Mark 16:15-16: He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.’
These are the words Gert Tredoux lives by. A lifelong fisherman based in Vredenburg, Gert takes his daily commute, with this very purpose in mind, to the port of Saldanha Bay (just an hour’s drive from the port of Cape Town).
Gert says, “Toe ek gered is, het ek soos ’n vet hoender gevoel; vol van die Woord en ek was oortuig dat God dit 12 jaar gelede op my hart gelê het om sy Woord te deel – die Woord van genade en die liefde van Jesus Christus.”
The interesting ways he finds to share the gospel is simply outstanding. Many sea farers who cannot speak English can understand Gert. He finds an innovative way to connect with them through music. For example, one would notice that in some dining rooms of the ship there would lay a guitar. Gert will then take the initiative of playing the guitar and singing gospel music to them.
It is said that music connects people. It connects cultures with hope and love . Gert believes music is the essence of Christ’s heart to all people. While he sings, people resonate and are drawn to the music, and sometimes they join in where and if they can.
Gert, now 71, reminds us at Biblia that age can and will never stop a passionate man from sharing the love of Christ. Despite different cultures and language barriers, Gert has found a way through music.
Psalm 104:33:
I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.