livingstoneAndThePolMusic

Natalian Livingstone Pretorius and his wife Nadine know the power of God’s love to change any situation. In spite of the hardships and prejudice against them, God saw their potential and has opened doors for their Gospel careers. It is the Scripture 1 Peter 2:4, “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,” that has underpinned the foundation of this family. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS... Their journey has its roots in humble beginnings, as both grew up i...

Natalian Livingstone Pretorius and his wife Nadine know the power of God’s love to change any situation. In spite of the hardships and prejudice against them, God saw their potential and has opened doors for their Gospel careers. It is the Scripture 1 Peter 2:4, “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,” that has underpinned the foundation of this family. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS... Their journey has its roots in humble beginnings, as both grew up in a KZN township during the era of the Group Areas Act. Livingstone reflects upon the days when he would visit his cousins who lived in the neighbourhood. “The boys would get together and set to work designing and creating musical instruments from whatever household garbage they could lay their hands on. Discarded five litre oil tins were transformed into guitars and Ricoffy containers were set up as drums.“ Without realising it, God’s destiny for Livingstone was unfolding. The Lord was starting His band with each of the boys being moulded into His masterpiece. Nadine fondly remembers her childhood days attending community musical concerts...She was a singing nightingale in the back row, harnessing her talent by attending drama classes at school. PURSUING HIS LOVE FOR MUSIC Later as the boy became a man, Livingstone continued his love affair with music. It is solely because of this passion that he started sauntering through the doors of churches. Then God took over and captured the hearts of Livingstone and his bride Nadine. Livingstone recalls, ‘’the one thing that has ruddered our lives has been Christ and the Christian legacythat God bestowed upon us as children through our parents.’’ As he reclines on the sofa, Livingstone remembers how his parents would always attend church, come rain or shine. He remembers the anointed men and women of God and the worshippers who always passed through their home. These encounters were Livingstone’s blessings in disguise; the Grace of God was covering his life and though tempted by the wayward ways of gangs and drug abuse within the community, Livingstone was able to soar above the storm of the afflictions and find His purpose in God. LEADING OTHERS IN WORSHIP Together Nadine and Livingstone lumbered along trying to worship God in Spirit and Truth. Nadine recollects a certain stage in their lives when their walk with God seemed to reach a stalemate, a kind of dead end, even as they took the position of worship leaders within their fellowship. Then as though this was not enough of a trial, a bigger bang exploded and shook them - the loss of their son, Loge’ Chrio. It was then, at the pinnacle of their wilderness season, that God began to further reveal His love toward the couple. Through their pastor, his wife, their family and the rest of the church, the Pretorius’ were engulfed and comforted by Christ’s love. A further miracle, which is beyond explanation, occured at this point. Simply put, God gave them: “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” The Father birthed a new sound of worship inside them, which took their relationship with Christ to a deeper and sweeter place of intimacy. Their worship began to soar and divine connections were made with mentors such as musician Ernie Smith (who himself has been mentored by music maestro Jonathan Butler). It was the time spent writing songs and bouncing around lyrical ideas with artists like Ernie that culminated in the recording of their debut Gospel CD, ‘The Power of Love’. Recorded in Ernie’s home studio in Natal, the album features Livingstone on vocals and piano (he also occasionally plays around with drums and guitar) and collaborations with his wife and female vocalist Nadine. The album is truly a family affair, with young daughter Nazli (10 years old) singing a precious love song to Jesus. SINGING FOR THE KING With a contemporary, upbeat sound focussing on praise to God, the album is set to do very well. Livingstone lists Israel Houghton and Hillsong amongst his influences, and wife Nadine even writes in Xhosa for one of the songs. The CD was launched in Kokstad and Durban late 2009 and will be available at all leading music outlets soon. Though the Pretorius’ are worship leaders in their local church, they are available to share their testimony/ perform at Christian events and conferences/ outreaches. This family says that it is God’s unconditional love and ever flowing forgiveness that has brought them thus far. They give the Father all the glory by endeavouring to honour Him in all that they do. Theirs is a life of raising the sacrificial praise and worship offering to God and the dance of joy and gladness to the King of Kings.  —by Hilda Gabriel His love for music led him to God, and now, God’s love for Livingstone Pretorius has led him to his destiny LIVINGSTONE PRETORIUS can be contacted for bookings on 2783 871 0818 or email livingstonepretorius@ hotmail.com or see his facebook,bebo.com,ourstage.com,twitter page. To purchase the CD, look out in stores soon or contact them directly