Quotes to get you through tough timesQuotes to get you through tough times Tough times. No one is immune to them. While they can test your limits and try your soul, they can also help you learn, grow and evolve. In the midst of life’s difficulties any help we can get is appreciated. Even something as simple as a quote can make a huge difference in your outlook. Here are two of our favourite quotes. We hope they will inspire you in tough times.

“When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” This quote is from the movie The Sound of Music. It reminds us that things aren’t always as bleak as they seem. Sometimes our tough times can lead to greater opportunities. Whether you believe in God, Spirit or a Higher Power, it important to know that someone or something is looking out for your best interests. Life and its lessons are cyclical, so even if things aren’t going well—they won’t last forever. There is always something good waiting for you. “We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” This quote from Joseph Campbell reminds us not to get too hung up on making things perfect. Of course we’d all like to custom design our lives, thinking that is what’s best for us, but in doing so we can miss the bigger picture. Many people who are faced with adversity find their lives totally changed for the better afterwards. Tough times can lead us in a whole new direction—often one better than we could have imagined. ⌘

IN THIS ISSUE

Quotes to get you through tough times 1

What the Network offers 2

From the President’s Desk 3

View from Editors Window 4

Reflections with Rev F.Y.Z Takavarasha 5

A Powerful Message Tenderly Delivered 6

Readers Corner 9

Reasons why you are blessed 10

Partners, Affiliates & Sponsors 11

Ways to Support the Network 12

VOLUME 01 ISSUE 06 JULY 2014 NEWSLETTER FOR ACTS OF FAITH INTERDENOMINATIONAL NETWORK

NEW NAME, NEW LOOK!

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What the Acts of Faith Interdenominational Network offers

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT Georgina (Gina) Musekiwa

(gina@solitairecommunications.biz)

EDITOR Nontobeko Mzilethi

(nonto@solitairecommunications.biz)

PUBLISHER Solitaire Communications

FOR FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS

actsoffaith2014@gmail.com

FOR CONTRIBUTION OF CONTENT nonto@solitairecommunications.biz

FOR PARTNERSHIP & AFFILIATES

INFORMATION greatness@solitairecommunications.

biz

FOR DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

csi@solitairecommunications.biz

The views expressed in this publication

are not necessarily those of Acts of Faith

Unlimited or Solitaire Communications.

While every effort has been made to

ensure the accuracy of the content,

neither Acts of Faith Unlimited, the

Editor, nor the publisher can be held

responsible for any omissions or errors or

for any misfortune, injury, or damages

that may arise there from. No part of this

newsletter may be reproduced or

transmitted in any form or by any means,

electronic or mechanical, including

photocopying, recording, or any

information storage or retrieval system,

without the prior permission of the

publisher.

All rights reserved.

Daily Acts of Faith Publication. Thought of the Day. Inspirational & Motivational Quotes including Bible

Verses & Scriptures that Encourage & Uplift. Prayer Line and Counselling/Consultation Services

with Accredited Counsellors. Literature – Recommended Reads, a State of the Art

Book Bank (Hard-Copy & E-Books), Plus a Publishing House in the Long Term.

Regional and International Speaker Conferences

(Religious Leaders & Motivational Speakers). Interdenominational Interactive Communication

Platforms, including; a Fully Interactive Website, Conferences, Webinars, Training & Mentorships.

Networking Opportunities. Regional and International Cultural Exchange

Programmes. Various Social Responsibility Programmes.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

Greetings from beautiful, serene, and tranquil Hartbeespoort!! We live in a BEAUTIFUL world…Our God IS Awesome;-) I know I often say that I’ve missed you...But the last couple of weeks have made me realise and indeed confirmed that; “No man is an island”. I have missed you ALL!!! At times I ached (don’t laugh)! The people who know me will tell you that being the motor-mouth that I am, very little ever renders me speechless. Well, Nonto’s maiden issue of UPLIFTED has rendered me speechless!!! I am grateful and tearful (And those who know me well too, will know that the tears do flow whenever I get emotional), so yeah... Sob, sob. I knew that whatever Nonto had up her sleeve would be a blast. But I did not see exquisite work of this caliber coming. I am truly humbled. I wil l not blubber on, disp laying my moppyishness round about now, lest I take up your time from a beautiful and fulfilling read. ENJOY!!! The month of June saw me revisiting matters that are very close to my heart;

Acts of Faith—Reflections (Half a year)!!! I found stuffs;-) I will share in due course.

