Annatjie Marais
Looking back to the time of our arrival on the West coast, I am reminded and comforted by the thought that the Lord has appointed times and seasons for our lives. Langebaan became our new home town in 2004.
I had, for many years, been a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. With hindsight, I realized that my spiritual life was awakened upon joining an Interdenominational Bible Study Group soon after my arrival in Langebaan which led to an outworking in my spirit which I had never before experienced. Very soon, while attending a church service, I recall comparing it with our Bible Study gatherings. I realized that I had many questions about what impact - if any - the messages had on my life. I became increasingly aware of the prompting of the Holy Spirit to act upon that which became apparent to me, namely - to leave the church. I no longer wanted to be like a dormant date seed exposed to desert conditions without being rooted in soil. My desire was to grow in the Word of God and to be nourished by sharing in the fellowship I had come to experience in the Bible Study group. The question that arose was "where do I go from here"? At that time there were only a few options, but after prayerfully waiting on direction from the Lord, I was confident I understood that He spoke into my spirit to just sit at His feet.
In the meantime, the Bible Study meetings blessed and enriched me in an increasing way - being on a new path of seeking and studying the Word of God. New horizons were being opened, and the fellowship and intimacy of a smaller, informal group of believers praying together, was precious as we experienced fellowship on a participatory level. Two years had passed since leaving the church early in 2007. A few months later, I visited Israel and was subsequently baptized. No longer being like a dormant date seed - the seed had germinated - newness of life and abundant joy of growing in the Lord was at hand!
In June 2009 my daughter came to salvation after attending a series of End Time Talks in Durbanville. On attending her baptism, I met Francois Visser who lead the End Time talks. I shared my story with Francois on having left the Dutch Reformed Church and being part of a Bible Study Group who, at that stage, met in our home in Langebaan. Subsequently arrangements were made with Francois to present a series of End Time Talks at our home. These talks proved to be the beginning of the Langebaan Fellowship under the leadership of Francois Visser, Rupert Freese and Alex Dibden with a few visiting men from fellowships elsewhere, bringing the five fold ministry to a small group of ladies initially, until local men were slowly added to the group.
Small beginnings, but the Lord has faithfully provided ever since with Tony and Carol Robson coming to Langebaan from the Durban area to share in the ministry with an ever-growing fellowship. The Lord's will and plan proved to be His way for me personally, but also a great blessing for all who attended the fellowship over the years.
An immovable foundation has been laid, and will, no doubt, continue to provide spiritual sustenance, Godly direction and guidance to all who hunger and thirst for that which only Jesus can provide - to build His church and for His children to prosper.
The house church is where the earliest Christians gathered. We have come full circle to where the Lord has brought us today to be prepared and equipped with His truth. May we be found faithfully seeking His ancient paths while serving in the Body of Christ.