This is a heartfelt last message for the year. Sorry, it’s a long one! There is simply too much good news to convey in a short note.

Once again, we’ve come to the end of the year! We’re truly grateful to the Lord for choosing us to share His Word full-time with so many people in today’s words.

This year, my sister-in-law, Ronelle, and I published a book together. Documenting the challenging path that she and her family had to navigate in their struggle with AM Leukaemia was a special, no, transformative experience.

Her story inspires cancer fighters, trauma fighters, and anyone who needs encouragement to stay positive, regardless of the circumstances that threaten to overcome them.

While writing with her, I admitted I didn’t understand many questions. So, we asked her haematologist to answer our questions. He answered them in a very straightforward way so that anybody could also understand it. I end each chapter with spiritual encouragement because fighters reach for God during trauma.

Initially, the book wasn’t intended as a support system for cancer fighters. We subsequently realised its potential to offer a profound look into the emotional and physical toll the disease takes on both the patient and their loved ones. It certainly contributes to a better understanding and handling of the patient.

We are so excited about the media coverage the book has received. Articles about the book have appeared in numerous mainstream magazines and newspapers. We conducted interviews on several radio stations. Additionally, Cum Books, Bargain Books, PNA, and smaller bookstores in shopping centres facilitate the distribution of the book.

While on a book tour, I learned from several bookstores there was a need for a daily book for people experiencing trauma. I began writing my next book, Breath, during that same tour. This book is for when there is not even a silver lining. I’m making good progress and hope to release it next April.

The rest of the ministry went really well. Our weekly Bible study and audios were well received and the feedback on their impact is remarkable. Our Sunday worship services on YouTube, Facebook, and other social media have helped many people hear God’s Word. (The link to our weekly online worship services: youtube.com/@kruispadTV). All the audios and sermons are broadcast on more than 10 radio stations. All the glory to God.

It’s a privilege to help people with their problems, and our prayer teams are actively supporting those in need.

At the beginning of 2024, we unexpectedly regained control of Roadtrip247, the youth ministry we had previously handed over. The Lord provided hands to keep this ministry afloat. Yes, we wondered where we would get the funds for three extra salaries, but looking back over the year, every month, He provided exactly what we needed.

VCSV raised its hand and will take over the baton in January 2025. We believe, pray, and trust that they will take it to the next level and make an even greater impact on young people’s lives.

Our family is doing well. Alet-Mari and her husband, Matthys, are back in Cape Town after three years in Gauteng. He works for a company that, among other things, services oil rigs’ legs, and Alet-Mari started at Shoprite/Checkers where she is part of a team designing and planning new stores. Mia is a lactation consultant at Paarl’s Provincial Hospital. She loves her job and makes a real difference.

Benno was everywhere this year. After winning his age group in the South African Ironman, he was invited to compete in the world event in Kona, Hawaii. He did well, but he got bitten by a spider and returned to SA with a huge hole in his leg. The next day he cycled the Wine2Whales with a friend! Only to tackle the Roof of Africa again with motorbikes a week later. And in the meantime, he got his degree too! It’s great to be young.

We sincerely want to thank you for letting us show up on your screens this year, expected or unexpected. Thank you for allowing us to bring God’s Word to you. We pray the Holy Spirit will help nurture every seed we have planted within your life.

Thank you to every donor who makes it possible for us to live out God’s calling without worry. (Also note: Our ministry The Crossroad Company NPO is a non-profit organization. A board makes sure all funds are managed correctly. Every year our statements are prepared under the guidance of ASL auditors. Any questions in this regard can be addressed to the chairperson, Gideon Hefer, at: gdhefer@gmail.com)

Thanks to every collaborator. The group of intercessors and the prayer response team respond to every prayer request. (If you need prayer, please send to gebed@kruispad.com.) Thank you to the IT people who ensure all our platforms stay up and running. Thanks to all the translators and text editors, who do this as their tithe for the Lord.

Marika, Renata’s sister, works full-time behind the scenes to manage the huge pile of administration bit by bit. She starts sending messages on the phones (mind you there are two!) from 05:00 in the morning, sometimes until late at night. We are very grateful that the Lord added her to our team.

Here is some feedback, and we say again: All glory to God. It is only He who can hit straight blows with crooked sticks:

• “I don’t think you always realise what you mean to many with your messages on Kruispad 247, because, for many reasons, not everyone responds to them. All I want to say to you is that you touch on the everyday things that influence being a Christian.” – Abraham –
• “I am a GP, and we currently read “Keep Walking” every morning before we start work. It’s a good conversation starter for us (before work) and we’ve already had a lot of value from it.” – Thelma –
• “These little words of yours are my bread of life. Once you’re well on your way to life, these conversations are sometimes all you need.” – Elsa –
• “Thank you very much, Renata. Your voice messages help me a lot with my daily mindset with the Lord Jesus! With great gratitude.” – Elise –
• “I have just listened to the service of 3 March for the third time. This is hands down the service that stands out from any other service I have listened to so far in my 61 years of existence. I suspect I will listen to the service several more times if it’s the Lord’s will and I remain alive. It means so much to me. I just want you and the Kruispad team to know that you are a vital, precious part of my life.” – Isabel –
• “Thank you Kruispad team. The world needs people like you. Thank you for the messages, and for teaching me so much. Thank you for the current series on the Holy Spirit. Awesome, understandable in today’s words.” – Vanessa –

I have to confess that our batteries are on the flat side, and we’re very much looking forward to downing tools by 13 December.

May our Father truly bless you in this festive season. May you revisit the manger scene and experience the profound peace that our great Savior brings.

Shalom until next year.

Gerjo Ben and Renata

PS: If you feel like spoiling someone with a gift that changes lives, visit our bookstore: www.kruispadboeke.com