The winter chill and the effect that it has on the homeless and destitute (From next year, we will do something about it)!!!

Agriculture, Food Security and Land Reform (Across the Globe) and;

The month of July and looming August address Nelson Mandela Day and International Women’s Month and of course my birthday (Happy Dance).

I will take some time over the next couple of months to talk about the above, (One bite at a time), but for now I leave you with the same thoughts and thoughts of how, together, we can make a difference.⌘ I AM UPLIFTED BY THIS ISSUE… Georgina Musekiwa President & Founder—Acts of Faith

“There is no such thing as Perfection, but in Striving for Perfection, we can Achieve Excellence.” ~Vinve Lombardi~

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A very warm welcome to the July issue of Acts of Faith newsletter! This month we land in your inbox with an independent name for the newsletter, a new look, and the determination to develop into the best interfaith newsletter in circulation. We seek to share stories and news items that inspire, encourage, and uplift, and we strive to be a platform that acts as a catalyst for us all to take a moment to reflect on ourselves as individuals, as mothers, as fathers, as daughters, as sons, as sisters, as brothers, as human beings, as communities, as nations, and ultimately, as believers of an omnipresent power that is greater than any other power in the universe. For me, this power goes by the name of God, to you he may go by another name. But at the end of the day HE is our maker, our creator, the power that brought each and every one of us into this world, the power that watches over us during our loan period on this earth, the power to which we return when our tenure on earth is done. Our name, Uplifted, captures the essence of what we are about. We are proponents of encouraging and uplifting each other to a place that allows us to be the best that we can be and to living fulfilling lives guided by the principles and teachings of each of our different faiths and belief systems. We do not purport to be perfect, nor do we claim to have the ans wers f or everything. We do not perceive

ourselves as better than anybody else. We do not claim to be the best newsletter designers in the world or the best writers. We are just a bunch of very simple beings trying to use the physical tools, talents, and capabilities that God gave us to reach out to others and make a small difference in the lives of as many people as possible. Each one of us at Acts of Faith is passionate about what we are doing and we are determined to do it effectively and efficiently. We want to join hands with you and make this newsletter as inclusive as possible. We are inviting you to send us your news, your stories, your testimonies, your prayer requests, your jokes, your observations or comments about things happening around us, or anything else of interest and relevance to other members of the network. We will publish all contributions that are in line with our mission to inspire, encourage, and uplift. We reserve the right not to publish anything that may be perceived as offensive or abusive towards another. The look and feel of your newsletter will be a work in progress for the next couple of months. Please tell us what you would like to see or read in this newsletter and we will do our best to accommodate your requests. We sin- cerely hope that this platform finds a special place in your hearts and that we can all benefit from it somehow. Have yourselves a great month ahead and do keep in touch with us. We are looking forward to the journey ahead with you. Regards,

Nontobeko nonto@solitairecommunications.biz ————————-

View from the Editor’s WindowView from the Editor’s Window

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REFLECTIONS REFLECTIONS with Reverend F.Y.Z Takavarasha

The word spirit is used so much in our everyday language. We come across such terms as; spirit mediums, evil spirits, and when we miss a loved one's party we might say we were with them in spirit, and those going all out to win or succeed we call spirited. I suppose spirit is not tangible, it is the inner person or that power beyond human sphere. The Christian spirit, or rather the spirit Christians tend to believe in and depend on is not only revered but Holy. The Bible tells of Jesus promising his disciples a certain power which would help them succeed in their mission. It is also promised to future generations, the likes of us. Apostle Paul says a lot about this power, and to the Galatians he stipulates the manifestations of this spirit when it enters a person. He says; "The fruits of the spirit is love, joy, patience, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.(Gal 5:22-23) Compare this to what Jesus had warned earlier ".....you can detect false prophets by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit. You don't pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles.

