Written by: Gillian Fraser
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In JOY’s Letters to the editor section two months ago, we published a heartfelt request from Pastor Johan Lourens, requesting assistance in securing a caravan for their ministry. He wrote, “Deo Volente Mission is in need of a reliable secondhand caravan to support our outreach and ministry work. We are willing to collect from anywhere in South Africa. If you have a caravan to sell or donate, please contact us – your support will help us reach more lives with the Gospel.”
Johan and his team had been praying for a ministry caravan for over two years. They trusted that God would provide in His perfect time. That time came quicker than expected.
An email from a generous reader
Soon after the magazine hit the shelves, Johan received an unexpected message. It read:
“Hi Johan, I have just seen your request in the latest JOY! Magazine. I have a Jurgens Avion L 6 caravan, which I would like to donate to you. However, there are a few problems. The caravan has been stored in the Drakensberg at a resort for about 20 years, so the wheel bearings may need replacing. The van was in my wife’s name, and she sadly passed away three years ago. Because of the change of name into mine, it needs a CoR. I have paid the licence, so it is up to date. If you can handle this, the van is yours.”– Ron Geall
A direct answer to prayer
Johan shared his gratitude with us in a follow-up testimony:
“On the 12th of June, that prayer was answered in a powerful way. This was a direct answer to prayer! Even though the caravan needs some attention, Ron so generously offered it to us if we can manage the details. Ron, we cannot thank you enough for your incredible kindness, your open heart, and your obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Your willingness to give such a valuable and meaningful gift will be a blessing to countless people as we continue our outreaches.”
He also thanked JOY! readers for their ongoing prayers and support, adding, “Your ministry is not just a magazine – it is a bridge between needs and miracles. All glory to God for His faithfulness!”
A milestone and a miracle
This year marks 25 years since Johan and his family stepped into full-time faith ministry. In 2023, the Lord led them from Somerset West to Winburg in the Free State, positioning them in the centre of the country to continue their outreach work more effectively. Deo Volente Mission serves across South Africa and parts of East Africa, including Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Kenya. Their work includes practical support such as food parcel distribution, discipleship through Bible training, and community development projects that aim to restore dignity and hope. Johan and his wife, Esther, remain committed to bringing the Gospel in word and deed wherever the Lord sends them.
You can find more about Deo Volente Mission’s journey by visiting their website.
This article is featured in the September issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 01/09/2025
Feature image: Supplied
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