The Heavenly Window

Two days later, as dusk approached, I found myself about 25 km north of Grootfontein. After a long day's walk, I considered pitching my tent along the road, hidden behind tall grass bushes. However, a distant rumble changed my mind. The sky began to illuminate with flashes, and thunder echoed as dark clouds gathered from all directions. Reassessing the situation, I decided to continue walking towards Grootfontein in the  darkness.

The clouds intensified, and within an hour, the sky was entirely covered except for a small opening directly above me. This peculiar gap resembled an open window, revealing the night stars. Throughout my walk towards Grootfontein, this "heavenly window" inexplicably remained open, showcasing the  stars above.

Throughout the evening, the storm grew more intense. The clouds around me darkened, and the thunder intensified, yet the heavenly window remained open. Around 11 pm, just outside Grootfontein, fierce winds began to pick up. I spotted a campsite near the road and turned onto the dirt track leading to it. Reality struck - the gate was  likely locked.

As I wondered whether to pitch my tent along the dirt road, I saw headlights approaching from the campsite. A car arrived at the gate, and I discovered the driver was the campsite owner, on her way to drop off the restaurant and bar staff after their shifts. She listened to my story with amazement and instructed me to set up my tent under a canopy near the  bathrooms, free of charge.

As she drove away, she called out that I could stay for free. Under the canopy, I quickly pitched my tent. On my way to the bathroom, I looked up and saw the heavenly window finally close. By the time I turned on the shower, the rain was pouring down.

The heavenly window was a gateway through which I could see hope throughout the evening, even amidst thunderous thunderstorms and dark clouds. Just as the heavenly window allowed me to see the stars, your heart is a window through which a broken world, amidst dark clouds, can see the stars of hope.

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)

What a privilege to show the world these stars of hope - for through the attitude of your heart, heaven becomes visible on earth.

A SWALLOW'S SERMON

In Lindley's historic church, the morning service began with music that swelled through the lofty space. The grand organ pipes resonated with praise and worship, as the congregation sang with enthusiasm. Suddenly, a swallow took flight within the church, swooping and soaring around the high ceiling. The rapid flapping of its wings created a striking contrast to the peaceful atmosphere.

As the preacher began her sermon on the importance of love, referencing 1 Corinthians 13, the swallow's anxious flight seemed to offer a poignant illustration of the chapter's message: "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge... but have not love, I am nothing." Without love, our actions are empty and without purpose.

The swallow continued its aerial quest, circling left and right, its wings beating rapidly as it sought  an escape. The closed windows and doors seemed to amplify its plight, and I wondered if it would ever find its freedom. Just as the swallow sought freedom, we too search for meaning, purpose, and intimacy.

The preacher continued weaving her words into a powerful narrative around the theme of love. "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'love'?" she asked. A brave voice responded, "God." The banner at the front of the church seemed to affirm this sentiment, declaring boldly, "God is  love."

Watching the scene unfold, I realized that two sermons were being delivered simultaneously-one earthly, spoken by the preacher, and the other heavenly, delivered wordlessly by the swallow from above. The earthly sermon proclaimed love's transformative power, while the heavenly sermon poignantly illustrated the futility of seeking freedom without love.

As the sermon concluded, the organist's fingers danced across the keys, filling the air with a stirring rendition of "The Power of Your Love." The song's unsung lyrics resonated deeply, speaking directly to the swallow's quest for freedom-and to our own longing for connection: "Hold me close, let Your love surround me... Bring me near, draw me to  Your side."

The song transformed the swallow's story, revealing that true freedom lies not in escape, but in embracing the present, surrounded by God's love. Psalm 84:3 came to mind: "Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest... at your altars, O Lord" (ESV). In that sacred space, the swallow's restless flight gave way to a profound truth: Home is where love resides.

Stepping out of the church into the bright light, the large open doors, the same ones that had confined the swallow, now flung wide, offered new freedom. I felt a surge of hope, knowing that just as the swallow's story had been transformed, our own stories can be rewritten by the redeeming power of God's love.

For in the power of God's love, we find the freedom to surrender, to let go, and to love as He loves. And in that surrender, like the swallow, we find our true home in Him-not in the wide expanses of freedom, but simply, profoundly, in Him.

Come Walkers, Come: The Seventy Who Carried the Light

I want to share a beautiful story about the church bell in Lindley and the message it seemed to carry across the hills and valleys.

The Afrikaans poet, Jan F.E. Cilliers, captured the sound of a bell summoning people to service with the words: "Come sinners, come!" But this Sunday, the Lindley church bell seemed to sing a different tune: "Come walkers, come!"

Immediately following the morning service, a fundraising walk commenced, from the town to the Bible school atop the hill, to raise funds for Bible distribution.

Two elements within the service had captured my attention. Flanking the pulpit were two torches, their symbolism rich and deep. They spoke of receiving the Light and accepting the responsibility to become light-bearers in the world. Inevitably, they also called to mind the Olympic torch journeying to Paris-another flame carrying a message of unity and peace across nations.

After the service, seventy walkers set off. This was no race, but upon conquering the steep climb to the Bible school, each participant received a medal. Seventy medals for seventy walkers! At first glance, they gleamed like gold, but closer inspection revealed they were crafted from wood. In the centre of each round medal, set against a green ribbon, a small cross was cut out.

The contrast was striking. In Paris, elite athletes strive for years for the chance to declare, "Yes, I did it!" But this walk in Lindley, harmonising with the morning's message, taught a different truth: that everyone who completes the race of faith in Christ shares in the "medal with the wooden cross." Here, the ultimate declaration is not "I did it," but "Yes, He did it! Jesus did it for me."

The gathering of exactly seventy walkers prompted deeper reflection. The two torches by the pulpit echoed the biblical principle that the testimony of two is true. Jesus, the Light of the World (John 8), entrusts that light to us, declaring, "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5). On that winter morning, seventy people literally carried that light up a hill.

In Scripture, the number seventy resonates with profound symbolism. It represents completeness and the fullness of humanity, as seen in the seventy nations descended from Noah in Genesis 10. God called seventy elders of Israel to ascend Mount Sinai with Moses to witness His glory (Exodus 24). Later, Jesus Himself sent seventy disciples ahead of Him to preach and heal, spreading the news of God's kingdom (Luke 10).

Was it mere coincidence that seventy people ascended the hill in Lindley? I believe it was a divine gathering. Each person was uniquely chosen to carry a testimony-a living light-up that mountain, acting as a modern embodiment of those sent to prepare the way.

Father, we thank You for the encouragement of Your Word that urges us to run the race with perseverance. Thank You for the profound truth that when we run with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we each receive a victor's crown. We thank You that You have a purposeful design for each life and that You call us to be Your light. May we recognise Your hand even in life's small details, and as bearers of Your light, may we journey toward the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God.

Amen.

My Experiences on a Sand and Stone Camino

Our walk commenced at a sandstone house nestled high in the Eastern Free State mountains, dwarfed by even higher sandstone cliffs on Boschfontein farm.

The air was crisp, and the expansive view over Lesotho and its mountains was breathtaking. The sacred silence was rhythmically broken by the sound of iron striking rock, echoing from the far side of the mountain-a stonemason diligently chiseling raw rock into building blocks.

Here, massive rocks fallen from the mountainside are reshaped into foundations and walls. This transformation of sand, reformed over years into sandstone, served as an early reminder that our own life paths are shaped by our experiences and choices.

The forest path led us from the rocks to the roses. The fragrant garden, where breakfast was served to the pilgrims amidst colorful flowers and soft sand, represented our brittle and vulnerable nature, as well as our potential for growth and transformation.

Every flower and leaf, every grain of sand and rock, every insect and antelope whispered stories of unprecedented greatness, inspiring the pilgrim to rediscover their own inner garden and precious treasures of peace and joy.

We had lunch on the next farm.

For a brief interlude, the world of sand and stone gave way to iron rails and steam. The romantic display of trains at Sandstone Estates served as a reminder of bygone days, inspiring the pilgrim with tales of pioneers, inventors, and adventurers who dared to dream big.

Shortly before supper, we arrived at our next destination.

At Rensburghoek, if you listened carefully, you could hear the sacred silence rhythmically broken in the distance by the sound of hooves near the sandstone cliffs-a herd of wild horses! That night, around the table, the wild horses within each pilgrim's heart were tamed, preparing them to return home. This fortress became a turning point, a homecoming for the heart.