A healthy tree produces good fruit and an unhealthy tree produces bad fruit" (Matt 7:15-18) It makes sense to conclude that evil spirits will bring forth evil, while good spirits, including the Holy Spirit will undoubtedly

produce what is pure and good. Some would probably refer to bad vibes or good vibes. However, to me the reference is still to spirits. Being with your loved one in spirit can only signify that which is good and so would doing your utmost to succeed, without cheating or bending rules. The good virtues you admire in another person are in the same

manner the good fruit they produce and likewise what we abhor in another has to do with the bad fruit they produce. This must be true, I gather, in any belief system or culture. Parents often say to their children as they part "Be good". Allow me to use the same term as I sign off. "Be Good".....so as to produce good fruit! Shalom Rev F.Y.Z. Takavarasha

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Meet the vivacious Tender Mavundla. A former South African Idol who is on a global mission to help ‘spread the word and not the disease’. I remember feeling completely ecstatic when a friend of mine told me that he was going to introduce me to the vocally talented, inspirational, and lively Tender Mavundla. I mean, anyone who watched the nail-biting Season 4 of South African Idols in 2007 will recall how Tender, a young woman with an effervescent personality, working in a stationery shop in Port Shepstone, a town situated 100 odd kilometres from the bustling city of Durban in South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal province, easily and effortlessly sailed through every round of the South African version of this internationally acclaimed musical talent show to reach the Top 10. From the Top 10, Tender went on to make it to the Top 5 and viewers were convinced that the feisty and bubbly woman with the vibrant personality and the silky, soulful voice that has been likened to musical greats such as Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston would indeed take top honours. But both Tender and her fans were to be disappointed when after reaching the Top 4, Tender’s dream of becoming an international star came tumbling down on her when she was voted out of the show and sent back home.

Tender may not have taken the big prize back home at the end of that particular season of South African Idols, but she went back with the promise of a successful career and a legion of newly acquired fans and supporters from across South Africa and beyond who were not only enthralled

by her captivating voice, but were also in awe and admiration of the young woman’s act of bravery and subsequent openness whilst on the show. In a dramatic turn of events that rocked the prime-time show Tender announced that she was HIV positive. Many felt pity for her, others ridiculed her, and others even accused her of engaging in a cheap publicity stunt. But her shocking announcement was no stunt. Neither was it Tender’s way of seeking sympathy, and ultimately votes from the millions of Idols viewers. It was real. It was Tender’s reality. It was authentic reality television. Tenders intentions were simple. Her talent had afforded her the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and reach out to millions of people suffering in silence from HIV. She was not going to let this opportunity surreptitiously slip through her fingers. Tender sought to have her condition out in the open. She sought to help inspire other sufferers and to spread the message to the ignorant that one can live positively and powerfully with HIV. She sought to speak to the youth and use her own previous lifestyle as an example of how not to live. “When the Idols publicity team advised us to be open about any ‘skeletons in our closets’ it did not take me long to make my final decision about announcing my status. I debated it for a while but realised that I had to put all my fears and inhibitions aside, for just one moment, so that in my own way I could use the rare platform presented to me to make a difference in someone else’s life. I had lived a not so commendable lifestyle and I was and still am paying for those bad decisions I made when I was young. I needed to tell my story so that others could learn from it,” said Tender.

