SEND YOUR BEST…and keep sending!
Yesterday, I had the amazing privilege to sit with Wally and Shirley Gerstmeier and look back on the incredible faithfulness of our God. Those are always cool moments. 18 Years ago to the month, Wally and Shirley jumped in a Volksie bus with their two young daughters, and made the great journey from Vryheid to Cape Town. At the time, they were leaving behind people they loved to move to a city where they knew no one. There was no security or job offer waiting on the other side. They were just full of faith and passion, expectant of what God had in store. In March of that same year they planted a church called LIFE CHANGERS, and I for one am incredibly grateful that they did.
This weekend, the Life Changers family have the privilege of releasing this couple from the church they planted 18 years ago, as they venture out on a new faith journey with God…with that same glint of faith and expectation in their eyes. It’s inspiring!
Yesterday, Wally shared with me all the opportunities that have already opened up for them to minister following their decision to move to Durban. After 35 years of church leadership they will be giving themselves to training and equipping in different local churches around South Africa, and beyond our borders. There is no doubt that they are going to be a huge blessing wherever God leads them.
This Sunday, we release these pioneers, our friends and leaders, into a whole new season of fruitfulness and effectiveness. For Wally and Shirley, this is not some strategic move but rather a simple response of faith by a couple who have followed ‘that voice’ before. The same voice that has seen them move to lead a community in Stanger, then move to Vryheid, then down to Cape Town. Their journey has taken them full circle and they will now be returning to KwaZulu Natal.
As a local church we will be journeying and partnering with them in this Kingdom adventure, both now and into the future. Right now though, our privilege and responsibility is to send them out with cheers and celebration. The Milnerton congregation got to say goodbye this past Sunday, and we would love to do it one final time this Sunday at both the Tableview services…9am and 6pm.
Most people are back at work, the kids have been sent off for another schooling year, and great adventures lie ahead in 2017. Let’s prioiritise this moment on Sunday the 15th January as we SEND OUT OUR BEST, knowing that God is always working behind the scenes for powerful kingdom advancement.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Mark
Mark and Candice Van Pletsen have been married for 12 years and have three amazing boys (Judah, Ben and Daniel) all under the age of eight. They currently captain the eldership team as well as giving oversight to our Tableview congregations.
I got what you mean,saved to fav, very decent site.