September 2025

The latest issue of JOY! Magazine is now on sale

This September issue is overflowing with powerful, faith-filled content you won’t want to miss. Our cover feature tells the gripping true story of Vanessa Goosen – a former Miss South Africa semi-finalist whose life took a shocking turn when she was (innocently) sentenced to death in a Thai prison for drug smuggling. Her raw and moving testimony of God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness will leave you inspired.

From tackling tough topics like fatherlessness in South Africa, resisting the rise of the new world disorder, and opposing the legalisation of prostitution – to exploring the judgement seat of Christ, the final judgement, and the possible location of the Garden of Eden – this issue will challenge your mind and strengthen your faith.

Be encouraged by uplifting testimonies from the mission field, discover 5 ways to revive a “dead” marriage, and read about whether or not we still need to submit to the government. With engaging Bible studies, practical Christian living tips, and fascinating Biblical facts, every page is packed with truth and hope.

Don’t miss this jam-packed edition – available now in leading supermarkets nationwide or online at joygifts.co.za in both print and digital formats.

Articles in this issue:

COVER STORY:
– Drug Muled: Sentenced to death in a Thai prison

NEWS:
– Who’s in the news
– General news & updates
– Opposing the legalisation of prostitution in South Africa

REGULARS:
– Letters to the editor
– Biblical quiz, crossword, word search, & colouring in
– Ask Val – Biblical answers to tough questions
– Did you know? Biblical facts
– Characters of the Bible: Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego

FEATURE STORIES:
– Honouring the life & legacy of John MacArthur
– Interview with Alicia Buckle: true beauty starts within
– When the church becomes a show
– Navigating life’s storms: Paul shipwrecked on Malta
– Do we still need to submit to the government?
– What is the judgement seat of Christ?
– What happens at the final judgement?
– Where was the Garden of Eden?
– 5 ways to revive a “dead” marriage
– Fatherlessness: South Africa’s silent emergency
– What if nothing changes? The kind of faith that does not give up
– Resisting the new world disorder
– Unlocking Africa’s wealth for Kingdom purposes

MISSIONS & TESTIMONIES:
– A caravan, a call, and God’s perfect timing
– Losing Alessia, holding on to God
– Blessing Rahab: a prostitution ministry in the Philippines
– A new era for TWR
– Miracles and salvation in the heart of Africa
– Word for the World Bible translations

COLUMNS:
– Editor’s note: Faith in action – not just words
– Is it Biblical to wish away the world?
– Selah: a sacred invitation to rest
– Christ amongst the 7 churches of Revelation: Pergamos
– 3 points to ponder on blossoming marriages

Articles From This Issue

How does a young woman with a promising future – a Miss South Africa semi-finalist and successful business owner – end up behind bars in a foreign prison for 16 years? Her journey is heartbreaking, yet through the pain, it becomes clear that God’s hand never left her. In this interview, Vanessa shares openly about […]
The judgement seat of Christ involves a time in the future when believers will give an account of themselves to Christ. It will be a time of examination and a time of reward. Jesus will inspect our works. What did we do with the resources God gave us? How faithful were we? Were we yielded […]
In South Africa, we are faced with the sobering contradiction between the ideal and the reality. On the one hand, fatherhood is meant to honour the gift and calling of men who lead, protect, nurture, and build strong families – the foundational building blocks of our society. Yet, in a country plagued by some of […]
Where exactly was the Garden of Eden? The Bible describes it at the headwaters of four rivers – two of which still flow today. Archaeological and genetic research points to a location in modern-day Türkiye that matches the biblical account. In this fascinating feature, Dr Michael Jarvis combines science, history, and Scripture to explore one […]