Your acts of kindness can make a real difference in this world.

My children’s adventure story, The Spider and The Butterfly, is all about a group of friends who, through their acts of kindness and profound faith, changed the destiny of two friends’ lives for the better. I can’t wait for The Spider and The Butterfly to be published, then you can read this inspiring story for yourselves. The process can take six months or longer, so I am still waiting for a favourable response from publishers, but it is in God’s hands, and no matter the timing or the outcome, God’s plans and purposes for The Spider and The Butterfly will be fulfilled.

The Spider and The Butterfly may be a fictional story about truly making a difference in this world, but some of the best stories are real life experiences. I thought I would share a true story of how a random act of kindness inspired a car guard in Cape Town to become an internationally certified chef in Dubai!

The story began in 2005 when I was working as a sales representative in Greenpoint, Cape Town.  In South Africa, and especially in the Cape Town city bowl, where I worked, parking is a precious commodity. There is no underground parking available and trying to find a space to park was frustrating. That is how I met my friendly car guard Jean Edgard Dziki.  He was a self employed, motivated car guard, helping me find a space to park, and in my absence, assuring my car was safe from petty crimes. I would see Edgard, as he preferred to be called, most days of my working week. He always had a huge, ambitious smile on his face and our conversations grew the more we became familiar with each other. We spoke about God and the power of prayer more times than not, and a special friendship developed. I loved his energy, kind heart, and good spirit.  Always tipping him as generously as I could, he was there in return every time I needed parking or a car wash.

One day I told Edgard I had resigned and was moving to another company. Edgard asked me if I could help him find a job there, and I promised I would see what I could do. The owner of my new company said he was looking for a driver and would give Edgard a chance, depending on his skill set. When I told Edgard the good news, he was beyond excited and thrilled with the opportunity. I will never forget the day I went to pick him up, all I had ever seen him wearing was his car guard rags, but this day he was dressed to perfection in a collared shirt and dress pants. He looked so professional—a man with a new found dignity—it brought tears of pride to my eyes. The initial interview went well, however, Edgard had not driven for many years, and so unfortunately did not pass the driving test and was not able to secure the position.

When I drove him back to the train station he had tears in his eyes. I touched his shoulder and said, “Edgard, I am so proud of you for taking this step, don’t be sad. You can go for driving lessons, and there will be other opportunities.” Edgard turned to look at me and said, “I am not sad I didn’t get the job, I have tears because no one has ever been so kind to me before. Thank you so much for helping me.” His comment blew me away, because here was a man who was not upset he didn’t get the job, but grateful for the act of kindness and compassion shown him.  I gained so much respect for him that day; what an inspiration he was, teaching me the true meaning of gratitude. He reminded me how few people have anyone to encourage them or help them in this world. Little did I know how deeply this experience inspired Edgard, and I could never have imagined the level of success he would achieve in the years to come.

Edgard was radically changed by this experience, so much so that he found the strength to rise above his circumstances and to find work on his own. Kindness motivated him to improve his circumstances and it was enough for him to completely turn his life around. I moved back to Port Elizabeth that same year, but we did stay in contact telephonically. I had no idea of the depth of his hardships or the long, hard road to his success. All I do know is that Edgard started working very hard, obtained a job as a waiter at restaurants, and after working at various other jobs eventually became a restaurant manager at Ratanga Junction. He did what he needed to, until finally reaching his goal of putting himself through chef school. Not only that, he also bought himself a second hand car and paid cash for it. Edgard and I would stay in touch, praying for each other and motivating each other. One day he called me to ask my advice on whether to stay in Cape Town or pursue an opportunity as a chef in Dubai. I advised Edgard that he clearly has the skill to find work in Cape Town, but the opportunity in Dubai, and the international work experience acquired, would definitely be best for his career and personal growth. I repeatedly told him that no matter what comes his way, he must stay close to God and trust in His guidance. Edgard eventually chose to go abroad, and that is where he secured a job as a chef at an international hotel in Dubai. I was amazed at how Edgard had turned his life around, and found it exceptionally inspiring.

Once in Dubai, he joined the Dubai Christian Gateway Church and kept God at the centre of his life.

