Devoted Magazine Issue 26

Be a transformer, cast your vote! Eduplex school, a life changer Spotlight on politics THINK before you INK! OUR Children future Issue 26

“ He changes times and seasons; He deposes of kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Daniel 2:21) ii fb.com/devotedmagazine

In this issue “Select from all the people competent men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; you shall place these over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens,” (Exodus 18:21 AMP) EDITOR’S NOTE Our children, our 2 future! Be a transformer, PROFILE cast your vote! The ACDP has Eduplex school, a life changer overcome what Spotlight on others think were politics 2 OURimpossible 3 THINK before you INK! IN CONVERSATION Children future Issue 26 Steve Swart, a voice Our children, our future. The picture was supplied by for Christians in Eduplex School. Check out their Eduanthem Campaign. Parliament 4 CREDITS INSPIRATION MANAGING EDITOR Eduplex School, a Gerda Potgieter life-changer 6 LANGUAGE EDIT Mignionette Fair • Edita Services ACTUAL WEBSITE 4 Be a transformer, Tony Hendricks • Storm Tank cast your vote 8 DESIGN ACTUAL Anna • Creative Diversity Take a stance and The design of this issue was sponsored by: be responsible 10 LAST WORD 12 CONTACT DETAILS FOR DEVOTED Becoming an Email: [email protected] authentic leader Website: www.devotedmag.co.za 6 Content disclaimer “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, Devoted is published by Devine Publishers. All rights reserved.While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of information, intercession and thanksgiving be made for the managing editor, Devoted and the publisher cannot accept liability of whatever nature arising out or in connection with the contents all people, for kings and all those in authority, of this magazine. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of any of the Devoted team and remains the sole that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in responsibility of the writers. all godliness and holiness.” (Timothy 2:1 &2) It was confirmed by our writers and contributors that no part of the written submissions has been copied from either a book or any other source, including the internet, except where such sections are clearly shown as quotes and the sources have been correctly identified 1 within the text or in the list of references. www.devotedmag.co.za

Editor’s Note Our children, our future! This issue is all about efforts to Election is the buss word for now It is no secret that Devoted takes a and we are also getting on the stand AGAINST corruption. We just create a better future for us and our bandwagon (so to speak). Therefore, cannot allow governments, the very children. In this regard, Eduplex school this issue is a must read if you are a same institutions and people that in the tranquil suburb Queenswood South African, if you plan to vote in are supposed to protect us from it, (Pretoria) is a great example of how the coming elections (and I hope that to keep on looting our hard-earned an institution can help shape children you will be responsible enough to do money as they have been doing since to become better citizens. This so) and if you want to be part of the they came into power. But remember inspirational article is a must read. solutions and not the problems. this also: We cannot blame others for unethical practices when our own Children are our future and our behaviour isn’t ethical and wise. If choices affect them more than we we do not understand the difference know. This should be our motivation between right and wrong, we will not to go to the polls and to vote know who to choose as our leaders responsibly… - and we will even make the wrong choices for the wrong reasons. We We simply cannot allow the enemy to need to get back to the basics. We succeed in his mission of destroying need to get back to the Source of all our country further through knowledge and wisdom. corruption and fraud - just because we as citizens don’t act and do our South Africans are going to the part to make a change. polls soon. We now have an “The world is a dangerous place, opportunity to show the current not because of those who do evil, government that we are not but because of those who look content with their unethical on and do nothing” practices, that we had enough of (Albert Einstein). corruption and state capture. Far too many people paint a picture We would like to invite you to join of doom and gloom, hopelessness hands with us and also take a firm and despair for our country – the stance against the high levels of social media platforms are full of corruption in our country. Think such examples. Most are all talk before you ink… As President Jimmy (negative) and no action at all. God is Carter once said, “I have one life and looking for people who are prepared one chance to make it count for to implement a lasting solution. something…My faith demands that He is fully aware of the challenging I do whatever I can, wherever I am, situations and hurt we are faced whenever I can, for as long as I can with. I would like to see myself as with whatever I have to try to make a one of His helpers by taking up the difference. challenge of fighting corruption and the many other social ills we are And this is what the Devoted team currently facing. I would like to see has been doing. myself as somebody who reaches out and joins others to glorify our With love Lord and Saviour. No man is an island, and we all need each other to Devoted team make a difference – black and white, women and men, children and youth, Visit our website: www.devotedmag. Christian and non-Christian. co.za and read the on-line edition Like our Facebook page: Devotedmag 2 fb.com/devotedmagazine

