difficult, but she enjoyed the support of her medium, including large enterprises. siblings and mother. Lucy has received numerous awards over Lucy’s mother raised her to live according the years, among others the prestigious CEO to the Bible as a follower of the Lord Jesus Global’s Pan African Award, Most Influential Christ. She taught her always to be kind, Woman in Business and Government (MIW) respectful, and help others. Lucy shares that in SME Sector for Africa (2020); MIW in her mother practices what she preaches Agriculture Sector in West Africa (2019/2020); as she is well-known for her devotion and hospitality to everyone who meets her. Among others, Lucy holds numerous 8 www.devotedmag.co.za

academic qualifications, including a Her work in the agricultural sector is who I am today. He saved me from a fatal impressive. It varies from organizing rice accident in 1996 which caused permanent MA in International Business (2011), farmers into a cooperative and accessing damage to about 40% of my face. But to an MBA in International Business and financial assistance from financial God be the glory - He healed the wounds Management (2010), and an MBA in institutions and donor-led smallholding on my face, and the scars can barely be International Business and Management farmer initiatives. Her current position as a seen now. In fact, I look more beautiful (2008) (First Class Honours). Additionally, strategic advisor at the African Council for after the accident than before, and I thank she has a Certificate in Administration and Organic and Sustainable Agriculture puts the Lord and my personal Saviour, Jesus Management (GIMPA -Distinction). “I was her right where she wants to be. Christ, for it.” educated mostly through scholarships by God’s grace and grew up confident in If I had to describe her many Lucy is passionate about epitomizing God’s grace of providing all my needs”, qualifications and work experience in one love, mercy, and kindness and steadfastly says Lucy about her achievements. sentence, I would say she is a global goals stands for being a Christian and a influencer, award-winning entrepreneur, woman. She concludes, “Everything I She has over 18 years of experience expert in the agri-business value chain, have achieved thus far is by God’s grace. in various sectors in Ghana, including an international trade and development I don’t own anything I have achieved - Financial Services, Business Management consultant, an investment advisory the awards, degrees, my career, marital Consulting for Micro, Small, Medium, and services consultant, climate change relationship, and everything is to the glory Large Enterprises, Investment Facilitation, activist, and music enthusiast! of God. I enjoy God’s grace in a unique and SME financing, among others. She manner that defines how special I am to does advisory and consulting work for There is no doubt that Lucy is an excel- God and who our Lord Jesus is to me. To different countries on business and lent entrepreneur and businesswoman, Him be the glory.” trade-related financial and development but her spiritual life and humanitarian matters. Plus, she is now overseeing work drew me to her. Lucy says, “The operations of the Swiss Foundation Lord Jesus Christ is the reason why I am in Ghana! Read the other side of the story, the one without sensationalism. The pandemic has highlighted another “social ill” that is growing exponentially and is just as devastating as the virus itself. It is the pandemic of fake news* that has become the norm and impacts us all. This “fake news pandemic” has reached great proportions. Readers struggle to distinguish between real news and fake news. If you want to read inspiring stories of real-life experiences that will uplift you – then read Devoted online. We do not sell seasonalised stories to make money, but focus on positive story-telling to uplift our readers in hard times and good times. (*Fake news refers to: half-truths; misleading information presented as news; sensationalised news of stories told out of context; content that has been manipulated to push certain agendas; and even blatant lies.) Visit: www.devotedmag.co.za www.devotedmag.co.za 9

