Adriaan de Koster
Primary Author
I am passionate about how Biblical truth is communicated across various cultural groups. I live in the beautiful country of South Africa but enjoy travelling to other areas of the world and communicating with the locals about their thoughts, fears and beliefs surrounding life and Jesus. Whether we speak or stay silent, we communicate our viewpoints and I try to help others express their positions, ideas and revelations by helping them put into words their testimonies and experiences referring to the teachings of the Bible.
At the end of 2019, I suffered a brainstem stroke and found myself in the ICU of a nearby hospital. What followed was a series of miracles, from the life-sustaining machines that kept me alive to the moment I first opened my eyes. Just surviving that ordeal was miraculous, with so many things needing to line up just right and so many doctors that needed to make choices and treatment with knowing the cause at the time. God didn’t stop there and every day there was progress on my recovery with no one but my wife, believing things will be ok, that God will make a way. And He did!
To my wife – Thank you for the support and prayer during that time Suzette, but not just that initial recovery, as you needed to hold my hand as I learned how to walk again. Learning how to read and write, so that in just a few years I could write about God’s power, and the mercy He has for us all, on wearingjesus.com.
Life itself is a miracle for anyone who has experienced a brainstem stroke, but not just stroke survivors but, anyone perhaps familiar with life-changing health challenges can testify as to the value, but also the temporary state of our lives. To those who have walked a similar path of recovery from devastating circumstances, I salute your courage and determination. Your perseverance is a testament of faith and inspiration to those around you.
In my case, the stroke affected my entire body, forcing me to embark on a long rehabilitation journey. I mentioned before the fundamental skills I needed to relearn as the brain damage left me “forgetting” these fundamental skills. But it wasn’t just these abilities I lost—I also lost memories and understanding of the things we often take for granted. For instance, I also had to relearn my own name and who it is God made me to be, my own identity. I had to get to know my wife all over again, despite having known her for over 15 years since we started dating in High School.
As I worked to rediscover myself, I also had to relearn old skills and develop new ones, like starting a blog and writing well enough to connect with others. This was all while providing for my family in some way and grappling with the search for meaning in what I do. My hope is that what I write can be a source of help and encouragement to you in your time of need.
I am also involved in Prison Ministry through my local church, where I have developed a deep passion for helping people in seemingly impossible situations. I find immense joy in seeing others find enough hope to take the next step, and have the grit to climb out of the holes they might find themselves in.
I pray that God will hold and protect you, encouraging you each day until you look back in awe at how far you’ve come and the heights you’ve reached.
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, loving God with our entire being and loving our neighbors as ourselves. These simple yet profound words should guide us in navigating life. I don’t have all the answers, but I am passionate about exploring faith and love in all aspects of life. Whether in the trenches, the boardroom, or the prison. I cherish the testimonies of those who live in the freedom brought by applying God’s wisdom and love.
If you want to contact me directly, email me at adriaan@wearingjesus.com
. I do my best to respond promptly to as many emails as possible.
Damus Shāpūr
Ghost Writers
The changed hearts of the church inside the correctional facilities write some posts on this website. Damus Shapur is the Ghostwriter for these individuals to protect their identity where needed.
The insight these believers have on what it means to follow Christ, even when it is unpopular or dangerous, is not only inspiring but valuable to learn from for us all.
If you have something for the attention of the Ghost writing team, you are welcome to contact damus@wearingjesus.com.
The Ministry of WearingJesus
If you want to read more on WearingJesus as a ministry and not just individual authors, you are welcome to have a look at the page here.