Profile The ACDP has overcome what others think were impossible Mainstream media do not provide platforms for discussions of Christian values and biblical principles. Political parties such as the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) therefore needs help to share good news and milestones. Many new ACDP branches were established throughout the country recently, and we like to share their successes. The ACDP can defeat a big party in the Children’s Act. This ensured that and arguing against proposals for an surprising ways, and therefore, a vote for parents can discipline their children in End of Life Bill which would provide for them is not a lost vote. Their aim was, line with biblical guidelines. euthanasia and succeeded in getting and always will be, to help build a strong, relevant legislation put on hold. healthy nation based on solid economic • Street children - succeeding in and social principles and values. They making it compulsory for authorities • Decriminalisation of prostitution translate those principles and values into to respond to reports regarding street - arguing in the National Assembly, good, clean governance, equality, respect children and to prioritise their safety. in hearings and in public debates for and human dignity. existing legislation to remain in place • Early Childhood Development and for law enforcement to focus on Over the years, the ACDP has worked (ECD) -succeeding in making it those paying for services. on legislation and oversight of the compulsory for provinces to prioritise implementation of it, challenging spending on ECD in disadvantaged • Pornography - opposing the offending clauses and arguing for restraint communities (Children’s Act). legalisation of and easy access to and creative thinking on issues in many adult pornography and addressed the areas. They flagged issues that would • Smoking in cars with children – National Assembly on the harms of impact negatively on freedom of religion. making it illegal with a proposal which pornography to society. Other ACDP achievements include, but has helped protect more children are not limited to the following: from the negative effects of secondary • Trafficking - consistently calling on inhalation. the government for legislation to help • Homeschooling - giving Parliament stop human trafficking, and they have access to relevant information arguing • Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) worked successfully on legislation for homeschooling. - arguing against OBE as a policy and to ensure it would be relevant pointing out its failings, resulting in and present minimal unintended • Mother to Child Transmission shortcomings acknowledged and OBE consequences. (MTCT) of HIV - ensuring access to eventually dismantled. antiretrovirals, especially prophylactics • Expropriation of land - being active for rape survivors. • Sex education in schools and in the Joint Constitutional Review loveLife campaigns - mobilising Committee, which has been dealing • The Choice on Termination of SA in opposing encouraging sexual with a review of section 25 of the Pregnancy - consistently challenging experimentation by youth, as well Constitution to allow expropriation the legalisation of abortion on as challenging wording in the sex of land without compensation. They demand and keeping the issue on the education curriculum in schools. The support the biblical principle of agenda of Parliament over the years in ACDP was directly responsible for restitution where past injustices have the National Assembly. stopping the loveLife campaign. been committed, but they do not support expropriation of land without • Children’s Act regarding spanking • Religion in education - opposing just and equitable compensation. - delaying a decision on this issue former Education Minister, Kader and eventually getting the clause Asmal’s proposals to remove Information on their successes “outlawing reasonable chastisement” religion from schools and achieving in other fields is also readily removed from the Bill to amend countrywide awareness. available. • Euthanasia - taking up the challenge in the early years of initiating debates www.devotedmag.co.za 3

