Robbers Hit Northgate - While I was there.

Two people were shot and wounded in armed robberies at the Northgate shopping mall today, Friday. Now this might not seem alarming to many, as we are so used to crime now days. But the thing is, I was there in the mall with my family, wife, 2 year old daughter, 11 year old son. It could have been me that was shot, or my wife, or God forbid, my kids.

A man was shot in the chest and was in a critical condition. Four robbers fled the scene in a white Opel Astra. No arrests were made but police were investigating a case of armed robbery and attempted murder.

Last week we were at a steers drive through, when just in the next shopping centre, about 200m away, robbers hit the shopping centre. The same gang might have even hit the petrol station the day before in the same shopping centre as the steers drive through.

A week before that, a high jacking occurred not 200m away from where we stay, a person was shot.

A few months before that we were rocked awake in the early hours of the morning by a loud bang. The ATM at the shopping centre up the road from us was bombed.

These criminals are more and more brazen as they start to attack, rob, high jack, and murder during the day and even at the most populated places.

I am proud South African. The government says that the crime rate is falling. Problem is, I do not experience that. I have been in the vicinity of more dangerous life threatening crime in the past six months than in the last two years.

I married a beautiful British girl. Their parents were forced to move back to Britain because they were robbed while they slept, and held up at gun point in the middle of the day. Two separate incidents weeks apart.

I fear for my life and the life of my family. My wife is always nagging me to move overseas, to England. Where its safe.

With the current crime rate, statistics say, its just a matter of time before something like this happens to me. I do not want to take that chance. With all these crimes going on around me, those stats do not seem so far off.

Yes there is crime all over the world. But the blatant disregard for life in this country is beyond explanation. In England, yes they might rob you, but they won't sommer just shoot you and kill you for nothing.

I am a programmer, I develop websites. My site is Integralwebsolutions. I work from home, and my servers and sites are hosted in the states. I don't need to actually live in this country to carry on working.

But I love this country. I love the weather, I love the sport, I love the law abiding people. But it seems like this country does not love me any more.

Just this week, an armed robbery and high jacking took place in Kempton Park. The black police inspector from Tembisa said, "It's time you whites packed your bags and f***d off." Calling the victims dogs and vowing that he would see to it that the white police woman would be shot in a robbery. Cocking his R5 rifle he told the white victim to pack his bags and F*** off as he refused to arrest the criminal or open up a police case of the robbery and high jacking.

With the current brain drain in the country, the lack of skills, the high unemployment rate, and the high crime rate, it is only going to get worse. With criminals running our country, I mean literally, criminals in the government. One might not be surprised at the way this police officer behaved.

If they want me to leave, if they do not want any web developers and programmers in the country, I might just leave. Over time, I would probably get better respect in England, the state hospitals are better, there is better social support, the crime is not as violent. It sure does seem a tempting proposal.

The only difference is, I got God on my side. AS I look at what has happened over the last few months, I am so grateful that God is with me. I certainly believe that he has protected our family. I certainly believe that if it was not for God, we might have even been part of the statistics.

I am encouraged by the verse: De 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD your God, he it is that does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you.
Yes, God is able to protect us even in the most violent situations.

With the rise in crime, one wonders, has God left South Africa. The answer is no. Its the Christians that have forsaken God. We have stopped praying, stopped obeying, stopped following Gods word. 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Such a wonderful verse, but we do not take it literally. It's not the crime line that is going to stop crime, not even the police can stop the crime. It is the praying Christian that is going to stop crime. The problem is, crime is increasing, which probably means that we as christians are not praying or not praying enough or not praying effectively.1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Are you praying?

Is Google's G1 Better Than The iPhone?

Internet giant Google has launched its much-awaited mobile phone. Many claim a direct challenge to the supremacy of the iPhone.

The G1 was unveiled in New York last month and was put on sale in the UK early November. The G1 has been released exclusively by T-Mobile.

It is stipulated that it will go head to head with other mobile products such as Apple's iPhone, the Blackberry and other smartphones from makers such as Nokia, Samsung.

The G1 uses Google's open source mobile software, Android. Many have stated that it is a phone with the capability of a hand held computer. Is it a phone or is it a palmtop, with telephony as one of its functions?

The G1 is a touch-screen mobile phone and includes a QWERTY keyboard when you slide the phone open. Included are applications such as Google Maps with StreetView, Gmail, YouTube and GoogleTalk. mmm Lots of Google stuff. Not surprising.

Is it then a phone or a dedicated smart fancy electronic wireless browser? Is it a way for Google not only to challenge iPhone, but in the same breath to capture and increase their Internet user market. Maybe not only are they trying to stick it to Apple, but Yahoo as well. What is Google doing in the mobile market. I thought it was an Internet giant, a search engine. But then again I have been wrong a few times before.

Not only does it have a keyboard, but the G1 also has a trackball for more precise, one-handed navigation. That's not all, it also sports a 3-mega pixel camera.

But despite the popularity of the Google brand, the G1 isn't 'cool'. It does not strike me as a 'Geek' phone. The same coolness and Geekness that the iPhone 3G had which was a massive success for Apple.

One thing though which might sway the masses towards the G1, is cost. The G1 will in fact be cheaper. Over a two year contract the G1 will be in the region of $380 cheaper. Included will be unlimited mobile internet browsing. Some plans will not only include unlimited data but unlimited texting or SMS.

However the iPhone comes to its own when we talk capacity. Sporting a massive 8GB-16GB as opposed to 2GB-8GB for the G1. This will win over the huge music fans, because if you do the math, you can fit more mp3's, more video and more pics onto the iPhone as opposed to the G1. Seems that the iPhone is more geared towards multimedia, despite the 3 mega pixel camera for the G1 as opposed to the 2 mega pixel for the iPhone.

One thing is for certain, the G1 was designed to bring new possibilities to the art of online communication. The problem now is, can you ever say, "I never got that e-mail".

What ever the case might be. Whether you are a iFan or a Gman, the Gadget wars have just begun.

CNN's Hologram. Real or Fake?

