Vineyard School Of Ministry

VINEYARD SCHOOL OF MINISTRY

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In July 1993, a year after the prophetic 'Yeovil 7,000 Rand', I read a Vineyard magazine, "Equipping the Saints." The first page had an article about the Vineyard Ranch in California. The Desert Vineyard in California operated it.
 
The memory of hearing about it returned to me when Brent Rue conducted the conference in South Africa. As I was reading the article, my heart began to race, feeling as if it might jump out of my throat. I felt something beyond me was happening. I tried to dismiss a sudden urge to learn more about the Ranch. After all, I had no desire whatsoever to go to America. But a few days later, I found myself writing to them asking for more information about the Ranch. All I wanted was more of the exciting stories Brent Rue shared with us. I didn’t think I would hear from them again.
 
One thing I was not aware of was that God had started putting me through His own Church Planting training. I had much to learn and experience. But I needed healing before God could send me to England. I was so excited about England. I thought: I don’t know a soul in Yeovil, but what if God moves? What if God sends? What if God provides? What if God blesses? It evoked all kinds of emotions within me.
 
In August 1993, a guy at church came to me with a word. He told me that it had something to do with a vision God gave me, and He said, “The confirmation will be your excitement.” Wow! God was about to teach me and bring about many miracles in my life. Working against all the odds and showing me His generosity.
 
Very soon after I sent my letter to California, I heard back from them. But it was not what I expected. They sent me an application to attend the Vineyard School of Ministry. It was very out of character for me to write to them at first. But I had now completed their application for the next Vineyard School of Ministry in March 1994.
I was about to learn a timely and valuable lesson before I left South Africa. This lesson concerned finances. Since my divorce, I had struggled to pay old debts. Tithing for me was whatever I could give and that was not very much. Besides buying a plane ticket to America to attend the Ranch, I had to pay them fees for the three months. I also had to pay my mortgage and car repayments for the time I would be overseas without a salary. It was a lot of money I needed.
 
I have always had a very open and honest relationship with my friends, work colleagues, and bosses. What I mean is that I would share the details of my relationship with God and what God is doing in my life with them. One day I was having a conversation with Bill, my boss. I told him that I was thinking of spending three months overseas in America and then a month in England. I shared my thoughts and feelings with him without holding back. I told him that I prayed before I took the job working for him. I asked God for a company to work for until retirement as well as a good boss. I told Bill how God answered my prayer in working for him, but now God is asking me if I am willing to give it up for Him. We both stood there with tears in our eyes.
 
Bill then told me that he was sure we could get someone to take over my job for those 4 months. He also told me that we should talk later. He can take my car over or lend me the money to help me with my finances, so I can go. If I do decide not to come back, he can sell the car. Wow! I did not expect that. God is so generous. (And so is Bill.)
 
I was so glad I told Bill about my plans, as I needed references from my pastor and my employer to attend the ranch.

 

 

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