In Conversation Steve Swart, a voice for Christians in Parliament By Gerda Potgieter In Conversation is a platform that allows like-minded people to converse about matters that are important. I have met Mr Steve Swart, well-respected parliamentarian and senior member of a Christian democratic political party and we shared the In Conversation platform with him. Who is Steve Swart? He has been married to Louise for thirty-four years, and they have three children, Siobhan, Joshua and Nathan. Steven Nicholas Swart has been a member of the National Steve is a devoted Christian, is a regular conference Assembly since 1999. As such, he has become one of speaker and lecturer in leadership. He is highly committed the voices for Christians in South Africa. He is one of the to promoting Christian democratic values in Parliament leaders of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), and ensuring that legislation addresses the common and has a successful and impressive track record. A good of society. He also facilitates access to Parliament handful of Steve’s successes include: to Christians to pray for the nation’s leaders. This man is taking a stand for biblical principles and Godly • Being at the forefront of promoting restorative justice governance. He believes that he has been able to fulfil his principles that characterises the Child Justice Bill (as an purpose and destiny at Parliament, but that much more alternative to retributive justice) needs to be done. • Having a positive impact in finalising the Steve Swart, MP for ACDP, together with his wife Louise, and comprehensive law dealing with the scourge of sexual daughter Siobhan. offences “And so to the breach we go!” ( Isaiah 58 – 12) “You shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to dwell in.” • Impacting constitutional amendments relating to the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Appeal and the Superior Courts Act • Playing a key role in finalising legislation combatting human trafficking • Participating in two significant Parliamentary Inquiries into corruption and state capture concerning the SABC and Eskom (visit his Facebook Page for further information). Steve is the longest-serving member of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services. He is also a member of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, the Standing Committee on Finances and the Joint Committee on Constitutional Review. He has a BA (Law) and LLB degrees and practised as an attorney for 15 years before being elected to Parliament. He also subsequently obtained his B.Econ (Hons) degree. Steve was inspired to move to Parliament because he believes that individuals can make a significant difference to the future of the country. Given his legal background, he believes he can make a positive impact in law-making as well as to hold government accountable by exercising parliamentary oversight. 4 fb.com/devotedmagazine