A powerful message

tenderly delivered Article By Nontobeko Mzilethi

(0riginally written for and published in Inspirational Woman Magazine)

2007 South African Idols Top 4

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Tender found out her HIV status by coincidence in September 2001 after she had visited her doctor about a chest problem. Test results first revealed that she had tuberculosis, and then HIV. This knowledge did not sit well with the youngster and she proceeded to live a life of debauchery that comprised of constant partying, drinking, having sex with men – with or without a condom – and giving no thought to the fact that she was at a stage where she needed to take medication for her condition. She could not care less. She was in denial. “I wore what I call the ‘dress of denial’. And I wore that dress for years. I contracted opportunistic diseases. I could have avoided that because I knew what was going on inside me, but I still didn’t believe it. I still wanted to go on with my party life. I still wanted to go on and be the fresh and the very loud Tender that everybody knew. I wasn’t going to let a disease mess around with me and stop me from meeting new boys, or stop me from being driven in those fine cars. It wasn’t going to stop me from drinking the finest whiskeys, or being that very hype girl, being the IT girl”, recalls Tender. Her carefree and careless attitude led to two episodes of serious illness which forced her to eventually go for counseling, accept her HIV positive status and begin to think seriously about her life. “I had reached the point in my life where I had no choice but to be honest with myself and accept what was happening to my body. With support from my mum and other family members I became more conscious about my health and started to eat right, exercise, and take my medication. This was the defining moment for me, this was the moment when I guaranteed myself the rest

of my life and not the end of my life. I still can not believe that I wasted my time thinking I was dying instead of just living positively, something which I now do,” explained Tender. Thirteen years later, Tender is still going strong. Looking at her beautiful and healthy frame, her glowing skin, and her powerfully positive attitude one would never guess that this vivacious woman has lived with the virus for more than a decade of her life. Finding out she was HIV positive and eventually accepting her status was just one of the life-changing events in her life. Just before she auditioned for Idols, she fell pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl whom she named Destiny. “I called her Destiny because I knew that giving birth to her could mean the end of my own life. My child had not been planned. I had used a condom and it had broken. My CD 4 count was slightly above 300, a situation which made it impossible for me to have a child. But I told my doctor after he recommended that I should terminate the pregnancy that, ‘I don’t believe in termination’. The least I could do was use the strength I had to give birth to my baby. I carried my baby but she didn’t come to term. She was born in the sixth month. She was

premature. She was tested HIV—negative. She lived with me for nine days and then she passed on,” reminisced Tender. Tender has chosen to share her life and her personal tragedy with millions of people around the world. The message that she imparts is that HIV is a condition that can be managed and that allows those who are affected to continue living their lives normally, as long as they take care of themselves and live positively.

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Tender has embarked on a career as an HIV Activist and Motivational Speaker, sharing the ‘Live Positively’ message with everyone she interacts with. She has made it her goal to motivate, inspire, and empower people all over the world and use herself as a practical demonstration of the fact that one can be HIV positive and can still go on to live for years looking beautiful and healthy. She is often invited to speak at corporate events and other platforms where she shares her story and encourages people to go and get tested for HIV and not live in denial. “I have said many times that being HIV positive does not make me any different from someone with cancer or diabetes. It is a condition that can be managed. Those of us who are infected should not be hidden away and not talked about because as human beings we all have something to offer. Our communities should not ridicule us either. HIV knows no social status. It can affect anyone. “I visited the Netherlands some years back and I was completely taken aback by the ignorance that exists even in developed countries such as that. I visited a small town there where HIV was not even spoken about. People are dying silently and alone, which is not how it should be. For many, HIV is still viewed as the ultimate death sentence which it is not. I really want to go out into remote and isolated areas, not only in South Africa, or within the continent of Africa, but also internationally and talk to everyone I meet about living positively with HIV,” said Tender. What does Tender want to be remembered for when she is no longer on this earth? “If people don’t remember my work as a musician and an HIV activist, they must just remember the loving woman that I was. They must remember that I was a friend, a comedian, a lover, a great daughter, a diva”. I am sure for many of Tender’s fan’s, myself included, Tender is indeed one inspirational woman who is spreading one powerful message. Let’s go get tested.....and lets spread the

