|
My name is Brenden Grobler. I live in Durban, South Africa.
My only experience of church was to attend the odd meeting on a Sunday morning and (very) occasionally Sunday evening youth meetings. My mom has been a Christian for as long as I can remember. About five years ago she joined Grace Gospel Church where Basil O’Connell Jones is the elder.
In 2007 I started varsity and completely moved away from anything that involved God. At the end of 2007, when I was just living for the next party, with not one thought of God in my mind, my mom came to me and asked if I wanted to go to the youth camp in Mauritius. That suggestion went down like a lead balloon! Tyrone's mom had also asked him if he wanted to go. It must’ve been a conspiracy! Without us even agreeing to this absurd plan, tickets were booked so there was no turning back. I dreaded the day we were going to leave - I really did not want to go. People were saying to us, "You are so lucky to be going to Mauritius!" I felt like telling them to take the ticket!
On the day of our departure, the only excitement I felt was for the flight as I had never flown before. Then we were off - a four hour flight. As we landed in Mauritius, my spirits were further dampened by the pouring rain. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, we drove into Curepipe and were told this is where we would be living. Can you imagine??!! Talk about Third World! I decided there and then I needed to go back home!
The day for camp arrived and I was not at all excited about the planned activities. Strangely, I was hoping something spiritual would happen as I knew that I needed God, but I was scared as I did not want to change my way of life. I thought I would be “missing out”. So it was a very confusing time.
The first day of camp was tough. The no smoking rule was really hard and, as I am not much for team building, it was hard for me to participate with these people I did not even know!
The time came for the first meeting and I was dreading it, but as the speakers shared the gospel, I could feel the Lord touch my heart. Then came the dreaded altar call!! A week before camp, a new friend of ours, Bradley Bray, also from Grace Gospel Church, had come and spoken to us about what was happening in his life. I had told Brad about previous times in church when I’d felt the call of God but had not responded. He had told us, “Just respond, it is the best thing you will ever do.” So the whole time I was thinking of what Brad had told me and I responded to the call of the Lord. I was shaking when Len prayed for me. I could immediately feel a change, but was not sure what to make of it.
The following days of the camp were so much better! I got more involved with the team and enjoyed it. The meetings were very powerful and my mind was working overtime! On the last night of camp, I finally realised I still did not want to let go of my present life. I then surrendered it completely. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. My perception of everything changed! Everyone at the camp seemed different. I knew that it was because I had began to see and feel the heart of the people in the spirit. All my negative feelings for my surroundings changed. It was like I was in heaven! There had been a huge change in my heart and everyone could see it! People I had never met before were telling me they could see the change in me, and I was so encouraged.
Tyrone and I were still determined to go visiting nightclubs in Grand Baie, as we had originally planned. Boy, the flesh is strong! I knew, however that it was not where my heart wanted to be. But we went anyway. Crazy, hey? With our huge bags in tow, we caught the bus at 5 in the afternoon- off to Grand Baie. Tyrone and I spoke about the change in our hearts for the whole 2 ½ hour bus ride. We arrived there and were invited to a nightclub which we agreed to. But as we walked in, we immediately turned around and walked straight back out and knew that clubs were just not for us anymore. The Lord had miraculously set us totally free of that desire and it was wonderful!
Soon it was time to return to Durban. I was very excited but also filled with apprehension as to how my friends would react to the new me! On our first night home we had a braai together. It was great to see them and their reaction was fine – I think because they did not really understand what we were talking about!
The following Saturday evening there was a braai at Basil’s house. Our friends decided to come with us. Can you believe it, God touched their hearts and they were saved! It was absolutely incredible! God is so good! He has kept us for a great purpose, and we are all serving the Lord together – what a privilege!
The Lord continues to reveal himself to me more everyday and things are just becoming clearer and clearer as I begin to see His plan for my life. I have been baptized in the Holy Spirit which was a wonderful experience and I have been baptized in water.
I am really looking forward to the year ahead. I know that the Lord has a great plan for the church and He is going to set us free of so much! It is so exciting! I just want to serve Him and allow Him to use me for whatever He wants. It’s going to be an amazing year as there is so much happening here in Durban. I’m really excited to be part of the CTMI team, and for those of you I met in Mauritius, thank you for your input in my life. I pray that you are all well!
>>BACK TO YOUTH CAMP INTRO
|