In Conversation Steve Swart on the spot It is now a wonderful opportunity to hold such politicians accountable – at the ballot box. Change begins with the Q: Which political party do you think can transform individual voter, we all are responsible to vote for the best our country and why? people to represent us in Parliament, where crucial laws are passed and decisions made. What will it take for this country A: The ACDP is based on Biblical principles and is, as such, the to be a better country where all feel safe and prosper? The voice for Christians. We value unity in diversity, and offer answer is simple: Take responsibility for your own future and servant leaders who understand the principle of good vote for capable men and women. stewardship of the state’s resources – leaders of integrity who are trustworthy, passionately committed to address the The ACDP offers solutions to all those citizens who have needs of all the citizens in South Africa. had enough of the widespread crime and corruption, poor economic growth, high levels of unemployment and If you were to ask me which political party can transform poverty, poor education and health services, and other social this country positively, I believe it is the ACDP, whose leaders ills. The ACDP offers our citizens hope for a better future. The have proven they are capable men and women who can ACDP offers our citizens the opportunity to unite, to build govern this country with honesty and integrity so that all and to grow our nation. Give us the chance to work with you South Africans can prosper. and for you to change our country for the better. The ACDP will, when given the chance (like the Biblical Q: People think that voting for the ACDP is a lost David) immediately start dealing with the giants that vote. Is voting for a minority party effective? face the nation. We have excellent strategies to deal with the high unemployment rate; poor economic growth; A: Every vote counts and is added together in the allocation inadequate education and public health services; escalating of parliamentary seats. There is as such no such thing as a crime and corruption; and threats to property rights and wasted vote, particularly when it comes to voting for smaller, rural development. growing parties. Christians are, according to statistics, in the majority in South Africa. If every person in this country who It is time, as we have said in Parliament, for the “poachers claims to be a Christian, voted for a Christian democratic to be poached; the looters looted; and the state capturers party, such as the ACDP, we can rapidly turn things around captured”. It is time for justice and righteousness to prevail in for the better. In addition, many people of other faiths our nation! subscribe to the ACDP’s value system and support the party. We cannot do it alone, we need your vote and the We are aiming for Godly governance, but are committed to assistance of every Christian to establish and maintain Godly co-govern (only if the need arises) with other parties, as we governance in our nation! Help us to help you… do presently in certain metros, to prevent the ANC or EFF from governing. Q: Christians do not want to become involved in politics because they think that Christianity and I want to appeal to all South Africans to assist us. Start by politics should not mix. What is your opinion? spreading the message about the ACDP on social media or in your daily conversations. Convince other citizens A: Christians can make a tremendous contribution in the to become members and vote for the party. If each one political landscape. In fact, they should become involved as of us spread our message and consciously spoke to two we are called to be salt and light. The political platform is but other persons daily, we could achieve our goal of Godly one of the many platform where we, as Christians, can build governance. Help us also with funds and by volunteering the Kingdom for His glory. It is all about God. The Christian to man voting stations on election day. This will prevent our worldview speaks to all areas in life. Politics is a huge part votes that have been cast from being wrongfully allocated of it, especially now with the upcoming elections in May. to other parties. These elections provide us with a wonderful opportunity to deal effectively with the ills of corruption, state capture, and We have sound policies to deal with unemployment, many other wrongdoings of the current government. corruption, poor healthcare and education, and poor service delivery and other matters that are currently taking this Politics are unavoidable, especially now, but we as believers country down a road of destruction. This includes policies can positively impact the political landscape. Christians on moral issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and cannot afford not to be involved. If they do not get involved, pornography. they will miss an opportunity to be part of the solution and to change things for the better. It is time to rebuild the walls of our nation. A vote for the ACDP is not a wasted vote; each and every vote makes us Q: Politicians seem to be blaming others for stronger and helps us grow. A vote for us is a vote against their own mistakes. Do we have responsible corruption and mismanagement of the hard-earned tax that politicians who will admit their mistakes? you pay. A: I can just assume that bad politicians are in positions where Q: Do you have a final thought for our readers? they should not be because good people do not vote, or voters do not vote responsibly. It is disgraceful that many A: We call on all South Africans to rally behind and support parliamentarians and ministers who have been implicated the ACDP at this time. Proverbs 29 v 2 states that, “when the in state capture and corruption have been retained on lists righteous are in authority the people rejoice; when a wicked for the May elections. The governing party must be held man rules, the people mourn.” It is time for the righteous to accountable at the polls for this reckless decision which be in authority! ignores the concerns of many citizens about the state of our nation. Please contact us at the ACDP National Office on 011 869 3941 or access our webpage at www.acdp.org.za www.devotedmag.co.za 5

Inspiration Eduplex School, a life-changer By Gerda Potgieter Schools play a major role in society, and the right school can make all the difference in the life of a young person. Schools are also transmitters of subject knowledge, skills development and education as well as norms and values. The right school, with dedicated teachers, can enhance the experience of the interactions for learners. I have interacted with many schools in my lifetime, but I want to single out Eduplex School, situated in Queenswood, Pretoria. I am very fond of this school, and the reason why I want to focus on Eduplex is that it is an authentic and exceptional Christian school with a high success rate. It stands out from the rest of the private schools, and has many successful and wonderful stories to share. Eduplex follows a model for inclusive education, and has added value to its learners and also to communities at large on many levels. This mainstream, parallel-medium, Christian-based school (separate English and Afrikaans classes) is a world model, not only in their educational programme but also their school design. Their programme is in line with today’s emphasis on inclusion in education, and Eduplex is a leader in this field. Every class has a small number of deaf children to help these children acquire normal spoken language alongside their hearing friends. This ensures that all the children reach a level of linguistic maturity that lays a firm foundation for literacy and academic success. Their broad curriculum and exceptionally high academic standards make Eduplex one of the leading educational facilities in South Africa. 6 fb.com/devotedmagazine

