EARLY YEARS
My father died when I was 6 years old. I don’t remember him, but I was told that he smuggled with drugs and alcohol. When I was about 8 or 9 years old, I was introduced to drugs. As I result it influenced my schooling. I didn’t do well and I picked up many problems. My behaviour got so bad that eventually I was expelled and sent to Steinthal Children’s Home in Tulbagh. When I was released, I just continued taking the wrong path, but now it got worse. I not only used drugs, I started robbing people and I stole. I was found guilty of theft, and sent to prison for a year. Here things got really serious when I joined the 28 gang.
I remember the time when my mother got a stroke. It had a huge effect on me and I realised I had to make a drastic change in my lifestyle. At that stage I was still in prison. I asked the Lord to help me. I made a deal with Him: “If You help me get out of prison, I will surrender my life to You.” God made a way for me to be released from prison. But I didn’t change. I was back on drugs, stealing, and doing all the wrong things. A couple of weeks later, I was back in prison!
HOPE AFTER MEETING JUBELIAN
After I completed my sentence and returned to Roodewal early 2014, I met a friend, Jubelian. I saw how his life had transformed while doing the Change Maker program. I decided to join the Change Makers.
Antie Mia and Mevrou helped me to be admitted into the house. I remember how I felt comfort while being in their office and I just knew that my life was going to be transformed.
But it was difficult to be part of the house set-up. I couldn’t read or write due to my past disabilities and school problems. The guys laughed at me, picked on me and made fun of me. I realised I had to grab hold of the Lord’s hand. So Mevrou helped me to give my life to the Lord.
A NEW WAY OF LIFE
I successfully completed the program in 2014 and immediately started working as a cleaner in Pick ‘n Pay. Everything in me started changing: my walk, my way of talking, my thinking and my attitude. I became a responsible person. I was (and I still am) passionate about the Lord.
I wanted to read and write, so I decided to take the first step. I joined the library and regularly took out books. The Lord honoured my longing to read. Now I can read the Bible and recite Scripture.
On 16 April 2016 I got married. After starting as a cleaner, I later was employed by Spar, and today I work at AH Marais. I want to cry when I look back and see the Lord’s hand upon me, and how He carried me through hard times. God has taken me from strength to strength.
FROM THE CHANGE MAKERS
Jacobune is an inspiration to the community, always smiling and always sharing the joy of the Lord wherever he goes. In 2015 he was named Change Maker of the Year. He has a real shepherd’s heart and always reaches out to brothers who fall on the wayside. He was one of the first 8 students who enrolled and completed the Change Makers’ Bible School in 2022. And in 2023 he played a leading role in the school.
We have the greatest respect for this humble servant of the Lord.
