Pastor Gebhardt Berndt is no stranger to JOY! Magazine readers. Years ago, he shared his heart through a monthly column and was honoured as one of JOY!’s “men of honour”. Today, as the lead pastor of Empower Church, a growing multi-campus ministry across South Africa, he continues to champion a vision of discipleship, Kingdom impact, and faithfulness to God’s Word.

In this interview, Gebhardt speaks openly about his calling, his passion for raising leaders, and the lessons he has learnt along the way. He offers an honest glimpse into ministry, family life, and the daily pursuit of God’s call…

…to read this full article, pick up a copy of the latest issue of JOY, which is now on sale nationwide. Purchase copies in leading supermarkets, or find copies (print or digital) online at joygifts.co.za.

This year marks 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in Church history. The ICEJ is calling believers worldwide to join a 100-day season of prayer and fasting. During this season, we invite you to give thanks for the good fruits of Nicaea, while also interceding for the healing of the historic wounds it caused with the Jewish people. You are not asked to fast for the entire period, but to select days to stand in the gap through prayer and fasting.

Each Monday during this time, the Global Prayer Gathering will feature Christian scholars offering insights into Nicaea to help guide our prayers. Our themes will focus on repentance, remembrance, reconciliation and restoration, trusting God to bring fresh revival and healing…

…to read this full article, pick up a copy of the latest issue of JOY, which is now on sale nationwide. Purchase copies in leading supermarkets, or find copies (print or digital) online at joygifts.co.za.

Africa’s population is expected to pass 2,4 billion by 2050. And by 2100, Africa will surpass Asia as the most populated continent. By then, one in four people on earth will be African! So, what is happening right now in multiple African countries literally has the potential to change the course of history.

Through CfaN’s youth campaigns, millions of young people have already made the life-altering decision to follow Jesus. This aspect of CfaN has exploded over the past five years. Led by Jako and Karin Hugo, teams of youth evangelists will work in 25 countries this year, across the globe. This massive push has already resulted in over a million salvations just this year! But no one is slowing down…

…to read this full article, pick up a copy of the latest issue of JOY, which is now on sale nationwide. Purchase copies in leading supermarkets, or find copies (print or digital) online at joygifts.co.za.

In an age of pluralism and competing worldviews, Paul’s address at the Areopagus (Acts 17) offers powerful lessons in how to engage culture with truth and grace. The Apostle Paul went to Athens – a university town known for its schools of philosophy and abundant idol worship. There he encountered the stoic and epicurean philosophers and tactfully and forcefully presented the Gospel to them in words with which they could relate.

The first lesson that we can learn from this encounter was that although Paul was churned up inside by the idolatry that he saw all around him (v 16), he showed great restraint…

…to read this full article, pick up a copy of the latest issue of JOY, which is now on sale nationwide. Purchase copies in leading supermarkets, or find copies (print or digital) online at joygifts.co.za.