LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE WHEREVER YOU ARE!
I am thankful for my health, for getting up in the morning and feeling strength, for being able to go out of my house, for being able to drive around, for being able to sleep well uring the night.
I am really thankful, grateful and humbled in the presence of my GOD.
This post if about Becki Rusk. I met her nearly 2 years ago here in CapeTown. She came with her husband John to have COastlands Community Church to be their base and home church for when I travel. They are missionaries. I really like Becki and even now that she sngs with the angels int throneroom and is with Jesus, I cannot stop thining about her. She went to be with Jesus after 8 months of ling cancer. 
I enjoyed her so much while she was here. She was a real servant - someone who listened very well. Whenever I see lavenar bushes I think back of her andhow she would stop and smell them before wlking on. I love her laughter and her smiles. She really ad a gentle soul.
When I drive arond here in Table View,there are so many little memories that pop up daily.
I never saw her upset.
When we had a small gorup that met every friday at 5:30am and I was not able to get my car, Becki would come and pick me up, take the extra time - it blessed me tremendously.
She always had this peace about her, she was centered in Jesus and I could see it, feel it , even smell it.
One day I met with her at the mall. It was shortly after Johnand her had moved here, found a place to stay. Becki told me that day tha she had always loved working out and walking but that there was not really a good possibility to do that here. Then she thought of walking around the mall for an hour with me....we walked and talked during that time, sahred hearts...and hse got her workout!! Whenever I am in the gym right now, I think of her.
THen our outing to Paternoster: It was an outreach and Becki wanted to go so bad. She was already in pain during that time but did not know about the cancer. She drove and we took 2 of the YOuth and Zaks with us. It was an awesome experience that I will never forget.
I guess I cosnider myself very blessd to have spent time with her.
I miss her and my heart and prayers go out to John, her mom Novella and her dad Ralph and to all the family.
Gone too soon.....
but then God must have really wanted her with HIM....
I loved the way my church here in Table View/Cape Town celebrated the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. We were to come to church at 9pm on New Year’s Eve. Instead of meeting in the sanctuary, we met in our Coffee area. One of the men started a big fire in the back and we all started to nibble at finger food we all had brought. We chatted away and our worship leader entertained us with fun songs on the guitar. Around 10:30pm, we all came out to the fire and worshipped God. After that a time of testimonies followed. We could stand up and thank God for certain things in 2009. After a hard and challenging year, this was about getting into a mood of thankfulness. I was really moved. This is what I shared that night (only about an hour before it was officially 2010). “I am so thankful for this year. It has been quite a challenging one in a lot of aspects. Yet I have observed a sincere growth in me, a change that I think is a miracle. At the beginning of the year, we challenged to GROW DEEPER WITH JESUS and I am thankful for seeing that in my life. I know God has healed me more. I was able to see my parents for a month, to visit with friends in Germany and the States which actually meant a lot to me. I was able to get my own apartment after such a long time of sharing living space. I am also thankful that Coastlands Community Church has become more of a home for me. 2009 was full of victories. Thank you God for 2009 and may 2010 be even better” Now 2010 is here and as a church we are challenged by God to KEEP IT SIMPLE this year.
This blog post shall be about Rebecka aka BECKI Rusk. I met her shortly after I arrived in Cape Town in February of last year. She came with her husband John as missionaries to the same church. They both know Pastor Xavier and his wife Heather for a while. It has been a blessing to be here with them. Last friday, Becki was diagnosed with an agressive type of cancer. They left this last week for treatment back to Phoenix/Arizona.
My prayers are with them, with Becki..every day. God, your healing touch on Becki. Be with her HOly Spirit in this difficult time.
Becki, I miss you :)
I made a plan. After my meal I would get into one of those and just look at the blue sky. So that is what I did. Shortly after I lied down, a young boy struck up a conversation with me. He was quite a chatter box. His name was Keeyan with a K like a KEEN KING as he explained to me. “WOW, I said,” my name starts with a K as well…”
We made friends and talked about funny animated movies such as Madagascar and Kungfu Panda and Toy Story. The Keeyan said: “It is very nice meeting you!”
By then three other lill kids seemed to be drawn to me and we all chatted. I felt so awesomely blessed; it is hard to put it into words. Here I was, just having had a lunch on my own…I could have felt so lonely…but God had a different plan and I am glad I caught that one. HE blessed me with the presence of 5 really sweet kids: Keeyan (8years old), a girl (9 years old), a girl (4 years old), her little sister (3 years old) and a cute little blond boy (3 years old). I drank in the scene that displayed itself in front of my eyes and I know that you my God have drawn those kids to me.
