what is a [missionary]?
What’s a missionary? If your answer is something along the lines of “Jehovah’s Witnesses” or “Mormons”, and you’re not aware of the evangelical commission of the Apostles, found in Acts, then this is a good kick-off to transform your thinking. Listen to this amazing vision by founder and CEO of Overland Missions, Philip Smethurst. Apostles are pioneers, breaking the hard ground of unbelief. Apostles aren’t … Continue reading what is a [missionary]?
sit down, [son]
One of the most central issues within the [modern] church, that seems to pop up every now and then is the question:
Should women be allowed to preach?
Essentially, this question does not relate to the official platform of ‘preacher’ as it relates to pastor or whatever official title you’d like to slap on to the formal structure of [church] ministry. Rather, the question is this — are women supposed to publicly speak out about the Gospel?
One would think that, within the modern era, this question is finite, and also redundant. Yet, it’s something that constantly pops up in church discussions, social media, and feminist campaigns. Personally, I’m not an advocate for feminism. I’m an advocate for the Gospel, and that intrinsically implies equality. Perhaps we’ll have a discussion about this another time?
the tiger
the tyger || burning bright || #runwildlivefree On 29 September, two weeks after my dad passed away, I was visiting my friend Carené — I was making my way though town, coming back from KZN where I went to see my dad’s lawyer earlier that morning. It wasn’t an unusual day, and I wasn’t very emotional. I think, even now, I’m still numb to the … Continue reading the tiger
it is for freedom that we’ve been set free
the valley
Twenty six days ago my father passed away. These words still seem unreal to me, even as I write them here. In a month’s time I’ll be celebrating my first birthday without him, and that is even more unreal. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet, and a light for my path.” Psalm 199:105 One of the most referenced scriptures surely has to … Continue reading the valley
Expeditions in Zambia
until the pavement turns into untouched places
The thing is — sometime we get caught up in life, running from end to end to get stuff done. And we tend to miss out on the simple pleasures — like children laughing and wet dog noses; taking a stroll in stead of a sprint.
Continue reading until the pavement turns into untouched places
come alive
God’s Word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.
Continue reading come alive
Lucien
Two years ago I was having a conversation on mangled French in a parking lot, and now I’m preparing to move to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and make it my home. Continue reading Lucien
healing for the nations
I find that Scripture translations are often like beautiful mosaics — carefully put together in order to convey it’s truest message.
I say, read the translation/version that speaks to you (language wise, and revelation wise) with the enlightenment of Holy Spirit, and allow Him to reveal the depths of it’s truths to you.
Continue reading healing for the nations
behold
if crossing the wilderness has taught me anything, it is to be uncompromisingly obedient to God, and to fully trust in, and rely on Him to show you the path to take.
Continue reading behold
the crossing
I make it a firm policy not to live in the past. However, I love looking back because over and over and over again, I see GOD IS FAITHFUL written in giant capitals all over this journey.
Continue reading the crossing
a church in the bush
Many think salvation is earned by becoming a member of a denomination and by works, they know nothing of grace through faith. Many have never read the Bible, or even held one, so what do you teach then? Well, tradition. We have walked into village churches just as the pastors were inviting the “angry spirits of the dead” into the building.
Continue reading a church in the bush
Christina
“I’m here, trying to make a living, so I can send money to my family, but I should be there — in my home country– making a difference.”
