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Linda is a member of Grace Gospel Church in Durban
I became a Christian in 1985, after I had suffered a horrendous marriage and traumatic divorce. I was not a Christian during the time I was married but as a child I attended Sunday school, and continued to attend church on and off at Easter and Christmas time. After my divorce, I was empty and a friend led me to a charismatic church, where I was born again and baptized. I attended church regularly from thereon every Sunday. It was easy to be ‘Christ-like’ on Sundays but I battled with my everyday Christian walk. God was faithful and helped, protected and provided for me and my daughter. However, my spirit was empty in the church that I was attending and I knew nothing about dying to one’s self. I also knew, from a young age, that I had a special love for the Lord, but I didn’t know what to do with it or what His plan was for my life.
Two years ago, I was introduced to Peter and Raylene, a couple from Grace Gospel Church in Durban, by a mutual friend. They invited me to attend a service with them at the church in Pinetown. At that stage, I had recently become a member of a local Presbyterian church, where I hoped that I had finally found my home. I felt as if I was betraying them by attending the church meeting in Pinetown. I now understand that God does not exist in a building, but in the family of God, and I had never felt a part of that family. Eventually, I attended a service in Pinetown, and knew from then on, that I could only hear the gospel as it was preached that day, by Basil. I have been a part of this family ever since that first day and I praise the Lord daily that I have finally found my real home. I have never felt so accepted and so loved. I truly feel the heart of the Lord for me.
More recently, I attended the Durban Family Camp at Eston. I did not think it was possible to love the Lord more than I did. However that weekend touched my life like never before. I have come to realise that, wherever the Lord wants me to be for the present moment, I am content. I had been discontent in my job but He knows where my heart is, so I feel at peace to leave my future completely in His hands. The Family Camp prepared me for a tremendous trial that was about to present itself in my life and without the investment I received at the camp I don't think I would have been able to face it. But now, I know that no matter how difficult a situation I may find myself in, by taking up my cross and denying myself, God will be able to work in my life and the outcome will be an open door and an opportunity for others to witness the life of Christ in me. I have also discovered a freedom since joining the church in Durban - I don’t have to keep trying to make things happen but my life is so much more fulfilled than it has ever been. I have also realised that my 'family' is not just the Durban church, but one that is spread across the whole world. From that weekend at the camp, I know that nothing is impossible with God. Many lives were touched by Jesus. I pray that one day my own daughter will see His revelation and accept Him as her Lord and Saviour.
I thank the Lord daily that He has given our leaders the revelation of the true gospel in order for us, His servants, to be able to live it. I ask God to continue to bless you for your hearts in reaching the unsaved. I pray for the day when the Lord will reveal His calling on my life.
Linda Nothnagel – Pietermaritzburg
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