Not The Same

From a tiny cabin in the backwoods of Ohio to the upper crust of California - and then the rest of the world - Michael never thought his life would turn out like it did. Born in 1952, when an unwed mother was still shamed, this young, awkward boy began life amidst a bit of family chaos. Very soon, however he grew up with all kinds of plans, until drugs derailed his life. Listen as he tells the sto...

From the Cape Flats area of Mitchells Plain, Michele was no stranger to chaos and hardship. Even though her parents tried to keep her sheltered from the outside world, the chaos followed her home. Growing up, time and time again, Michele found herself at the crossroads of life. Over and over, she found herself encountering the one person who could - and would - change her life forever. Please send...

*Warning: This episode does contain references to sexual assault/abuse. Discretion is advised for younger listeners.* Rutana never knew hunger, but she also never knew what it meant to be taken care of. As the oldest girl, Rutana was put in charge of her family of eight. Her two parents were alcoholics and life wasn't easy, especially when secrets come to light. An unplanned pregnancy led to...

Cherie has never met her father, being the product of an extra-marital affair. Despite these circumstances, between two older brothers and a very overprotective mother, Cherie still felt safe and loved. An introduction to God at a young age set the stage for her success. However, as we know, life changes and she has to make her own decisions. Not everyone needs to hit rock bottom before realizing...

A broken young boy hiding behind a smile, Jabu was raised never knowing the true love of a father. Years of chaos, instability and uncertainty led him to make big plans for the future. An encounter with God and His people changed those plans and his life was rewritten. This is just the beginning... Please send me a message if there’s someone you’d like to have share their testimony. Don't und...

The first of two daughters, Danielle was born to a teenage mother and hardworking father. She began her story surrounded by a large family who loved her; however, as time moved on, she watched the chaos of life tear her world apart. Uncertainty and loneliness left her searching for something she couldn't define. When faced with a difficult decision, Danielle chose the path that eventually led...

A Xhosa girl, the third-born of eight children, Busi was basically left to raise herself. With both her parents enslaved by alcohol, this tiny girl felt she had no place to hide from the chaos of home. Little did she know that amidst her constant running away, she'd find the one place that welcomed her with open arms. Please send me a message if there’s someone you’d like to have share their...

The youngest sibling, the only boy, living a life of rejection, abandonment, and isolation; that is the story of Leebon Britde's childhood. Never knowing his father and losing his mother at a very young age, this broken child grew up not knowing what it meant to feel wanted. However, God's love knows no bounds. Listen to Leebon share this moving story of faith, hope, and love...and findi...

Cheryl Stellenberg never wanted the typical life. She had big dreams and big plans, and the strength and determination to get there. However, life rarely goes as planned and her dreams were derailed by an unplanned circumstance. Little did she know that this would begin a chain reaction that would alter the course of her life forever. Listen to her tell it in her own words. Please send me a messag...

From a small rural community to the Executive Capital, Mpho Mothoa was a little girl with big dreams. Unfortunately life doesn't always go as planned and this precocious child was left with too many questions and not enough answers. Raised within a protective family structure and constrictive religion, she soon felt the need to find her own way. However, this path only left her with a broken...

Growing up in the heart of Eldorado Park, Natasha figured her life would be just like everyone else's around her. With periods of instability and surrounded by drugs and alcohol, it didn't seem like she'd ever discover who she was supposed to be. Listen along as she shares how she found her true identity through the persistance of an unexpected friend. Please send me a message if th...

Born the youngest child, a boy who grew up the envy of the neighborhood, Sizwe was living a life of love and comfort; until he wasn't. Things suddenly shifted and all he knew about family and the world did as well. Searching for something to fill the widening void, this young man finds more than he could have imagined. Listen to Sizwe share his story of a life dedicated to one thing. Please s...

One half of a set of twins born to a disabled mother and an unknown father, Dorothy met with tragedy at a young age. One event led to another which set her on a course of despair and loneliness. Searching for love, hope and a future, a young single mom is drawn to the one place she is sure to find the answers; a lighthouse of sorts. Hear the story in her own words of finding a place to belong; not...

Even with a good home and two loving parents, a young girl's life was turned upside down when tragedy struck and the only solution seemed to be in empty, confusing traditions. Depression and an intense feeling of worthlessness, led to more questions than answers until a chance encounter that changed her life forever. Listen along as Kgomotso shares her story of the one person able to rescue h...

Raised in a home of chaos and violence, Bongi yearned for a place to find refuge and belonging. Listen to her share her candid story of fighting against the odds of an unwanted future, and finding adventure (and hope) in unlikely places. Please send me a message if there’s someone you’d like to have share their testimony. Don't underestimate the power of a transformed life. notthesame.cfm@gma...

A young girl with a somewhat sad yet somehow typical South African life. That is the story of Charneil Britde, as she shares it. However, beyond tragedy and loneliness can come beauty and purpose. Listen along as she shares her incredible story of a life repurposed. Please send me a message if there’s someone you’d like to have share their testimony. Don't underestimate the power of a transfo...

Listen along as guest, Lindsie Stainbank, shares a tragic story of just wanting to find a place to belong and the heartache that comes with that. Lindsie shares some very personal things which leads her to finding true acceptance and everything she longed for along the way. Please send me a message if there’s someone you’d like to have share their testimony. Don't underestimate the power of a...

Listen as we dive into the first episode of a podcast designed to go beyond the soundbite and into the lives of regular people, each with their own stories of a life changed by an encounter with God. Our first guest is a South African woman I met about three years ago named Vuyiswa, who I observed to be an amazing woman of God, loving wife and a devoted mother. Little did I know that one conversat...