Just as every street corner presents a crossroads, Rensburghoek awakened the courage within the pilgrim to seek their True North once more. The vastness of the farm and its stately sandstone house became a beacon of self-discovery, where the wildest dreams and forgotten desires could once again find a place in the heart.

The name Valuta, where we would spend the following night, spoke of invaluable values and uniqueness. Just as the word Valuta is linked to different currency units, the ground beneath its banner became the pilgrim's place of self-reflection and growth. Here, one rediscovers oneself as precious and valuable, deserving of respect and esteem.

At the sandstone house on Valuta, the pilgrim realized they were no longer a brittle grain of sand, but a strong and resilient living stone, built into a spiritual house, and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to understand that the richness of their individuality shone brightly like a rare and precious pearl.

After a path with steep inclines and expansive views, we arrived at the end of our journey, at Polo Africa. Walking through tree-lined avenues, we couldn't miss the disciplined horses. The leaves rustled softly in the breeze as a white horse approached. The proud look in its eyes reminded us of something within ourselves, speaking to the importance of utilizing our passions and desires in service to our Master.

The stonemason's work was now complete, the building stones in place-proof of the transformative power of the Camino! The sandstone cliffs of Polo Africa represented the solid foundation of our faith, now tested and refined by a walk full of perspective and insight.

We have become living stones, built into a spiritual house, with Jesus as the cornerstone.

My Foot Is Slipping

Have you ever noticed a Bible verse unexpectedly appearing in your life repeatedly? This happened to me with Psalm 94:18. The verse kept coming up, and eventually, I knew it by heart: "When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, Lord, supported me."

Once, while walking through a remote area of New Zealand called Te Rapa, I stopped to rest after an exhausting day. I slept under the stars next to a farmyard fence on a patch of soft green grass. As a South African, this felt liberating because New Zealand has no snakes or scorpions.

Te Rapa is a shortened version of Te Rapai, a significant name for the Te Arawa and Ngati Porou tribes. I believe we should try to understand the deeper meaning of the places where we pray; this helps us pray specific, Holy Spirit-guided prayers. The names of these tribes-Te Arawa (The way the sun shines through the clouds) and Ngati Porou (The people of one who was born at dawn)-paint a beautiful picture. I can almost see the sun's rays breaking through the clouds with new zeal, lighting up the new day over the people of New Zealand-a picture of hope and a bright future.

The area of Te Rapai is named after a prominent leader in Māori history whose name means The Gatherer or The Collector, associated with harvesting and abundance. Sleeping over in Te Rapa on the soft grass under the stars became a place where I gathered and harvested beautiful testimonies about God.

During the night, a shuffling noise in the grass woke me. I sat up and scrutinized the surrounding grassland in the dim light of the fading moon, trying to distinguish between shadows and bushes behind the fence. The shuffling came again, much closer this time! Then I spotted it: a figure emerging from the shadow of a tree to my left. More movement to the right caught my eye-a cow and some sheep grazing in the soft grass. I went back to sleep and woke the next morning as the rising sun broke through the clouds. I got up and prepared to continue my walk, unaware that a beautiful testimony was about to be born there in Te Rapa, just after dawn.

A long, deep, freshly dug trench ran along the pathway. I could walk a long way back to go around it, but since it was deep and not very wide, I decided to jump over. A long pile of soil on the other side served as the landing spot, and I had to be careful not to fall backward into the trench. I took a short run-up and leapt as high as I could. The soil on the other side looked compact, and I braced myself for a hard landing. However, when my right foot touched the soil, it broke through the soft ground, and I sank into the embankment. The weight of my bag pushed hard, and everything suddenly went into slow motion.

I felt my foot breaking through the soft ground. The arch of my foot caught on something hard, and my ankle began to twist. There was no time to pray; an anxious shriek was all I could manage-a whole prayer contained in that shriek.

In that same moment, Psalm 94:18 flashed through my mind: "When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, Lord, supported me."

In slow motion, I felt something like a strong hand grabbing my heel under the ground, straightening it until I landed hard on the road surface beneath the soft soil. I carefully pulled my leg out. There was nothing wrong. I gently stepped on my ankle-no pain. I moved my foot, and still, no pain. From there, I walked 14 km to the next town. There was nothing wrong and no pain!

Father, I thank You that when I merely think my foot is slipping, Your unfailing love supports me. It is Your loving-kindness and continuous, steadfast love that saves us. Yes, Father, it is Your passionate love that provides the way out for us. Please teach us to love You in the same way. Amen.

Have you heard the one about Van der Merwe and the lost sheep?

A few weeks ago, early one morning, I embarked on a long prayer walk of over 70 km. The lonely dirt road to Murraysburg meandered through the mountains. The landscape changed throughout the morning and the road led into a dense poplar forest. The valley was covered with hundreds of enormous trees. As I walked among the soaring timbers, I heard the magnificent sound of the wind coming and going through the treetops. 

Later that morning, the dirt road became steeper and ultimately crossed over a mountain. A few hours later, there was a long descent next to a deep ravine with a dense forest of trees. I listened out for the wind in the treetops when a trio of horses suddenly emerged from the shadows and galloped playfully past me. My excitement was so great that I didn't even notice the car stopping beside me.

I was still enjoying the beautiful scenery and the peaceful silence when a voice behind me asked, "Where on earth are you walking to?" My head jerked around in shock. The farmer burst into the most infectious laugh I have heard in a long time. I could not contain my laughter and after a good chuckle, I explained that I was on my way to Murraysburg. The farmer then had another good laugh about this too. As we laughed together, I tried to understand why this was so hilarious.

"No man, you're going the wrong way. You're on the way to Richmond." After we laughed together again, I was not sure whether he was joking or not.

"Let me take you back to where you missed the turn-off." He then told me that he had seen me walking past on his security cameras. "I saw you walking past on the screen and showed my wife. She suggested that I go and investigate."

She also told him: "I can see that man is on a mission."

He didn’t drop me off at the turn-off but took me to his house. In the kitchen he introduced me to his wife and invited me to sit at the table. I was spoiled with delicious food from the stove, plus soft drinks and cake!

The farmer offered to drop me off at the proper turn-off to Murraysburg on the other side of his farm. But first he had to go check something with his sheep.

While he was away, his wife explained that it was their last day to shear sheep, and the wool had to be delivered to Port Elizabeth the next day. They would still be shearing sheep until late that evening.

The farmer picked me up a little while later and we headed to the right turn-off. As soon as I got out of the truck, he helped me to get my backpack on and waited until he was sure that I was on the right path before he drove back.

The surname of that sheep farmer who left all his sheep to go and find me is Van der Merwe. He went after me till he found me, and with joy, he brought me to his house.

The biblical shepherd who also left all his sheep to go after a sheep that was lost asked his neighbors and friends: Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. The farmer and his wife rejoiced with me and served me a delicious meal.

Our visit was filled with the joy of the Lord.

A friend told me that Van der Merwe's life purpose was to make the South African nation laugh. Almost every Van der Merwe I know shares a deep spirituality. In these days of finding the "new normal", Van der Merwe's divine purpose unfolds into serving the nation with the joy of the Lord.

What a testimony!

Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart. (Psalm 119: 111)

Het jy die een gehoor van Van der Merwe en die verlore skaap?

Op ’n gebedstaptog, ’n paar weke gelede, het ek die lang pad van oor die 70 km na Murraysburg toe aangepak. Die eensame grondpad het tussen die berge deur gekronkel en vroegoggend tot in ’n digte populierbos gedraai. Die vallei was oortrek met honderde ontsaglike groot bome. Terwyl ek tussen die enorme boomstamme loop, hoor ek die wonderlike geluid van die wind wat van ver deur die boomtoppe aankom en reg bo my verby suis.

Veel later daardie oggend het die grondpad steil geraak en uiteindelik bo-oor ’n berg geloop. ’n Paar uur later was daar ’n lang afdraande langs ’n diep ravyn en ’n digte bos bome. Ek het weereens die wind in die boomtoppe gesoek toe ’n paar perde tussen skaduwees uitkom en al spelende voor my verby galop. Ek het in my opgewondenheid nie eers die motor langs my hoor stilhou nie.

