Written by: Karli du Toit
Article source: JOY! Magazine
I thank the Lord for the wonderful, God-fearing parents who raised me in the ways of the Lord, but in my early 20s I had to come to the realisation that information about God is not the same as an intimate relationship with Him; that the Bible is meant to transform us, not just inform us. It was only at this point when serious transformation could begin.
Karli du Toit
I knew He was calling me
After leaving school, I studied cellar management and technology at Elsenburg. During my last semester at university, I was like the proverbial dog that chased a car: I had no idea what I was going to do next! When Raymond Lombard, our pastor, made an announcement about the Koinonia Discipleship Training Academy (KDTA) during a church service, it felt as if my heart was beating outside my body. Then and there, I knew the Lord was calling me…
Big decision to make
Society has a way of putting young people into a box: school, university, work. However, I like to think outside the box – no box is needed. The best medicine for clearing my head was when my bicycle’s wheels hit the dirt road at Elsenburg. I cycled up to the vineyard section and sat down among the vines to pray for guidance. Of course, the enemy also sowed doubt.
At that stage I considered a job offer as a wine-press assistant and even the opportunity to start my own business in the wine industry. I finally found supernatural peace in the words of Matthew 6:33, “…but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Making new wine for a season
After prayer and fasting, I decided to do the discipleship year for Christ, living a life that can change the eternity of someone else, because Jesus does not expect much – He expects everything. And therefore, before I one day make wine myself again, I wanted to spend the year to learn from the One who turned water into wine; the One who can make new wine out of me.
Intentionality
One of the most important things I learnt in 2023 is intentionality – to prioritise the spiritual disciplines (Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and worship) and to obey the command in Matthew 28:19 – not just when you are on an “outreach”. The command is still applicable when you go to fill up your car or to buy bread, when you take the dog for a walk. Any time, any place. Just pray and ask, “Lord, is there anyone who You want to reach? Is there someone You want to say something to?” We are inclined to say, “I am an introvert”, “I am shy”. News flash: you are neither an introvert nor an extrovert. You are a Christian. Why would we want to keep the Good News to ourselves? That is why intentionality is a serious buzz word here at Koinonia!
What I discovered outside my comfort zone
There were so many highlights, but the Ignite conference in George, hosted by evangelist Pickard Henn, challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. I had never done street evangelism or prayed for people in public before. I discovered how to be sensitive to the whisper of the Holy Spirit and how the Lord can use us as instruments to minister to others! At first, it is terrifying to talk to strangers and pray for them, but once you taste the joy of seeing someone touched by the Lord’s love – when you realise that the power does not come from you – it becomes easier. We cannot shy away when Jesus wants to touch someone’s heart and invite them to become His child – to make the orphan a child of the King.
Unforgettable memories
During the discipleship year, close friendships are forged. Worshipping around the campfire (led by Michael Lindt), outreaches to a retirement home, an orphanage, a small school for children with Down’s syndrome, as well as taking soup and bread to security guards and praying for them – all become unforgettable memories.
I invite other young people to do the discipleship year. KDTA wants you! A curriculum that covers topics such as emotional wellbeing, an overview of the New Testament, missiology, apologetics, the spiritual world, the Holy Spirit, and much more helps young people to have a sound theological frame of reference. It not only prepares you for marriage and leadership, but it also has a further ripple effect. It will affect your parents, your relatives, your family, and friends too – trust me! We are blessed to be a blessing!
Let your light shine!
Matthew 5:16 says that we must shine our light before men. Koinonia is like the light switch in any young person’s life that enables him/her to let God’s light shine in their lives. You were called to shine, not to shy away!
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Date published: 30/12/2023
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