CNN made huge waves on Tuesday night by incorporating, what they claim to be, a three-dimensional hologram into its coverage of the U.S. election. The question I first asked when I saw this was, "was it really a hologram"?

I'm sure that whatever it was, it was very sophisticated. But no hologram. The technology is so complex and computing power is so powerful, that we are not there yet.

At about 7 p.m. EST USA, reporter Jessica Yellin, who was in Chicago, spoke with New York based anchor Wolf Blitzer live "via hologram," CNN said.

She seemed to appear a bit fuzzy as her image was apparently projected a few feet in front of Blitzer. The image appeared to glow around the edges as well. "You're a terrific hologram," Blitzer said to her. Making good use of the power of suggestion.

"It's like I follow the tradition of Princess Leia," she said, making reference to the Star Wars character and obviously some reference to the holograms in the movies. Which also seemed to glow around the edges and appear a bit fuzzy. Kind of coincidental, don't you think?

Was CNN playing on our minds and our infatuation with sci-fi and the likes of Star Wars?

Apparently her image was being filmed in Chicago by 35 high-definition cameras. These cameras were set in a ring inside a special tent. The images were then processed and synchronized by 20 computers to the cameras in the New York studio.

Sources tell me that the CNN anchors were not really speaking to three-dimensional projected images, but rather empty space. The images were simply added to what viewers saw on their screens at home, in much the same way computer-generated special effects, like the hologram of Leia, are added to movies, like Star Wars, as suggested in the interview.

These images were tomograms. Tomograms are images that are captured from all sides. Then reconstructed by computers. Finally displayed on screen. Much like what happened in the movie "The matrix".

Holograms, on the other hand, are projected into space.
Sources tell me that holographic images are generally captured and projected using coherent light such as lasers. A laser would need to be more than six feet in diameter to capture a person's image, which I believe is impossible. Probably because such a huge light source would be blinding.

I also believe that our current hologram technology requires some sort of floor pad or plate, which is absent from the CNN footage.

CNN reporting that this is a hologram, was this then a lie or the truth? Where then does the line stand between truth and lies? Should journalists and news companies be able to lie about news and technology, in order to gain viewers or readership? Should they twist the truth to increase their rankings in the viewers poll. Should they be sensationalists with no regard to accuracy and facts.

Why would CNN lie about this being a hologram? Is its cheesy reporting, aimed to capture your attention no matter what the truth might be?

The real question is. Do you really care? Are you actually concerned that this type of deception is going on, or are you captivated by the entertainment?

What do you think about this? Did you believe that it was a real hologram? Were you amazed?

Let me and others know. Leave your comment. what did you think?

BTW, CNN could not be reached for comment.

The Super Movie Computer.

Ever watched a movie and seen how ridiculous the computer interaction is or how computers behave, unlike normal computers in real life.

I came across a site which lists 28 of some really funny and unbelievable things computers and people do. http://www.geekpolice.net/jokes-fun-stuff-f1/things-computers-can-do-in-movies-t3806.htm

Here are a few of my favourites.

1. You never have to use the space-bar when typing long sentences.

2. You can also infect a computer with a destructive virus by simply typing "UPLOAD VIRUS". (See "Fortress".)

3. All computers are connected. You can access the information on the villain's desktop computer even if it's turned off.

4. People typing on a computer can safely turn it off without saving the data.

5. A hacker is always able to break into the most sensitive computer in the world by guessing the secret password in two tries.

6. You may bypass "PERMISSION DENIED" message by using the "OVERRIDE" function. (See "Demolition Man".)

7. Computers only take 2 seconds to boot up instead of the average minutes for desktop PCs and 30 minutes or more for larger systems that can run 24 hours, 365 days a year without a reset.

8. Complex calculations and loading of huge amounts of data will be accomplished in under three seconds. Movie modems usually appear to transmit data at the speed of two gigabytes per second.

9. Computers can interface with any other computer regardless of the manufacturer or galaxy where it originated. (See "Independence Day".)

10. Computer disks will work on any computer has a floppy drive and all software is usable on any platforms.

11. The more high-tech the equipment, the more buttons it will have (See "Aliens".)

12. Most computers, no matter how small, have reality-defying three-dimensional active animation, photo-realistic graphics capabilities.

13. Searches on the internet will always return what you are looking for no matter how vague your keywords are. (See "Mission Impossible", Tom Cruise searches with keywords like "file" and "computer" and 3 results are returned.)

What are your favourite great movie computer moments. Leave us a comment.

Should Christians Support Halloween?

It’s 31 October and for many people, especially our American and British friends, its Halloween. Its trick or treat time. This has been seen as a harmless celebration over the years. It has not been much supported in South Africa, but support is growing. As we become more connected, as we are influenced by American culture, through television and friends. The participation in Halloween increases.

But as a Christian, should you be participating in this event. With no clear direct references to Halloween in the Bible, resolving the age old debate can be a challenge. How should Christians approach Halloween and is there a biblical way to observe this secular holiday?

Christians have been strongly divided on the observance of Halloween. Some believers feel complete freedom to observe the holiday, others run and hide from it, many boycott or ignore it, a number celebrate it through more positive and imaginative observances or Christian alternatives to Halloween, some don’t even know about it and wonder what all the fuss is all about, and still others choose to take advantage of Halloween's evangelistic opportunities.

The origins of Halloween are from a strong Celtic tradition. Halloween has pagan roots originating from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain. The Celtic people were very spiritual and were conscious of another world, the spiritual world. They had their own ideas of how they could gain access to it - such as by helping their over 300 gods to defeat their enemies in battle, or by imitating the gods in showing their intellect and cunning.

Their two main feasts were Beltane at the beginning of summer (May 1), and Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween) at the end of summer (Nov. 1). They believed Samhain was a time when the division between the two worlds became very thin, when hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished.

"During this interval the normal order of the universe is suspended, the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed, the sidh lies open and all divine beings and the spirits of the dead move freely among men and interfere sometimes violently, in their affairs"
(Celtic Mythology, p. 127).

