Tabla de contenidos para August 2024 en JOY! Magazine

At the end of 1961, a young exchange student studying at the Bible College of Wales, Swansea, was on his way home when he decided to take an unguided sightseeing tour of London. As he walked, he came across a house with a nameplate on the front that said “George Jeffreys”. He wondered if it could be the great George Jeffreys who had founded the Elim Pentecostal churches in Ireland and England and whom he had read so much about. An unexpected encounter with George Jeffreys ignited Reinhard Bonnke’s divine calling. This is how he told the rest of the story: “There I rang the bell. A lady opened the door. ‘Pardon my intrusion, ma’am. Does George Jeffreys live here, the famous evangelist I have heard so much about?’‘Yes, he…

“This is an incredible journey that I firmly believe is from the Lord. Every single morning, He gives me a message, never the same one twice, which is nothing short of miraculous.” In this interview, Uncle Angus shares how God has used his daily “Thought for Today” messages to spread the Gospel worldwide. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to reaching a global audience, God’s hand is evident in every step of this journey. Uncle Angus offers insights into the challenges he faces, the memorable responses he’s received, and the remarkable impact of his messages on people from all walks of life, all for the glory of God. “It started with sending a few messages, it has now become a global outreach.” Q What initially inspired you to start…

Short testimony I am part of a group of praying farmers in the Karoo. For the last 12 to 15 years, our fellowship group has hiked to the top of the closest mountain to pray for rain for our farms. We are all farmers in the Karoo, where we experience many dry periods. These are extremely difficult seasons for farmers. This is a testimony from a little while back, where we experienced God’s grace and mercy over our praying community. Praying farmers We set out to do our annual prayer walk. My husband and I used our vehicle to get the top and carry everyone’s bags and chairs. We enjoyed the most awesome view of the valleys and distant mountains. As a group, we prayed, read our Bibles, and took…

TOPICAL THE FASTEST-GROWING The Chinese Church is now the fastest-growing church in the UK, according to a new report from Bible Society. It has seen a 28,8 per cent growth in the last two years. The growth is happening largely in Cantonese congregations, boosted by people emigrating from Hong Kong to the UK since 2021. An exciting time! Dr Yinxuan Huang, who carried out the survey, said, “This is an exciting time for the Chinese Church in Britain. It is seeing a time of incredible growth, which is also a missional opportunity as others from within the Chinese community are drawn to the Church. It is also a time when local, English-speaking congregations can welcome people from Hong Kong to their services. There is a real opportunity for growth, but…

Time flies. Years race by. But, 2024 has been a stunner in many ways. And many events remind me that the world is running out of time before the last act of a major drama plays out. In other words, the Church age is winding down. Let me highlight a few events from this year that have convinced me of this. 1 Israel is alone After she was brutally attacked in October 2023, one would have thought the world would rally to her side. Not so! The International Criminal Court wanted to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu in May just for defending his country. The European Union, the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and the International Court of Justice have all denounced the Jewish state just for wanting to wipe out…

The Olivet Discourse (Matt 24-25) is Jesus’ extended end-times teaching, delivered from the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem. The discourse concludes with three parables looking at Christ’s second coming from different angles. We’ve already studied the parables of the ten virgins and talents, so this month we’ll consider the final teaching in this message. Is this truly a parable? There’s some debate on whether or not this teaching is a parable. For example, look at the section headings for Matthew 25. The New King James Version doesn’t use “parable” in the sheep and goats heading like it does with the previous teachings. And yet, this passage has the typical elements of a parable. After all, upon His return Jesus won’t be literally separating sheep from goats, any more than He’ll…

“I challenge each of you: Find your mountain to climb, your finish line to cross. Whether it’s running a marathon, starting a new fitness programme, or simply striving to live a healthier lifestyle, know that the only limits that exist are the ones you impose on yourself.” Francois Janse van Rensburg recently embarked on an epic walk in aid of charity. This is indicative of his love for adventure and his fellow man. Appetite for challenges Francois, born in Riversdale in the Southwestern Cape in 1963, exhibited an irrepressible spirit from a young age. He had an insatiable appetite for challenges as evidenced in the many exploits he achieved in his life. This penchant for a challenge was demonstrated, for example, when, as a 9-year-old, he responded to the reverend’s…

