South Africa is gearing up for an upcoming election later this month, and anticipation is high as predictions suggest that the ruling party since the end of apartheid may not secure a majority. This scenario could necessitate the formation of a coalition with other parties in order to govern effectively. Drawing from my experience living in South Africa from 2017 to 2023, and observing the country’s electoral processes in the past, I have confidence that this month’s election will be conducted freely and fairly. Looking ahead, my hope is that the elected party or coalition government will harness all available resources and power to address the pressing challenges faced by the people. This includes tackling issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. With effective leadership and a commitment to serving the interests of all citizens, South Africa can navigate these challenges and move towards a brighter future for all. May God bless South Africa. May God bless Africa! 

Upon accepting Christ into our lives, He becomes the cornerstone of our faith, anchoring us securely. However, this pivotal moment marks the beginnng of a journey where we construct our lives upon this foundation. The actions we take, akin to building materials, vary greatly in their durability and significance. Some resemble the enduring qualities of gold, silver, or precious stones, while others bear the fragility of wood, hay, or stubble. It is incumbent upon each of us to recognize the weight of our responsibility in this endeavor. We are tasked with ensuring that the structure we build, the works we engage in, reflect a steadfast commitment to faithfulness. Thus, we must conscientiously choose to invest our efforts in building with materials of lasting worth—gold, silver, or precious stones. By doing so, we not only honor our commitment to Christ but also ensure that our deeds stand as a testament to our unwavering devotion and fidelity. If you haven’t yet welcomed Christ into your life and would like to, you can say the following prayer: “Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Savior of the world. Please forgive me for my sins. I repent of them and ask for your forgiveness. Grant me the strength to turn away from sin and place my trust in you for every aspect of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

The morning of Jesus’s resurrection stands as the pinnacle of human history, fulfilling his promise of triumph over death. His resurrection, precisely as foretold, validates every word and pledge he made. His assurance that believers will experience resurrection, transcending death, instills profound hope. Rather than fear, believers are called to spread the transformative message of Jesus and actively contribute to positive change in the world. Yet, such a calling demands abiding in Christ. We rely on his grace and guidance to fulfill this mission. Abiding in him entails immersing ourselves in his teachings, delving into his word, and fostering a constant communion through prayer. Through this intimate connection, we draw strength and direction to live out his teachings and share his love with others. Other reasons why the day of Jesus’s resurrection holds unparalleled significance in history include:

A pivotal moment in my career occurred when I received an invitation to an all-expenses-paid two-week advanced research workshop in Providence, Rhode Island, nearly a decade ago. This opportunity not only allowed me to transform the trajectory of my research but also facilitated connections with scholars from the Global South, some of whom I am still in contact with today. Providence, located in Rhode Island, United States, was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams—a Reformed Baptist theologian and religious exile from Massachusetts. Williams purchased land from the Narragansett Indians, establishing a new settlement he named “Providence” as an expression of gratitude to God for protection during his exile. Reflecting on the city’s name, I draw inspiration from the Heidelberg Catechism—a Protestant confessional document written in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1563. This catechism, structured in a question-and-answer format with 52 sections, includes Questions 27 and 28, which delve into the concept of Providence. Question 27: What do you understand by the providence of God? Providence is the Almighty and ever-present power of God, upholding heaven, earth, and all creatures. It governs every aspect of life, ensuring that all occurrences, from leaf and blade to fruitful and lean years, come from His fatherly hand. Question 28: How does this knowledge of God’s creation and providence help us? Understanding God’s creation and providence fosters patience in adversity, gratitude in prosperity, and confidence in our faithful God. All creatures are under His control, unable to move without His will. The bold choice of naming the land “Providence” by Roger Williams resonates with the profound understanding of God’s providence. I encourage you to take time to reflect on the providence of God, allowing it to draw you closer to Him, infuse you with energy, and empower you to achieve remarkable exploits in your world. 

Today, our pastor will continue guiding us through the 6-week sermon series exploring Psalm 23, focusing on the profound verses, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”  In an effort to shed light on the significance of rest, he shared Christine Ro’s enlightening BBC article, “How overwork is literally killing us,” published on May 19, 2021. The article delves into the repercussions of overworking, emphasizing the severe consequences on mental and physical well-being. By narrating the story of Lisa Choi, Christine highlights the importance of proper rest and sleep, emphasizing that mere activity, fitness, and a healthy diet are insufficient. The article prompts reflection on our own plans for rest and quality sleep in the upcoming week. As we consider Mark 6:31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest,’” we are reminded of the value of finding moments of peace and rejuvenation in our busy lives.

In the vast realm of social connections facilitated by platforms like Facebook, the abundance of friends may not necessarily translate into genuine connections. True friends, the ones you can rely on in challenging times, are a rare and invaluable treasure amidst the digital sea of acquaintances. Identifying ten or even five such authentic friends is a testament to one’s blessedness. It’s not merely about the quantity but the quality of friendships that withstand the tests of life’s challenges. As we seek steadfast companionship, it’s equally essential to embody the qualities of a reliable friend ourselves. In a recent sermon by Pastor Levi Secord, he outlined the attributes of a good friend—loyalty, the ability to give and receive constructive criticism, practicing grace and confidence, and possessing wisdom and godliness. These traits serve as a compass for those striving to enrich their lives with meaningful connections. Yet, the ultimate exemplar of true friendship lies in the unparalleled bond exhibited by Jesus Christ. His selfless act of laying down his life for us serves as a profound lesson on the essence of being a genuine and sacrificial friend. Embracing these principles not only enhances our relationships but also transforms us into the kind of friends we aspire to have.

My recent venture into selling our property in South Africa underscored the profound impact of a surrendered prayer. Despite initiating the sale in February and engaging numerous estate agents, we encountered a discouraging lack of offers, with only one significantly below our expectations. Notably, this wasn’t a fault of the estate agents; rising interest rates and many potential buyers not qualifying for a 100% bond contributed to the challenge. As July drew to a close, I persisted in prayer, seeking both the successful sale of our property and finding peace in the prospect of renting it out—a scenario we were initially reluctant to entertain. In a nutshell, divine guidance manifested, leading us to a willing buyer. Remarkably, this individual, currently renting but harboring the desire to own a property, was fortunate enough to secure a 100% loan from her bank. What the expertise of estate agents couldn’t achieve, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, facilitated through our surrendered prayers. Reflecting on this, I encourage you to consider your current predicament or challenge. While consulting experts is prudent, incorporating a surrendered prayer can bring about transformative outcomes. When aligned with His will, rest assured that divine intervention will pave the way, even in seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

About 14 months ago, I embarked on my journey as an immigrant to the United States. I couldn’t partake in last year’s Thanksgiving festivities as I had to return to South Africa to initiate the relocation process. Over the course of this year, I’ve shuttled back and forth between the USA and South Africa three times before finally settling down in the United States. Throughout my travels and the process of making the US my new home, I’ve experienced the mercies and goodness of God. Reflecting on my journey, I am confident in saying that He has guided my steps, and I am profoundly grateful for His providence in every aspect of my life. This year, especially, has been marked by numerous great and marvelous things that God has done for me. As I celebrate my FIRST Thanksgiving in the United States, I want to express my gratitude to God. I am keenly aware that I am what I am solely by His grace. I am thankful for the journey that has led me to this point and for the numerous blessings that have unfolded in my life. Regardless of your location outside the US, there are reasons for gratitude towards God, as His mercies sustain your life!