Inspiration The acoustically treated classrooms early age to be self-disciplined in the “I know you well, you aren’t are unique and ensure a quiet acquisition of knowledge. strong, but you have tried to obey learning environment. The high staff-to-pupil ratio, high academic Every effort is made to sow the seeds and have not denied my Name. standards and amazing interactive of servant leadership among these Therefore, I have opened a door to gardens make Eduplex a learning learners from a young age to groom paradise for every child. The three them to become faithful leaders in you that no one can shut.” schools (pre-, primary and high their homes and communities in – Revelations 3:8 (God’s school) offer from Grade 0000 up the future. At Eduplex, children are encouragement to Nico van der to Grade 12, and the emphasis on taught to be more concerned about Merwe, the founder of Eduplex) listening skills ensures good attention enriching the lives of others than in class. Eduplex also boasts a training their own. institute (ETI), which is a distance- learning institution. Programmes on They also offer a wide range of offer include online, self-directed sport, and cultural opportunities learning combined with contact and to the children during and after practical sessions. school hours. Although Eduplex is a relatively small school, many of its What makes Eduplex even more learners have over the years attained outstanding is its optimal use provincial or national colours in a of world-leading technology in host of sporting activities. Eduplex’s every classroom. Each classroom amazing sports facilities include one has cutting-edge sound-field of the world’s biggest and safest amplification systems that enable inner-city pump and mountain bike all children to hear the teacher tracks, that are open to the public clearly. Focus units enable children seven days a week. with attention deficit disorders to hear the teacher’s voice above the For a country to grow, education is background noise and help them to important. And Eduplex has taken concentrate in class. The use of Smart the lead in developing a nation that Boards and Wi-Fi in the school also can compete with the best in the enables teachers to make their classes world as far as knowledge, skills and interesting and stimulating. They expertise are concerned. spared no expense in recruiting the best teachers and investing in leading I spoke with a few learners of Eduplex technology to enable every child to to find out what impact Eduplex reach their full potential in a secure, had or still has on their lives. Keep an well-equipped and stimulating eye on the Devoted Facebook page learning environment. for their heart-warming stories of Eduplex learners. “What you are doing here is changing Want to know more tragedy into about Eduplex? triumph.” Visit www.eduplex.co.za – Nelson Mandela at the official opening Also, check out these YouTube of Eduplex in 2002 videos on Eduplex: https://youtu.be/tK6X1EBMBUA The Eduplex programme is holistic and current. It follows modern https://youtu.be/SxbzEK_QHFw trends in curriculum development (Independent Examinations https://youtu.be/OsTtOj_4AMQ Board in the high school), as well as technology and linguistic https://youtu.be/o8Q5AxbGsEs development. Facilities abound, motivating the learners from an All pictures were supplied by Eduplex School. www.devotedmag.co.za 7

Actual VVVOOOTTTEEVEVVVVVOVOVOOOOTOTOTTTETETETEEEEVEVVVVVOVOVOOOOTOTOTTTETETETEEEEVEVVVVVOVOVOOOOTOTOTTGTETETETEEoEEVEVVVdVVOVOVOOlOOTyOTOTTTETETEgTEEEEVEVoVVVVOVvOVOOOOeTOTOTTTErTETETEnEEEVEVVmVVVOVOVOOOOeTOTOTTTnETETETEEEtEVEVVVVOVVOOOOOOTTTTTEEEE Bceaasttyraonusrfovromtee!r, By Wilhelmina Bekker Election time is a time of many struggles on various levels. One of the most common questions Christians ask is if they should vote, and after that who to vote for. Many Christians feel they want to distance themselves families, and our day-to-day lives. There is so much of what we see and hear around us that can be classified as from politics. Unfortunately, it does not help the landscape the after-effects of corruption, greed, mismanagement of because then you are part of the problem and not the taxpayers’ money, and state capturing… solution. Christians can positively influence the political environment and they have a mandate to select (vote for) The list is endless and exhausts us! capable leaders. As responsible citizens, it is, therefore, an obligation to cast our votes. To not cast a vote means that We all know about the high level of corruption and you have added a win to the wrong party by default – a how it is destroying and dividing the very fabric of our party that does not share your same values and therefore society: especially the huge numbers of job losses taking do not represent Christian values. place within the mining industry and killing of farmers who provide us with food; civil unrest; load shedding; It has become more important to speak up through escalating food and petrol prices; and increasing exercising our civic responsibility to vote. It is apparent transportation costs to name but a few. Every one of us is that we can no longer turn a blind eye to the social ills also a victim! We can change South Africa for the better, that have impacted over the last more than twenty years and the way to do it is with our votes. so negatively on good governance, our economy, our 8 fb.com/devotedmagazine