Continue reading Christina
judge not
We’ve assimilated into a culture that declares, “don’t judge” — perhaps in reference to MATTHEW 7:2. However, practicing DISCERNMENT is a Biblical mandate. When we look at outward appearances or practice judgement over other people’s lifestyles or choices, we’re not discerning, or even judging, we are condemning. Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if we looked at other people the way God looks at them? … Continue reading judge not
je cours
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share … Continue reading je cours
Sekute Expedition
We have just returned to base on Rapid 14 after a week of ministry in Masukatwane, Sekute, in the Southern province of Zambia. Every day, our team of 20 people divided into groups and went from home to home to minister the Gospel. We saw MANY people come to Christ for the first time, and as many healed from sickness and diseases, and delivered from … Continue reading Sekute Expedition
August update
Friends, as this period of Advanced Missions Training draws to a close, I’m excited to share some Big News with you soon! I wanted to share this testimony from our final Expedition in Somwatochela with you. May you be encouraged and blessed by God’s faithfulness! I was running the kitchen for our final expedition in Somwatochela, and though we had allowed for generous portion sizes, … Continue reading August update
the stand
the last stand || Meigiddo || Israel A year ago, I was exploring the Promised Land and surrounding nations. I suppose many people undertake this journey as a pilgrimage, to walk in the footsteps of the Messiah. For me, though, it was a very spiritual experience, not because I walked where He walked, but because I was actively aware of Holy Spirit’s presence wherever I … Continue reading the stand
advanced mission training
spiritually and practically equipping missionaries 3-MONTH TRAINING AMT is the gateway to enter into a career in missions with Overland Missions. It is a course designed to equip people with the tools to take the Gospel anywhere in the world and make a sustainable impact. The class consists of 17 subjects that are a mixture of classroom learning and practical field exercises. For three months you will live … Continue reading advanced mission training
rejoice in the wilderness
rejoice || wilderness a well in the wasteland. There are times in life where we’re “stuck” in the in-between. One of the toughest lessons I’ve had to learn, is to actively wait while I’m in the in-between. As Westerners, we’re conditioned to be time-conscious — not to waste time, but to save it and steward it. What I’ve learnt is that ACTIVE waiting is very … Continue reading rejoice in the wilderness
seed for sowing
“I was once young, and now I am old, but not once have I been witness to God’s failure to supply my need when I had first given for the furtherance of His work. He has never failed in His promise, so I cannot fail in my service to Him.” William Carey1761-1834; British missionary to India Everything God gives us has two purposes: seed to … Continue reading seed for sowing
step by step
And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa. 52:7.]
Ephesians 6:15 AMPC Continue reading step by step
be multiplied
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” Matthew 6:31-33. When Overland pioneers into an area, … Continue reading be multiplied
the simple Gospel
I never thought that when I started ministering to a tribe with no knowledge of Jesus Christ or Christian theology, my own understanding of the gospel would be so deepened. There’s no need in ministry here to dig and strive for a new concept to teach every few days, as even the most basic concepts are brand new. Even recently, when I made the statement, … Continue reading the simple Gospel
the Door
There is rest and there is peaceInside the shade of Your garden Jesus, you’re the only one for methere’s no way I’m leaving youYour the love the way the life the truthYou’re our the door I’m walking through Your love is the reason that I am hereand I’m running to you cause your all I need Continue reading the Door
not abandoned
I’m praying for the Nations of Africa today.Northern Africa and the Middle East has been at the center of persecution for many years, and yet, many new believers turn to Christ as Lord and Saviour. one of the largest threats to the Western Church is lukewarm faith. persecution is one of the best things that can happen to a family of believers. the harvest is plenty, … Continue reading not abandoned
the purpose of wealth
“The world asks, ‘what does a man own?’ Christ asks, ‘how does he do it?’” Andrew Murray1828 – 1917South African pastor and author When Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt, they left with all the wealth of Egypt and disappeared into the desert with it. Why did God place a great wealth into the hands of a people who would have nowhere to spend … Continue reading the purpose of wealth
every tribe and tongue
How did this great multitude get there? Someone went, someone was sent, someone was finances, and someone had been praying. They got there because Jesus died for their sins, and charged His faithful followers to go to the ends of the earth. Someone plowed. Someone seeded the fertile soil. Someone tended the field. Someone will bring in the harvest. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 John 4:37-38 Each … Continue reading every tribe and tongue
vision for the harvest
“We must be global Christians with a global vision, because our God is a global God.” – John Scott, 1921British Pastor and Evangelical leader Recognizing God’s appeal in this vision, Paul’s ministry took a drastic turn and he went to Macedonia. Vision turns us toward the purposes of God, and for some, this heavenly touch will activate us into reaching the nations. Vision is defined … Continue reading vision for the harvest
Expeditions in Africa
Christian Compassion
Three years ago, my friend Sanet told me, “Aligning yourself with Holy Spirit is more important than aligning yourself with offense,” and it still resonates within me — when we choose to align with Holy Spirit, and allow Him to renew our thoughts and hearts, offense becomes a matter of little importance as we learn to forgive and set free. In Matthew 14, we read … Continue reading Christian Compassion
DRC: breaking new ground
thank you for keeping my arms up!