The Peace Makers Football D rug abuse is a complex problem, and The club’s managers are God-fearing men Club was established in 2007 in South Africa, the causes are usually standing in the gap where fathers are absent. related to poverty, unemployment, They live by 1 Peter 4:10-11 which states, to support youngsters and and lack of recreational opportunities. “Each of you should use whatever gift you encourage them to participate A complex problem needs comprehensive have received to serve others, as faithful in sport against a background solutions, but keeping a well-balanced stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. of conflict, poverty, suffering, lifestyle and dealing with peer pressure If anyone speaks, (he) should do so as one and violence. The club has its (one of the biggest reasons why teenagers who speaks the very words of God. If anyone start using drugs) can take us a long way in serves, (he) should do so with the strengths roots in Kwanonqaba in the dealing with the issue. This is how and where God provides, so that in all things God may beautiful Mossel Bay area the Peace Makers Football Club makes the be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be in the Garden Route. Peace biggest difference in youngsters’ lives. the glory and the power for ever and ever.” Makers operates as a family Sport is an effective tool to promote peace, They also take care of the club’s financial and support system which tolerance, and understanding by bringing and other needs, but it is getting tougher alleviates the exponential people together across boundaries, cultures, by the day. Lewellyn Brown and his group of growth of drug abuse and religions. Sport is not only about physical board members manage the football club, in the area. activity but about establishing a healthy but they desperately need support. Lewellyn lifestyle. And football is a sport that demands says that the club wants to be more than discipline from the player. Association just a football club. They want to be a hub football (more commonly known as football for the community where the community or soccer) is a sport played by 250 million also benefits. They want to build the club people in over 200 countries, making it the to benefit the entire community and the world’s most popular sport. individuals involved. We all know the many benefits of sport, He says, “We want to link up our assets, such as building strength, stamina, and skills, and relationships with our people in speed. Mental development, which includes the community with groups and institutions. the improvement of concentration and This will not only benefit the club and make it coordination, is equally important. But it sustainable in the long run, but it will benefit is the character-building benefits that are all parties involved and associated with the most important. Football teaches players club. We want to generate social capital so important values such as teamwork, fairness, we can help others, such as putting a worthy discipline, respect, and social skills. And student through university if his/her parents through their participation in the sport, the cannot afford to do so.” team builds peace through football, one game at a time. At the grassroots or community level, the club can provide useful ways of creating an 10 www.devotedmag.co.za

environment where people can come together Dillon Hess (28) played for Lecaylo Brown (13) started to do something positive and fun to avoid another football club but playing football when he becoming part of the many social problems after he heard about the was 11. He loves playing in the communities they live in and avoid the Peace Makers’ successes, with black people because temptation of drugs. he began playing football they motivate others to for them three years ago. become their best. Apart Now is the time for an increased focus on It has changed his life from playing football creating a more coherent society and for sport since. Football keeps him for the Peace Makers, he to play a pivotal role in our communities. out of trouble and away likes to play football on The Peace Makers football club has grown from drugs. What he likes streets. His favorite player exponentially through hard work and dedication about playing football is is Christiano Ronaldo. and consists of a senior team and development the discipline. The players Lecaylo says Ronaldo is a teams that play locally, B-teams, U/13, and U/11 respect each other, and the good person and he stays and netball teams. Very soon, they will also start coaches motivate the team. focussed on his game. with a football team for the ladies. That inspires him. So why should anyone become involved in supporting a football club such as the Peace Makers? By supporting this club, you become involved in a young person’s life development and make a difference. Football teaches the youngster to become a team player and helps them develop good life skills. A local team represents your area, and the unified feeling reinforces pride. And besides helping the club and everyone involved by supporting the local team, it also increases your happiness. SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: If you want to get involved, please email us at peacemakersfc123@gmail. com. A wish list consists of t-shirts, tracksuits, football kits, training balls, and a vehicle to transport the team for games. The team also needs volunteers. You can also call the following numbers should you want to become involved in any way: 073 082 1643 / 073 120 4410 / 082 896 0955. You can also drop me an email at publicrelations@ devotedmag.co.za. www.devotedmag.co.za 11

