Linc Worship, the worship collective from Linc Church, released their new EP “Courts” today (27 September). Known for their audacious faith, bold creativity, and commitment to awakening hearts to the God-breathed life, Linc Worship continues to captivate listeners with fresh, spiritually inspired music. The “Courts” EP promises to be no different, blending heartfelt
worship with a deeply reverent expression of God’s holiness and love.

About the EP:

“Courts” consists of four dynamic tracks, each carrying its powerful message of praise, freedom, and reflection on God’s greatness:

Praise Him – Inspired by Psalm 100:4, this song reminds us that the same God who delivered the Israelites from slavery calls us to live in freedom today. With a heart of thanksgiving, Praise Him invites us to declare that “Our God is so Worthy” for who He is and all He has done.

All You Do is Win – A triumphant anthem born out of a reflection on the finished work of the cross. This song celebrates Jesus’ victory over death and sin, reminding believers of the inheritance of victory we received when He said, “It is finished.” The bold lyrics, “All you do is win,” encourage worshippers to live with the confidence that in Christ, we are more than
conquerors.

Courts – The title track was inspired by a vision of walking barefoot in a temple with white marble floors and light streaming in. As Ash, one of the songwriters, envisioned approaching the Holy of Holies, she was reminded of Psalm 84:10: “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” This song is a beautiful meditation on God’s holiness and the sanctuary He
provides for His people.

More Than Enough – This song speaks to the deep, soul-searching questions of identity and fulfilment in a world constantly trying to label us. “More Than Enough” declares that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and in Him, we find all we need—He is more than enough.

About Linc Worship and Linc Church:

Linc Worship is the worship expression of Linc Church, based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The church, led by Ps Dylan & Tes Jahnig, has always been driven by a passion for worship, creativity, and a deep love for the local church. Linc Worship is known for creating biblically sound, God-cantered music that draws people into an intimate encounter with His presence.

Their journey began 14 years ago with a prophetic word from Ps Rory Dyer, who told Ps Dylan, “You will build church with a guitar in hand and tears in your eyes.” These ‘tears’ symbolize the profound grace that fuels their worship.

The release of the “Courts” EP further establishes Linc Worship’s unique voice in the global worship community.

Motorists and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as severe weather has led to the closure of multiple sections of the N3 highway, particularly in the Midlands region. Heavy snowfall, along with icy and hazardous road conditions, has made travel in the area dangerous and unadvisable. Authorities have closed several key roadways, including stretches of the N3, in an effort to protect the public from the dangerous driving conditions.

The snowstorm that has impacted the Midlands has also extended its reach to neighbouring areas. Reports of snowfall have emerged from Ladysmith, Dundee, and various surrounding regions. Roadways in these areas have also become treacherous, making it unsafe for motorists to attempt traveling through them.

The severity of the weather has prompted officials to issue a strong advisory against any form of travel. Motorists are urged to remain at home and avoid taking any unnecessary risks during this period of hazardous weather. While the snowfall may seem exciting, the conditions on the roads are extremely dangerous, and the likelihood of accidents or becoming stranded is high. Staying home is the best course of action to ensure the safety of both the public and the emergency personnel who are working hard to manage the crisis.

Rescue teams have been deployed and are working tirelessly across the region to assist people in emergencies. These brave workers are responding to numerous calls, including efforts to locate and assist a cardiac emergency patient who is trapped, as well as a group of children who are stranded in a bus. Emergency services are currently overwhelmed, and any additional strain on their resources could put more lives at risk. Motorists are strongly discouraged from traveling during this time, as it could lead to more accidents or emergency situations, which would only further complicate the situation for the rescue teams.

For the safety of all individuals, authorities are urging people to cancel any travel plans. Whether you are commuting to work or attempting to visit friends and family, the risk associated with driving in these conditions is too high. Many roads are not only slick with ice and snow but also partially blocked or completely closed, further reducing the ability to navigate safely.

Additionally, visibility is severely impaired in many areas, making it difficult for drivers to see and react to potential hazards in time. The unpredictable nature of the weather means that conditions could worsen suddenly, putting drivers in even more danger. Road closures and accidents can lead to motorists becoming stranded, leaving them vulnerable to freezing temperatures and difficult rescue situations.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are providing updates as conditions change. They ask everyone to stay informed by listening to local news reports, checking traffic updates, and adhering to the guidance being issued. Remember, while the sight of snow can be beautiful, safety must come first in such extreme weather.