This harvest festival of the Druids ushered in the New Year, beginning on the evening of October 31, with the lighting of bonfires and the offering of sacrifices. As the Druids danced around the fires, they celebrated the ending of the summer season and the beginning of the season of darkness. This is not applicable to southern hemisphere residents, as our summer begins in September. Perhaps this is why South Africans took so long to latch on to the celebrations.

It was also believed that at this time of year the invisible "gates" between the natural world and the spirit world would open, allowing free movement between the two worlds.

By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. During their rule of the Celtic lands, Roman festivals were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them. Another festival was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs, to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. In 834, Gregory III moved All Saint's Day from May 13 to Nov. 1 and for Christians, this became an opportunity for remembering before God all the saints who had died and all the dead in the Christian community. Oct. 31 thus became All Hallows' Eve ('hallow' means 'saint').. However, some of the pagan beliefs and practices associated with the celebration have persisted.

In 1517, a monk named Martin Luther honored the faithful saints of the past by choosing All Saints Day (November 1) as the day to publicly charge the Church heirarchy with abandoning biblical faith. This became known as "Reformation Day," a fitting celebration of the restoration the same biblical faith held by the saints throughout church history.

So what has that got to do with celebrating Halloween today. Surely those historical tractions have been long forgotten, and have no significance to us today. To find out if Halloween has any real religious connotations today, we need to research the Religions of Satan.

Our research brings us to Wicca, the official religion of witchcraft. What does it have to say about Halloween? Perhaps they viewed the day as a simple fun and innocent neighbourhood activity?

To our shock and dismay we found that Halloween is a real, sacred day for those who follow Wicca. In fact, it is one of two high and holy days for them. The Celtic belief of spirits being released is current, along with the worship of Samhain (the lord of death) – both are promoted as something to embrace on that day.

There is no question that to those who believe and follow the practices of witchcraft, Halloween represents an opportunity to embrace the evil, devilish, dark side of the spiritual world.

Deut 18:10-12 “10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”

These verses are pretty clear on what a Christian should not do. But you say, I’m not sacrificing my children, I’m not calling on the spirit of the dead. I’m not worshipping the devil. How many Christians are sacrificing their sons and daughters as a burnt offering on Halloween? How many are calling forth the spirits of the dead? The verse does not say that "trick or treating" disgusts the Lord.

However, what if you have come to the Christian faith from a background in the occult? What if, before you became a Christian, you did practice some of these deeds associated with witchcraft and sorcery? Perhaps refraining from Halloween and its activities is the safest and most appropriate response for you as an individual.

We need to be circumspect as to how our deeds and actions affect others. Often times there are no clear cut answers as to how to behave in the bible on certain issues. But one thing is clear. If it causes my brother to fall ,I should abstain.

Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother‘s way.

1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

How then does this affect us as Christians. Well the bible does tells us to avoid all appearance of evil. 1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

But it also tells us to be all things to all men. 1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Does this then mean we are to embrace the very evil things that men might do in order to win them to Christ. Absolutely not.We are to resist the Devil. we are to be in this world not of this world. But we are also told not to love the things of this world.

1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

There are many verses in the bible that in principal warn against such things as Halloween. Sure, the Bible does not say “Thou shalt not celebrate Halloween”. But it does say to honour God, resist the Devil, flee temptation, do no evil.

1Thes 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

3John1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

1Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Clearly Halloween is a worldly festival rooted in paganism. Clearly it is stooped in Devil worship. We should have no part in it. What we as Christians need to do is ask ourselves, are we doing justice to the cause of Christ by celebrating Halloween? If not, what then are we to do? Do we just ignore it, hide away, or run?

The answer I believe is No. Do not ignore or run away. Embrace the opportunity to spread the Gospel. I’m not advocating trick or treating. But have you ever considered the people that would potentially knock at your door, opening themselves up to a short gospel message. You do not have to go trick or treating, but you can give your testimony to those who are willing to come to your door. Along with your sweets you could also give some gospel tracts. Or how about creating a gospel message around some of those sweets.

Have you ever heard of the “Wordless Book” It has five colours representing the Gospel. Black – Sin, Red – Blood of Christ, White – Salvation, Yellow – Heaven, Green – Growth. What about Sweets or treats based on those five colours. As you hand them out, you can share the Gospel.

As Christians you and I are placed in this world to be a light in a world of darkness. There is no lasting benefit to ignore a holiday that exists around us, but it also does harm to celebrate Halloween as it has originated and grown over the centuries.

Technorati Tags: Halloween,Christian,Occult,Salvation,belief

Updating Multiple Social Networking Sites

Social Networking? Can be a life saver or a pain in the never region. Can take up a large portion of your day, and life. Can be a great business tool or a production black hole. Like most things, SN (Social Networks) can be good or bad. Depending how you use them.

I know of some people who spend up to three hours a day, updating their SN sites. Things like blogging, Facebook, twitter, plurk, flickr. This seems to escalate depending on how many SN sites you keep active.

When I first started out with my new Internet Business, website design and development, I added SEO to my stable. One of the things I learned quickly was that SN could drive traffic to your website. Help with building back links and help promote your website.

So what did I do? I started to join multiple Social Networks, including Facebook, twitter, plurk, linkedin etc. I also started blogging setting up multiple blogs. Some have similar content some are vastly different.

I soon found out that this took up a large amount of time. Having a new business I could not justify all the time spent on SN. I needed to bring in paying clients, I found it more profitable to spend time coding than Social Networking. But still realised the importance of SN.

I was in a bit of a dilemma. I knew that Social Networking could help me, but had no time to dedicate to it. As a result a lot of the SN sites were neglected. I only focused on the ones I thought might benefit me.

Enter in ping.fm. Ping.fm is a service that helps with updating multiple Social Network sites. By writing, or blogging in one place you can update everything. Their motto - "Ping.fm is a simple service that makes updating your social networks a snap".

Once you sign up, you add various services to your account that you want to update. They have many services in their stable and are adding more. Things like Blogger, LiveJournal, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter, Plurk, LinkedIn. etc.

