The Horse Whisperer is a 1995 novel by English author Nicholas Evans. The book became the 10th biggest selling novel in the United States in 1995, selling over 15 million copies. The plot involves the miraculous restoration of a traumatised horse and its rider – a teenage girl. Many of you might have watched the movie wherein Robert Redford plays the role of “the horse whisperer” – a man with seemingly extraordinary gifts to rehabilitate traumatised horses. As a father the loving strategy followed by the “horse whisperer” has become a reference for many contexts wherein loving leadership brings restoration. I have – since the movie – heard of “marriage whisperers”, “dog whisperers”, “toddler whisperers” etc.

If I let my eye glance over the scriptures I see something peculiar. Throughout scripture, God has a lot to say about the responsibilities we as men carry in this world. Out of all of these, the one that strikes me the most, is the responsibility to represent the Father’s love. Unfortunately a “macho” culture has skewed this….and on the other side the “meso” culture has swung the pendulum way off to the other side. I am convinced that there is an attack on authentic (as revealed in scripture) manhood. It is not something new…it reference in the book of Genesis’ already:

‘The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals… But for Adam no suitable helper was found. ‘

Genesis 2:18,20 NIV

As we approach Father’s day I’d like let the men and father’s know – God sees you in your struggles. He is aware of your needs, and understands the pressures you are facing! He looks at your life, and knows, it is too much to carry it alone… This is where your faith in God as a man starts to create a solution. Your Father in heaven states: “I WILL MAKE….” It is faith in God as the source of solutions to your challenges, that activates the creative genius of God. Too many men “TRY TO MAKE” their own solutions. As a man…it may be a good time to put your faith in God again!

This Father’s Day…let’s be reminded that God is the ultimate Father! He therefor knows how to lovingly whisper calm to your challenges. Let Him make a solution for you – even if you are a father yourself! Rest in your Heavenly Fathers love for you. Here is how we rest in Him:

• We break out of the “performance” mentality by praying and asking Him for help through prayer

‘Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ‘

James 4:13-15 NIV

• We acknowledge our weaknesses and invite him to teach us how to address those things we fall short in

‘‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ ‘

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

• We respond to the Fathers greatest act of eternal love by trusting Him for everything: from salvation all the way through to everything else we need!

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ‘

John 3:16-17 NIV

Sunday Service | Father’s Day

Stewarding a Generational Blessing

When it comes to being a father, no one fulfils this role perfectly. As to our own fathers, some count their blessings, others feel they missed out. Yet regardless of our upbringing, or our own past mistakes, God is looking for individuals who are willing to ‘Steward a Generation Blessing’ in both the physical and spiritual realm. The choices we make not only impact us, they can impact generations! Watch Sunday 10am live stream on YouTube or Facebook.

Father’s Day | Win 1 of 3 prizes!

To celebrate Father’s Day, we want you to send us a photo of your celebration! Sunday morning at 5am a post will go up on Facebook and Instagram asking you to:

• Facebook – directly comment into the competition post and upload your photo
• Instagram – direct message your photo

The winners will be announced during Sunday 12^th September live stream, so be sure to watch from 10am on YouTube or Facebook.

RightNow Media | Sign up

I want to encourage you to look after yourselves by exercising, checking in on family, friends and life group and also spending time with God by praying and reading your Bible. Where we hear a lot of brokenness and darkness in the media, I want to encourage you to fill yourselves with things that are noble and right as per the Faithbook…

Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

To help you in this endeavour, all Berwick attenders have free access to RightNow Media which is the Netflix of Bible Studies. It also has content that’s relevant for children which will keep kids entertained for hours.

Don’t have an account? Click here.

Already have an account but having issues? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch.

Search to Find & Growing to Maturity Courses | Update

Most of the large group doing Search to Find last term have continued on this term doing GTM 1, mainly online. They have continued to see real ongoing transformation in their lives. The Freedom Weekend however has been postponed to when we can meet in person.

We currently have another smaller group exploring faith and God through ‘Search’ this term.

It’s amazing to watch sceptical men, being instantly physically healed, or encountering God’s peace, despite overwhelming challenges! It is such a privilege to be part of this and at the same time developing young leaders, who are growing so much in God.

GTM 2 has also continued online with three developing leaders who are doing an incredible job facilitating and shepherding others in their growth.

Next Term, we are looking at starting Search, GTM 1, GTM 2, and GTM 3 – If you want to grow as a participant or in leadership why not consider signing up and being involved! Email: [email protected]

Kids Church | Sunday Zoom & YouTube & Zoom

Last week in Kids Church we discussed the important question “Why should we worship?" The teaching spoke about the many different ways we can worship God with worship to music being one of them. After the Bible teaching, we asked the children to get themselves some paper and a pen and encouraged the kids to worship God to the song ‘Waymaker’ with an expectation of meeting with God as they worship.

Many children received visions from God. They drew what God revealed to them and shared their encounters with the group. Others testified of feeling God’s presence as they worshipped. As kids leaders, we were super encouraged by the encounters children had with God, how He became real to them in worship, and how faithful He is to meet with children when they seek Him with all their hearts.

This week we continue our series on worship via ZOOM at 9.30 am this Sunday and via Berwick Kids TV on the Berwick Church of Christ YouTube channel starting at 9.00 am on Sunday. Our topic is “Why praise God?"

Fuse Youth | Friday Zoom

FUSE Youth is continuing to happen ONLINE this Friday!

This week at Fuse, join us from 7-8pm on Zoom to hangout, play games and chat! We look forward to seeing you all there! Follow us on socials for the Zoom codes on Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor