Christian testimonies: The Journey to Kosi bay continues
- mambaub
- Mar 23
- 5 min read
Pilgrimage of Purpose: Reflections on the Journey in Kosi Bay
Greetings, dear friends,
What does it mean to be on a pilgrimage of purpose? For me, it’s more than just a physical journey—it’s a spiritual transformation that challenges everything I thought I knew about faith and calling. As I continue this pilgrimage, I feel compelled to share some of the remarkable events that have unfolded since my return to Kosi Bay. And before I go any further, I want to take a moment to thank the Creator for allowing me the privilege of being a part of His Kingdom, and for guiding me through every step of this path.
A Flashback to the Weeks Gone By
It’s difficult to begin without first reflecting on how I arrived here. For those of you reading this for the first time, you might find yourself trying to piece together the story and its purpose. As for me, I’m still waiting in awe to see how the Lord is crafting this journey—a masterpiece I can only trust is unfolding, even when I don’t yet see the full picture.
About a year ago, I arrived in Kosi Bay, staying in a house that once belonged to a missionary family. This house, with its deep spiritual history, was where I spent significant time with the Cronje and Vilakazi families. It was a place where we shared life and faith, and where God was silently orchestrating a plan that would one day involve me and my mission in this very place.
I was about to celebrate my birthday with the Cronje and Vilakazi families when I learned that God was working behind the scenes to lead us to something greater. He had called us to Kosi Bay, to a mission site where the Cronje family had already begun laying the foundation for a work that would bear fruit in His name. Yet, as with any divine calling, challenges arose. The cultural and religious differences between us and the local community created tension, but God used me to mediate between the Chief of the Mthembu tribe and us. It was a tense moment, but God’s plan prevailed, and we were granted the green light to continue forward.
The Journey to Manguzi
Although I was physically away in Johannesburg for the rest of the year, God's presence and plan for Kosi Bay remained unmistakably clear. I often thought of the work that was unfolding, and my anticipation to return grew stronger. When I finally made my way back just a week ago, I was astonished by the progress. The Cronje family had started a garden, planting beautiful trees, and transforming the land. It was clear that God was at work, nurturing not only the land but also the hearts of everyone involved.
Though the living conditions are humble—the Cronje family residing in a caravan while I stay in a tent—the peace here is palpable. I’ve been blessed to reconnect with the Cronjes and contribute my cooking skills. Sharing meals together has been a powerful experience of service. I’ve also had the joy of sharing my book, Sent: Becoming a Fisher of Men, with the Cronjes. Henri read it aloud after dinner one evening, and as we sat listening, we reflected on what God had done up to that point. These moments of fellowship and reflection are truly rich blessings.
The Sunday Encounter: A Divine Appointment
One particular Sunday stands out—a moment that truly demonstrated how God leads us in unexpected ways. Henri and I set out to attend the local church in Manguzi. It had been a hectic week, filled with hard work on the construction project that God had laid on our hearts. As we prepared for the service, scheduled for 11 a.m., we arrived two hours early. We found the church empty, and for a moment, we considered turning back.
But then, a lady saw us from a distance and informed us that the service would be starting soon. While we waited, a man came by who was also a member of the church. It wasn’t long before Henri and I began sharing the gospel with him. In that moment, I sensed that God had sent us to plant a seed in his heart. This encounter wasn’t just a coincidence—it was divinely orchestrated.
The service itself was insightful, but as Henri and I discussed afterward, it became clear that the real challenge of today's church isn't just teaching the Word—it’s living it out as Jesus did. That’s where true discipleship begins, and that’s the heart of the gospel. “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
A Call to True Discipleship
Reflecting on the call to true discipleship, I see how God’s lessons are shaping my path here in Kosi Bay. The words of the Apostle Paul resonate deeply in my heart as I navigate this journey and embrace the transformation that God is working in me. The message of discipleship is clear: it's not just about gathering people together for sermons or events, but about a heart transformation that leads to a life lived like Christ.
This challenge to live out the gospel, rather than merely teaching it, has been at the forefront of my thoughts. Don’t get me wrong—the sermon was insightful, but Jesus’ ministry was about making disciples, not just delivering a message. In a world where the gospel is often sugar-coated, it is crucial to remember that Jesus came not to make things easy, but to bring us back to the truth that can set us free. The gospel’s purpose is to reconcile us to God, to lead us into a life that mirrors His Son.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
True discipleship is about being made new in Christ. It's not about perfection—it’s about transformation. And every day on this journey, God is using my experiences to shape me into the person He has called me to be.
Closing Thoughts
I cherish every moment of this journey—whether I’m serving in the garden, cooking a meal, or listening to a story being told. Each of these moments is an opportunity to grow in my faith and in my understanding of God’s plan for my life.
As I continue this pilgrimage, I pray that I will continue to learn and grow in my mission here in Kosi Bay, and that I will be faithful to the purpose God has set before me.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
Until next time, may you continue to walk in the light of God’s truth and be encouraged in your own journey of faith.
Goodbye for now.
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