Written by: Hermien van den Bergh
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In 2019, we prayed for the healing of Elizabeth Evert at a revival meeting we held at Matjiesrivier. Elizabeth suffered from severe arthritis in her hip, could not walk properly, and was lame in her one leg. She could also not lift up her arm and her hand was so arthritic that she could not open it any more.
We recently met her granddaughter and enquired about the wellbeing of her grandmother. She testified eagerly, “God did a miracle for my grandmother. The doctor said that she would never be able to walk properly again, but after you prayed for her, God healed her. She can now make her own coffee and breakfast, and go to the bathroom by herself. Previously we always had to lead and help her, but God touched my grandmother that day. She can now walk and take care of herself.”
Touched by the Lord
I also want to share the testimony of Kiewiet September, whom we prayed for in Oudtshoorn. He was completely bent over and walked extremely slowly. After we asked the Lord to heal him, Kiewiet could straighten up. Paula Potgieter confirmed that today he is still walking upright – though not perfectly healed, he is much better.
Hermien and Dawid ministered to the workers at De Zeekoe Guest Farm and prayed for them
Paula and her husband, Pottie Potgieter, co-own De Zeekoe Guest Farm in Oudtshoorn and the Wildondehondekloof Lodge & Game Reserve in the Swartberge. Paula is a dedicated marketplace evangelist and gave us carte blanche to minister to their staff and the surrounding community.
Free safari holiday
I am often asked, “As a travelling missionary living by faith, how do you know where you must go to minister?” Every situation is unique. In this instance a friend of mine, Ronelle Sevior, invited me, “Do you and Dawid want to go on a free safari holiday?” She explained that a barrister from London paid R70 000 to go on Alexander’s Safari, but that he and his wife could not go anymore. The two spots were up for grabs with all expenses paid. My first thought was: ‘No, we have a mission schedule’. But thank the Lord that I said yes!
Dawid with Sonja and Hanno Otto
Divine appointment
Alexander’s Safari was amazing, but even more amazing was that we befriended Sonja Otto, who co-led the safari. Meeting Sonja was clearly a divine appointment. Everyone experiences such ‘chance’ encounters in life, but Dawid and I have learnt to recognise them. These are relationships that God is setting up for us. God’s connections are significant to us personally, but are also life-changing for the people we minister to along the way.
Sonja introduced us to her sister, Paula, and after the safari trip in Limpopo we went to Oudtshoorn for our next two mission opportunities – which only God could have arranged so perfectly.
LEFT: The service where Pottie Potgieter rededicated his life to Jesus. RIGHT: Pottie and Paula Potgieter
Lives touched and transformed
To our surprise Pottie attended one of the revival services that we held in a small church adjacent to De Zeekoe Guest Farm. Dawid preached a fiery message that evening and Pottie got up, alongside his local community, and rededicated his life to Jesus! It was wonderful to witness.
At Wildehondekloof Lodge I was privileged to lead the manager, Rian Muller, to the Lord and Dawid baptised him and his wife, Erica. They are still on fire for Jesus. Sonja and her husband, Hanno, came to visit and were also baptised.
Dawid baptised Rian and Erica Muller
Thankful for work that is still standing
Counselling, coupled with several opportunities to teach the staff, released the love of Jesus and shifted the atmosphere as His light started to reach everywhere. The journey of transformation is not always easy and does not always happen overnight, but when we later hear that some of the work that was started is still standing, it gives us great joy.
The harvest is great
Countless people are longing for a touch from God. They long for His love, His goodness, and His miracles to manifest in their desperate world. Many wait in vain. In Luke 10:2 Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” Therefore, let us GO!
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Date published: 02/12/2022
Feature Image: LEFT: Kiewiet September can now walk easier. RIGHT: Grandma Elizabeth Evert from Matjiesrivier used to be unable to lift her arms
HERMIEN VAN DEN BERGH – a travelling missionary. For anyone interested in following her and Dawid’s journey, or to invite them as guest speakers, visit lofunlimited.org or email info@lofunlimited.org
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