By writing in one place, ping.fm, you can post (ping) to all your SN sites. Updating your status, ,micro-blogging, full blogging. I am doing this right now. This blog was sent to multiple blog sites via ping.fm.

Whether it is advisable to send the same thing to multiple blogs is for another discussion.

With ping.fm you can ping (post) to all your Social Networks at once, or to a selected group, or to individual ones. This is done by triggers. These triggers help ping.fm to know what you are trying to do. For instance, you could just make status updates, or post to your micro-blogging sites like twitter and plurk, or even post to you full blogging sites like Blogger and Wordpress. You can ping them individually or as a group.

You can even create your own triggers, so that you can post to your own combination of SN sites. For example, you might want to only post an update to Twitter and plurk. Create a trigger, write your update, and ping using that trigger.

Ping.fm makes it even easier to update your sites by providing other services that you can use to update them. Services like Instant Messaging. Do you have AOL IM, or Live Messenger, or Yahoo Messenger. Set up a ping.fm contact using their application key, and then you can update your Social Networks through your IM client.

If that does not work for you, you can set up an e-mail to update you Social Networks. This I find will work great for those who are behind a company firewall and are prohibited to go to certain sites. With an e-mail you could possible circumvent this and update your Facebook or twitter via e-mail. Although I haven't tested this out, I see no reason why it should not work.

If you have tried this out. Leave a comment and let me know how it went.

What if you have been banned from the internet and e-mail. Well ping.fm have provided another way for you to update your SN sites. Through the use of your Mobile phone or iPhone, you can update all your SN sites. You can even SMS (text) your updates in, or send e-mails from your Mobile and iPhone.

All in all I am impressed with this service. It certainly has taken out the drag of updating SN sites. I recommend you take a look and let me know.

Leave me a comment, tell me what you think.

Feeling overjoyed at the moment. Got my first Client enquiry via Google organic search. Sounds Promising. Has my SEO paid off.

It's Monday morning. Another day at the office and deeper in debt. Got so much work to do today.

Yes Yes Yes !!! Liverpool won 1-0. Top of the Log

Who is really weird

Are you fanatical??

I was blessed today as I was invited to a Christian mens breakfast. Being Currie Cup Rugby weekend (Similar to super bowl for those on the other side of the Atlantic), the restaurant was full of Sharks and Bulls supporters.

Our challenge was all bout wearing the shirt and playing for the team. Just wearing a rugby shirt does not make one a player. You do not automatically become a team member if you just happen to have a rugby jersey. On the flip side of the coin though, you cannot be on the team without a team shirt or jersey on.

The application was drawn to the Christian life, where many people who claim to be Christians are not team players but merely supporters. God does not want supporters for Christianity, He wants players.

My attention was then drawn to this idea of supporters. Wow and do we have some fantastic supporters. Even fanatical ones. Supporters who would paint themselves in the colours of their team. Wear the team colours. Sit with like minded team supporters. Some would even die for their team.

I mean friendships have been lost over supporting the opposite team. We call these people fanatical. I dare say that many of us are fanatical in some way over some team or other. We would easily skip work and play, for an opportunity to support our favourite team.

Being fanatical, takes real commitment and belief, even faith. Some would even support their team to the bitter end. I remember a man who committed suicide in the stadium after a Rugby Currie Cup final. His team lost, just lost.

My question though is, are we as fanatical about Christianity as we are about our sport? Are we proud to don the team colours, are we proud to look like a Christian? Do we advertise our Christianity as we would advertise our supporting team? Do we show up in the crowd as being vastly different? Would we sit with the same team members, do we advertise who and what we are?

We, most times, accept that being fanatical about sport is OK. Its part of life. But when someone is fanatical about God, then they are weird. There is something wrong with them.Why is it that we can be fanatical about sporting heroes, but when it comes to the Creator of the universe, we are embarrassed.

My challenge is, don on the Christian colours. Put on your Christian jersey. Advertise Gods emblem. Be more fanatical about Gods team than you are about some sports team. The one good thing about doing this is, that Gods team will never ever loose. Can you say that about your team?

Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

'Good Samaritan' Container - Christmas 08

Oakdale Baptist Church, Rock Hill, South Carolina

Oakdale Baptist in Rock Hill, SC are the champion's for our next 'Good Samaritan' container. We so desire to supply the GS donated goods to 8 disadvantaged Christian schools (linked to local Bible believing churches) in squatter camps around the City of Cape Town for Christmas 08.

We need your help with goods. We have received so far approximately 40 / 50% of goods needed to fill a 20' Shipping container.

The shipping costs to Cape Town have been graciously donated by Oakdale Baptist but we are in need of more goods. If you, your church or ministry have any of the items listed below that you would like to donate then please make contact with Jeff Reynolds (Oakdale Baptist Church) email address: jeffsiestakey@gmail.com Church Tel Number is: (803) 327 7972. Jeff will give you details in respect of where you can delivery the goods.

List of Material Needs

1. Educational Books – Math sets, English, Geography, Readers, stories, Colouring books.
2. Bibles, New Testaments, books for Christian Church and School libraries
3. Educational Toys -   puzzles, games, craft paper, soft toys, cars, dolls, Lego blocks, children’s bicycles and sports games, soccer balls
4. Educational Tools – Calculators, Compass, protractors, dividers, erasers, rulers, glue, sharpeners, pens, crayons, powder paints and brushes
5. Teacher training materials – Books, Computer software and programs
6. Medical – Vitamins, antiseptic, Tylenol, cotton wool
7. Accessories – Plates, bowls, spoons, gloves, sellotape
8. Computers (new and used) and software for early educational learning
9. Clothing – only NEW clothing can be shipped. No USED clothes because of SA customs rules for imports.
10. Candy for the Christmas Party for the children at their schools

To get the goods here for Christmas 08 we will need to ship the container by the 10th November from Rock Hill.

We trust the Lord that we will be able to give these special children a wonderful Christmas cause like the 'Good Samaritan' we did not pass bye.