Doctors For Life, helping the vulnerable in great need God gave us life as a Dr Albertus van Eeden, fondly known as During these outreaches, they also facilitate gift, and therefore all life Doctor Albu, started DFL, a non-profit primary health education in communities and matters. God has put us company (NPC), in 1991. He currently healthcare workers’ training. is the full-time CEO, assisted by approximately on earth for a purpose: 15 full-time staff members and a large group Vulnerable communities are at higher to serve others. And of volunteers from around South Africa and risk of poor health because of harsh socio- other countries. An executive board manages economic realities. They suffer from illnesses for the Doctors for Life DFL, consisting of national and international or disabilities, and many communities in International (DFL) team, members. It now has over 1 600 members and sub-Saharan Africa fall under the category of is still growing! vulnerable communities. their profession is also a calling. They became part This organisation brings hope where there Over the years, the DFL team has been of this amazing initiative is hopelessness while bringing people to helping vulnerable communities in great need to help others who cannot Jesus Christ. Professionals, doctors, dentists, in South Africa, Lesotho, Angola, Zambia, specialists, and veterinarians within South Zimbabwe, Malawi, Democratic Republic of help themselves due to Africa and abroad are among the members Congo, Botswana, Sudan and Mozambique. circumstances beyond who are united in upholding the three core They plan to expand their help and assistance principles: to other countries where people are in their control. These great need. doctors have discovered • Sound science in the medical profession that happiness is found • The sanctity of life from fertilisation until The inspiring stories of life-changing incidents and the patients’ gratitude and in helping others and natural death, and happiness are also heart-breaking. It is heart- protecting lives - the • A Judaeo Christian ethic within the breaking because it seems so unfair that poor greatest secret in life. people have suffered so much because of a medical profession. lack of infrastructure and facilities. A simple medical procedure that we sometimes take The DFL organisation has stepped up its for granted can change a life in such a efforts to address the need of poverty-stricken profound way. sub-Saharan countries. They initiated the Aid to Africa outreach in 2001, which provides I was honoured to talk with some of the free medical examination, do eye surgery and DFL team members to get a glimpse of the supply medical treatment through short-term, work they do. I heard stories of the elderly mobile medical clinics. who could see for the first time after cataracts were removed and simple medical care or In practice, this means that groups of procedures done on patients that gave them people, including specialists, doctors, and a new life. I was also told about a very old lady helpers donate their time and expertise for a who received her first pair of glasses at a very brief period to provide free surgery and care advanced age and people who could throw in remote places in sub-Saharan Africa where away the rags they were wearing in exchange people are in huge need of medical assistance. for new clothes. 12 www.devotedmag.co.za

Not only in the medical field do they key role in the fight against poverty in SUCCESSES AND MILESTONES contribute but also in social life. They run a vulnerable communities. They provide The Doctors for Life Aid for few orphanages assisting children without access to medical consultation and Africa outreach has changed parents or coming from disadvantaged healthcare without the burden of cost to many lives since its inception households. Thus, giving these children new the patient. But DFL cannot work alone in 2001. hope for the future. to respond to the healthcare crisis in So far: underdeveloped communities. They need • More than 250 000 people These healthcare professionals and all the support they can get! volunteer helpers are people with have been helped free of compassion, deep sympathy for the sorrows Taking the time to help others and be charge and suffering of others, and the world kind to them can reap incredible emotional • Over 4 500 people received needs more of these people. We can all help benefits. And while we can’t all join the DFL free glasses and can see change the lives of those less privileged by team on their life-changing missions, we better, and volunteering or donating. And you can rest can contribute as much as we can afford. • A further 200+ dental assured that your donations are in good For ways you can contribute or donate, visit patients found relief. hands as a bookkeeper manages DFL’s DFL’s website at www.doctorsforlife.co.za. • A medical and maternity finances and an authorised financial service clinic in Zavora, provider audits them. Note from the editor: With this article, Mozambique (established in I pay tribute to a dear man with great 2009), where approximately We all have so much to deal with right compassion, Daniel (Danie) Bosman 25 000 patients have been now. The pandemic has created havoc, from the KwaSizabantu Mission. He was treated free of charge, and and many people struggle to make ends a missionary who introduced me to this • A second clinic in meet. It is so easy to be caught up in one’s wonderful outreach. Danie and his wife, Chikuluma, Malawi daily struggles, forgetting those who are Elsa, were the most awesome hosts, and (established in 2019). less fortunate than we are, people who are their inspiring stories about this programme • 3,189 surgeries were done, vulnerable and find living through one day changed my life for the better. Danie of which 98% were eye a constant struggle. These are the children sadly passed away on 15 January 2022. surgeries (80%of the 98% who did not ask to be born into poverty and Rest in peace, dearest Danie, you set an were cataract surgeries) hardship, the elderly, desperate women and outstanding example for us to follow, and • 350 surgeries are done widows, malnourished people and pregnant your life’s work gave meaning to many. annually. women. They are the forgotten ones of I hope that this article will reap benefits in remote sub-Saharan Africa who do not have a way that will make you smile. Enjoy your the means or access to basic medical care. time with the Lord while you wait for us! Initiatives such as Aid to Africa play a www.devotedmag.co.za 13