In the heart of the Helderberg, the Cape Honey Bee Conservancy emerged in 2018 when a bee swarm found refuge in an owl box in a local garden. This unexpected event illuminated the urgent need for conservation efforts dedicated to the Cape honey bee, a unique and vital species in the Western Cape. The conservancy has since become a beacon of hope for the preservation of these bees and their integral role in the ecosystem. Q What inspired you to focus on the conservation of the Cape honey bee? The Cape Honey Bee Conservancy was established in 2018 when, by chance, a bee swarm moved into an owl box in a tree in our garden. We soon realised that there was a dire need for more people in the Helderberg…

Good day, precious friends. As evangelists, we have the privilege of travelling to many countries on mission trips, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching the Word of God and acts of service. Increasingly, we have seen a trend amongst those we minister to – unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is unhealthy We are not making light of whatever may have happened to these precious people; however, we have seen that unforgiveness opens the door for the devil to work in their lives. We have also seen that unforgiveness has blocked healing and deliverance. I heard one person say, “Unforgiveness is like a person drinking poison and expecting someone else to die.” Forgiveness is freedom On the other hand, we have also seen that when these precious people have forgiven those who…

We live in a world that idolises busyness. In this day and age, being busy is seen as a good thing, as if it speaks directly to your self-worth. If you’re not busy, you’re seen as lazy and unproductive. Rest is perceived as something negative. I have recently found myself guilty of this. When family or friends ask how I am doing, my response is always the same, “Busy, busy, always busy – but good!” I have a problem: I’m addicted to being busy. Can any of you relate? Consider these danger signs of a busyness addiction: 1 You feel at your best when you are busiest This should be a glaring red flag. The problem I have found, however, is that I like how it feels to be busy,…

FEATURE Joy is something we all long for, but that often seems difficult to grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be a part of every Christian’s life. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, produced by God’s work in us, and it is part of God’s will for us. Everyone goes through seasons We know that even the most mature of God’s people experience periods of joylessness. For instance, Job wished he had never been born (Job 3:11). David prayed to be taken away to a place where he would not have to deal with reality (Psa 55:6-8). Elijah, even after defeating 450 prophets of Baal with fire called down from heaven (1 Kings 18:16-46), fled into the desert and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:3-5).…

On the 7th October 2023, Hamas unleashed the biggest and most brutal attack on Jews since the Holocaust with over 1200 men, women, and children brutally murdered, many raped, and 252 taken hostage into Gaza. The nation of Israel is still mourning the loss of their loved ones and is in trauma over those (age 1 to 86 years) still being held hostage ten months later, without any international organisation allowed to visit them or essential medications (sent by Israel) passed on to them. Crucifying Israel As Israel continues to respond to the brutal attack by Hamas, as well as ongoing rockets from Hamas and Hezbollah in the north, more young men – who are fathers, husbands and brothers – are losing their lives in this drawn-out fight and the…

I was talking to a friend about the challenges that Christians face today when he said, “We are swimming against the current – the world has lost its reason.” The phrase struck me and I’ve been pondering it. Swimming against the current The first phrase – “swimming against the current” – is a truth that we, as Christians, face opposition from our culture that opposes our faith, convictions, and values. The “cultural current” has been flowing strongly against the Christian faith for over a century. There is much in the Bible about how God’s people must resist the force imposed by the world about them. We are to be different: we must always go against the flow, stand firm, and “march to the beat of a different drum”. Christianity gave…