God bless you as you help us with this special project. Have a blessed day, John and Barbara

Cape Missions Inc. USA (Public Charity 501c3 Reg. 20- 5122073)

Cape Town, South Africa
Tel: + 27 21 786 5163
Fax: + 27 0865119631
Email: john@capemissionsint.co.za
Website: www.capemissionsint.co.za

Prayer never expires.

Ever felt like your prayers have gone unanswered. Perhaps you have been praying for something for a while yet feel you are no where near a solution than when you fist started.

Maybe you feel that this kind of attitude is disrespectfull. After all, the Bible clearly teaches that God answers prayer. What we do not know is the when. Maybe you have even prayed about something then forgotten about it. Leaving it in Gods hands.

You cling to verses like 1Th 5:17  “Pray without ceasing.”, and Jas 5:16  “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”, and Mt 21:22  “And all things, whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”

But when you feel that you do not have an answer, does it mean that God is not interested, that He has forgotten. The answer is a unequivocal No. God, who transcends time, will not forget. Our prayers do not fall on deaf ears, they do not go unanswered. They do not expire.

The difference is that we need to understand that all things are done in Gods timing. His will is not ours. God answers prayer according to His sovereign will and plan.

The other thing that we cannot grasp is that God is everlasting. He is not bound by time or space. So it stands to reason that our prayers will never have an expiry date on it. Because there is not time, there can be no expiry.

We prayed for a baby for 8 years. Finally our prayer was answered. We were blessed with a baby girl. Did God forget. No, our baby cam at the appointed time. Remember Hannah, 1Sa 1:27  “For this child I prayed; and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him:”.

So be encouraged, if you have prayed for something many years ago, remember that prayer does not expire. God will answer that prayer. He know the right time to do so.

Isa 59:1 “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:”

May God save us from the religionists.

Rather (save us from man's imperfection) religious or not, its men who get this stuff all
whacky, it is nothing to do with religion whatsoever. Man is and always has been flawed and or imperfect. Christ made it clear in scripture, the 12 apostles he chose to build his church sinned, we are to follow Jesus to the best of our ability, but we can never lead Christ, His apostle Peter tried it once and Jesus (with love) said, get behind me Satan. (there is more to that verse then that but...).

So, for you guessing at the core beliefs of any church is unfair to the church or religion and yourself. Example:

The Catholic Church goes by the following principles:

It is the "action" of a person with "same sex attraction" and or a (homosexual) that God will judge, not the very temptation or the nature of a person.

For example, if a girl is attracted to girls but she restrains herself from the actual behaviour that goes with that desire, then she is as pure as any heterosexual who refrains from fornication.


"Hetero"-sexuals that commit adultery and or fornicate are most likely every bit as sinful as someone who has sex with the same sex (there can be other impacts on this to deep for this discussion).

As Christians we can not judge nor can we think we know the greater of two serious sins and how they measures up to one another, i.e. masturbation verses homosexual acts? One might think, for sure homosexual acts are a greater sin, but we don't know this for sure and it is flawed to think we know. My religion teaches against this type of judgement.

With that said, anyone who is truly remorseful for a sin and ask sincerely
for forgiveness, will be forgiven, something we can thank Jesus and His awesome sacrifice He did for us.

As I say, the Catholic Church does not discriminate against people with "same sex attraction" or if you prefer the term "heterosexual" more or less than, lets say a person who steals something from the supermarket, BUT, it does consider the act of stealing or "sex with the same sex" a sin and would encourage the sinner to reconcile with God.

Greg Hill

Is God discriminating against gays?

The authority of God, religious freedom, morality and the separation of church and state was seriously questioned when a Dutch Reformed church was ordered by the court to pay damages to a gay musician after the church fired him based on his sexual orientation.

The NG Church in Moreleta Park wanted their gay music teacher to "free himself" from his "sin" and live a life without impure thoughts about men, but Johan Strydom, 31, said that God had made him gay. So the church fired him.

The next thing you know, is the courts will seek to have churches pay damages for pedophiles who are excommunicated from churches and taken off church membership. What is this world coming too?

Many have sought to prove that homosexuality is genetic. But unequivocal evidence is still forthcoming. The best that can be determined is that any genetic involvement in homosexuality is as a result of mutated genes, in a bad sense. Similar to the study of genetics and criminals.

Now we know that sin is genetic and hereditary. The Bible says:
Ro 5:19  “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

Yes, homosexuality is hereditary, but then again according to the bible so is murder, lieing, adultery, theft, cheating etc. Do we live in fear if we discriminate against sin.

Does God discriminate? Well of course he does. With regards to homosexuality, read what the Bible says:

Rom 5:18  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. “

Is the state then going to sue God? Can our constitution hold God accountable for his actions against man whom he he obviously discriminates against. But let me qualify that. God does not discriminate against man, He discriminates against sin. God hates sin. Man has a choice to obey or disobey. If man decides to disobey God, he must accept the responsibility.

Man is continually seeking to justify his own sin. Whether is be lieing, stealing adultery, homosexuality, murder, bestiality or what ever. We do not want to admit that we are sinners so we invent laws and regulations that condone our sin. Our conscience is seared. We become passive.

Jud 17:6  In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Pr 12:15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that listens to counsel is wise.
Pr 21:2  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts.

The question that this man posed was, did God made him homosexual. Well the first and obvious point is that if God did make him homosexual, why then would God seek to punish him for something that that he did not do. Why then would God  prohibit homosexuality if He made people this way. No I’m afraid there is no verse in the bible that condones homosexuality or even suggest that God created man this way. No I’m afraid that God made them “Adam and Eve” and not “Adam and Steve”

Ge 1:27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

God is a just God and hates sin.This is proven by his great deed of sacrifice, love and grace.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 15:13  Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Homosexuality is condemned throughout the Bible. Sodomy is one of the sins that cries to heaven for vengeance, and God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this very sin.

Jude 1:7 -“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

Leviticus 18:22, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."

Leviticus 20:13, "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."

Deuteronomy 23:17, "There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel."

1 Kings 14:24, "And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel."

1 Kings 15:11-12, "And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father. And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made."

