It is always encouraging to see an individual using his/her time and talents for Christ, but even better to see a couple, united in their focus and mission, furthering the Gospel. Natasha and Willie are such a couple, living lives submitted to God and gaining influence so that they can be good testimonies.

Willie is a well known Afrikaans Gospel singer and he has been ministering for many years now, using his music to touch and lead many to Christ. “When I was 15 I gave my heart to the Lord at a life-enriching camp. That night I couldn’t sleep and I went to the lounge of the hotel where we were staying. I heard a man playing the most beautiful song, ‘Lord make me an instrument’, on his guitar…right there and then I asked the Lord that if it were at all possible, He would help me to be able to worship Him like that. After that I did what I could by teaching myself to play the guitar, and I got involved in the school choir. I later had formal classical music training for 4 years and then felt called into the Gospel music industry.”

Natasha, who has recently been crowned Mrs United Nation International, is soon to become a popular face in the South African media and intends to use her position to change the lives of others and point them toward Jesus.

“I was completely surprised to hear my name being called as the winner of Mrs United Nation earlier this year. I had entered the competition on a whim, when a friend suggested I participate. Mrs U.N is a competition that promotes married women and their accomplishments, their commitment to their families and to uplifting the community. I am so grateful to the Lord for entrusting this responsibility to me and giving me the platform to be a positive role model and example of Christ to others.

Through the competition, I am able to reach many women and endorse projects that better their lives. I could not do any of this without the support of my husband, Willie. He is my best friend, my mentor and a voice of reason. During tough times, he has been there for me and encouraged me to lean on God. Willie keeps me motivated when challenges come my way, by reminding me that the Lord will not put anything across my path that I can’t handle. We both have busy lives, but Willie is so supportive of me and I could never do what I do without him.”

Willie feels the same about his wife. “Natasha is my biggest fan and I love her dearly. For us it is very important to have our priorities in the right order. We put our relationship with the Lord first and then our marriage. We like to have input from other people, but we will always test it with what God’s Word teaches and whether we have unity on the decision or not.”

The two met several years ago when Willie was helping Natasha with her singing. He invited her to a family wedding and their friendship blossomed into love. She is close to his two children, Menanteau and Nastassje, and has a passion for young teenage girls. Natasha often speaks at mother-daughter gatherings on self esteem, moral values and cultivating hope for the future.

“As Mrs United Nations, I have selected three projects which I will focus on during my reign. All of them centre around women, as I feel called to helping them. One project is to bring good news to the captives by visiting every women’s correctional institution in SA and to inspire them to dream, even in their captivity. Another, which is close to my heart, is to give Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. I will be busy acquiring as many new gifts and toys as possible for Christmas to give out in the children’s homes.”

Whilst Natasha is fulfilling her duties, Willie will be supporting her and continuing his singing. His latest album, ‘Dis ‘n nuwe dag’, is out now. Willie strongly believes that he is not called for the entertainment of people, but is confident in knowing that the Lord wants to use his songs and his message to touch the lives of people all around the world.

We pray the two of them will continue to serve God together and influence others for His Kingdom!