The Christian Lifestyle Magazine, Issue 12

Spending time working with people
TO COME.” ~ PROVERBS 31:25
is something that I find to be very
Magda’s devotion to her ministry is
rewarding.
WHAT ARE SOME OF
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT
SUCCESSES YOU’VE ATTAINED
THROUGHOUT THE COURSE
OF YOUR CAREER?
commensurate with her dedication
to her professional life. Evidently, she
is not interested in the status quo,
in settling for mediocre standards,
outcomes, ideas, or vision, or in
engaging in minor conflicts. She is a
• The Premier’s award for the
woman in ministry, and the service of
Province of Western Cape
God has been ingrained in her from
Province: Adult Category
the day she was born. Following is a
• Old Mutual Sowetan Women’s
quote from Priscilla Shirer that sums
Award
up Apostle Kleyn beautifully.
• The Lions Club Woman of the
Year Award
“God’s plan for you is to move you
into a position of impact by infusing
Magda with her grandchildren
• Ward 26 Committee Award
you with truth and employing you
• The Mayoral Community
in prayer. You don’t need to be a
Award: Community Hero of the
Year
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB
OR THE INDUSTRY DO YOU
ENJOY THE MOST, AND WHY?
The ability to see the improvements
that are made in the lives of the
individuals I work with is by far the
aspect of my profession that provides
me with the greatest sense of
fulfillment.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER
TO BE THE SINGLE MOST
IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE
LEARNED THROUGHOUT THE
COURSE OF YOUR CAREER?
Through the years, I’ve gained the
understanding that as long as there
is breath, there is always cause for
hope.
WHAT GUIDANCE WOULD
YOU PROVIDE TO A YOUNGER
INDIVIDUAL SEEKING TO
ADVANCE IN THEIR CHOSEN
FIELD?
NEVER, EVER GIVE UP! In the
words of Joanna Gaines “Don’t quit,
and don’t give up. The reward is just
around the corner. And in times of
doubt or times of joy, listen for that
still, small voice. Know that God has
been there from the beginning—and
he will be there until . . . The End.”
MINISTRY: “SHE IS CLOTHED
WITH STRENGTH AND DIGNITY;
SHE CAN LAUGH AT THE DAYS
genius to do it. You don’t need to
learn ten-dollar words and be able
to spout them with theological ease.
You just need to bring your honest,
transparent, available—and, let’s just
say it—your fed-up, over-it, steppedon-your-last-nerve
self, and be ready
to become fervently relentless. All in
His name.” ― Priscilla Shirer
WERE YOU BROUGHT UP IN
THE MINISTRY?
Yes, I did spend my childhood in
a home where both of my parents
worked in the ministry as they
brought up my siblings and me.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR
CALL TO MINISTRY?
God’s words to Jeremiah (1:5) are
so true: “Before I formed you in the
womb I knew you, and before you
were born I consecrated you; I have
appointed you a prophet to the
nations.” Before I was even aware of
it, I had already started living out the
responsibilities of my calling. I gave
my life to Christ and was baptized at
Princess Vlei in Cape Town when I
was 12 years old. It was an incredible
experience!
COULD YOU TELL ME ABOUT
THE SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES YOU
TRY TO INCORPORATE INTO
YOUR DAILY ROUTINE?
I don’t adhere to a specific
schedule, but I do have a continuous
dialogue with God. I try to point
others in the direction of Jesus
Magda receiving the Mayoral
Community Award
Christ. I am always making sure that
others are aware that they should
place their faith in God rather than
in me. Tehillah is the name of my
organization, and it literally translates
to “Highest Praise to God.” I make
it my mission to live up to the
standards set by the name of my
organization in everything that I
undertake.
HOW DO YOU RESOLVE
CONFLICTS WHEN THEY
ARISE?
I am renowned for being honest
and straightforward, and I approach
disagreement head-on because I
believe that no matter how difficult
the circumstance, there is always a
way to find a resolution.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE
Left: Addressing school children and creating awareness on social ills; Right: Handing out school shoes to children.
THAT YOUR MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
IS ALWAYS IN GOOD SHAPE?
Through my relationship with Jesus Christ and the
quality time I spend with my family. Spending time with
one’s family can be beneficial in a number of ways,
including the development of one’s self-confidence, the
formation of a deeper emotional bond between members
of the family, the enhancement of one’s communication
skills, improved academic performance, and fewer
behavioural problems, as well as the provision of an
opportunity to form memories that are based on fun,
laughter, and being with one another.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST
FAVORITE MINISTRY EXPERIENCES?
My favorite experience is watching other individuals
grow into their full potential as followers of Christ. It
breaks my heart to see people get hurt in churches, and
seeing people abandon the call that God has placed on
their lives is my least favorite thing.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE
PASSAGES?
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come!” God said it that settles it! In my opinion, people’s
pasts are held against them in an unfair manner, and this
is very common.
ACCORDING TO YOU, WHAT IS THE MOST
PRESSING ISSUE FACING THE CHURCH TODAY?
Churches are unable to retain members and provide
spiritual guidance to individuals. After conversion, there
is not always a follow-up plan in place, and as a result,
some people find themselves returning to their previous
lifestyles.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU
HAD TO LEAD A GROUP OF PEOPLE THROUGH
A DIFFICULT TRANSITION?
My work and ministry activities require me to lead
individuals through times of escalating substance
abuse and domestic violence on a daily basis. Not to
mention the challenge of guiding individuals through the
pandemic. My view is that there is a potential opportunity
to be gained from each and every crisis and that both
leaders and organizations are shaped by their experiences
in times of hardship.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR
OVERCOMING AND AVOIDING BURNOUT.
My 26 years of experience have equipped me with
the skills necessary to successfully balance my work
responsibilities, my family obligations, and my other
interests. I believe that when God continually reminds
me of His calling on my life, it serves to both refresh and
strengthen me.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE AS A
WOMAN IN MINISTRY?
It’s unfortunate that we still live in a day and age where
the presence of women in ministry is still stigmatized
and looked down upon. Throughout the years, there
have been some modifications made to it, but it is still
present. There is still the belief that women do not
belong in ministry and that they should not be given
the opportunity to speak up. It would appear that I am
a threat to males in ministry, but the upside is that I
am a mother at heart and soul, and this enables me to
successfully fulfill all of my numerous tasks without giving
any thought to people who don’t believe in me.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN,
SINCE IT IS WOMEN’S MONTH?
When you finally come to terms with who you are and
12 THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE 13