IN THIS ISSUE:
THE LORD HAS NEED OF YOU – ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING 2001
The Lord has carried His work of `Christians for Truth' for 11 years. This year's AGM
was a celebration of this fact as well as a challenge for the future. All too often
believers "pass the buck" and expect leaders and committees to complete the task
at hand. The theme of this conference was "The Lord Has Need Of YOU". In other
words, do not look to the next man to do what God has commissioned you to do. The Biblical
meaning of this was expounded by Rev Erlo Stegen (director of Kwasizabantu Mission) when
he preached: "the Lord has need of it" (Mark 11:3). We are that donkey and we
must be immediately available to the Lord.
This year was also election year for a new executive committee. The three thousand CFT
members attending the conference voted unanimously to re-elect the old committee and add
Mr Thembinkosi Radebe. He has been doing an outstanding job as Provincial Chairman of
KwaZulu-Natal and his talents will be much appreciated.
Fano Sibisi, the president of CFT, was able to address the conference despite his illness.
"Weak and sick as I am, I knew beyond any shadow of doubt that the Lord has need of
me."
(To read his full speech visit our website: www.cft.org.za/agm/2001/president_speech.htm)
We praise God for his inspiring leadership since CFT began in June 1990.
The two guest speakers were Rev Greg Dennyschen and Christine McCafferty.
‘God looks for a man to stand in the gap’ - Ez 22:23-31, was the main text used
by Rev Dennyschen. The full audio message is available on CFT's website.
Christine McCafferty introduced the subject of her new book that is about to be published
- "The Pink Agenda…" She pointed out common gay myths such as:
"Homosexuality is not a perversion."
"Homosexuals are as psychologically healthy as 'straight' people." and
"Homosexual relationships are as loving and valid as heterosexual marriage."
Startling information is revealed in her well-researched book which is sure to become
essential reading for South African Christians." (to read her full presentation see:
www.cft.org.za/agm/2001/minutes1.htm)
One of the many highlights of how the Lord is already using CFT members was the
presentation by Gerhard Le Roux of the Western Cape Branch. Their Talitha Home is reaching
out to abandoned babies and the stories of how these precious lives have been rescued were
deeply moving.
At the end of the conference various committees were put together to look at special
issues (like the `Big Brother' show) but more importantly, each CFT member was encouraged
to be used of God in his individual capacity and to make a difference there where the Lord
has placed him.
The next AGM is planned for 6-8 September 2002.
LEGALISING PROSTITUTION PROMOTES ABUSE OF
WOMEN - CHRISTIANS FOR TRUTH PRESS STATEMENT ON PROSTITUTION, 3 AUGUST 2001
"We agree with Judge Spoelstra when he said that he is at a loss to understand why
only the prostitute is guilty of a crime "whilst the party paying for the services is
not". The logical answer is to expand the law so as to punish those who abuse women
by paying them for sex. Prostitution is there because of immoral men who are willing to
fork out money (which they should be using to support their families) to pay for the use
of a woman's body.
The prostitution trade in South Africa won't be well served by decriminalisation. Instead
we need more stringent laws to clamp down on those who abuse women.
The latest scientific research is generally against the legalisation of prostitution since
there are a number of problems associated with the trade:
public nuisance - from street prostitutes who accost passing men, and "gutter
crawlers" who accost passing women, and are noisy and abusive;
the spread of sexually transmitted diseases to prostitutes, clients and their partners;
serious depression and drug addiction in prostitutes;
violence by customers and boyfriends (actually pimps) of prostitutes;
child sexual abuse (a significant percentage of customers prefer very young prostitutes);
other crimes such as trafficking in drugs, weapons and stolen goods, often conducted as a
sideline by groups who dominate the closely-linked sex and drug trades.
For an academic study "COMMENTS ON CURRENT MOVES TO LEGALISE THE PROSTITUTION
TRADE", published 4 July 2001, download or read it on the CFT website (under
Articles) : www.cft.org.za
Christians for Truth, an association of about 100,000 members from various denominations,
seeks to uphold Christian norms and values.
