Nomvuyo Xabela reports and reflects on a recent conference in Cape Town held to help Christians align with God’s perspective after October 7
Attending the recent conference at Church on the Rise last Saturday was an inspiring and transformative experience for many. Initially, I had simply planned to stand and pray for Israel at the invitation of a friend. However, I soon realised that this gathering was a divinely-orchestrated moment, highlighting the critical times we are experiencing as a nation.
This profound encounter connected seamlessly with a recent Passover meeting at Elujizweni House of Prayer in Umtata, where the “Africa Back to God” revival movement first emerged in 1953 under the leadership of Rev Nicholas Bhengu. During that gathering, it was revealed that South Africa has reached the 70-year mark of this revival heritage. We are now transitioning into the next 70 years of divine grace and renewed power (Genesis 46:26-27, Numbers 11:16-17, Daniel 9:2-19). The palpable sense of entering a new season was evident within the congregation, signaling a significant shift in our country’s spiritual journey.
Timeline viewpoint
Each speaker at the God’s perspective after October 7 conference built upon the insights shared by the previous one, creating a powerful and cohesive narrative. Leigh Telli opened the conference, setting the tone with her prophetic paintings. At first glance, Exhibit A appeared to only depict the distressing events of October 7 2023 in Israel. However, a closer examination of the three paintings revealed profound hope and life emerging from the aftermath. Exhibit B, a painting that also depicts a watchman, emerged as the key piece. This vibrant painting, in my view, symbolised not only the mediating role of Jesus (Yeshua) but also the Church’s role as mediator between God (YHWH) and humanity. It illustrated our mission to usher in God’s glory from a place of destruction (Exhibit A) to a place of restoration (Exhibit C) –1 Timothy 2:5; 2 Corinthians 5:18, as we faithfully stand watch over His word (Isaiah 62:1).
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Our redemptive purpose
Mariette Jacobs continued this theme, reminding us of our redemptive purpose and calling as individuals, the Church, and the nation. Prophetic words about South Africa emphasise our mission to reconcile people back to God, much like Rev Bhengu’s call for Africa to return to God from Cape to Cairo. Mariette urged the Church to embrace forgiveness and avoid sabotaging our destiny through foolishness. Just as Abigail reminded David of his royal destiny (1 Samuel 25:23-24), we must remember our divine purpose and navigate familial and communal conflicts with wisdom.
In hindsight this was the same call made by former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng when interviewed on kykNET on April 29, for us to remember that we are family and there will always be those who are hot headed in every family and we understand them, therefore we ought to, as a nation, come to the living room as a family again, to talk things out, in order to move forward in harmony in South Africa [paraphrased].
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Praying for the enemies of Israel
Kyle and Shoshanna Phillips highlighted the importance of loving and praying for our enemies, including the enemies of Israel. They emphasised that God often used Israel’s adversaries to draw them back to Him. Moreover Jesus commands us to pray for those who persecute us, as God desires all people to be saved (Hosea 11:1-5; Judges 13:1; Matthew 5:44).
Faithful guardianship
Manfred Nochomowitz’s concluding message reinforced the call to return to vigilant prayer and faithful guardianship, as outlined in Psalm 121. We are entrusted to guard the gates of our nation, influence key spheres, and steward the times we live in with diligence and faithfulness.
Let Your Kingdom come, Let Your will be done
The conference truly echoed the revelations from the recent Passover meeting at Elujizweni, affirming that we have entered a new era — the Era of the Kingdom of God — as we move into these next 70 years. We are indeed in the midst of revival — not only being restored to our redemptive purpose and redemptive gifts but living in total forgiveness and loving our enemies. We must remember that God’s call is still the same today post 7 October 2023 — for the nations to be redeemed, saved and restored back to Him.
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