GOD is GOOD

This article is interactive, so loosen up those vocal chords. First, read the title out loud. Good. Read it again, this time with more conviction. Fantastic. You have just proclaimed God’s goodness - which is only one aspect of His character and, if you get hold of this ‘proclaiming’ idea, you could be stating His characteristics for the rest of the day.

The proclaiming prayer, practised by psalmists in the Bible and Christians around the world, is one of Marïette Louw's favourite topics. Mariette travels the world under the auspices of YWAM (Youth With A Mission) equipping Christians spiritually. She is passionate about the deep things of God and she had the DFC auditorium reverberating with God’s praises for the two evenings in July dedicated to the prayer workshop.

Prayer is an integral part of the Christian life, yet we often forget about communicating with our Creator. A prayer workshop, as presented by Marïette, is an excellent opportunity to exercise your prayer muscles and be inspired to pray in a Biblical way. She presented her topic straight from the Word, pointing out little gems of information which can transform a Christian’s prayer life.

Marïette also spoke on praying Scripture: how to use God’s powerful two-edged sword of the Spirit (the Word). This was immediately put into practice and everyone at the workshop spread out to pray through Psalm 23. Marïette highlighted three of Paul’s powerful prayers in the Bible which are just a joy to use in prayer, for yourself or others. Go check out Colossians 1:9-12, Ephesians 1:15-19a and Ephesians 3:14-21  for yourself.

So dive into the Word with the Spirit and start praying. God will transform your life.

 

ZAMBIA OUTREACH

Zambia is always a highlight for most of us students because this is one of the times where we give, serve and preach the good news of Christ. There is also something about the African air that just takes you deeper into God’s presence, makes you even more connected to His heart and His ways; and brings you to a place of intimacy and alignment with His will. The outreach takes you way beyond your comfort zone but we have never felt as close to God, or grown as much as we did in those ten days.

We were astonished to see how little some of the Zambian people possessed and how they were so content, not allowing circumstances to determine their attitudes. They still take pleasure in life despite their poverty-stricken circumstances. They truly know what it means to look up, trust and stay focused on the heavenly Father as their ultimate Provider and their Source of life.

The village of Zimba, in particular, struck a chord with most of us. The people there are just amazing and they really understand family life. They respect and honour each other every day. We visited the hospital in Zimba to minister and pray for the patients and staff. God’s hand moved in that building and it was awesome to watch. A mother and son gave their lives to Jesus. We saw the son being delivered from bondages as he committed his life to God. That episode reminded us of the saving power of Christ and gave us more of an understanding of what He did for us on the cross.

Full name: Luan Els

Nickname: Sweet Lu, Sweet pipes, Piet (my brother calls me that), krag apie

D.O.B: 1987/05/04

Meaning of your name: Skilled warrior

Who or what inspires you? First, my dad. He has been such an awesome example to me. Second, King David because he lived such a lifestyle of worship. Third, Jeremy Camp. I love his songs and the testimony that goes with his songs.

What is your weak point? Sweets, Food!

What is your strong point? Music

How has God revealed Himself to you this year so far? He has blessed me with amazing friends and family. He shows me His good heart through them. God has also carried me faithfully through difficult and painful times.

Where did you come from? (Describe your growing up) I was born in Port Elizabeth. My family then moved to Dispatch and then to Paarl for six months. We then moved to Jeffrey’s Bay, where I grew up for most of my childhood and teenage years.

When did you realise you wanted to be a musician?  I was sitting in my room and phoned a friend and asked if I could borrow his guitar for a week just to learn the basic chords. My cell leader, Alister Roper, taught me a thing or two and from there I taught myself. I got my official training in the U.K. I started to play and sing when I was 18 years old.

What is your role at DFC? I head up the worship department and help out with general maintenance and management around the building. I also help with some of the admin in the office.

What have you learnt this year so far? My pain is someone else’s gain and that the Father’s heart and intentions are good for me and that He is teaching me to be a man and not a puppet.

Do you think your life is lacking anything? At times I still feel I lack self worth and that I am inadequate and too young for what I do.

What is your most cherished childhood memory? We had no TV so my twin brother, my dad and I made a Christmas bed in front of the radio and listened to music. It was great just bonding with each other.

What do you do in your spare time? I gym, I eat, I play guitar or piano from time to time, I take myself out to dinner and hang with my friends.

Describe your friends. (As the saying goes we are known by the friends we keep) I hang out with a noisy bunch of friends. They are really a positive bunch of people that you really want to surround yourself with. They stand by you through thick and thin.

Describe yourself; your passions, characteristics, morals, beliefs, talents and gifts. I have three major passions: training at the gym, the Kingdom and cars, especially the BMW M3. My characteristics: my face pulls a frown when I think, I am friendly, I am approachable, I like having fun and when I work, I work and when I play, I play hard. I have one very strong moral: NO sex before marriage! I value trustworthiness, having an open hand towards people in need and loving people with their mistakes and all. I value consideration and politeness as well. As for my beliefs, I don’t believe in tooth fairies except the one on the Mnet advert J. I believe in being a gentleman and teamwork. I have a vast number of talents but the ones that stand out to me are; I can run fast, I can make a mean Nando’s Chicken, I can eat a lot and I am good at racing games. My gifts I would say are my gifts for music, singing, writing my own songs and playing my guitar.

What is the dumbest, funniest and scariest thing you have done so far? Dumbest: Poked myself with a fondue fork! Funniest: Forgot all my words for a song while performing in front of 200 people. Scariest: preaching.

What pearl of wisdom or encouragement would you like to share with people? Embrace what comes your way. Father God is there with you in every small and big step you are taking. Cool by the pool!

Favourite food: Steak and pasta, actually anything!

Favourite type of music: Rock

Favourite season: Summer

Sunset or sunrise: Sunset

Bush or beach: Beach