Christian testimonies: A visit to the Families in Christ

Greetings to You All!

It’s a brand-new year, and we are still running the race! "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

I hope this year has been good to you so far. As for me, I can testify that God has been gracious. Looking back, I see His hand at work, reconnecting me with my family in Christ and allowing me to meet three wonderful families already. It is truly a blessing to be back in full swing again, living out the call of fellowship and mission.

Before I share more, let us first give thanks to our Creator, for He is faithful, and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). So, let’s get straight into it.

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A brief visit to the De Beer family

On January 2, I set out to keep a promise—I had told the De Beer family I would visit them in the new year. New Year’s Day in Johannesburg was drenched in rain, with quiet, empty streets. It was as if the city itself was in deep reflection, resting after the past year. Finding my way to Meyerton, where the De Beer family now lives, seemed uncertain.

The next day, I managed to get a taxi into Johannesburg and then another to Meyerton. Compared to its usual energy, Joburg felt subdued, as if waiting for the new year’s rhythm to fully begin. Soon, I found myself standing near a KFC building, not far from the taxi rank, waiting for Tian to pick me up.

Reuniting with the De Beers after more than a year was a joy. We broke bread together (Acts 2:42), sharing a meal and reminiscing about their mission trip to

Indonesia last year, scanning through photos on Tian’s computer. It was a reminder of how God’s call takes us to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).

As the day ended, it was time to say goodbye. Though the streets remained quiet, I made my way back home, my heart full of gratitude for the time spent with them.

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A Trip to Witbank: A Journey Back

Another year had passed, and once again, I found myself being led back to Witbank, also known as Emalahleni. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way" (Psalm 37:23). On a Thursday morning, I packed my backpack, ready for the journey ahead.

Dumisani, my Uber driver, picked me up from Sunninghill Village and dropped me off at Wanderers taxi rank. The streets of Johannesburg were alive with movement—a contrast to my earlier trip. The city was now fully awake, a reminder that life goes on and that God’s work continues.

After a two-hour ride, I arrived in Witbank. I took some time to get a haircut and had a meal at KFC, observing the energy of the town—the street vendors calling out, the photographers stationed at the restaurant entrance, all working hard to make a living.

Soon, Shaun arrived to pick me up. His family had hosted me during my last visit to Witbank, and stepping into their home felt like returning to a familiar and welcoming place.

To my surprise, the Niemans were also there! Seeing them again after our last meeting in George was a joy. It was a beautiful reminder of how God knits the body of Christ together across time and distance (Colossians 2:2).

The following day was Esijer’s birthday, and what a wonderful day it was! We spent it at a beautiful garden with a small park where the kids could play. It was a much-needed time of fellowship, shared with both the Niemans and the Fouries. It reminded me of Jesus' words in Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

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Walking with the Cross: A Step of Faith

On the final day of my visit, Shaun and I decided to take a walk with the cross. It was my first time doing this, this year and I prayed that God would provide divine encounters along the way.

How It All Happened

It was a bright Wednesday morning when Shaun and I set out. Just a stone’s throw from his house, we began distributing gospel tracts. Some people accepted them, others observed from the comfort of their cars as we carried the cross through the streets.

One of our first encounters was with a man working on a construction site, shoveling sand. We asked for a moment of his time and shared the gospel with him. He listened attentively, and I could sense that God was planting a seed in his heart.

As we continued walking, we had meaningful conversations with several people. Some were curious, others hesitant, but the message remained the same: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Eventually, we reached a mall and took a moment to rest and have a meal. While there, we shared the gospel with the kitchen staff at one of the supermarkets. I thank God for those divine encounters. It reminded me of how Jesus, even when resting by a well, took the opportunity to minister to the Samaritan woman (John 4:6-26).

As the sun blazed overhead, we finally had to call it a day. The heat was exhausting, but every step, every conversation, and every moment was worth it. "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:15).

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Looking Ahead: Trusting in His Plan

The following day, it was time to say goodbye to both the Fouries and the Niemans. They graciously gave me a lift back to Johannesburg.

One last highlight was reconnecting with Uncle Adriaan and Aunty Mourin. We gathered for a Sunday meal, reflecting on God’s goodness in our lives. Fellowship is truly a gift, and "how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).

As I look ahead, I am excited for what this year holds. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to guide our steps, open new doors for ministry, and deepen our faith. May we remain steadfast in our calling, knowing that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).

Until next time—goodbye, and God bless!