What was initially meant to be a small celebration of the 20th anniversary of Victory4All, with the staff, learners and parents at King’s College in Jeffreys Bay on March 2, led to the school’s choir recording a gospel song alongside well-known national gospel singer, Neville D.
As previously reported by Kouga Express, Victory4All was established 20 years ago by Johan and Astrid Vos, in a bid to break the cycle of poverty by providing Christian-based quality education in Kouga.
Victory4All has since branched out to various educational facilities including Noah’s Ark Pre-School, five foster homes in Jeffreys Bay and three in Humansdorp, King’s College Primary and High School in Oceanview and the Rainbow Village Centre in Humansdorp, to provide education to children living with special needs.
Knowing that their organisation has reached such a great milestone, Johan said that he and his wife were very humbled and extremely thankful.
“In 2002 we realised that the Lord had called us to South Africa and in November that same year we moved to Jeffreys Bay,” said Johan.
“We prayed to our God saying, ‘Father, here we are. We know that we are not qualified for this job, but Lord we are available’.”
Johan said that what had started out as an organisation handing out milk and food to children in Jeffreys Bay 20 years ago might have looked insignificant, but they have learnt to never despise small beginnings.
“The Lord has a plan and a purpose for these beautiful talented children, with top quality Christian education helping them along the way,” said Johan.
To celebrate the organisation’s 20th anniversary, he said that they had initially planned a small gathering and had a worship celebration in mind.
However, when the school’s ambassador, Neville D, confirmed that he would be in attendance, Johan said the gospel singer suggested that he record his gospel song, titled Groot Ja, with the learners from King’s College.
On March 2, the organisation hosted their 20th anniversary in the newly-built hall at King’s College where Neville D recorded his song alongside the school’s choir.
“The evening celebration was one of the highlights in 20 years. Many people are still talking about it. The recording of the song went well, and the result was phenomenal,” said Johan.
He said that Groot Ja was not just another song, as it has already touched the hearts of many people.
Johan said that the people who were given the opportunity to listen to the song before it was professionally edited had tears in their eyes.
“The feedback from some people blew our minds,” said Johan.
He said that they do believe that the recording of the school’s first song is only the beginning, and they hope to record their first album later this year or early next year.
Neville D said that a year ago he experienced a difficult time filled with doubts about many aspects of his life.
During this period of uncertainty he said he heard a clear message from God, urging him to stop doubting himself and recognise that his life mattered, and that he already had His approval.
“This gave me the strength to understand that in Christ, all of God’s promises are ‘Yes,’ and through Him, we can speak our ‘Amen’ to glorify God,” said Neville D.
He said that collaborating with the learners at King’s College was a full circle moment for him.
“As someone who began singing at a young age, witnessing these talented children singing Groot Ja and proclaiming this divine declaration over their lives was truly special. Positively influencing the next generation is crucial to me and it is so important that we take it seriously,” said Neville D.
Groot Ja was released on April 14, and can be streamed on all major digital platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music.
Neville D said that the music video will be available on his YouTube channel, and will be broadcast on television later in April.