For more information on the Pretoria High Court ruling on 2 August 2001, see
Http://www.sabcnews.co.za/SABCnews/south_africa/general/0,1009,18721,00.html
"We agree with Judge Spoelstra when he said that he is at a loss to understand why
only the prostitute is guilty of a crime "whilst the party paying for the services is
not". The logical answer is to expand the law so as to punish those who abuse women
by paying them for sex. Prostitution is there because of immoral men who are willing to
fork out money (which they should be using to support their families) to pay for the use
of a woman's body.
The prostitution trade in South Africa won't be well served by decriminalisation. Instead
we need more stringent laws to clamp down on those who abuse women.
The latest scientific research is generally against the legalisation of prostitution since
there are a number of problems associated with the trade:
public nuisance - from street prostitutes who accost passing men, and "gutter
crawlers" who accost passing women, and are noisy and abusive;
the spread of sexually transmitted diseases to prostitutes, clients and their partners;
serious depression and drug addiction in prostitutes;
violence by customers and boyfriends (actually pimps) of prostitutes;
child sexual abuse (a significant percentage of customers prefer very young prostitutes);
other crimes such as trafficking in drugs, weapons and stolen goods, often conducted as a
sideline by groups who dominate the closely-linked sex and drug trades.
For an academic study "COMMENTS ON CURRENT MOVES TO LEGALISE THE PROSTITUTION
TRADE", published 4 July 2001, download or read it on the CFT website (under
Articles) : www.cft.org.za
Christians for Truth, an association of about 100,000 members from various denominations,
seeks to uphold Christian norms and values.
For more information on the Pretoria High Court ruling on 2 August 2001, see
Http://www.sabcnews.co.za/SABCnews/south_africa/general/0,1009,18721,00.html
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT ... "MY SOUL GLORIFIES THE
LORD"
One of the most beautiful verses in the Bible is John 3:16. Millions over the ages have
heard the wonderful message that comes with an invitation:
"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."
Did Jesus not say, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my
voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me?" (Rev.
3:20)
As we think of the coming of the Son of God to this world one wonders how many of the
"whoevers" and "anyones'" in our time have accepted our Lord's
invitation.
Mary did, and she experienced the inexpressible joy of the indwelling Christ! Praise and
gratitude welled up within her.
Since then, till today millions have known the warmth of His presence and the burning in
their hearts as He speaks to them.
This can be your song too, in this life, and flowing into eternity:
"My soul glorifies the Lord."
THE PINK AGENDA - BY CHRISTINE MC CAFFERTY
If you think that the homosexual agenda won't affect you or your family you're wrong.
As The Pink Agenda documents, homosexualists want to transform the very fabric of society;
they want to homosexualise the schools and the next generation, and they want government
funding (your taxes) to do it.
SA homosexual academic Angelo Pantazis advocates "gay subject matter" being
introduced into all courses in SA schools, not just health and sex. The goal, he says, is
to "make lesbian and gay students feel positive about their homosexuality and
stimulate them to imagine lesbian/gay identities and lives for themselves." With
Planned Parenthood teaching the sex education in our schools, Grades 6s are learning about
lesbian oral sex, and videos like"Telling Parents You are Gay" and others that
deal with "coming out, cruising, relationships, sex work (male
prostitution)…" are being distributed to high school kids, behind their parents'
backs.
The homosexualists' own writings make it abundantly clear that, as part of a vast social
engineering project, the pink agenda will not settle for the deviant being declared
normal. They insist that the normal must be declared deviant, and all who disagree must
face the courts.
If this seems far-fetched to you, then consider the facts: a pastor in Sweden was jailed
for preaching a sermon on Romans 12; a Christian TV channel in Britain was fined for
broadcasting an advertisement critical of the homosexual agenda4; a Dutch politician faced
prosecution for condemning homosexuality5; Judge John Farrell was pressured to resign from
the Bench because he occasionally helped at the Boy Scouts (who do not allow homosexual
scoutmasters)6; a Pittsburgh University resident assistant lost his job for refusing to
wear a "gay rights" badge on his jacket9. These are not just isolated cases of
gay intolerance, but a growing trend.
Homosexualists want to push their agenda onto the church. According to South Africa's
Draft Lesbian and Gay Rights Charter, "It shall be unlawful to discriminate against
lesbians and gay men in churches, mosques, temples, synagogues or other places of
worship…it shall be unlawful to promote…teachings that present the notion of
lesbian/gay behaviour as being sinful."