Before I left, Keeyan said: “SO, is this good-bye?” I told him so but then hugged him good-bye and then he put a shy little boy’s kiss on my cheek saying: This is MY good-bye to you.”
Thank you, dear PAPPA in heaven for blessing me with your sweet presence today…it was so tangible. Words cannot describe, even pictures fall short of even coming close to that one. Thank you form the bottom of my heart!!!! Your Sunshine K
Normally, I would have preached on my 9th birthday- how fun! But they postponed the meeting and ministering to the older people for a week. That is fine with me- I am prepared now. Yes, I am pumped by God's truth.
I want to share it with all of you who are intersted in a simple truth that has the most impact on our lives: GIVING THANKS- Stop for a moment: what are you thankful for right now...right now in this moment? I am thankful that God is in control and that He guides me and that I will see dear friends of mine from Germany in the next days or in the next week!!
Giving thanks is powerful- Giving thanks puts us in a humble place- Giving thanks is God's answer to life!!!
There are two very powerful accounts of Jesus found in the gospel of John where we can learn something from Jesus concerning giving thanks.
1-Check out the account when Jesus feeds the 5000 in John chapter 6. We do know the story: After Jesus had just confronted the Saduccees and given proof that he was the Son of God, he crossed the sea of Galilee and found himself followed by at least 5000 people (it says 5000 men and therer probably were children and women too). There was no money to buy food for all. Then a lillte boy gave them some fish and a loaf of bread. Now, think with me: I would have prayed likethis: please heavenly Father, please multiply this food, make it more so we can all have at least a little bit, Amen. But what did Jesus do? Have a look: He took the bread , broke it and gave THANKS to God- then he gave out the pieces and there was even enough to fill 12 baskets in the end!! A Miracle!! What does giving thanks do? It multiplies provision!!2-Check out the account when Jesus comes "late" to the tomb of his friend Lazarus, who had died. Jesus was moved to tears (the chortes verse in the Bible: Jesus wept!. When He stands in front of the tomb Jesus prayed. Was it a long prayer? Was it a prayer like: Dear Father, please give Lazarus his life back- please perform a miracle? NO - look closer with me....Jesus GAVE THANKS.
Giving thanks brings resuurection- Giving thanks brings things to life!So I learned to powerful truths from the way Jesus acted and prayed to HIS Heavenly Father:
1. Giving thanks brings multiplication in provision and 2. Giving thanks brings resurrection.That is powerful and I do believe there are more examples of truth int he BIBLE of how powerful the very simple act of GIVING THANKS really is. I applied it a lot this week already. A lot of times I don't feel like giving thanks and yet through doing it...God is changing my heart! Greetings from Kerstin,with a thankful heart :) Let us approach the throne of grace iwth confidence and let us enter into HIS Gates with thanksgiving!!!
and God led her to lead me to HIM! Every year on this day, I make a special note, do a special thing and remember that special time that turned my life upside down – UPSIDE DOWN in the best way possible!!! I remember when Christine and I had finished the little prayer (boy was I nervous and excited for I had never prayed like this…2 people together), Christine told me that I am a Christian now and we went from her kitchen into the living room where all the others from our Bible Study waited and I announced: I think, I guess I am a Christian now–grin- I remember it as if it where yesterday! Then we popped a German (!!!!) bottle of Champaign and took this picture!!!
Blessings to the one who risked so much to reach out to me at that time…blessings to all those who did!
Now, 9 years later, I followed God’s call on my life to go to South Africa to bless people in need here. Crazy stuff but fun stuff….stuff to praise and worship the only one who could make this possible: Jesus Christ-DADDY-Holy Spirit=3 in one…what a mystery !!!!
I have more of my testimony on my blog on earlier posts from 2 years ago- feel free to browse through HERE!
I know that without Jesus, I would not be here, without Jesus I guess I would be in a very complicated marriage and without Jesus I definitely would not be the woman I am today! HE reminds me of this every day…every day I know that without HIM I can do nothing (John 15:4)
A humble Miss Sunshine on a very sunny day here in Cape Town
I have been pondering on this one: the power of thankfullness, the power of giving thanks to GOD, to the right source.
Recently, I was given a nugget, a wonderful piece of truth and understanding that totally flashed me. I am going through a rather intersting time emotionally and it is so awesome how God , my PAPPA has been holding me and guiding me in this.