With only four more days to go (the countdown is set to midnight!) before I leave for Zambia, I am INCREDIBLY excited for all that lies ahead! You may not know me long enough to know the journey that God put me on to get me here: to this day, in this place, but it’s been a journey of more than 10 years! This morning … Continue reading thank you for keeping my arms up!
online church: God rescues the Israelites
“Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Israelites went through on dry ground with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” Exodus 14:27, 29 Exodus 12:1-42; Exodus 14:5-31 Moses did as God commanded him, and went to speak to Pharaoh, saying, “Let God’s people go!” Moses and his brother Aaron went to Pharaoh and did everything God commanded. … Continue reading online church: God rescues the Israelites
online church: God has a plan for Joseph
“You will be in charge of my palace, and my people will submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:40 Genesis 37 – 50 The bottom of the pit was dark and cold. Joseph looked up, and saw some movement at the top. There were many voices talking together in a language that he did … Continue reading online church: God has a plan for Joseph
online church: God sends Miriam to help Moses
“She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” Exodus 2:10 Pharaoh was a cruel and strict king. He wanted the Israelites to work as slaves and build big palaces and temples for him. One day, Pharaoh realised that the Israelites were becoming more than the Egyptians. “The Israelites are slaves,” Pharaoh said to himself. “If they become too many, they will … Continue reading online church: God sends Miriam to help Moses
kenneth
I promise — I do more than run around and take unstable videos of things. This is a summary of yesterday’s jaunt.The mud was kindly supplied by hurricane Kenneth. For the past few days, we’ve had the loveliest showers and I’m so excited to see rivers and dams filling up. South Africa has been suffering under extended drought for the past 4 years, and as … Continue reading kenneth
by their fruit
summer || pantone By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. … Continue reading by their fruit
online church: God promises a son to Sarah
“God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6 Genesis 18:1-15; Genesis 21:1-6 One day Sarah was sitting in the shade of the tent, fanning herself to cool off. The sun was blazing, and it was too hot to work outside. The camels were sleeping in the shade, and the sheep were gathered around the cool water … Continue reading online church: God promises a son to Sarah
online church: God promises a son to Abram
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1 Abram stood on the hill overlooking the valley. In the distance, he could see the lights of the city. The night was quiet and a cool breeze blew across the hilltop. Abram looked up at the stars above him. They were spread out like bright jewels on a dark velvet … Continue reading online church: God promises a son to Abram
online church: God tells Noah to build a big boat
“I have put my rainbow in the clouds… The waters will never become a flood to destroy all life again.” Genesis 9:13, 15 One afternoon, Noah was sitting in the shade watching his sons play with a ball. Shem passed the ball to Ham while Japheth tried to stop him from scoring a goal. Noah laughed aloud when Shem gave Ham a high five after … Continue reading online church: God tells Noah to build a big boat
online church: God created us for relationship
“You must not eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden.” Genesis 3:3 On a sunny afternoon, Eve was sitting on a rock, when she saw a creature she had never seen before. “Who are you?” she asked. “I am the sssssserpent,” said the creature, flicking its long tongue. “Do you sssssssmell the delicioussssss fruit on that Tree?” The … Continue reading online church: God created us for relationship
online church: in the beginning
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 Everything began when God said, “Let there be light!” Then God separated the light from the darkness. All in one day! God called the darkness night, and the light day. This was the very first day. The next day God made water. It bubbled and whooshed, and it covered the earth with oceans … Continue reading online church: in the beginning
the Lord has heard
Isn’t it true that we sometimes go through seasons where things seem to be dreary and stale, where nothing seems to move forward and where breakthrough seems like a desert mirage? Distant and unattainable.
There are some specific things that I’ve been praying about for some time, and the Lord’s response is simply this: SHAMMAH. THE LORD IS HERE. HE HEARS.
A good friend recently shared this nugget of wisdom with me:“If Sarah had a son at 30, it would’ve been normal. If she had a son at 50, people would’ve thought it’s great and look how well she takes care of herself! But she had a son at 99, and the only One to receive glory from that is God.”
There are SO MANY examples from Scripture where people sought the Lord, crying out to Him.
There are AS MANY examples from Scripture where God answers prayer.
it is finished
Sin came into the world in the garden of Eden, when Adam failed to see that he was already like God, created in His image. The price for Salvation was claimed in the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus willingly offered himself as Sacrifice in our stead so that Identity could be restored, reconciling us as Sons to the Father. Continue reading it is finished
for all men
I refuse to be ashamed of sharing the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first, and then people everywhere! Romans 1:16 I took this picture on April 4th 2018 in Mpatamatu, central Zambia. We were on our way back to town after ministering in the villages. We … Continue reading for all men
pray for the harvest
In Luke 10:2, Jesus tells us that the harvest is ready, but that there are not enough labourers to bring in this mighty harvest. He also says we should pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out more labourers into the fields! Continue reading pray for the harvest
a heart of compassion
compassion calls you out of the boat, beyond your self-imposed limitations, beyond your comfort zone, into the uncharted waters where the glory of God dwells. Continue reading a heart of compassion
40 days
A year ago today, I headed to Zambia for the first time! In 40 days I’ll be back! Continue reading 40 days