The Pink Agenda also examines how, on the back of the homosexual revolution, the world
wide movement to "normalise" paedophilia is growing. The North American Man/Boy
Love Association (NAMBLA) is a homosexual organisation that advocates sex with
"consenting" children. Some are promoting the work and goals of NAMBLA in South
Africa. A South African judge was elected to the Constitutional court even after he edited
a book that describes positively stories of young boys being molested by men.
A frightening picture emerges when we consider the implications of the 'anything goes'
family. Marriage is being stripped of all special status and protection, and any
concoction of people can now enter a "marriage" or form a "family".
With the government considering "homosexual marriage" right now, you need to be
equipped with the facts, and an understanding of where it will all end - if we don't stop
the tidal wave! The Pink Agenda exposes the facts about homosexual behaviour and its links
to crime, violence, suicide, drug abuse, paedophilia and disease. It explodes the myths
that homosexuals are "born that way" and "cannot change".
It will equip you with ways to ensure that we not only resist the homosexualisation of our
children, but that we turn back the tide of sexual revolution in our country.
Sources:
1 Gay Rights Special Rights, Jeremiah Films
2 Discrimination or Not, Amen, Cape Town, Oct 1994
3 www.ReligionToday.com, March 10, 2000
4 EVCHAT, 10 March, 2000
5 ILGA Bulletin, 2/98
6 The Other Side of Tolerance: Victims of Homosexual Activism, Washington DC: Family
Research Council
7 Ibid, p 7
8 Ibid, p 14
9 Ibid, p 27
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
* 7 - 14 December KSB Youth Conference: Please remember bedding and eating utensils.
For more information contact (032) 481-5500.
* 4 - 7 March 2002 KSB Ministers’ Conference: For more information contact (032)
481-5500.
NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MARCH
Women's Day, 9 August 2001, provided Christian women of KZN with an ideal opportunity
to make themselves heard on topics such as abortion, prostitution and pornography. Like
Deborah, the only female judge, they sought to stand up for what is right even though the
enemy seemed mighty and strong.
About 500 people, mostly women, marched through the streets of Pietermaritzburg on 11
August 2001. The first speaker was Sister Pastor Pearl, of the Lord’s Counseling
Room, who at the beginning of the march reminded women of their importance in our world
today. The first stop was outside an escort agency where Mrs. Hlongwane, of the Women's
Social Upliftment League, challenged prostitutes about the illegal work they are doing and
offered them a better life in Jesus.
Sister Callista, of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, spoke outside an abortion
clinic. She challenged abortionists about the many babies they are murdering and
emphasized that it is wrong in the light of the Human Rights Declaration.
Miss Ingrid Burger, a Christian psychologist, brought people’s attention to the evils
of pornography and to the fact that it exploits women. "Pornography is the theory and
rape is the practise," she said.
The march ended at the Minister of Health Office where Mrs. King brought the Ombudsman,
Mr. Dlomo's, attention to the fact that as Christian women we are disturbed by our
country's laws concerning abortion where 200 000 babies have been killed; about our
government’s move to legalise prostitution when our province boasts the highest Aids
rate in the country and lastly the spread of pornography which is the cause of woman
abuse, child molestation and rape.
A memorandum to this effect was handed over to Mr. Dlomo.
The challenge remains with us women to make a difference for God's kingdom for "...
who knows but that you have come ... for a time as this." Esther 4:14.
TRUE LOVE WAITS FEEDBACK
... At the World Conference on Racism
When TLW received the news that stalls would be available to NGO's at the World
Conference Against Racism (28 August - 1 September), we grabbed the opportunity. On the
day that the NGO conference started, TLW set up camp between Widows' Associations,
Palestinians and Enviromentalist groups.
Of all the stalls there, TLW attracted a lot of curious onlookers who wanted to know what
TLW was and why we were there. Once those questions were answered, we began getting
comments. Most comments were enthusiastic.
However, to be expected, were the 'where are the condoms?' type comments. We were also
able to share the TLW message with the young volunteers who came by - many of whom signed
the pledges. As young people, we were surprised to see that it was the young people who
supported TLW, and the older people who didn't believe abstinence was possible, and that
the 'sexual urge is stronger than the fear of contracting AIDS'.
By the end of the conference, we had amassed a large number of important contacts,
invitations, good wishes and signed TLW pledges. It was great to be there. Let's do it
again!