Being thankful is a big thing and it is often the least I want to be....yes in my heart this is what I want but then my emotions want to take over...EVER BEEN THERE?
When I function in my emotions, I am judgemental, I want revenge, I dont understand and I blame, I struggle and I cry ...BUT all this is not new to my Creator!! THANK GOD! He mad me so HE knows.
Go with me to the moment where Jesus finally got to the tomb of Lazarus....we know he was late (in our eyes and in Mary and Martha's eyes!!)...he is standing in front of one of his good friend's tomb. He could have pleaeded with his (our) Heavenly Father like this: COuld you please resurrect Lazarus? Bring him back to life, dad!
BUT NO- this is not what Jesus did: whe you go back to the account in the gospels, Jesus offers a prayer of Thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father. One nugget I was given is this:Giving thanks gives life, giving Thanks means Resurrection from the DEAD!!Then go with me to the account where Jesus feeds the multitudes. What did Jesus pray when he finally got the few loaves of bread and the fish? Did he plead with God: Please make this more than what it is???? NO - FAR FROM THAT- Jesus simply thanked his (our) Heavenly Father for the bread, broke it and that was it. The other nugget I was given is this:
Giving thanks will multiply God's provision and blessing in our lives!!I am overwhelmed by the beauty and simplicity of such truth! And I am thankful, thankful of what God is doing..thankful of HIS provision and thankful that HE is in control! May you all enter with a sound mind and a purpose-driven heart into the new year of 2009! Kerstin
I am here, Ma'am, I am here to tell you that I found a job at a restaurant and my family and I praise God, Ma'am.I was totally awestruck. I thanked him for reporting to me and we wished each other God's richest blessings. God is good and HE is at work!!
Gershwin
This blog post is not about music, not about that music style that Gershwin the composer professed. It is a about a normal man, a man that suffers, a man that is desperate, a man that needs God.
I am talking about Gershwin who lives near the area that I find myself these days: a suburb area of Cape Town. He lost his son of little age not long ago. Now he wants to give his son at least a proper place. He needs money for his coffin.
He walks the streets to ask people for money. He walks the streets like so many people do. Some among them are not safe people……….but some are.
One day, my doorbell rang. I went to see who it was. I kept the door closed for I did not know this man. He said: “Ma’am, I saw your car parked outside here and I thought I could ask you”. Then He went on telling his story. All that time, I am praying for insight, praying for wisdom. “Is this a safe person God or is this trouble?”
My guts told me to step out of the door and pray with this man. SO I did. I prayed for open doors for him and for the money that he needed for his child’s coffin to come through. As we both said AMEN, I felt compelled to give 30 Rand towards that coffin. (30 RAND equals about 3 $ and 80 cents). The man started crying and thanked me. I encouraged him some more and he was on his way again. Gershwin was his name and I never forgot that name.
In the nights I would pray for him asking God to bless Gershwin, to help Gershwin mourn his child’s early death and to provide for him.
Three days later, my doorbell rang again. “Ma’am, do you remember me? I was the one man you prayed for a few days ago?” Surely I did. “It’s you, Gershwin?” I heard Gershwin start to cry. He was so touched that I remembered his name. He said: “This time I come because I need God and I want to be his child, Ma’am, can you please lead me to the LORD? Now?”
I stood behind the door, still, praising God and in awe.
I opened the door and came outside to lead Gershwin to Jesus. After the prayer, he looked at me with such shining eyes. “Now, I am a proud son of God, Ma’am!!”
Hope filled this man’s face and heart and he showed me even the receipt of the funeral home where they had the coffin for his little child.
I encouraged Gershwin in his new identity in Jesus now some more and off he went.
At the end of the day I stand before my God, still in awe, thankful and praying for Gershwin that God provides for him, that God protects him and that now a new relationship between God and Gershwin can grow! Halleluhja!!!
A new son in the kingdom, Lord please let Gershwin grow in you and give him hope for his every day life!
1 year ago, one year ago, one year ago…..this week I am pondering about those ten days when I left the States for a short mission trip to Cape Town South Africa last year in late April. I remember how afraid I was for I knew that God was heavily on my heart and I was about to decide to move here and do what God wants me to do.
I was confronted with sheer fear and anxiety for that new step and new season of my life would be sooo different. I was blessed here last year and I gave my full heart to Jesus knowing that wherever HE sends me that would be the place where I would go (see my past posts from that time last year)(and this one)....