Actual The answers to the question ‘Should Christians vote?’ are plain and straightforward. It is your duty to vote; the Bible is clear about that! We cannot call ourselves followers of Jesus, but we neglect our basic obligations to select capable men and women to lead us. Exercising a vote is a civic responsibility and should not They have created many, many challenges and left it for be taken lightly. Everybody must obtain information on others to now solve. how a party votes on those critical issues which impact the destiny of a nation. This information is freely available, As much as Christians do not like to judge others, nobody but should you need to find out more about a Christian can deny that the devastating consequence of especially democratic party that represents Christian values, then the Zuma-era will be felt for years to come and by visit www.acdp.org.za for more information. generations that have not yet been born! Who to vote for? South African voters have become mature and will no longer vote out of some sense of blind loyalty or historical In South Africa, we have freedom of choice: Freedom to obligation. We are tired of political leaders who divide us choose whether you want to vote or not – and whom to at the expense of our tax money. As usual before elections, vote for. With the national elections around the corner, we are already being bombarded by a pre-election rush we will soon vote for those we think should be leading us. to implement quick-win projects and employ temporary This is serious business because after the elections we will workers to fix roads, etc. These projects will again all vanish be stuck with the leaders we chose, or not, and they will very soon after the elections, therefore it is important that be our voice in Parliament … OR NOT! we are not bamboozled. Our faith and politics should be aligned. As Christians, Participating in the national elections is a right of we cannot hold a Christian worldview and have a citizenship. But in the current landscape, I would go as far to say it is also a citizen’s civic responsibility. We should political view that is rooted in the secular world’s values never forget that to secure the right to vote, people have and morals. God’s values must guide our involvement been beaten, tortured and even killed. in politics also. Therefore, we need to adjust our political As Christians we are expected to vote for capable views to align with His word. men and women who can be our voice in Parliament. Voters cast their vote for a political party for many different reasons, and sometimes voters tend not to vote for smaller As followers of Jesus, parties for fear of not making an impact. This is a wrong we do not recruit for a perception because smaller parties make a difference in specific party or person, Parliament and can fight above their weight on issues that matter. A small party can also grow with your vote. but we must – Every vote counts and Christians must have a voice • Actively seek to be involved in Parliament to be heard. Another good reason in the political arena; to vote for a smaller party that shares the same values with you is that opposition parties work • Stand for justice and God’s together on issues of common concern such as moral truth; the expropriation of land, abortion, same-sex marriages, etcetera. • Serve the least (the poor, vulnerable women and Christians should actively seek a party that children); share the same moral values and worldviews – a political party that uses the Bible as their • Help people find and follow moral compass. In South Africa, our choices are Jesus; and limited, but then again, there is only ONE BOOK of truth, and we do not need a variety of political • Be morally obliged to vote parties to choose from! Christians should seek for God’s values. guidance from God through prayer when they exercise their vote like everything else in life. Our country is in turmoil South Africa has plummeted to great depths under the previous and current leadership. The leadership of this country has put the country and its people in turmoil. www.devotedmag.co.za 9

Actual Take a 10 fb.com/devotedmagazine stance and be responsible! By Wilhelmina Bekker Your vote makes a difference. If everybody votes, we can change the way governments do things. Do not be a random voter. Get to know who will transform our country and select capable men and women. More than ever before, South Africa requires a strong leader to heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights – all based on biblical principles. Christianity changes the character of political debate. It brings the moral standards of God’s kingdom into the secular realm. It breaks the vicious cycle of violence, crime, self-interest and injustice. Christianity conveys messages of moral value, and it is especially here where we all have a connecting point – to have conversations about issues that matter and convey the biblical viewpoint so others can have hope in these desperate times. “As much as corrupt leaders are to blame, we as South Africans are as much to blame if we are doing nothing to prevent them from corrupting our country further, therefore we have to take a stance and vote responsibly.” Gerda Potgieter, Devoted Lifestyle Magazine.