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Readers CornerReaders Corner May your only competition be with yourself By Anon I was running a few errands in my car the other day. The sun was out, the radio was playing, and I was singing along. The song was a joyful one and even my weak voice sounded good singing it. Then it happened, however. The sweet sound of the music ended and was replaced with the dreaded news break. I drove on while the announcer droned on. Gas prices were going higher again because of the competitive speculation on Wall Street. The race for the Presidency was getting nastier and nastier, Rioting had broken out when fans of a sports team had gone wild, celebrating their team’s championship. Finally, I could take no more and turned off the radio. Silence seemed preferable to listening to anything else about the crazy, competitive society we live in. I slowed down as I entered a local town and watched the people as I drove by. A tall muscular man was helping an elderly lady out of a car and helping her position her walker so she could go into a local store. A smiling woman was tossing birdseed into her backyard while a dozen Robins flew down to enjoy the feast being laid out before them. A young man was walking along, carrying his two year old daughter safely in his arms. He tickled her gently when she pulled the hat off his head and they both laughed. I laughed too as I looked at all of this kindness. It felt like a glimpse of Heaven. The radio may have been off in my car, but in my heart I was still singing. In truth, this world could use a little more kindness and a lot less competition. Kindness makes us all winners in this life. Kindness reminds us that we are all God’s Children. Kindness shows us that we don’t have to beat others in this world. We just have to love them. May all of your moments here then be full of kindness, love, and joy. And may your only competition be with yourself: to be the best possible you that you can be.⌘

Source: http://www.sunnyskyz.com/feel-good-story/63/May-your-only-competition-be-with-yourself#HpgcDXEl3abrcPMk.99

Never judge anyone! By Anon

A doctor entered the hospital in hurry after being called in for an urgent surgery. He answered the call asap, changed his clothes & went directly to the surgery block. He found the boy's father pacing in the hall waiting for the doctor. On seeing him, the dad yelled: "Why did you take all this time to come? Don't you know that my son's life is in danger? Don't you have any sense of responsibility?" The doctor smiled & said: "I am sorry, I wasn't in the hospital & I came as fast as I could after receiving the call...... And now, I wish you'd calm down so that I can do my work" "Calm down?! What if your son was in this room right now, would you calm down? If your own son dies now what will you do??" said the father angrily The doctor smiled again & replied: "I will say what Job said in the Holy Book "From dust we came & to dust we return, blessed be the name of God". Doctors cannot prolong lives. Go & intercede for your son, we will do our best by God's grace" "Giving advises when we're not concerned is so easy" Murmured the father. The surgery took some hours after which the doctor went out happy, "Thank goodness!, your son is saved!" And without waiting for the father's reply he carried on his way running. "If you have any question, ask the nurse!!" "Why is he so arrogant? He couldn't wait some minutes so that I ask about my son's state" Commented the father when seeing the nurse minutes after the doctor left. The nurse answered, tears coming down her face: "His son died yesterday in a road accident, he was in the burial when we called him for your son's surgery. And now that he saved your son's life, he left running to finish his son's burial." Moral - Never judge anyone..... because you never know how their life is and what they're going through.⌘ Source: http://www.sunnyskyz.com/feel-good-story/57/True-Story#s7WtoTsDRHpYXS2M.99

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Reasons why you are blessed! Reasons why you are blessed!

If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed, about 1/3 of the world does not have access to one.

If you wake up each morning with more health than illness, you are blessed to rise and shine,

to live and to serve in a new day.

If you have anyone on the planet, just one person that loves you and listens to you; count this a blessing.

If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, then you are more blessed than over 1/3 of the

world.

If you have a yearning in your heart to parent a child, you are blessed because you still desire what you

cannot see.

If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God’s willingness to hear your prayer.