This morning, God reminded me of HIS work in me during that last year.
The moment I set my foot on American soul again after being in South Africa I knew with no shadow of a doubt that that is where I would go next. God gave me such a big assurance that I could help but smile all the time. I felt a new confidence arise in me and I know that was the work of my Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14), my Jehovah Rohi (Isaiah 44:28). Yes He is my provider and HE is the Lord my Shepherd, the One who protects me, provides for me and who is present with me.
Now, one year later, I am actually living in Cape Town, South Africa and I know that this is where I am supposed to be.
1 year later I have another testimony to point to my Jesus for HE is freeing me from fear and anxiety and HE helps me to risk and walk with HIM!
Every day anew!!!!!
Lifestyle relationship! That is what fascinates me at the moment. It is all about relationship and being real and authentic. It is all about WALKING THE TALK and about a faith that shows reality. This is part of my work right now in my Junior High small group of girls that I am leading. Likewise it is a big theme for our church here at the moment.
This last Saturday evening I put in a DVD in my laptop and have not been the same since. I watched a South African movie that blew my mind and touched my heart so much! I know…those who know me well also know that I am a pretty emotional individual (grin) but still, this movie is such a gem. It is called: Faith Like Potatoes (2006) (www.faithlikepotatoes.com)
It’s the true story of an African (Zambian) farmer with Scottish heritage who encounters God and changes lives. Go ahead and look for it in your Blockbuster video shops…ask or find it as a DVD on the internet. It is worth every cent and every minute you watch.
There are a lot of good movies out. However only a few really reach that deep and leave an everlasting touch of Jesus on our hearts. This is one of them. I blogged about good books on here like REDEEMING LOVE by Francine Rivers or THE ATONEMENT CHILD. It is awesome to see what good stuff is about apart from so much fluff and entertainment.
Faith Like Potatoes: Angus Buchan, a Zambian farmer of Scottish heritage leaves his farm in the midst of political unrest and racially charged land and reclaims and travels south with his family to stat a better life in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. With nothing more than a caravan on a patch of land, and help from a Zulu called Simeon, the Buchan family struggle to settle in this new country. Faced with ever mounting challenges, hardships and personal turmoil, Angus quickly spirals down into life consumed by anger, fear and destruction. It is a true story of this farmer who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until the harvest!!!
May our faith be like that one of a potato: real and unseen until it is time for the harvest!!!
Here I am again...way into my second week. I want to share this nice picture with you: this is how Jane the landlady serves the butter to her guests. isn't it not really beautiful? Every morning I am amazed at these little things.
I am learning a lot and Jane actually took me for a drive to get to know the area a bit. How beautiful it is here and I have to say I am fascinated with Tablemountain and its whole surroundings. It is hot again today...like yesterday: 37 Degrees Celsius (99*F!!!) and just now I saw the mist coming from across the ocean over Robben Island to us....amazing (I know, for people that live close to the sea it is nothing extraodinary!).
I am learning about the black culture and the white culture and that actually is not an easy issue at all. I looooove to go swimming in the house pool here and I do so every day ...several times. It is really awesome to swim at night when all is dark and that only thing you can see is the stars in the sky!!!
I will move on to my next station. Yes, we found a pleace to stay for me: On monday morning I will go to Granny Jenny, one of the oldest ladies in our church. I am thankful for something for permanent even though it is only another station until I will live in an appartment by myself.
I am thankful and thank God for a weekend that HE gave me: I was invited to a prayer and encouraging weekend by a dear friend. Another lady joined us and I feel that it was a divine encounter. God led us into prayer and fellowship with HIm and HE directed the weekend!!
Days go by this fast ..especially when I rest and relax as I have been doing in the past days of blessing and Christmas. I've had a really blessed time with my family and a wonderful time at church.
Close to Jesus, close to HIS heartbeat..that is my motto, my theme for the next 60 days before I will fly to Cape Town.
In these last days of this year we all think back of what 2007 brough to us, what we can learn for the future and where we are thankful. Let's look for the things we can be thankful for.
Here is my list:
-thankful for my parents and the relationship with them -thankful for my friends, here in Germany, in the States, in France, everywhere -thankful for a place to stay, for health, for food, for love -thankful for God in my life and for HIS hope and HIS life -thankful for knowing my calling and knowing where I am headed........ what are YOU thankful for at the end of 2007???
God bless us, each and every one!