For God, sin is sin. Wether it is a simple white lie or a heinous murder, rape or a high-jacking, adultery or homosexuality. God says that if you are guilty in one part you are guilty of all. So in reality we are all guilty. Homosexuality is no different than cheating, lieing, murder, disobeying the speed limit. Ultimately it is disobedience to God.

Jas 2:10  For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Ro 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Ro 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

But there is a way out. God sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for us all. That includes the homosexual, the murderer and me. By His Grace, God has made us righteous if we but accept Christ's death burial and resurrection. Nicodemus ask, what shall I do to be saved. The answer, He must be Born again. Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

God said: Isa 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, said the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

'Spring Harvest' - Revival Meetings

'Spring Harvest' - Revival Meetings
Cape Town, South Africa   
Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 7th September 2008
Cape Missions International
"Will You not Revive us again that Your People may rejoice in You" (Ps. 85.6)
South Africa is an open door for Spiritual Renewal
Partner with us by sending a gifted Preacher of God's Word with a small support team to join us in Cape Town for a week of Evangelistic / Revival meetings for our annual Spring Harvest Revival

We will partner you with a local church ‘sold out’ for Revival in our country that will fully support your team

The week will involve Children’s & Youth ministry, Mentoring church leadership, Pastors & Leaders Conference & preaching Gods Word
If you have a passion for Revival and Missions in Africa contact us
Attached is a promotional document for your church and details of the program

CONTACT:
Charmaine Baker - Cape Missions International, Cape Town, South Africa
Tel: + 27 21 782 3361
Email: charmaine@capemissionsint.co.za 

Website: http://www.capemissionsint.co.za

Who wants to live forever?

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a braai (barbeque) of a good friend of mine. He just turned 50. He has been in the ministry for nearly half that time. Serving the Lord and living by faith.

When I was younger, he took me under his wing and discipled me. Taught, disciplined me. He is regarded by many as a hard task master. Yet many love to hear him preach and share.

As we were talking I got to remember a project my son, Daniel, was doing for home school. He had to go though Genesis, and map out the life and age of many of the people who lived at that time. What amazed him, was the fact that early man lived to ages of 900 years and up. That meant that middle age was only around about 450 years.

As I spoke to Mike, we reminisced how we did things in the past. How we would go on beach missions. Play beach volleyball every day, preach in the afternoon and night. Jump run and all that. We looked at our selves and realised that we do not have the body to do all that any more.

We were in fact passed middle age. Our bodies were feeling the passage of time. 50 years to us seems a long time. Mike was just saying that he probably only has 20 more years left. As he was reminded that the Lord said that our lives will be "Three score and ten..", or 70 years.

What amazed me was that the likes of Adam, Abraham, Seth, Enoch, Noah, 50 years was really considered to be a toddler. Could you imagine still being fit and healthy at 450 years.

You see the Lord had created us with immortality in mind. We were meant to live much linger that 900 years. But because of our sin, we were cursed. We were in fact punished.

But we can regain that imortality, that everlasting life. The Lord gave us a choice. He sent His Son, that those who accept His death on the Cross, and His ressurection, would gain eternal life. Is that not what all men are seeking.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Look no further for the fountain of youth. For you have found it.
For those who have accepted Christ as their saviour. Enjoy Long Long Long years. See ya all in heaven, with a glorified body.

Who wants to live forever?

God Given Talents.

Eph4:11 And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

What is talent. Can it be learnt. Does practice make perfect. Can a construction worker become a musical maestro or a brain surgeon. Are you born with talent? Is it Inherited. Do you always have talent, or do you get different talent at stages? Where does it come from?

Many questions that many have asked. I believe that all we have comes from God. After all He is the Creator. He made us. SO whatever we have, what ever you might call it, God gave it to us. He did so for a reason. He gave you and I specific talents because he made us so that we could use those talents in the best possible way.

Now I do not have a talent for music. I am tone deaf, cannot sing. I have learned to play the guitar, but it is very hard. I cannot read music, I cannot play by ear.

Now my son, Daniel, who is only 11 years, has a keen interest in music. He seems to have some sort of natural talent.

He taught himself to play the keyboard and piano. He plays by ear at this moment. He has never had any piano lessons, and never played the piano before. Neither my wife or I taught him. Yet he is pretty good for his age, and for the limited teaching he has received.

Here is a short video of him play “Clocks” by Coldplay.

Where did he get this from? Well I believe that the Creator created him this way. It did not evolve, it did not happen per chance. God intended it to be so.

Yes, he does have to practice, and yes he does have to take lessons. But this I believe is just bringing to the surface the talent God has already given him.

Ro 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Ro 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I would not have you ignorant.
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:28 And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I to you a more excellent way.

Do Miracles still happen?

My wife, Beverley, has had a history of back problems. When she worked for ABSA, they made her carry, and pick up boxes in some store room. Since then she has had stiffness and slight pain in her back.

This had over the years, gotten progressively worse. Beverley had resigned herself to her back problem because she probably felt that it was her lot in life seeing that her father also has back problems.

One day, outside, Beverley twisted, and made her back worse. Now she could not walk for very long, but it was bearable. Beverley fell pregnant after many years of praying. This would not help her back problem.

The birth was very difficult. Lots of pressure. Beverley started Bleeding after the birth and nearly died. Just thanks to  the Lord and the many that prayed for her that she is alive today.

This made her back even worse. We went to the a orthopaedic doctor, who wanted to remove a disc and fuse the vertebra. He was very abrupt and seemed un-professional. We did not like this, so sought another opinion.

We found a neurosurgeon, who suggested a few options to us. Something that the other doctor never did. One was drastic, surgery. The other, was that if Beverley could withstand the pain she should change her lifestyle. No bending, no picking up heavy objects, taking it easy. That sort of thing.

Well she did this for a couple of months hoping that the situation would reverse itself. But it didn’t. Although it did not get any worse.  So Beverley was quite happy to take this route, as she was still breastfeeding and did not want to give that up in order to go to hospital and spend days  on her back.

Then the unthinkable happened. Beverley slipped in the bath and pulled her back out. She was bed ridden for six weeks, could hardly walk, had no feeling in her legs. Could not stand for longer than a minute. This was really serious. Surgery seemed now to be the only option. But there was anxiety, as many people who had back surgery have not been happy, and some are even worse off now. Beverley’s father for example.