’n Rustige vrede het neergedaal en skielik het ’n stem agter my gevra: “Waar op aarde stap jy so heen?” Ek het verskrik omgeswaai en die boer het uitgebars in die aansteeklikste lekker lag wat ek in ’n lang tyd gehoor het. Ek kon nie my laglus beteuel nie en het my eers saam verkneukel en toe verduidelik dat ek op pad is Murraysburg toe. Hieroor het die boer éérs lekker gelag. Ek het nie geweet wat so snaaks was nie, en het maar saam geskater.

“Nee man! Jy loop in die verkeerde rigting. Jy is op pad Richmond toe.” Nadat ons weer saam gelag het, was ek heeltemal onseker of hy nou ’n grap gemaak het of nie.

“Kom ek vat jou gou terug na waar jy die afdraai gemis het.” Hy vertel toe dat hy my op sy sekuriteitskamera wat by die vorige afdraai is, gesien verbystap het. “Ek het jou toevallig op die skerm sien verbystap, en vir my vrou gewys. Sy het vir my gesê dat ek moet gaan kyk.”

Sy het voorts ook vir hom gesê: ”Ek kan sien daardie man is op ’n missie.”

Hy het my nie by die afdraai afgelaai nie, maar na sy huis toe geneem. In die kombuis het hy my aan sy vrou voorgestel en my by die tafel sitgemaak. Hulle het my heerlik bederf uit die kospotte op die stoof, en nog koeldrank en koek ook!

Hy het aangebied om my aan die anderkant van sy plaas by die korrekte afdraai na Murraysburg te gaan aflaai; maar ek moes hom verskoon, sodat hy eers iets by die skape kon gaan kyk.

Terwyl hy weg was, het sy vrou verduidelik dat hulle die volgende dag wol in Port Elizabeth moes lewer. Hulle was agter skedule en sou daardie aand tot laat nog besig wees om skaap te skeer.

Die boer het my ’n rukkie later kom haal en by die regte afdraai gaan aflaai. Ek het by die bakkie uitgeklim en hy het my rugsak op my rug help opsit en eers teruggery nadat hy seker was dat ek op die regte pad aangestap het.

Daardie skaapboer wat al sy skape agtergelaat het om my te gaan soek, is ’n Van der Merwe. Hy het agter my aangegaan totdat hy my gevind, en met vreugde na sy huis gebring het. 

Die bybelse herder wat ook al sy skape agtergelaat het om ’n verlore skaap te gaan soek, het sy bure en vriende gevra: Wees saam met my bly, want ek het my verlore skaap gevind. Die boer en sy vrou was saam met my bly en het my bedien met ’n feesmaal.

Ons besoek was gevul met die vreugde van die Here.

’n Vriend het vir my vertel dat Van der Merwe se lewensdoel was om die Suid-Afrikaanse nasie te laat lag. Al die Van der Merwes wat ek ken is diep geestelike mense en in hierdie tyd van soeke na die “nuwe normaal” ontvou Van der Merwe se skeppingsdoel om die nasie met die vreugde van die Here te bedien.

Wat ’n getuienis!

Ek het u getuienisse vir ewig as erfdeel ontvang, want hulle is die vreugde van my hart. (Psalm 119:111)

Koue tone warm harte

Verdwaal in die Sneeuberge

Ek het tot vandag toe, (waar daar slegs 153 dae van 2021 oor is), vir niemand vertel van die verdwaal en wat een ysige nag in die Sneeuberge gebeur het nie.

Daar was nog nie sneeu op die berge nie, maar die winterkoue was alreeds goed op pad. Ek het laatmiddag langs die pad ’n skeur in ’n rotswand raakgesien wat as windskuiling vir die nag kon dien. 

Ek het daardie gebedstaptog van 306 km (dubbel 153 km) in gehoorsaamheid sonder my tent of my warm slaapsak aangepak. Ek het geglo dit was hoe God wou hê dat ek daardie pad moes bewandel. Daardie tweede aand was dan ook die laaste van die 10-dae tog wat ek buite sou slaap. Die vorige aand het ek na ’n skouspelagtige donderstorm in die natgereënde veld tussen groot plasse water oorgeslaap. Daar van die vallei af het ek ’n verkeerde afdraai geneem en vir die res van die dag die berge in- en opgestap.

Op daardie snerpend koue aand het ek al my klere bo-oor mekaar aangetrek en onder die bivvie-seiltjie in die rotsskeur ingekruip. Ek het ’n rukkie geslaap, maar later die nag weer opgestaan en aangestap om te sien of daar nie iewers bietjie meer skuiling teen die vriesende winde was nie. Uit pure moegheid het ek later teen ’n plaashek gaan sit en weer aan die slaap geraak.

Ek het wakker geword van my lyf wat onbeheersd ruk en bewe. Dit was ysig koud en dit het gevoel of my voete besig was om in my tekkies op te vries. Vir die eerste keer in 19 jaar se ekstreem staptoestande was daar ’n noodsituasie. Ek moes iets doen om te verhoed dat my tone letterlik afvries. Die tekkies waarmee ek gestap het, het geen beskerming teen die wind en die koue gebied nie.

Met stokstywe hande het ek bibberend my rugsak se bande losgetrek. Ek was in die stikdonker op soek na iets wat ek al vir jare in my rugsak saamdra en nog nooit nodig gehad het om te gebruik, tot daardie nag nie.

Dit was ’n present wat ek op ’n gebedstaptog in Nieu-Zeeland by iemand gekry het. Die bedoeling was om dit daar op die berge in die sneeu te gebruik. Dit was gelukkig toe nie daar nodig nie. Dit kon slegs een keer in ’n noodsituasie gebruik word; en daardie oomblik het na14 jaar aangebreek.

Ek het die klein plastieksakkie uitgehaal en die oopgemaak. Daar was heel moontlik ’n vervaldatum maar ek kon maar net hoop dat die toonverwarmers nog sou werk. Om dit te aktiveer moes die seël oopgebreek word deur die flappie op die gomkant af te trek. Daarna vind ’n chemiese reaksie plaas wat die klein plat kussinkie vuurwarm verhit. Dit word dan teen jou kous onder jou tone vasgeplak word.

Hierdie toonverwarmers se gom was al opgedroog en ek het getwyfel of dit na al die jare nog sou werk. Ek het dit onder my tone van beide skoene ingeskuif en van pure koudkry weer begin aanstap.

Die dag het begin breek en die ryp op die gras het wit weerkaats. Ek het tree vir tree die hitte onder my voete begin voel. Die toonverwarmers het begin werk. 

Daardie staptog het ’n grootse impak op my gehad, en ek het baie van God in daardie 10 dae geleer. Die getuienis wat daaruit gekom het, het baie mense baie diep aangeraak.

Alhoewel ek tot vandag toe, vir niemand vertel het, wat daardie ysige nag in die Sneeuberge gebeur het nie, het God alles gesien. Hy het in mense se hart gewerk om my weer te bedien met die volgende uit Sy Vaderhart:

• Iemand het uit een deel van die land geskryf en my daarvoor bedank dat sy in die gees kon saamstap – “sonder die koue en uitdagings”. Sy kon vanuit ’n genadespasie saam leer om God beter te verstaan, te hoor en te sien. Dit was vir my kosbaar en ek het God gedank dat ek in daardie vreeslike koue iemand anders kon bemoedig en bedien. Al was dit net vir daardie een persoon se onthalwe dat ek so koud gekry het, was dit die moeite werd.
  
  
• Nadat ek tuisgekom het van daardie gebedstaptog, het daar ’n pakkie vanuit ’n ander deel van die land by my aangekom. In die pakkie was ’n paar skaapvel pantoffels met ’n boodskap: “Jy wat so bereid is om die skoene van  bereidheid vir die evangelie aan te trek het soms sagte sole nodig om moeë voete te verkwik. Hierdie slippers het my dadelik aan jou laat dink. Skaapwol aan die voete wat herinner aan Vader wat die Herder is en ons as skape wat Sy Stem ken en volg … Ek stuur vir jou Warm-Voete.” Sy was nie seker watter grootte skoen ek dra nie, toe vat sy ’n nommer 13. Ek dra ’n nommer 13 skoen. Dit pas perfek.

Die ysige nag in die Sneeuberge … God het dit alles gesien!
Die oë van die HERE is op die regverdiges, en sy ore tot hulle hulpgeroep. (Psalm 34:16)

Cold toes, warm hearts

Lost in the Sneeuberg (Snow Mountain) range

To this day, (where only153 days of 2021 are left), my story about getting lost and a freezing night in the Sneeuberg (Snow Mountain) range has never been told to anyone.