Discover the captivating journey of resilience and strength in Iron in Silk. Dive into the remarkable autobiography that unveils the power of determination and the beauty of transformation. In the delicate weave of silk, an unlikely hero emerges: iron. Yet, not just iron, but one clothed in the essence of womanhood and motherhood. This is the tale of resilience, of a journey through the labyrinth of entrepreneurship, where the path is strewn with thorns yet adorned with the promise of sweet success. With faith as her compass, patience as her armour, and tenacity as her sword, she forges ahead, defying the odds and rewriting the narrative of her destiny. Purchase your copy and embark on an inspiring voyage of self-discovery and triumph: MISKYAH.COM/SHOP…

MEDIA MINISTRY Nature deities, deified humans, guardian spirits, demigods, and hungry ghosts are all fighting for the soul of Taiwan. No one knows exactly how many objects of worship there are in Taiwan, but approximately 93% of Taiwan’s population, which numbers about 24 million, worship them. There are more than 12 000 temples and shrines that cater to Buddhism, Taoism, or so-called Chinese folk religion, which combines the former two with Confucian ideals. ‘Where there is veneration, there is protection’ This Taiwanese saying encapsulates the general attitude and motivation behind their worship. From good grades in school, to good health, to peace of mind in old age – people observe the myriad religious rituals to get something in return. Worship is a transaction with the deities. What does this worship…

Everyone expects a pastor to pray for his people. But pastors need prayer too. In fact, they need much prayer. Their responsibility is great, satan’s attack strong. Listen to the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” Twelve verses later this same author states the most simple and profound way to do this: “Brethren, pray for us.” Specific prayer requests On one hand you can pray for your pastor just as you do for any other believer. (They are needy Christians too!) It is also important to realise that there are specific things for which pastors need special…

Over the past few years, especially in recent months, many ministers of the Gospel have stepped down from ministry for various reasons. For some, it was due to fatigue, but in many cases, it was due to sin, particularly sexual sin and immorality. Lately, there have been increasing cases of sexual abuse and misconduct in the Church. The mandate of the Shepherd A stern warning is issued to pastors in Jeremiah 23:1, “‘Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ saith the Lord.” Ministers are entrusted with the responsibility to care for, nurture, and feed the sheep that belong to Yeshua Himself. According to Ephesians 4:11-16, the sheep are gathered to be taught, trained, equipped, and activated for ministry, not to be taken advantage…

As I drove into the Johannesburg CBD recently, it struck me that we are living in an impatient society. When approaching a red traffic light, people wait as if they’re preparing for the start of a Formula 1 race. When coming to a traffic light that isn’t working, most people don’t even try to slow down, let alone stop. Yet, in this society of impatience, Christians are called to be patient (especially with fellow believers). The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” The patience of God Why are believers to be noted for their patience? The main reason is because God is patient with us. The Apostle Paul asked the…

It was Peter Drucker who once said, ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast.’”This statement highlights the profound impact culture has on any organisation, including the Church. Drucker, a pioneer in management theory, emphasised that the success of any institution is deeply intertwined with its culture. His insights, rooted in Christian values, provide a valuable perspective on the importance of culture within the Church and its role in influencing the world. What is culture? Culture encompasses the collective beliefs, values, customs, and behaviours that characterise a group or society. It manifests in various forms, such as language, art, traditions, and social norms. Within the Church, culture shapes how faith is practiced, expressed, and experienced. Richard Niebuhr, in his seminal work “Christ and Culture”, defines culture as “the social life of humanity, the…

Quick facts • Greece is steeped in history, being the cradle of Western civilisation and democracy, with a population deeply rooted in Orthodox Christianity. • 88,1 % of Greeks identify as Orthodox Christians, yet only 0,3 % identify as Protestant. • There are roughly 10,5 million people living in Greece. • The nation struggles with economic challenges yet maintains a rich cultural heritage that includes significant religious sites and traditions. Footprint of Christianity Greece was the first European country to hear the Gospel, when Paul set foot in northern Greece around the year 49 AD. The first Greek evangelical church was built in 1871 in the centre of Athens, which was demolished and rebuilt in 1956 due to the increasing number of followers. Greek evangelicalism spread also through the Greeks…