Actual The time has come for ordinary the ruling party a two-thirds Christians and politics South Africans to hold our majority. leadership accountable and judge The Bible guides us on how we them against a higher standard. • Citizens are free to exercise their should get involved in politics. And that standard is biblical right to vote, and if they are Psalm 96:3 says: “Declare His glory principles. motivated to vote, they must among the nations. His marvellous empower themselves to know deeds among all people.” What The Bible is our ONLY answer to more about the candidates, better platform to do it from than our leadership challenges - not the parties and policies they the political platform? The political our constitution, any political represent. platform also provides us with manifestos or sweet talk of opportunities to talk about His politicians. The Bible directed its • Look for a party that remains grace and deeds. This is a platform readers thousands of years ago, true to its founding principles to openly and publicly glorify Him and today it is still relevant. Why? and has not compromised its through our talents. Because the Bible is God’s book. stance on moral issues such as It is inspired by God, and it is our abortion, same-sex marriage, • Christians should get involved moral compass for today and the legislation of pornography and in the politics of the day. When next time when we are casting prostitution, relationship with Christians abandon the public our votes, in fact all the time we Israel, etc. environment, ethics and values are castings our votes. of communities go down the • Exercising a vote is a civic drain. So do the moral standards. “BAD politicians are responsibility and should not elected by GOOD be taken lightly. Everybody • The Christian worldview speaks people who do NOT must obtain information on to ALL areas of life. This includes how a party votes on those our perception of the world from vote.” critical issues which impact a political standpoint. Decisions (Unknown) the destiny of a nation. This made by governments impact information is freely available, our lives on all levels. The way And, it will remain so for many and in Issue 25 of Devoted governments interact with the more years to come. (visit www.devotedmag.co.za) people impacts people. you can also read more about Dr D James Kennedy from the a political party built on godly • The Bible tells us to love our Centre for Christian Statesmanship principles and which uses the neighbours – and to love one believed if Christians don’t get Bible as its moral compass. It is another. This includes that we involved, politics will forever be worth a read! should reach out, and speak dirty. I agree that Christians have out for the poor, the orphans, the responsibility to get involved Every one of us is a the widows – those without a in politics. victim of corruption, voice. It is through the political platform that we can impact And we can do that by merely state capture, others and make a difference. casting our votes for that party looting! We can that represents Christian values. change South Africa • Government restrains evil and If we do NOT fight for what we for the better, and promotes good, or it is supposed stand for, we do not stand for the way to do it is to do that. Christians’ positive anything. with our votes. influence in government is well documented in Alvin Schmidt: Consider this: How Christianity changed the world and William Wilberforce’s • Each time someone doesn’t influence to abolish the slave vote for the ruling party, it is a trade is an excellent example. small victory for the opposition. Vote for one party to deny • Read Timothy 2:1 and 2 if you still consider not to get involved at all. 11www.devotedmag.co.za