There was no snow on the mountain tops yet, but the winter cold had already arrived. I noticed a crevice in a rock next to the road which would provide me with a good wind shelter that night. 

I embarked on that prayer walk of 306 km (double 153 km) in obedience without my tent or my warm sleeping bag. I believed that this was how God wanted me to walk this journey. On that second night of the ten-day walk, I slept outside for the last time. The previous evening, after a spectacular thunderstorm, I slept in a wet rainy field among large puddles of water. From that valley, I took a wrong turn and walked up the mountain for the whole day, until I noticed the crevice in the rock.

Since it was bitterly cold, I put on all my clothes and crawled into the crevice and under my bivvy sheet. Later that night I got up and walked on to see if I could find a place with more shelter from the freezing wind. It was out of sheer exhaustion that I sat down beside a farm gate and fell asleep. 

Later, I woke up as my body shook uncontrollably. It was ice cold and it felt as if my feet were freezing up in my sneakers. For the first time in 19 years of extreme trekking, I knew that I had an emergency. I had to do something to prevent my toes from getting frostbite. My sneakers provided no protection against the chilly wind and frosty ground.

Untying the straps of my backpack was a difficult task with icy fingers. In total darkness, my numb fingers were trying to find something that I carried with me in my backpack for years.

It was a gift that I received while on a prayer walk through New Zealand. The intention was to use it while trekking there in the snow, but since it wasn't necessary, I carried it in my backpack for years; to use if ever there was a crisis. It could also be used once, and only in an emergency. That night, after 14 years, the emergency finally came.

I took the small plastic bag out of the package and opened it up. There was quite possibly an expiration date but I was just hoping that the Toe Heaters would still work. To activate it, the seal had to be pulled off. The small pad would then heat up as a result of a chemical reaction. There is an adhesive side with which it sticks to your sock under your toes. The adhesive agent of these Toe Warmers had already dried up and I doubted if it would still work after all these years. I slipped it under my toes in both shoes and continued on my walk.

The day was breaking and I could see the frost on the grass. Step by step I began to feel the heat under my feet. The Toe Warmers were starting to work.

I learned so much about God during those 10 days, and the testimony from there impacted a lot of people very deeply.

Although my story about the freezing night in the Sneeuberg (Snow Mountain) range has not been told to anyone to this day, God saw it all. He worked in people’s hearts to minister to me with the following:

• Someone from one part of the country wrote and thanked me for being able to walk together in spirit – “without the cold and challenges”. She learned to better understand, hear and see God. She explained that all this happened where she was in a “space of grace”. It was precious to me, and I thanked God that even in the awful cold conditions, I could encourage and minister to someone. Even if it was only for that one person's sake that I got so cold, it was worth it.
  
  
• After returning back home from that prayer walk, I received a parcel from another part of the country. In the parcel was a pair of sheepskin slippers with a message: “You who are so willing to put on the shoes of readiness for the gospel sometimes need soft soles to refresh tired feet. These slippers immediately made me think of you. Sheep wool on the feet that reminds of Father who is the Shepherd and us as sheep who know and follow His Voice… I send you Warm-Feet. ” She was not sure what size shoe I wear, so she took a number 13. My shoe size is number 13. It fits perfectly.

A freezing night in the Sneeuberg (Snow Mountain) range; and God saw it all!
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. (Psalm 34:16) 

 

Miracles that follow on the road of faith

Puzzle piece from Boshof

“Uncle Theuns, who stays around the corner, is 85 and has lived here for years. He will surely be able to tell you more about the center of South Africa here in Boshof.” 

I was on a prayer-walk to visit 12 alleged centers of South Africa. The aim was to determine what the impact of being the center has in each locality; and finally and how it can be understood spiritually in relation to this.

Uncle Theuns listened keenly as I told him the about the prayer-walk and admitted without hesitation: "My center is Jesus". He later told me about another geographical center near Kimberley; one that was not on my list. It was a puzzle piece; and my list of geographical centers just grew to thirteen.

A month later I heard that uncle Theuns passed away. I wondered if our meeting was divinely planned appointment? That puzzle piece was a legacy that I inherited from uncle Theuns. Three months later it launched me on my next prayer-walk.

On a icy winter’s morning in July, the Lord reminded me of that puzzle piece. Uncle Theuns' description of how to get to the 13th geographical center was clear and simple: Walk 40 km from Kimberley on the road to Schmidtsdrift. There you will find a large rock in the shape of a seal next to the road. The geographical center, is on a straight line exactly three kilometers south from the seal rock.

I prayed and asked where I should start. I felt in my heart to start walking at a store called "The Faith Shop". The store is around the corner from the Big Hole in Kimberley. I also felt like I had to walk right around the Big Hole from there.

Was it the right way as on the Lord’s heart for me? 

I journey with a miraculous testimony where God often confirms my path with the number “153”. The Big Hole was enclosed with a security fence and I walked along the tarmac. The distance was exactly 2.46 km which is equivalent to 1.53 miles!

The looters and the smith

Only days before I started on this prayer-walk, the whole country was plunged into uncertainty due to large-scale looting. I pondered how someone referred to the Big Hole as the greatest monument in honor of man's greed. A large-scale looting that lasted 43 years where fortune seekers from around the world dug up a total of 2722 kg of diamonds with picks and shovels; and left a 17-hectare crater with a depth of 240 m in the earth's crust. Of the small mountain or hill that stood there before 1871, there is no sign left.

During prayer walks, I usually look for as many clues as possible about what may be on God's heart. In Isaiah 54:10, I read: "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee."

That gives me hope!

A friend pointed out to me another scripture (also in Isaiah 54) that says something about the looting and the road to Schmidtsdrift! Isaiah 54:16 states, “Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy”

God's purpose

The frosty morning wind cut through my soul and I began the 40 km prayer-walk to Schmidtsdrift. My goal was to be there that same evening. By sunset, I was barely 15km outside Kimberley. My goal was a measure in kilometers; God's goal was the four people I met on the way. Each of whom I had to spend a significant part of the day. It is a humbling thought.

The last of these four people whose car broke down along the road was standing at the exact spot where I arrived as the sun was setting behind the horizon. I had arranged in advance with my wife that she would pick me up along the way when the sun went down so we could sleep over with friends in Kimberley. She would then drop me off at the same place again the next morning.

The evening air was freezing cold and the man was wearing only a thin shirt. His vehicle could not move at all and he had to replace a part in his wheel’s axle. There were no spare parts stores open in Kimberley. He was 200 km from his home in Kuruman.

I could not just leave him there. I gave him one of my warm jackets and called my friend in Kimberley to hear if he might be able to help to find the part.

The man did not want to leave his vehicle on the side of the road for the night. He was afraid that people would plunder it. My wife and I prayed that God would send a specific person to help this man in need. I did not know how anyone on that cold night would obey to stop and help. My wife and I drove back to town to see if we could pick up the part for him. Arriving at our friends, we heard that the part would only be available the next day. Our friends had other visitors too, and everyone in the house wanted to help. I left a short while later (by car) with a feast of everyone's contributions for the stranger along the road. Food, hot soup, and a -5º C graded sleeping bag for the bitter cold expected through the night, and more tools he could use to fix his car.

He could not believe his eyes when, instead of looting, a stream of blessings arrived.

But that was not all! I was curious to know who the other man was whose car was also standing there next to the road. He told me that while I was away, the car stopped across the road after running out of fuel. This man, who lives in Kimberley, called his wife to bring some fuel. He also had a friend with exactly the same model car, who was able to help with the part.

We prayed and God sent that specific man to help!

When I started walking from there the next morning, there was only a pile of stones with which the man had elevated his car along the road. The name of the man who ran out of fuel, and helped out is Johnny. His name means "God is gracious"

That gives me hope!

Halfkop: center point of South Africa on the east-west line on the road with "no lines"

Thirty kilometers from Kimberley, I read something on a sign that stopped me in my tracks. The hill, a rocky outcrop, was visible on the horizon for most of the morning. On the signboard at the entrance of a farm, there was a photo of the hill with the words: “Halfkop” - the geographic center of South Africa.

My list of geographical centers had just increased to 14. 