In the event of an emergency, residents are encouraged to contact authorities, but they should understand that response times may be delayed due to the volume of incidents being handled. Emergency teams are doing everything in their power to assist those in need, but patience is essential during these critical moments.

Our thoughts go out to those who are currently stranded or otherwise affected by this severe weather, and our gratitude extends to the first responders who are risking their lives to save others. The dedication and bravery of the rescue teams cannot be overstated, and their efforts are a reminder of the importance of community and safety during difficult times.

We urge all residents and motorists in affected areas to heed this warning and remain off the roads until conditions improve. Your safety, and the safety of those working to protect you, should be the top priority. Please do not attempt to travel unless absolutely necessary, and stay tuned for further updates from authorities on when it will be safe to resume travel.

South Africans have experienced high levels of financial stress over the past three years, impacting their home and work lives as well as their health. Younger individuals and those with lower incomes are the most anxious, with women particularly bearing the brunt of financial strain. In contrast, older individuals and those in higher income brackets experience less worry but have higher levels of unsustainable debt and are less inclined to seek help.

These insights emerge from DebtBusters’ third annual Money Stress Tracker survey. The data was compiled from responses by 26,000 individuals who are registered with DebtBusters but are not currently receiving debt counseling, making it one of the largest surveys on the impact of financial stress in South Africa.

Benay Sager, Executive Head of DebtBusters, noted a slight decrease in financial stress levels over the past year, from 78% in 2023 to 75% in 2024, though this is an increase from 70% in 2022. “While the data shows a marginal decline, the trend over the three-year period remains upward,” said Sager.

The survey was conducted in June. Contributing factors to the reduced stress included a period without loadshedding and stable interest rates. Concerns over interest rate hikes declined by 22%, and worries about loadshedding fell from 17% to 7% in the same period. “Consumers prefer certainty. Although interest rates are high, consistency is less stressful compared to continuous rate hikes,” Sager explained.

Among the 75% of respondents who reported financial stress, 93% noted it negatively affected their home life, 76% their work life, and 74% their health. Women reported being 10% more stressed about finances than men, with nearly four out of five women indicating financial stress. They also reported being 20% more stressed about their health and 30% more stressed about their home life compared to men.

Psychologist Andrea Kellerman observed that women are more likely to acknowledge and express their stress, partly due to societal expectations of emotional support and family nurturing. Women often juggle multiple stressors simultaneously, leading to heightened stress levels. Additionally, many women now balance roles as both mothers and breadwinners, adding to their financial pressure.

The primary financial concerns for most individuals are short-term issues such as running out of money before the end of the month and managing debt. While the concern of having “more month than money” spans all age groups, 70% of those under 55 report financial worries. In contrast, those 55 and older are less concerned about monthly financial management but are more anxious about retirement. Middle-aged individuals face dual pressures of insufficient funds and debt repayment.

A concerning statistic is that 68% of respondents spend more than 30% of their after-tax income on debt repayments, with 53% allocating more than 40% of their earnings to debt servicing. Generally, consumers are advised not to exceed 30% of take-home pay on debt repayments, with 40% being the maximum.

Older individuals and higher earners are more likely to carry unsustainable debt, with 60% of those aged 45 and above and those earning over R20,000 per month experiencing high debt levels. These groups, while under significant debt pressure, are often reluctant to seek help, citing trust issues as a major barrier. In contrast, 54% of younger consumers show a willingness to address money stress but may lack clarity on available options. Younger individuals often feel embarrassed or uncertain, while those over 35 tend to procrastinate.

Kellerman points out that individuals over 55 may prioritize retirement security over current debt concerns. Long-term exposure to debt stress can lead to a “freeze mode” response, where reduced energy and resilience may cause individuals to ignore their issues.

Younger people, though motivated and adaptable, face challenges such as limited job opportunities and high startup costs. They may feel stuck despite having better financial knowledge compared to previous generations. “The tragedy is that many who could benefit from debt counseling and other debt management resources do not seek help due to a lack of awareness, indecision, embarrassment, or mistrust,” Sager said.

DebtBusters offers various tools to aid consumers, including Debt Radar for debt management and the Debt Sustainability Indicator for making debt repayments more manageable. Plans to launch MoneySavers in late 2024 aim to help subscribers save on everyday expenses.