Concerned youth stand up for JESUS IN FAITH against social ills We love partnering with Young people’s voices are rarely heard CYPSA took the lead to organise the like-minded people to help or considered in South Africa regarding March for Jesus event, and many others development matters. But this is quickly joined them. They marched in their get our mutual message now starting to change. Concerned youth hometown and handed a memorandum out here at Devoted. We demonstrated their faith in Jesus and took to to the Mayor of Durban at the end of the recently joined the Concerned the streets recently to stand up for what they march, outlining the concerns of the youth Young People of South Africa believe is right and marched for Jesus. (including concerns about crime and attacks (CYPSA) to create awareness on Christian heritage and religious freedoms). The initiative, organised by CYPSA, drew The memorandum also highlighted the need of the problems South hundreds of like-minded youngsters who for society to return to biblical values. Africans experience and share their concerns about the many social ills remind everyone that Jesus is the country struggles with. This was the first Nothing brings unity like Jesus, and the the answer to our problems. of an envisaged annual event in Durban. They hope is that events such as this march will hope that other cities will also mobilise their bring back the energy into the daily lives youth this year to show support for the cause, of South Africans in 2022. CYPSA invites stand up, and speak up against corruption everyone to join the march this year and and other social ills. Interested young people come in thousands. Watch this space for more can also organise a shadow event in their information and follow the Devoted Facebook hometowns. page for regular updates. 14 www.devotedmag.co.za

GodGivethe credit for your talents God wants us to use our talents to glorify Him, and when we do, the blessings are rashaad grew up in a Muslim hardship as his family, with whom he house in Port Elizabeth for had reunited, rejected him because of Amany. Recently, I almost stumbled over the the first few years of his life. this newly found Christian faith. But for At the tender age of eight, Arashaad, there was no turning back, and he started his journey with the most amazing sand sculptures on the beach his mother’s then-boyfriend kicked Lord, always looking for ways to please at Mossel Bay. I have seen similar work in him out, and he ended up on the and glorify Him. streets to fend for himself. His mother Mauritius but what makes these stand out is abandoned him, so he started to roam He creates different sand sculptures that they all honour God. Arashaad Davids the streets, sleeping anywhere he - from praying hands to animals and (47) builds the sand sculptures on the beach could find a place to lay his head. people or whatever God tells him to do on a specific day. Arashaad brings the He was homeless for many years sand together in a heap and then asks God to reveal what he should build. He where everyone can see and enjoy them. and was forced to do things he is not says that he never knows beforehand He does it to bless others, and they all refer proud of to survive. However, he is what he is going to build. “The Lord quick to tell you how an accidental visit gives me this talent, He tells me what to a Bible verse, and it is almost as if the to a church changed him and his life I should build, and I use my talent to artwork has become his pulpit. And, what an for the better. He accepted Jesus into glorify Him,” says Arashaad. incredibly inspiring life story he has to share! his life, and for the first time, he felt loved. His conversion brought some www.devotedmag.co.za 15

“If you are going to believe everything you read, then start reading the Bible.” (Unknown author) If you did not hear it from the horse’s mouth … …you heard it from a jackass! “It has become difficult for the news consumer to distinguish between FAKE news and REAL news. Fake news refers to misleading information; disinformation presented as news; lies and propaganda; stories that are fabricated with no verifiable facts; and sensationalized news which aim to damage the reputation of an individual(s) or organization(s). Devoted give you uplifting stories of lifechanging events and therefore focus on positive storytelling.” Read it online: www.devotedmag.co.za 16 wwRwe.daevdotemdmyaga.crot.zica les, Unethical journalism impacts people’s lives, in Issue 28.