This geographical center prophesies from the heart of South Africa:

• The name Halfkop (half head) is derived from the fact that part of it was previously excavated for road filling purposes. The hill was made small to fill the valleys in the road: “A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” (Isa 40: 3-4)
  
  
• The location of Halfkop as the center of South Africa is based on the coordinates on the East-West line. “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103: 12)
  
  
• Halfkop is located on the farm New Kingston. From Old English, the name Kingston means "royal settlement". We need to renew our minds so that the King of Glory will once again occupy the center of our spiritual life as a royal settlement. “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! (Psalm 24: 9-10)

I looked for an opening between the bushes and trees along the road for a better view to take a picture of the hill. When I finally took the picture, there was a road sign in the foreground. That was very significant. It was a warning sign that there are no lines on the road.

No lines! 

What lines are in your center? I searched and found many lines described in the Bible.

• Battle lines
  Is your center a battleground or is it a place of peace and rest?
  
  
• Lines of construction work
  Is your center a place of looting or is it a place of building up?
  
  
• Fishing lines
  Is your center the place of fishers of men?
  
  
• Grain planted in lines
  Is your center a place of sowing and reaping?
  
  
• Guards standing in lines
  Is your center a place of safety and order?
  
  
• Plumb line
  Is your center a place of careful execution and balance?
  
  
• Pleasant lines
  Is your center a place where God commands His blessing?
  
  
• Lines of armored plates
  Is your center the stronghold of a hardened heart?
  
  
• Lines on the priestly garment
  Is your center a place where you serve people?
  
  
• Line of thoughts
  Is your center a place from which noble conversations and pure words originate?
  
  
• Lines in the temple
  Is your center a place of worship?
  
  
• Lines in the Lord’s army
  Is your center a place of obedience?
  
  
• A line of trees
  What is the fruit that emerges from your center?
  
  
• In lines on the wall
  Is your center a place of intercession

This is a challenge, but it gives me hope!

The seal rock

I continued on my walk and about 2 hours later I finally arrived at the seal rock on the roadside. From the rock, the center, on a straight line, is exactly three kilometers in a southerly direction.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the rock was actually hand-crafted. The artist's name was at the bottom: "AH Addison, 1962" The marker for the center was made by a man with the name of Addison, a Scottish name that means "son of Adam". It is also written: “The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” (1 Cor 15:45). And here the first Adam is the signpost to the last Adam as the spiritual center of the country.

This center, which is 40 km from Kimberley and from there another three kilometers south, may also hold a spiritual message. Jesus was dead for three days, after which He rose and ascended to heaven after 40 days. During this time, during His third appearance to His disciples, He asked Peter, who had denied Him three times, to confirm three times that He loved Him. He restored their relationship three times, after which he restored Peter to his office three times. (John 21: 15-17)

Like that part that revolves around the wheel axle, everything has to revolve around Jesus, our Center. Then we will see His glory, and in Him, the Father, and His grace and truth.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (Jn 1:14)

Wonderwerke wat volg op die geloofspad

Legkaartstukkie uit Boshof

“Oom Theuns om die hoek, is 85 en woon al vir jare hier. Hy sal verseker vir jou meer oor die middelpunt van Suid-Afrika hier in Boshof kan vertel.” 

Ek was op ’n gebedstaptog om by 12 beweerde middelpunte van Suid-Afrika aan te doen. Die doel was om telkens vas te stel watter impak en betekenis die middelpunt plaaslik het en hoe dit hierteenoor geestelik verstaan kan word. 

Oom Theuns het na my verduideliking oor die staptog geluister en sonder aarseling erken: “My Middelpunt is Jesus”. Hy het my later van nog ’n ander middelpunt in die land vertel; een wat nie op my lys was nie. Dit was ’n legkaartstukkie; en my lys middelpunte het gegroei na dertien. 

Oom Theuns is ’n maand later oorlede. Was ons ontmoeting dalk ’n voorbestemde afspraak? Daardie legkaartstukkie was ’n nalatenskap wat ek van Oom Theuns verkry het, en het my drie maande later op my volgende tog gelanseer.

Dit was ’n ysige winters-oggend toe die Here in my hart lê om daardie legkaartstukkie te bedink. Oom Theuns se beskrywing van hoe om by die 13de middelpunt te kom was eenvoudig: Stap 40 km uit Kimberley op die pad na Schmidtsdrift. Daar sal jy ’n swartgeverfde seeleeu-rots langs die pad sien staan. Van die seeleeu-rots af is die middelpunt, op ’n reguit lyn, presies drie kilometer Suid.

Ek het gebid en gevra waar ek moes begin. Ek het in my hart gevoel om by ’n winkel met die naam “The Faith Shop” te begin stap. Die winkel is om die hoek van die Groot Gat in Kimberley. Ek het ook gevoel dat ek daarna reg om die Groot Gat moes stap.

Was dit die regte pad soos op die Here se hart? 

Ek stap met ’n wonderbaarlike getuienis waar God baiemaal my pad met die getal “153” bevestig. Die Groot Gat is toegekamp met ’n veiligheidsheining en ek het teerpadlangs omgestap. Die afstand was presies 2,46 km wat gelykstaande is aan 1,53 myl!

Die plunderaars en die smid

Die oggend wat ek uit Kimberley begin stap het, was die hele land gedompel in onsekerheid weens die grootskaalse plundery wat vroeër daardie week uitgebreek het. Ek het gedink hoedat iemand na die Groot Gat verwys het as die grootste monument ter ere van die mens se grypsug. ’n Grootskaalse plundertog van 43 jaar waar fortuinsoekers vanoor die wêreld altesaam 2722 kg diamante met pikke en grawe uitgegrou het; en ’n 17 hektaar grootte krater met ’n diepte van 240 m in die aardkors agtergelaat het. Van die klein berg of heuwel wat voor 1871 daar gestaan het, is daar geen teken oor nie.

Tydens gebedstaptogte soek ek gewoonlik na so veel as moontlik leidrade oor wat dalk op God se hart mag lê. In Jesaja 54:10 staan daar “Want berge mag wyk en heuwels wankel, maar my goedertierenheid sal van jou nie wyk en my vredeverbond nie wankel nie, sê die HERE, jou Ontfermer.”

Dit gee vir my hoop!

’n Vriend het vir my ’n ander bybelvers (ook in Jesaja 54) uitgewys wat iets sê oor die plunderaar en die pad na Schmidtsdrift! In Jesaja 54:16 staan daar “Kyk, Ék het die smid geskape wat die koolvuur aanblaas en 'n wapen voortbring volgens sy ambag; ook het Ék die verderwer geskape om te verniel.”

God se doelwit

Die koue oggendwind het deur my siel gesny en ek het die 40 km na Schmidtsdrift aangepak. My doelwit was om teen die aand reeds daar te wees. Teen sononder was ek skaars 15 km buite Kimberley. My doelwit was ’n mate in kilometers; God se doelwit was die vier mense wat ek op die pad raakgeloop het, saam met wie ek elkeen ’n beduidende deel van die dag moes spandeer. Dit laat ’n mens nederig voel.

Die laaste van hierdie vier mense met wie ek tyd moes spandeer se motor het langs die pad onklaar geraak. Hy het op die presiese plek gestaan waar ek aangekom het toe die son agter die horison wegsak. Ek het vooraf met my vrou gereël dat sy my langs die pad sou kom optel wanneer die son gesak het, sodat ons in Kimberley by vriende kon oorslaap. Sy sou my dan die volgende oggend weer op dieselfde plek gaan aflaai.

Die aandluggie was alreeds yskoud en die man het slegs ’n dun hempie aangehad. Sy voertuig kon glad nie beweeg nie en hy moes ’n onderdeel in sy wiel-as vervang. Daar was geen onderdele-winkels in Kimberley oop nie. Hy was 200 km van sy huis in Kuruman af.

Ek kon hom nie net daar los nie. Ek het vir hom een van my warm baadjies gegee en my vriend in Kimberley gebel om te hoor of hy dalk kon help om die onderdeel iewers in die hande te kry.