…Different Reports
...A team of four True Love Waiters went to Mount Frere in what used to be the
Transkei from 4 to 7 September. We visited 13 schools. The young people were very keen to
hear the message of TLW. They said, they are tired of hearing that they cannot control
themselves and abstain from sex before marriage. They are also tired of being given
condoms - which are not 100% safe - as a solution to their problems. Some parents also
came to the schools to attend the meetings. They say they want to help their children to
maintain their moral standards. Over a 1000 young people signed the TLW pledge cards. They
invited us to go back again before the end of this year.
...On Friday 14 September, five eager True Love Waiters left for Redhill, Durban. We were
welcomed ever so warmly by the local church youth group. Other church groups and a few
children's homes were also present. We performed the usual skit and De Vos van Straaten
presented the TLW message. Their response was overwhelmingly positive - especially after
one local leader testified how she had signed the card before getting married 2 years
previously and what a wonderful experience it had been. She told the young people that it
is worthwhile waiting until marriage. About 100 young people signed the pledge.
BIG BROTHER IN SOUTH AFRICA - By Linda
Magqabi - Co-ordinator of the CFT Task Group
Big Brother is a voyeuristic television show based on a novel entitled, 1984 by George
Orwell. The TV show is a replica of Big Brother in the Netherlands, Britain and several
other countries. In the South African situation 12 competitors (males and females) are
kept in a house built in the parking lot of M-Net in Randburg for 106 days. The house is
packed with carefully placed video cameras and microphones that record the competitor's
every utterance and action. This is relayed on TV and on the Internet. After a few weeks
Big Brother viewers have a chance to vote one competitor off the show and the competitor
who stays to the end becomes a winner who gets a million rand prize.
Viewers on TV can watch what the competitors are doing in this house, including sleeping,
dressing, undressing, showering, etc. The show appeals to voyeurs (people who obtain
sexual pleasure by observing others undressing, having sex, etc.) and porn addicts. It is
a concern to sensible South Africans as it poses a similar risk as pornography,
particularly to impressionable young minds.
Because of this Big Brother concern, CFT is warning people, especially Christians and
their families to avoid exposure to Big Brother, as they would avoid indulging in
pornography. We further remind everyone that the love of money is the root of all kinds of
evil. We plan to challenge M-Net to spend funds of the same amount for charitable causes
like AIDS children homes, etc.
2ND NAL CONFERENCE: LOVE THEM BOTH
"We need to keep the pro-life momentum going in South Africa," said Doctor
van Eeden at the beginning of the National Alliance for Life (NAL) Conference on 4 October
2001. The second NAL Conference held from 4 to 6 October in Amanzimtoti (near Durban)
brought together a broad spectrum of Christian leaders heading pro-life organisations in
South Africa, America and the Netherlands.
Mr Kurt Dillinger, Prof Pat McEwen, Dr Wade Hampton, Dr Bert Dorenbos and Mr Brad Mattison
were some of the speakers who challenged the delegates regarding abortion, euthanasia and
other pro-life issues such as stem cell research and cloning.
11th Hour Counselling
Prof Patricia McEwen, who has served time in prison for praying on a sidewalk in America
outside an abortion clinic, shared the importance of reaching out to desperate women just
before they enter the place where their child is to be killed. She said that before one
goes there, one must make sure that you are "read up and prayed up": "Every
morning when you're going to go to that clinic you've got to spend time alone with
God."
Should you be interested in getting involved with 11th hour counselling in South Africa or
for more information contact Ronell at Doctors For Life on (031) 764 0443 or e-mail:
ronell@dfl.org.za
Euthanasia
Dr Wade Hampton shared that "the worst effect of the acceptance of euthanasia is that
pressure is applied to the elderly… and is attractive as a practical solution to
unscrupulous legislators … It is the latest attack on the value of life and as such
is ultimately satanic."
For more information, including photographs and transcripts of speeches, see www.nal.org.za
BIGGEST LIFE-CHAIN EVER IN DURBAN
The day after the NAL Conference, Sunday 7 October 2001, the life-chain in Durban was
attended by the biggest crowd ever. One of the highlights was a moving float accompanied
by women, all dressed in mourning clothes carrying coffins with the names of aborted
babies.