We had numerous x-rays and scans. Only to find that Beverley had done some severe damage to her lower back. Her disc were protruding over 1cm and trapping the main nerve down to her leg. This was dangerous, as any wrong movement could cause her to be paralysed. This scan shows it in great detail.

Notice the last three discs, the dark lines in between the vertebra. Notice the middle one, the one with the great big bulge compressing the nerves. What great technology we have today.

So there was no doubt. Beverley had to have surgery. She had to have a lumbar micro-discectomy. Basically they were going to go in and cut off the bulge.

Well we though that this was going to be a long time in hospital, long time in bed, long recovery period. But the doctor said 2-3 days tops, in hospital, walking 1-2 days after the surgery. I had to see this.

After the surgery, Beverley never had any antibiotics. The nursing staff suggested that the doctor in question does such a great job, that antibiotics are not needed.

The doctor said that the broken piece of disc was very large but he removed it. The cut had 18 staples put in to keep it nice and neat and closed.  The staples were removed 2 weeks later with no discomfort.

Well the miracle is that now, that just over two weeks since the surgery. Beverley is walking without pain. She is over the moon, and cannot believe the mobility that she now has. Her feeling in her leg is coming back. She still cannot pick up heavy objects but just being able to walk and stand without pain is fantastic.

Praise the Lord! He is the great physician.

Luke 9:11  And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

Today we are taking another step. We are going shopping. Yes a bad dream for me, but a miracle for Beverley. She now believes that she can walk around the shopping mall without pain (Something she hasn’t been able to do for over a year).  Thanks to the Lord.

I am reminded of an old hymn - “Count your blessing name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has Done”

De 28:2  And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of the LORD your God.

Have you experienced a miracle from God today? Let us know about it.

How has God Blessed You Today?

To many non-Christians, belief in God is superstitious, un-scientific, non-realistic. To some it might just be a crutch, to others just another belief system among thousands. To many, there is no proof of God.

This might be true in a simple scientific way. One cannot prove God in a test tube. But then many things in science people believe but cannot be proven as scientific fact. Take "Black Holes" for instance. These are an astronomical phenomenon that are expressed in many Sci-Fi movies. Yet scientist believe that they exist. Have they seen a "Black Hole"? The answer is NO. So then how do they believe or prove that one might exist. Well what they do is look at external factors, look at things that might be a cause or an effect of a "Black Hole". Things like, gravitational discrepancies, light discrepancies, etc. Just like wind. We cannot see it, but we can measure its effect on us and our surroundings.

This is not unlike how we can know that God exists. Can we prove God in a laboratory? No. But we can measure His effects on us and our surrounding. This is an acceptable scientific method of proof.

A few months ago, I was travelling on the highway, behind a delivery truck. Next thing, a loud bang. I got such a fright. A block of wood, had come loose on the truck, flew through the air and hit my windscreen. Fortunately it did not come through the windscreen.

Anyway, after I got the drivers particular, I phoned the company involved, who said it was not a problem. I was glad seeing that I had recently cancelled my car insurance. After a few day nothing happened. I then phoned the company involved, and they directed me to their insurance company. This insurance company then refused to pay for my windscreen, stating that their driver gave a different version of events. After lengthy discussions and e-mail, the insurance company said that if I wanted the windscreen paid for I was to take them to court.

Well needless to say, I was not able to tale them to court. So my windscreen remained smashed for weeks. I had to drive the vehicle like that as I never had any other vehicle to use. Being very nervous as I had a feeling that I would be pulled over one day by the traffic police and be fined.

Well that day finally happened. I started out this week Tuesday going to a meeting to secure some websites for my website development and hosting business I just started. The lord was good as I managed to secure two new websites. I was really trusting the Lord, as I figure that I need about 80 websites to make ends meet, and so far I have 8. So the day was good. On my way home, I got pulled over by a traffic policewomen. I kept reminding myself to be kind and polite as perhaps I will get a smaller fine. She asked me for the usual, drivers licence. we exchanged pleasantries. She then went over and had a long look at the smashed windscreen. Oh boy, here it comes, I thought. She then started to explain to me that this was illegal, and that I was going to get into trouble with the police, and that the fine was hefty, bla bla bla. She then asked me how the windscreen was smashed. I relayed to her the whole story.

Surprise, surprise she turned to me and said, "If it wasn't me, you would be in big trouble, but I will let you off this time. But you need to get the windscreen fixed or drive another vehicle". I thought to myself, I had better phone my sister, who owns a windscreen fitment company, and get the thing fitted. Where I will get the money, the Lord only knows. But I was thankful for little mercies, as I did not get a fine, that was a blessing in itself.

Upon arriving home, as I entered the front door, not even having time to relay the story of the current day to my wife, my cell phone rings. I answer. On the other side is my brother-in-law. He asks me where I am at the moment. I tell him, I am at home. He then says something that brings cold chills down my spine, and fills me with heaps of excitement. He says, "Bring you car in, I have a windscreen for you that I can fi right now, My guys are waiting for you."

I rushed to his fitment shop. The windscreen was fitted for free.

You say, that's just coincidential. Maybe. Your brother-in-law knew about the windscreen. Yes He did. But what he did not know, or could not know, is the events of that day. The traffic police, the fine etc. Also I never once asked for a new windscreen or even mentioned it to him.

My point is this. You ask for proof of a black hole, I give you the effects of a black hole. You ask for proof that God exists, I give you the effects God has on His children. God demonstrates Himself to us on a daily basis.

Today in church I preached on Romans 5:8-11. Speaking of God demonstrating His love toward us.
Ro.5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

God demonstrates His love towards us on a daily basis. First off by Christ dying for us. Next by His grace every day, and then by His mercy, and then also by His sustenance and protection.

Is God real? Yes He is. How do I know that? I feel the effect of His love blowing on my life on a daily basis.

How has God blessed you today? Why not let me and others know. Drop me a comment.