Die man wou nie sy voertuig langs die pad los vir die nag nie. Hy bang was dat mense dit sou plunder. Ek en my vrou het gebid dat God ’n bepaalde persoon sou stuur om hierdie man in nood te help. Ek het nie geweet hoe enigiemand op daardie koue aand gehoorsaam sou wees om te stop om en help nie. Ek en my vrou het teruggery dorp toe om te kyk of ons die onderdeel vir hom kon afhaal. By ons vriende aangekom, hoor ons dat die onderdeel eers die volgende dag beskikbaar sou wees. Ons vriende het nog besoekers gehad, en almal in die huis wou graag help. Ek is toe ’n kort rukkie later (per motor) daar weg met ’n feesmaal van almal se bydraes vir die vreemdeling langs die pad. Kos, lekker warm sop en ’n -5º C gegradeerde slaapsak vir die snerpende koue wat deur die nag verwag was, en nog gereedskap wat hy kon gebruik om sy motor te herstel.

Hy kon nie sy oë glo toe daar, instede van plunderaars, ’n stroom van seëninge opgedaag het. 

Maar dit was nog nie die einde! Ek het hoogs verbaas uitgevra oor wie die man was wie se motor ook daar langs die pad gestaan het. Hy vertel dat, terwyl ek weg was, daardie motor oorkant die pad gestop het. Nee, nie eintlik net gestop het nie, maar eintlik presies net daar sonder brandstof gaan staan het. Hierdie man, wat in Kimberley woon, het sy vrou gebel om vir hom brandstof te bring. Hy het ook ’n vriend wat presies dieselfde model motor het, wat kan help met die onderdeel. 

Ons het gebid en God het ’n voorafbepaalde man gestuur om te help!

Toe ek die volgende oggend van daar af begin stap het, was daar net ’n hopie klippe waarmee die man sy motor gestut het langs die pad te siene. Die man wat oorkant hom gaan staan het, wat eintlik die antwoord op ons gebed was, se naam is Johnny. Sy naam beteken “God is gracious”

Dit gee vir my hoop!

Halfkop: middelpunt van Suid-Afrika op die oos-wes-lyn langs die pad sonder lyne

Dertig kilometer van Kimberley af lees ek iets op ’n naambord wat my in my spore laat vassteek. Die koppie met sy ruwe kranse was alreeds vir die grootste deel van die oggend op die horison sigbaar. Op die naambord by die ingang van die plaas is daar ’n foto van die koppie met die woorde: “Halfkop” – geografiese middelpunt van Suid-Afrika.

My lys van middelpunte het so pas vermeerder na 14 toe en hierdie middelpunt profeteer iets uit die hart van Suid-Afrika:

• Die naam Halfkop is afgelei van die feit dat ’n deel daarvan vroeër weggegrawe is vir pad-opvuldoeleindes. Die rotsagtige heuwel is klein gemaak om die dale in die pad op te vul:
  ’n Stem van een wat roep: Berei in die woestyn die weg van die HERE; maak gelyk in die wildernis 'n grootpad vir onse God! Elke dal moet opgevul en elke berg en heuwel klein gemaak word; en die bult moet ’n gelykte en die rotsagtige plekke ’n laagte word. (Jes 40:3)
  
  
• Die ligging van Halfkop as middelpunt van Suid-Afrika is gebaseer op die koördinate wat op die Oos-Wes-lyn val. So ver as die ooste verwyderd is van die weste, so ver verwyder Hy ons oortredinge van ons. (Psalm 103:12)
  
  
• Halfkop is geleë op die plaas New Kingston. Uit die ou Engels beteken die naam Kingston “koninklike nedersetting”. Ons moet ons gedagtes vernuwe sodat die Erekoning opnuut die middelpunt in ons geestelike lewe as koninklike nedersetting sal bewoon.
  Hef op julle hoofde, o poorte, ja, hef op, ewige deure, dat die Erekoning kan ingaan! Wie is dan tog die Erekoning? Die HERE van die leërskare - Hy is die Erekoning! (Psalm 24:9-10 Afr1953)

Ek het vir ’n oopte tussen die bosse en bome langs die pad uitgekyk vir ’n beter uitsig om ’n foto van die koppie te neem. Toe ek uiteindelik die foto neem, was daar nog ’n padteken wat in die voorgrond wat baie beduidend was. Dit was ’n waarskuwingsteken dat daar geen lyne op die pad is nie.

Geen lyne! Watter lyne is daar, en watter is nie daar in jou middelpunt nie. Ek het gaan kyk watter lyne in die Bybel beskryf word.

• Gevegslyne
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek van struweling of is dit ’n plek van rus en vrede?
  
  
• Lyne van bouwerk
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek van plundery of is dit ’n plek waar opgebou word?
  
  
• Vislyne
  Is jou middelpunt die plek van vissers van mense?
  
  
• Graan in rye geplant
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek van saai en oes?
  
  
• Wagte in lyne
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek van veiligheid en orde.
  
  
• Skietlood
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek van noukeurige uitvoering en balans?
  
  
• Meetsnoerlyne
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek waar God Sy seën gebied?
  
  
• Pantserlyne
  Is jou middelpunt die vesting van ’n verharde hart?
  
  
• Lyne op die priesterskleed
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek vanwaar jy mense bedien?
  
  
• Lyn van woorde
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek waaruit edel gesprekke en rein woorde ontspring?
  
  
• Lyne in die tempel
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek van aanbidding?
  
  
• Goddelike leërmag in lyne
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek van gehoorsaamheid?
  
  
• 'n Lyn van bome
  Wat is die vrug wat uit jou middelpunt voortspruit?
  
  
• In lyne op die muur
  Is jou middelpunt ’n plek van voorbidding

Hierdie is ’n uitdaging, maar dit gee my hoop!

Die seeleeurots

Ek het aangestap en sowat 2 uur later uiteindelik by die swartgeverfde seeleeu-rots langs die pad aangekom. Van die rots af is die middelpunt, op ’n reguit lyn, presies drie kilometer in 'n suidelike rigting.

By nadere beskouing sien ek toe dat die rots eintlik handgemaak is. Die kunstenaar se naam staan onderaan: “AH Addison, 1962” Die merker vir die middelpunt is gemaak deur ’n man met die van Addison wat, uit die Skots, beteken “son of Adam”. So is daar ook geskrywe: Die eerste mens, Adam, het ’n lewende siel geword; die laaste Adam ’n lewendmakende Gees. (1 Kor 15:45) En hier word die eerste Adam die rigtingwyser na die laaste Adam as die geestelike Middelpunt van die land.

Hierdie middelpunt, wat 40 km van Kimberley af is en vandaar nog drie kilometer Suid, sê iets wat ons dalk in die gees moet hoor. Jesus was vir drie dae dood, waarna Hy opgestaan het en na 40 dae opgevaar het na die hemel toe. In hierdie tyd, tydens Sy derde verskyning aan Sy dissipels, het Hy vir Petrus, wat Hom drie maal verloën het, drie maal gevra om te bevestig dat hy Hom lief het. Hy het hulle verhouding drie maal herstel, waarna Hy vir Petrus drie maal in sy amp herstel het. (Johannes 21:15-17)

Soos daardie onderdeel wat om die wiel-as draai, moet alles om Jesus, ons Middelpunt gaan. Dan sal ons Sy heerlikheid aanskou, en in Hom, die Vader, en Sy genade en waarheid.

En die Woord het vlees geword en het onder ons gewoon - en ons het sy heerlikheid aanskou, 'n heerlikheid soos van die Eniggeborene wat van die Vader kom - vol van genade en waarheid. (Joh 1:14)

Brother’s well and the dry Guruchab riverbed

A prayer-walk for righteousness and for hope

I had to leave the comfort of home to walk on warm, dusty roads while praying for righteousness and for hope. Even though the Bo-Karoo is also a dry and arid land, I had to go walk in other drought stricken places. The theme of the prayer was not the drought, as expected, but there was something else on God’s agenda. It felt like an unreasonable task. Most of the people who I spoke to along the road complained about the drought.

The drought shoots violently with arrows of suffering and sorrow. Like a bloodthirsty warrior it breaks with breach upon breach the last of the hope still standing in the scorching wind and sun.  We stare with blinded eyes at the glaring drought. And God whispers softly to keep our eyes and hearts undividedly on Him.

He laid it in my heart not to pray for rain in this land of thirst and drought, but to pray for righteousness and hope.

There is a thirst for righteousness: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. (Mat 5:6)

There is a hope for righteousness: For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. (Gal 5:5)

Since my prayer-walks are usually about plowing in the hearts of people, I read in 1 Corinthians that the plowman should plow in hope of sharing in the crop.

God laid a farmer in Schweizer-Reneke on my heart and that settled the destination of the prayer-walk for me. As I prayed and asked from where I should start the walk, I remembered a previous prayer-walk that I completed 80 km from there. The name of the place was Kameel, which translates as “Camel”. Slowly but surely it sank into my mind that the camel is the vehicle that carries you through the land of thirst and drought.

Marelise and I took the long journey to Kameel where we slept over before I started walking. She went on to visit friends in Sannieshof from where she would come to fetch me after I finished in Schweizer-Reneke. In Kameel we slept over in a place called “Rus en Vrede” (Rest and Peace). At the destination in Schweizer-Reneke my host offered me a room to have a rest in. The name written on the door was “Peace”. Every journey in our lives should start and end at a place of “Rest and Peace”.

Less than an hour into the walk, I saw a road sign that was burnt in a fire. The black cross (road sign warning of cross roads ahead) was still clearly visible on the burnt background. The marks left by a scorching fire made me think of Moses, who also reached a crossroad in his life. He met God in the burning bush. I think of Daniel’s three friends who also met God in the fire. The road sign also made me think about the crossroads where our country have come to. It shaped my prayers to pray that we may meet God, even in the fire.

This prayer-walk of righteousness in the land of thirst and drought had to start and end in a place of “Rest and Peace”; and then I read how righteousness and peace fit together.

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. (Is 32:17)

The plains and stoney road felt like it would never come to an end. It felt as if even the road was holding me back from reaching the destination. It was late afternoon when I, with very sore feet, arrived at Broedersput (“Brother’s well”). I stumbled to the shop across the road. I had mouth watering thoughts of an ice cold beverage. This wasn’t the final destination yet, but the name spoke volumes. I saw in my mind’s eye brothers drawing water from a well. I also thought of Psalm 133:1 that states how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

The shop keeper was very excited to hear about the prayer-walk. We shared testimonies, prayed together a had a spontanious “church” meeting in the dark and dusty store. What happened there was larger than two brothers standing at a well, drawing water. We ministered to each other with rivers of living water flowing from within us. (John 7:38). 

At Brother’s well something incredible happened. A fountain broke open. The well turned into Brother’s fountain.

- - - - ooo 0 ooo - - - -

Two weeks later God laid a farmer 70 km from Keetmanshoop on my heart. That settled the start and the destination of my next prayer-walk. First I had to undertake a journey of a 1000 km to Namibia by car. Marelise stayed behind in a guest house and would fetch me after the walk at the farm.

I had to walk into this land of thirst and drought as a carrier of Hope. I prayed for revelation of what that Hope was. The name of the gravel road on which I walked was “C16”. It was as if there was a message of Hope written in the desert sand: "C16”

C, the third letter of the alphabet held the key. The road “C16” on which I walked was the Way prepared by God. The prepared Way is unlocked in 3.16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

May this give you Hope today. Hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain (Heb 6:19). It becomes more than just hoping that it will maybe rain today …

Someone in Namibia heard about my prayer-walk and wrote the following message: “Isn’t that wonderful! It definitely brings hope.” Not only for eternal life with Jesus, but the fact that he came so far to bring hope for Namibia! I TAKE that from the Lord of the Hosts!!!!”

This prayer-walk once again was about plowing the hearts of people so they could be ready for the seed of Father’s agenda.

Someone sent me encouragement with the following words: “Prophetically water and honey (revelation knowledge) is brought to a land of thirst and drought for the South land to once again be filled with Hope. May a flow of groundwater be plowed open. 

Namibia was caught up in a horrible drought. The Guruchab river where I was walking to, hasn’t flowed for 4 years. Late in the afternoon I sought some shade under a large tree. I decided to wait for the cool of the night before continuing the walk. The harsh sun caused me to drink too much of my water, I had only one liter of water left for the whole of the next day. After walking most of the night, I met the farmer at his farm gate the next morning. I didn’t say much because while I was walking God laid it in my heart that the Hope which I was to minister to the farmer wouldn’t be in words. I simply had to look him in the eyes and the Hope would flow from there. A few minutes after I met the farmer, he said he was sorry for being so teary-eyed.

Those were not just tears; in a land of thirst and drought a fountain broke out!

The farmer asked me if I would open his farm gate. I looked at this man who loves God so much and who was going through such a dreadful time, and in my heart I heard the word “Breaker”.

The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.

The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Micah 2:13, Zech 14:9, Hab. 2:14)

It was a dear place of ministering Hope. We ministered to each other with rivers of living water flowing from within us. (John 7:38).

A flow of groundwater was plowed open and we can see clearly again.

More than just tall tales and a Jerepigo sip

Prayer-walking from Groot Marico to Ventersdorp. Exactly 153km!

I was invited to speak at a church meeting in Ventersdorp. This gave me the oppportunity to continue on one of the previous prayer-walks which ended in Groot Marico.

I plotted the route and my heart jumped with surprise when I saw the total distance Groot Marico - Lichtenburg - Ventersdorp was 153km. This was the third time that the total distance of a prayer-walk worked out to be exactly 153km. I recognised the number 153 from the bible. A few of the disciples went out fishing. They didn’t catch anything for the whole night. They returned to shore at daybreak when Jesus prompted them to cast the net out on the other side. They cast it and were not able to haul it in, because it was full of fish. In fact the bible states: 153 large fish! (So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. (John 21:11, NIV)) This number is symbolic for the “sons of God”, which ties in with the scripture that I feel in my heart to be important for this prayer-walk: Creation is waiting and longing (eagerly) for the revealing of the “sons of God” (For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19, ESV)). Bearing in mind that any person who is led by the Spirit of God is “son of God” (For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:14, ESV)). 

I took the bus from Johannesburg to Groot Marico, where I slept over before starting the prayer-walk. 

Just outside the town I crossed over the Marico river. This had great significance because the name Marico was derived from a Tswana word meaning “Drenched with Blood”, referencing a battle in 1823 in the Marico River valley, where one of the largest Tswana towns in southern Africa at that time (Kaditshwene), was completely destroyed.

This prayer-walk started from a river referencing blood and ended six days later on the farm Elandskuil at a small river called Schoonspruit (Clean stream). The whole route that I have walked has a history of battles and being polluted by blood. My prayer is that the sign speaks prophetically of how the blood of Jesus purifies and makes clean (Schoon) (how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. (Hebrews 9:14, ESV) / But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (I John 1:7, ESV)).

Breakfast by the dry river

By sunset of day one, I was about 40km out of Groot Marico. I pitched my tent next to the road and slept for 11 hours. Before breakfast that morning, after walking another 8km, I saw a small bridge over a dry river bed, it was be ideal for a breakfast seat. I have just unpacked my food when a bakkie (small truck) came riding over the farm in my direction. It was the farmer, and he stopped on the other side of the fence. We greeted and he asked me what I was doing. I told him about the prayer-walk upon which he responded by asking me to remember to pray for him too. Then he battled to hold back his tears …

He told me his life story and how, at 80, he now stands before major changes in his life. We prayed together and I thank God that I witnessed on that weathered face, a re-opening of ancient wells.

Church by the shop

In the afternoon, about 25km before, Lichtenburg I stopped for bread and fruit at Calesonia township. While having a rest and enjoying lunch outside the shop, a group of men approached me and asked about my journey. While we were speaking someone pointed to a man carrying a bunch of fire-wood on his head. I was told that this man was a local pastor. Some of the men in the group called him over. This sparked a spiritual fire and within minutes there was a church meeting going on - out there on the street. Some gave testimonies, some taught from the bible and then we prayed. Awesome how that happened in the street in front of the shop!!

Miracle Fountain

For at least an hour before arriving in Lichtenburg, God laid on my heart something very weird. To be honest, I wondered if it was God speaking or if it were my own thoughts.

This prayer-walk is the third of which the total distance is exactly 153 km. I felt I would know I was at the right place when I saw a vehicle with 153 on its number plate. As I walked, I talked to God about it and He reminded me of another prayer-walk which was 172km. He spoke about looking out for this as a miraculous sign. Just outside Lichtenburg I saw a sign indicating Wonderfontein (Miracle fountain).

