Looking at the year that has passed
As 2025 draws to a close, there is certainly much to reflect on. Multiple natural disasters and wars continued to devastate lives around the world. There was breakthrough in the war between Israel and Hamas, but the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, while many have forgotten about the ongoing civil war in Sudan. During May there was an intense flare-up of hostilities between Pakistan and India, and throughout the year we have seen Syria being welcomed back onto the international stage after more than 14 years of civil war. In the midst of all of this, the assassination of Charlie Kirk was probably the biggest news story of the year.
Like any other year, 2025 saw plenty of devastation, trauma and heartache, but for us as Christians this did not come as a surprise. For we know that natural disasters, wars and persecution will continue until the day we see Christ return, and that gives us hope amid the heartache, because we live with the assurance that our future is secure in Him. Together with this, we also draw hope from the fact that we continue to see God’s Kingdom grow in the midst of the various disasters through His Church being salt and light in the darkest of times.
Besides all the international devastation, we know that you also faced your own personal challenges of heartache during this year, and we hope that our reporting on global news from a Christian perspective not only helped you make sense of the world, but that it also contributed towards putting your own challenges into a Kingdom perspective.
Thank you for your support over this past year; we greatly appreciate it, and we hope that you will have a blessed Christmas, filled with the love, peace and joy that can only be found in relationship with Jesus Christ.
Outgoing Director, Gustav Krös
Looking Ahead to 2026 — Trusting God as We Plan
Proverbs 3:5–7
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, looking toward 2026, it is natural for us to begin planning, dreaming, and shaping a vision for what lies ahead. Planning is not only practical—it is biblical. Scripture tells us that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision gives direction, purpose, and clarity. It helps us see where we believe God is leading us and how we should position ourselves as individuals, as an organisation, and as the Body of Christ.
But even though planning is important, there is a pitfall:
We often begin to believe that our plans are enough, that our wisdom is sufficient, and that our understanding can carry us. Proverbs 3:5–7 strongly warns us against this mindset:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes…”
This is the tension we must hold:
• Yes, we plan.
• Yes, we cast vision.
• Yes, we count the cost—just as Jesus taught.
• But we refuse to rely on our own wisdom.
When we look to the year ahead, the truth is that we do not know what the future holds. Our understanding is limited. Our foresight is incomplete. But God—God sees the end from the beginning. He knows the doors that will open, the obstacles we will face, the opportunities that will arise, and the people He will bring into our path.
This is why Proverbs instructs us to acknowledge Him in all our ways. Not after we’ve made the plans. Not once we think we’ve figured everything out. But in the planning, during the vision-setting, through the decision-making. It is then—only then—that He promises to straighten our paths.
A Biblical Model: Nehemiah
When Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, he didn’t run ahead with his own agenda. He didn’t assume he knew what to do simply because the work was urgent. Nehemiah planned, yes—but he sought the will of God first. Before speaking to the king, he prayed. Before gathering the people, he prayed. Before picking up a single stone, he prayed.
And because Nehemiah aligned the vision with God’s heart, God prospered the work of his hands.
Our Call for 2026
As we set our vision for 2026, may we follow the same pattern:
• Let our vision be clear.
• Let our planning be intentional.
• Let our strategies be well thought out.
• But above all, let our dependence be on the Lord.
We are not wise enough to walk this road alone—and we don’t need to be.
God invites us to trust Him, to submit our plans to Him, and to acknowledge Him in everything we do. When we do that, He will straighten the path before us—according to His will, in His timing, and for His glory.
A Prayer for 2026
“Lord, as we look to 2026, give us Your vision. Help us plan with wisdom but depend fully on You. Keep us humble in our own eyes and guide our steps. May every vision, strategy, and plan be aligned with Your heart, and may You establish the work of our hands. Amen.”
Interim Director, Pieter Potgieter