Testing What You Preach

This week has been real tough for me, as well as an eye opener. It all started on Sunday, where I preached on perhaps one of the toughest verses in the Bible. Perhaps not the toughest to understand or interpret. But the toughest to live. Romans 5:3-5. Speaking about Glorying in tribulation.

Romans 5:

“3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

This verse is easy to understand, but takes great courage to live. How many of us can glory when times are rough. How many are thankful to God for the increase in the petrol price? How many are joyful when the interest rates go up? How many can have a smile on their face when they have no job and a hungry family to feed, debts to pay? How many of us can shout out "HALLELUJAH" when we are at rock bottom and the times are rough? Not many. In fact it takes a special breed to do that. Our natural tendency is to panic, to cry, to run and hide and perhaps even to blame others, of which one might even be God.


Yes its tough to be happy, don't worry everything will be alright. What Romans teaches us, is that this toughness, this special power, can only come from the Holy Spirit. It is not Natural for us to be in a state of joy when the world around us is falling apart. But the commandment from God, is to have faith in Christ, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That He will not tempt you above what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape.

I Cor.10:13 “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

This reminded me so much of that poster entitled "Footprints in the sand". How God is with us all the way, even when we believe or feel He isn't. This was the crux of my message on Sunday. The problem is that God was going to put me to the test, to see if I can live up to what I preached.



If you have read my other post. You will know that I am without a permanent job, or at least a permanent job in the normal sense. I am trying to work from home, with my new Internet business. My wife, Beverley, has hurt her back in a really bad way, and is probably in need of surgery.



Here is what happened this week. We found out that we have no more medical aid funds. After three months without work, no money has been coming in from the new business side. In fact no new business has come in. Debts are building up, and the overdraft is exhausted. What am I to do. What kept coming to my head was that I need to put my faith and trust in the God whom I serve. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows our needs. I kept praying day in and day out. Lord, help me through this, I am at a loss.



You know what, the Bible tells us that Gods strength is made perfect in our weakness. 2Co 12:9 “And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
This was my case, I did not know where to turn. I needed money, I needed business. I needed people who wanted web sites, so that I could work and get money. Life is not fair you know. I am willing and wanting to work, to build web sites. But I could not get anybody to bite.



Well just as God is true to His word, He came through. On Wednesday, an old colleague phoned me up, wanting my help in a programming job that he was doing for a client. Great that's worth R5000-R8000. Then another Pastor friend of mine, phoned me up to say that a security firm that he deals with, needed a web site. Another R1500. I then went to a presentation, where I was able to network with people. They were so impressed with my presentation, that three expressed a willingness for me to do something for them with regards to web sites. More work, Great!!!. Then I got a call that a bunch of attorneys, also needed a web site. I have a telecom meeting with them for next week.



What came out of all this was that God was able to bring all things together for me, just to show me that He can bless, if we trust him and Glory in our tribulations.



My encouragement to you. Is keep the faith. Don't forget that God is all powerful, He is able. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be with you till the ends of the earth.



Do you have an encouraging story to tell? Do you have a situation to share where God was able to work wonders in supplying your very needs? Share your experiences with us, leave a comment. I'd love to, as I am sure others are to, to hear from you.

Heb 3:13 “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”



Remember "Glory in tribulation".

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Why start a blog?

Why did I start this blog?

Well simple really, I have strong views and sometimes controversial views about Christianity. I believe that I am called to share the word of God with as many people as I can. Leading those who do not know Christ to a saving knowledge of Him. Uplifting other Christians and speaking, or blogging in this case, the truth.

The internet is a wonderful medium to achieve just this. There are so many people to reach, its amazing. I think more Christians should take hold of this opportunity.

I've been a Christian since 1983 when in my matric (12th grade) I heard a message entitled "Hell and how to get there". Coming from a broken home of alcoholism, fighting and just outright ungodly behaviour, I was keen to get away from this environment. I was interested in death. What was it? Where did we go after life? Could we come back? I was interested in outer-body experiences. Keen on time travel. The only thing I hated about death, was the pain. If I had to die, it would have had to be quick. I always said that if I ever went sky-diving and my parachute never opened I would go into a head dive. I did not want to have the pain and suffering. Obviously the chances of surviving such a fall were near impossible, but you understand my state of mind.

Well, when I heard this message, it scared the living daylights out of me. I was not one to scare easily. I loved watching horror movies, but this was a horror movie for real. I mean imagine going to a place like Hell, and never having the ability to get out or be redeemed. That's scary.

Anyway after that message I trusted Christ. Ever since then I dedicated my life to the spread of the Gospel. I went to bible college for many years. Went fulltime into the ministry. Got married. Got a full time job. But still remained true to my conviction.

I started to help out at a church near by me. Soon the pastor left and the church was left without a leader. I decided to step in. So now I was pastoring a church and holding down a full time job.

Well years went by. This year I left my full time job and started working from home. I wanted to finish my theology schooling and dedicate more time to my family. Why is this significant. Well I think its a brave thing to step out in faith and trust God for your income. Many will find that strange, and perhaps even hard to believe. But as you continue to read this blog, you will find some amazing stories as to how a living God can and will take care of you.

As of now, my new home job, developing web sites and Search Engine Optimisation has not made much money for me. But it is still in the infancy stage. I believe that God will help me make a success of this.

Anyway, having the ability to work from home has given me the opportunity to create a blog like this. To be able to share my views. Help others. Answer questions. Post controversial ideas. share what the Bible has to say. Correct misinterpretations , and in general give God the Glory.

So here is the question. Are you a Christian? Do you believe in God? I would love to hear from you. Drop me a comment. Do you think I am mad, off my head, lost a few screws? I don't mind.

Why not share some of your experiences with me. Let others know how God has worked in your life. Perhaps you have a burden to share. Maybe you have a prayer request. Imagine having millions of people around the world, those reading this blog, praying for your situation. How powerful is that? Maybe you have a wonderful testimony to share that will help and encourage others. What ever it might be, join me and others in sharing the truth of the Gospel.

Even if you let me know where you are from, I would greatly appreciate it.