It was around supper time and I developed a craving for Fish and Chips. I walked to a Fish and Chips Shop and placed my order. I went outside to sit on a bench and wait for my order number to be called. There was a vehicle parked in front of the shop, right in front of me - on the registration plate was the number “153”! I was still trying to recover from the surprise when I heard the next order number being called: “172”! This order was the for the people in vehicle with the number “153”!

When my order was called, no customers were left in the shop. The shop assistants asked about my prayer-walk. We started talking and I shared some testimonies - it wasn’t long then that Fish and Chips shop turned into a house of prayer!

I witnessed the opening of a Miracle Fountain in Lichtenburg, the City of Light.

Putfontein and Sweethome! 

There were 2 places I still had to pass on this prayer-walk: Putfontein and Sweethome! 

Late in the afternoon I arrived at Putfontein. The word “Put” means “a well” and “fontein” means “ a fountain” ... At a well you draw water. At a fountain the water comes out by itself. 

Putfontein was a small village consisting mostly of tin shacks. I turned from the road to top up my supplies. I found a small shop and while I was there I sat down to put the supplies that I just purchased into my backpack. 

A group of men gathered around me and we spoke about why I was there. A little bit later as I left to continue on my journey, a man from the village stopped me and gave me 2 apples and a packet of peanuts for my journey - as a gift.

Suddenly I understood the prophetic meaning of the name Putfontein. I came to a well, and when I left, the well turned into a fountain. When the well becomes a fountain, you’re on your way to  “Sweethome”!

About roots, wells and fountains

The reason why I went on this prayer-walk was because of an invitation by a home church in Ventersdorp. The name of this home church was Rehoboth congregation. The name Rehoboth means: “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”

A few people from the Rehoboth congregation walked with me for that last stretch. We proclaimed that all the blood shed on the land and in the water was indeed purified and made clean by the blood of Jesus and that the living water would bubble out - even in the valley of the shadow of death. (Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:4-6, ESV))

I'm preparing for Groot Marico- Lichtenburg-Ventersdorp Prayer-walk. The signage on the side of the tent given as gift!! Remarkable that again, for the 3rd time, a prayer-walk turns out to be exactly 153km...

You have a dream!

I dream of a generation having visions and catching their dreams. I dream how they rise up. I dream they go from a crawl to a walk; from a walk to a run; and as they run they start to soar like eagles … I open my eyes and I see this generation before me. 

You have a dream … It is time!

This is the story of a Prayer-walk from Airlie (Eagle wood) through Mpumalanga (place of the rising sun), declaring over you an ascended life …

  

The story begins four months ago in the Free State Province.

I started noticing signs with a the same weird number indicating distance:

VREDEFORT 44. The name Vredefort means Fortress of Peace.

A month later

BETHLEHEM 44. The name Bethlehem means House of Bread.

And another month later

BRANDFORT 44. The name Brandfort means Fortress of Fire.

The meaning of the number 44 has to do with separation. What immediately comes to my mind is that where-ever we are, we need to separate ourselves unto God.

A month after that I started out on the prayer-walk from Airlie, a small train station. What was very interesting me was that the name Airlie means Eagle Wood (Forest). It lies in Mpumalanga which means “Place where the sun rises”. The names paint an encouraging picture of eagles rising like the morning sun. An eagle speaks of your high calling and the wood (forest) is the place where you go to find your identity.

This shaped the theme of my prayers for people of this area. I started praying that people would separate themselves unto God and that they would understand who they are and that they would run with the vision of what God intended for them to be in this life. I started praying that this running with their dream would elevate them into higher heights in the spiritual as well as physical dimension.

Little did I know I was about to turn off on a road that would take me through a wooded area ascending 1000 meters to Kaapsehoop (Hope of the Cape)! I found it so awesome that the physical road reflected the things very I was praying for.

My prayer, as I encountered wild horses as well as an eagle on the way, is that you will run like a wild horse in freedom and that you will only be limited by the wind of the Holy Spirit - soaring like an eagle.

Misty edge of the cloud

The next morning I was on the road early, trying to catch a cloud which was slowly disappearing before me in the valley as I descended towards Nelspruit. I eventually reached the misty edge of that cloud, and as I stepped into it, something wonderful happened.

I am used to wild animals running away when I approach, but this morning a deer came running towards me! It stopped about 20 metres away in the misty edge of that cloud. It looked at me for a few seconds and then ran away. That blew my breath away!

Now my prayer for you in the place of the rising sun is to arise and shine because creation is waiting with eager longing to see the manifestation of the sons of God.

The sons of God is a term that refers to everyone (male or female) who are led by the Spirit of God.

19. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

14. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8, ESV)

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isaiah 60:1-3, ESV)

Higher Heights

The next evening I slept over in a suburb called Steiltes. The name means Heights – and to reach it I had to use a road on some very steep uphills. Those very steep uphills took me to a place where I could walk on high places …

GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. (Habakkuk 3:19, ESV)

This is what I learned: To walk on high places, we first need to conquer some uphills … Sometimes they are physical and we have to climb them but sometimes the uphills we need to overcome lie within us.

Losing your head

On the road from Nelspruit towards Sabie I saw an interesting sign with an important message. It illustrated something close to my heart …

It is the image of a man walking on a zebra crossing. He is walking on a series of black and white lines. It is symbolic of a journey of reconciliation of different people groups. Interestingly the man on the sign has lost his head … That speaks volumes: If we want to walk on the road of reconcilation, we have to lose our heads too!

Our old way of thinking needs to be replaced by a new way of thinking. Instead of hate, distrust and prejudice we should renew our minds and allow Jesus to be the head so we can function as the body …

It is about killing our old mindset and getting new spiritual enlightenment and maturity in Christ. A new revelation of His love for this land and its people. An understanding that the bride of Christ has it within us to heal this land, not by seeking vengeance but by making room for the diverse culture groups and by being a refuge for all who need Him.

Wordless worship

There was a moment, just between day and night where the last rays of the sun and the hazy moonlit nightsky almost posed for this photo. It was that moment where day and night reveals the glory of God … without words.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalms 19:1-2, ESV)

The answer to prayer is the most beautiful thing

This is encouragement for all those who pray for the restoration of this land:

While prayer-walking from Nelspruit to Sabie, I met three women from different missionary teams who paid there own way all the way from the USA to come do some of the things we have been praying for in our own country.

The first 2 ladies are young and energetic! I met them early in the morning.

Because of war, bloodshed, hatred and greed, our continent has forgotten the ancient song which God has put into our hearts. They came to help the people of Africa to remember our song and our dance by preaching and teaching the Word of God and by praising and worshipping Him through music. How absolutely beautiful!

The third lady is 75 years of age. I met her at the dinner table. Last year she walked 850km across Spain!

Yesterday she visited an informal settlement along the road to Sabie. She asked them to show her where they have to fetch water for the people in the village. The well was far away. It was filthy and the water black-brown. She was shocked to hear that people had to drink that.

The well was stopped up almost 60 metres with years of trash and rubbish!

Even though it was a long weekend, and most businesses were closed, she immediately contacted and commissioned a contractor to come clean out that well. Another contractor was hired to set up a pump and water pipes for people to have easier access to the new fresh clean water.

What touched me is that she then paid the contractors with her own money!

These women all return to America this week; leaving us with a song and a dance … and with fresh clean water!

The most beautiful thing!

No Hazy View

This prayer-walk from Sabie to Hazyview was about praying about conquering the hazy view to see God's light and truth with eyes unveiled …

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! (Psalms 43:3, ESV)

Finding a key in Hazyview … and it opened my eyes!

It was a month later and for the fourth time in four months I saw this random number on a sign. As I prayer-walked through Hazyview, there was the sign: WHITE RIVER 44.

Suddenly it dawned on me – that was the next puzzle piece!

Separate yourself unto God. And seek Him on those 4 names I have encountered.

• Seek God as your Peace ~ Vredefort (Fortress of Peace) Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16, ESV)
• Seek God as the Bread of life ~ Bethlehem (House of Bread)Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35, ESV)
• Seek God as a Consuming Fire ~ Brandfort (Fortress of Fire)Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)
• Seek God as the River of Life ~ White RiverWhoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ (John 7:38, ESV)

When we seek God then, it should be with hearts expecting to find Him:

that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for In him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28-29a, ESV)

I want to conclude about seeking and finding God - from Ezekiel 44!

Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple,

and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple of the LORD.

And I fell on my face. (Eze 44:4 ESV)