2006/09/08

For a Soldier of Faith Departed

Here are some heartfelt notes and testimonials for a Soldier of Faith Departed: Elder Neels Labuschagne. 1950 - 2006For a Soldier of Faith Departed
By Apostle Aje Pelser, 8th September, 2006. Cape Town
Scripture Reading:
2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

“Fought” G75 agōnizomai
Thayer Definition:
1) to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games
2) to contend with adversaries, fight
3) metaphorically to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers
4) to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
Part of Speech: verb

Neels was a soldier of faith. He often believed for miracles and saw them in his life. Once he prophesied to a couple who could not have children that they would have a child within a year. This year we saw that miracle and the prophecy fulfilled.
He would not shy away from any opportunity to exhort through prophecy:
“Freddie are you ready!” was a famous line when he supercharged the French Minister in spirit at a recent conference. There was always a glow about him when he spoke about things of God.

Neels was, is, “Full of faith and faithful” and we hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”
His involvement in the church community as well his workplace will be sorely missed. However, his dedication to making disciples, be it at “In Tile” or “Harvester” or anywhere, has left a mark on society forever. The values of Neels are now to be seen in colleagues, workers, friends, family and church members.
It seems that in the sense of 1 Corinthians 12:28, Neels defined the “ministry of helps”. Jesus builds churches using people like Neels as pillars of faith and stability.
He was always part of a band of brothers and was well liked:
We all salute you today Soldier Departed!

His work ethic was an example to the lazy.
His faith brought strength to the hopeless.
His zeal fanned the flame of his generation.
His light lit up the darkness
Showing all the Way home.

May we all draw from Neels’ life and endeavour to live a life of Faith in Jesus Christ, to receive a crown of righteousness and spend eternity with our Lord, and with our friend: Neels.

Apostle Jan Oosthuizen and the Household of faith in Citrusdal writes:
Could you please read this message at the Memorial Service.

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15)

Fresh in my memory is the night when we ministered to Prophet Graham Unsworth. “You testified of receiving strength that night, and in strength you gave strength!” As a true warrior of faith your life spoke more words than you could ever utter. We solute our brother who has fallen asleep, who has completed his race with faithfulness, childlike faith and simplicity in Christ Jesus our Lord! We will miss your place in the line, but your example remains as an encouragement to us all!
Grace and Peace to all the Saints in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Hi Chantal
I have just read about Neels.
Do you have any details of a way to contact Catherine, I’d like to send her a message .
I am so sad.
Prophet Graham Unsworth

'Your life has sown volumes into mine...' Lennard Foster, Friend and brother in arms.

'He was calm and relaxed all the time except when he spoke about hte things of God. He spoke fast, his eyes sparkled and he had that smile... Neels is a perfect example of a Christlike man... God gave Neels a special understanding of things in life and Neels used his gift to helps others.' Gavin Herbert, friend and brother in arms.

There are more letters and messages that will be read at the funeral today.

“Neels had the outward and visible signs
of an inward and spiritual grace.
His soul like a star beacons
from the abode where the eternal are.
He has outsoared the shadow of our night.
Envy and sickness and hate and pain
And the unrest which men miscall delight
or from the contagion
of the world’s slow stain
A heart that grows cold,
or a head grown grey in vain
Can touch him not
and torture not again,
yet I know, when names were called;
with angels in attendance and shining
crown Lo, he , whose heart
was as that of a little child,
had answered to his name
and stood healed, young and gay
In the presence of The Master.”

Poem by Nell Calburn

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