If you pray for someone else, you are blessed because you want to help others also.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your

head, and a place to sleep;

all at the same time; you are rich in this world;

If you have a brother or sister in Christ that will pray with you and for you, then you benefit from a spiritual

unity, bond, and agreement, which the gates of hell cannot stand against.

If you have any earthly family that even halfway loves you and support you, you are blessed beyond measure.

If you attend a church with a church family that offers you one word of encouragement, you are blessed with

some form of fellowship.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish someplace,

you are among the world’s wealthy.

If you can go to bed each night, knowing that God loves you, you are blessed beyond measure.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than about 2/3 of the world.

If you have never had to endure the hardship and agony of battle, imprisonment, or torture, you are blessed in

indescribable measure.

If you can hold someone’s hand, hug another person, touch someone on the shoulder, you are blessed because

you can offer God’s healing touch.

If you can share a word of encouragement with someone else, and do it with His love in your heart,

you are blessed because you have learned how to give.

If you have the conviction to stand fast upon His Word and His promises, no matter what, you are blessed because

you are learning patience, endurance, and tenacity.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because most people can, but won’t.

Source: http://321greetings.com/inspirational/reasons-why-you-are-blessed/#.U7UdJZQ0WSo

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PARTNERS, AFFILIATES & SPONSORS

CHANGING LIVES TOGETHER! TOGETHER WE CAN IMPACT THE WORLD AND ACCOMPLISH MARVELOUS THINGS TO GLORIFY HIM!

SPONSORS & PARTNERS AFFILIATE PARTNERS SERVICE PROVIDERS BRAND AMBASSADORS

Solitaire Communications CSI

To Be Advised

(Still under discussion)

Solitaire Communications:

Media & Diplomatic Relations

plus Editing Suite

South Africa:

Mrs Rose Masela

Paul Rush - Dbn, RSA

(Personal Donation)

To Be Advised

(Still under discussion)

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe:

Transmission Services

MTN Wireless South Africa

Transmissions Services

Zimbabwe:

Mrs Dorcas Zireva

Daniel Musengi

Gauteng Province, RSA

(Personal Donation)

To Be Advised

(Still under discussion)

Facilitators:

VACANT – Discussions in

progress.

United Kingdom:

Rev F.Y.Z Takavarasha

Tapiwa Mushaninga

Gauteng Province, RSA.

(Personal Donation)

To Be Advised

(Still under discussion)

Travel Agents:

VACANT – APPOINTMENTS

IN PROGRESS

United States of America:

Mrs Norah Valoyi

Amai Lillian Maveneka

Gweru, Zimbabwe

(Personal Donation)

To Be Advised

(Still under discussion)

Internet Service Provider &

Web-Hosting:

VACANT – APPOINTMENTS

TO BE MADE

Botswana:

Miss Lesedi Bopape

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WAYS TO SUPPORT THE NETWORK

WE VALUE AND APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT. THANK YOU!!!WE VALUE AND APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT. THANK YOU!!!WE VALUE AND APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT. THANK YOU!!!

NEXT ISSUE OF UPLIFTED, 4NEXT ISSUE OF UPLIFTED, 4NEXT ISSUE OF UPLIFTED, 4THTHTH OF AUGUST, 2014. DON’T MISS IT!!OF AUGUST, 2014. DON’T MISS IT!!OF AUGUST, 2014. DON’T MISS IT!!

You can PRAY for the Network. We value your prayers. Please pray that God would BLESS Acts of Faith and enlarge its influence and reach… Reach a person a day!!!

PARTNER with us. Become Acts of Faith Ambassadors in

your geographical areas. Become Acts of Faith Junior

Ambassadors in your geographical

You can DONATE. The Network is dependent on Donations and Sponsorships from its SUBSCRIBERS for sustainability and uninterrupted service. Your Donations will go a long way in keeping the network running.

TELL your family, friends, colleagues. You can help us to expand the influence and effect of this Network by TELLING your friends, family and colleagues of its existence and promoting it wherever you can. Just encourage subscription; we will do the rest…