Last Word Becoming an authentic leader By Mignionette Fair Authenticity is a word that gets thrown around a lot in leadership, business and life. As with most things in life, we all define authenticity and authentic leadership differently. For some people “authentic thought I had to be a leader who was authenticity in your verbal, non- leadership” might be: the exact opposite of who I really verbal, and written communication. was. It was only later that I learned And for others, this cat might be their there is just as much power in talking “When you write in plain language, spirit animal: gently than talking loudly. Being an your target audience can easily read, encouraging leader is just as powerful understand and take action the first Whether you lead with perceived as being a visionary. There is power time they read your content.” (Genevieve in admitting when you don’t know Conti, https://zapier.com/blog/plain- and actual confidence or only something. It is absolutely fine to be language/) perceived confidence... whether you real, vulnerable and genuine. • Trust know where you are going or faking Trust is a verb. The more people trust it ‘til you make it... the most important The graphic below is based on Bill their leader, the more risks they will thing is to stay true to who you are. George’s definition of authentic take and the more changes they will Paul Sohn wrote, “In essence, leadership, and I think it’s a good make. Organisations thrive under authenticity is where our external representation of what an authentic leadership who can be trusted. actions align with internal beliefs. It’s leader is, namely being aware of who • Competence the congruency between who you you are, leading with passion and Why under-promise and over-deliver? are and who you appear to be.” heart, and developing and practising As leaders, we should live lives of This is something I struggled with for solid values. excellence. a very long time. I was insecure and • Character Self-awareness We always wish to be further along than we are. We wish we could be Authentic like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Michelle Leader Obama or Thuli Madonsela. And there is nothing wrong with that, but you Lead with Develop & are running your race! Authentic Heart Practice Solid leadership is being the best you where you are at right now. You don’t Values want to end up in a place where your character cannot sustain you. So, now that we have an idea of what an authentic leader is, let’s consider Struggling to get your point across? some of the important aspects of authenticity: Your story deserves to shine brightly. EditA Services • Communication will help you communicate with confidence. If you cannot communicate authentically and effectively, WRITING. PROOFREADING. INTERPRETING - you will lose your audience. Why would you say something in three WE DO IT ALL! sentences when you can say it in one? Or why would you become a Contact us: www.edita.online walking thesaurus when you can use PHONE: 081 757 0843 simple language? Also, think about EMAIL: [email protected] 12 fb.com/devotedmagazine

Travel with a purpose Join us in discovering the Promised Land Walk in the footsteps of our Lord in September! In Genesis 15:18-21, God made a promise to Abraham, then confirmed the promise to Isaac in Genesis 26:3, and then to Jacob, the son of Isaac, in Genesis 28:13. Devoted is now offering you a tour where you will discover the roots of Christianity and walk in the footsteps of our Lord. Israel is regarded by Christians, Jews while discovering Israel, the land of tremendous religious significance for God’s promise to Abraham and his Christians. To help you discover your and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land. children. We want to invite you to Christian roots and make the story Israel is significant for Christians as come and join us for an once-in-a- of early Christianity come alive, our it represents the historical region of lifetime experience. promise to you is: Jesus’ ministry. • Spiritual insights We support Rejoice International • Historical connections, and The Holy Land is associated with Ministry in bringing you this authentic the birth, ministry, crucifixion and tour. They have years of the right • Natural wonders resurrection of our Lord and Saviour. experience, knowledge and tools to create a tour that will suit your needs. Have a look at the advert below, and People visit Israel for different reasons. when you book, please mention Here at Devoted, we travel with a Israel, and especially the city Devoted to secure your booking. purpose and the purpose this time is of Jerusalem, is sacred and has Email: [email protected] to to ensure a life-changing experience secure your booking. 13www.devotedmag.co.za

The Chr istian voice in parliament “We need to get back to God and live a holy life if we want a fulfilled life. Let’s obey the Ten Commandments. God put them in place for you and me so that we may live joyful lives in abundance.” (Angus Buchan) “The Bible is our moral compass for today, for tomorrow and forever.” (President of ACDP - African Christian Democratic Party - Dr Kenneth Meshoe) The ANC fought against apartheid … the ACDP will take you to peace and prosperity! Website: www.acdp.org.za “Silence in the face of evil is Tel: 011- 869 3941 itself evil: God will not hold Email:[email protected] QUESTION: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WIN AN us guiltless. ELECTION IN FAVOUR OF A GODLY GOVERNMENT? Not to speak is to speak. ANSWER: ONLY 28 DAYS IF ALL CHRISTIANS PERSUADE 2 OTHERS TO VOTE GOD INTO Not to act, is to act.” GOVERNMENT “Dietrich Bonhoeffer.” 14 fb.com/devotedmagazine