Five years later, in October 2011, Edgard called me from Dubai to invite me to the Gateway Church Hub Conference, which would be held in Dubai from 3-5 November that year. Edgard offered to pay half my flight, and secured my accommodation with a family from his church. I will never forget that day he called me—I had tears in my eyes…I was so proud of how far he had come in life. I could not believe how things had completely turned around,   and how he, previously a car guard, was now an international chef, inviting me to a church conference in Dubai. I knew wholeheartedly it was all by God’s amazing grace.  Of course, I absolutely accepted his offer and could not wait to see him again.

In November 2011, I flew to Dubai to meet my old friend, the car guard—Jean Edgard Ziki—and you can just imagine the reunion at the airport. Emotional beyond words—this is a photo of the two of us the day I landed in Dubai.

The welcome from Edgard and his friends from Gateway Church was heartwarming. Edgard had kindly arranged that a couple from his church, Janette and Anish Ghildaylon, host me during my entire stay in Dubai, and they took great care of me. Below are some photos of my host family.

Janette on the far left, and her husband Anish in the centre; and below I am playing in the sand with Janette’s beautiful daughter:

I want to take this opportunity to thank Janette and her family for their warmth and generosity to open their homes to a complete stranger. Their love and kindness during my stay will be with me forever, and I pray that Gods favour, blessings, love and amazing grace will be with them and their families all the days of their lives. Thank you Janette, Anish, and family for your amazing hospitality, sincere love, and beautiful hearts.

Edgard and I went sightseeing as much as possible, and I met his wonderful brother Rey Dziki. Incredibly, Edgard had also saved enough to invite his brother,Rey,to Dubai for the Hub conference as well.

Rey Dziki, myself and Jean Edgard Dziki:

We shared some wonderful experiences and memories together, and saw the Burj Khalifa—the tallest structure in the world.

We also went to the Dubai museum, experienced fun Camels rides in the desert, 4×4 sand duning and night desert sand boarding. What a blast!

Sightseeing in Dubai was amazing, but even more surreal that Edgard, once a car guard, was the reason I was there. But the real plan God had in store for me was to attend the Gateway Christian Church Hub Conference.

Rey, Janette, myself and Edgard at the Hub Conference:

Team of wonderful new friends at the Hub Conference:

 

The Hub conference was an experience to remember. There is nothing like being in the presence of God and hearing all the testimonies of how Jesus has changed the lives of so many people. During the conference we heard inspirational talks from international guest speakers, we worshipped and prayed together, and I saw many people touched by the Holy Spirit. I prayed that I, too, would have a personal experience with God, and be touched by the Holy Spirit.  On the last day of the conference, I was praying and asked God to anoint my hands, and told Him I wanted to reach the nations with His word. As if in confirmation to my prayer, one of the girls in the church, whom I had previously met at a game of ten pin bowling, came over and asked if she could pray for me. Not long into prayer I was suddenly touched by the Holy Spirit, and overcome by His presence,I fell to the ground, tears streaming down my face. I don’t think I could ever put in words what it feels like to be touched by the Spirit of God—it’s a spiritual experience that moves you beyond measure. God cannot ever be fully understood—He is love and He is Spirit, and He can only truly be comprehended in a spiritual way. Well, that day our spirits touched, and the memory will stay with me all the days of my life.

Edgard was grateful to me for my act of kindness, but in the end I was more grateful to Edgard for the experience of seeing his success, for being with him in Dubai, and most importantly… for the profound experience of being touched by the Holy Spirit thousands of kilometers away from home. What a delightful surprise and astonishing turnaround of events! I know all this became possible by God’s omniscient hand—He had a plan for me too, and I went on an adventure of a lifetime.

Jean Edgard Ziki, you are the true inspiration! Against all odds, you worked hard, you prayed hard, you changed your circumstances, and you turned your entire world around for the better. I am so very proud of you Edgard!  You are a hero in my eyes, a true inspiration, and a man with tenacity and a fighting spirit.  Thank you my friend for an incredible experience in Dubai, thank you for inspiring me with your courage, and thank you for bringing me closer to God. You are a true testimony of what it means to believe in yourself. If you have the will you will find a way to change your circumstances; if you work hard and never give up things do change for the better, and most importantly, nothing is impossible if you put your faith in God.

I hope this account inspires everyone who reads it. May you never underestimate the power of kindness and the power you have to really make difference in this world.  The best thing you can do is take the focus off of yourself and turn your focus to helping others who cross your path.

If you have any inspiring stories to share, please leave a comment, because love certainly makes the world go round!

Take care and God bless you endlessly.