Written by: Interview by Vastfontein
Article source: JOY! Magazine
It was in the early hours one morning in 1998 that Johan Grobler found himself watching a destitute drunken man across the road from his house. Johan sat lamenting about the unchanged state of the country since democracy had kicked in. As he sat, Johan had a supernatural encounter with God. He was challenged about his responsibility to make a difference in the community where he lives. This encounter birthed the Vastfontein Community Transformation, an organisation that transforms the local Vasfontein community through education, skills development, training, and mentorship.
Vastfontein uses a holistic approach. It started on a small plot of farmland, under a tree, showing The Jesus Film to 40 farm workers from the local community. This was followed by church services and a Sunday school in the shed, followed by starting a crèche a couple of years later. Martha Mtsinga was trained to become the first teacher, she relates her story.
“God touched me and healed me, and continues to use me daily in the lives of little ones.”
A worker of miracles
“For me, the history and existence of Vastfontein is a living testimony of God’s love and His providence. We started with nothing, I came to church as a young convert without the knowledge and the boldness to lead other people to salvation. I remember being called Marthatjie, frail and thin at the age of 24. I was so sickly that it is a miracle itself that I am still alive today and able to serve God here at school. God touched me and healed me, and continues to use me daily in the lives of little ones.”
Nothing is impossible for Jesus
During the interview, we were sitting outside the classroom on the High School premises. This land was acquired in 2013 to add to the growing need of education in this rural community. Martha looked around and reminded us about the days when there was a tavern exactly where the classroom is currently situated. Again she emphasised that nothing is impossible for the Lord; that even a tavern on the exact location was transformed into a beautiful Christian School!
God is faithful when we pray
One of the things that Martha emphasised was how faithful God is when we pray. She was referring to the days that they really did not get salaries for a period of six months as there was no money. “Uncle Johan” urged everyone to pray and reminded them about God’s faithfulness. God did not only provide salaries; but classrooms, the church hall, and many, many other things that were needed for their mission.
Operating within God’s Will
Many have asked Martha when she’s going to move on, but she says that she is 100% sure that it is God’s Will for her to stay at the school and share the Gospel with the little ones. She also reminded us that continuous prayer and seeking the Will of the Lord is the only way to be sure that you are doing what God wants you to do. Martha is not a cheque collector, she is a servant of God. She is absolutely sure that she is staying here not because of her own will, but to accomplish the Lord’s mission. This is not only a miracle, but a mandate that keeps her going and focussing on what God wants her to do. She is sure that God wants her to facilitate the spiritual growth of the little ones that she’s working with. The only way to do this is to seek His Will and to live according to His Will by loving and respecting others.
“As teachers, we must keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. Miracles will continue to happen.”
God empowers Martha to share the Gospel
God’s miraculous intervention and support has allowed Martha to grow spiritually. She looks back on the days when the tavern was still there and when she used to go with Dora to try and share the Gospel with the folks who were sitting in the tavern drinking. She remembers not knowing how to share the Gospel. This is all just a memory that encourages her and fills her with passion today. Now she looks forward to sharing the Gospel with anyone she encounters. She is empowered by the Holy Spirit and by the Word of God. Continuous prayer is necessary to seek His Will and wisdom. The miracle for Martha is knowing that God empowers her for whatever he has called her to do.
God simply requires obedience
“As teachers, we must keep our eyes fixed on the Lord and miracles will continue to happen. We can only cultivate the earth and plant the seeds, but if we are not obedient in sharing the Word of God then the miracles will not happen.” Martha shared an example of an experience that she had recently. She met with one of her former Sunday school learners from many years ago. It was amazing to see how God had completed the work that was started many years ago in humble submission in the Sunday school.
Always seek the Kingdom first
Martha believes that the miracle of the love of God is to be obedient and to start whatever we do by seeking His Will in prayer. Martha reminded me that the more we talk to the Lord, the more we also hear what He has to say. His Word says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
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Date published: 05/08/2020
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