Solly Ozrovech - An inspired life
IN 1927, CHARLES LINDBERGH completed the first solo Trans-Atlantic flight; the Oscar Academy Awards was born; Pavlov discovered his ‘Conditioning’ theory with dogs; and Solly Ozrovech was born to Polish parents.
After WW1 the family immigrated to South Africa, where soon after, both parents were killed in a car accident leaving Mark (4 years old) and Solly (7 months old) in the care of the state. The boys were supposed to be sent to a Jewish orphanage, but due to a mix-up, they were placed in a Dutch Reformed Orphanage in the Eastern Cape. The boys grew up sharing dormitories, playing sports and being taught by the church.
By the time authorities discovered the mistake, the boys had already been fostered and were well adjusted to the Christian faith. Mentored by his teacher in Standard 6, Mr Ken Carlson, Solly blossomed at school as an academic, a sportsman, a leader and a boy after God’s heart. Over the period of eighteen months, through Mr Carlson’s prayers and guidance, Solly gave his life to the Lord. Kneeling in front of the wrought iron bed in the orphanage, Solly decided to follow Jesus, and was baptised the same day. Solly was so touched by God’s grace, that he wanted to go into the ministry as soon as he was finished school.
Not one to ever take half measures, Solly was determined to attend the Outeniqua High School – even though the orphanage could not afford to send him. "I was due to attend the local industrial high school in George, but I knew if I ever wanted to further my studies, I would need to attend an academic school to study English. The orphanage elders laughed at me saying there was no money, but I didn’t accept this and went on a hunger fast in protest. After several days, I was so ill that I had to be hospitalised. Somehow the story spread amongst local townsfolk, and one man offered to pay for my schooling. To this day I do not know who he was, but I am grateful that he allowed God to use him as a blessing."
After completing University, meeting and marrying his lady love, Louise, and obtaining his Masters in English and Afrikaans, Solly returned to Ugie to run the orphanage he grew up in. There Solly and Louise strived to give children a home (rather than just board and lodging) with love, discipline and better facilities. When his tenure was completed, the effervescent Mr Ozrovech led 21 tours to Israel and became a minister of a Dutch Reformed Church in Strand, in the Western Cape. With his gentle spirit, striking humility and shepherd’s heart, Solly’s congregation swelled in numbers and he became a local figure in the community. "I have always been a bit of a maverick in my life…whilst leading the church in Strand, I decided to start a telephone message service, where people could call in and hear a one minute Bible reading and a half a minute devotional message. These became quite popular and at one stage we would receive 700 calls a day! These messages were reaching people all over the country, across denominations, races and cultures."
It was out of these inspired telephone messages, that Elise Miller approached Oom Solly (as he affectionately became known) and asked him to create a daily devotional book. The book was an instant success and unleashed the creative writer inside Solly. Inspired by the Lord, His creation and His Word, Solly took to writing from midnight to 6am, while he dedicated his days to pastoring the church. According to Oom Solly, it is perhaps his lack of sleep that has led to a lack of height! Though he may be small in height, he is certainly not lacking in spiritual stature!
The first thing that strikes you about this man of God is his humility and love for people. Throughout his life he has served others and looked for new ways to bring people to the knowledge of Christ. In the 1950’s, at the height of Apartheid, this DRC Minister was breaking boundaries by hosting a drive-in church during the December holidays.
"When I was ministering in Strand, I noticed that every Christmas, thousands of visitors would come to the coast and because they were dressed casually and belonged to various different denominations they had no church to attend. My little church was too crowded, so one day after ministering God gave me an idea for a drive-in church. One of the members in our congregation happened to own the local drive-in and we discussed using this for Sunday services. He generously donated the grounds each week and built a stage and converted the speakers to accommodate all the cars. Families would come from all over, bringing their children in pajamas and a picnic basket. They would sit in their cars listening to the service and many were touched and made commitments to the Lord there. On average we would have 4 000 people every Sunday – from all ages, races and denominations. We preached very evangelistic messages in those services.
It is so important that the church gives people the opportunity to accept Christ and that ministers are prepared to preach the uncompromised Gospel. When we do this God does the work in people’s hearts. So often God is left out of the church, and the human element invades what we do. I believe the church today is heading for the same fate as the Reformation Church but God is going to use His agents to sweep through and clean out the house of God."
Having done so much in his life, one wonders if Oom Solly has time to rest and enjoy his retirement! As a leader and example to so many, Oom Solly is strikingly humble about his status within Christian circles. His first words to me when sitting down for the interview were, "Please make sure the article points to Jesus. He is Jehovah Jireh, the Provider and He deserves the glory."
Oom Solly is fit, healthy and full of life. He was a Western Province Referee for many years, an avid squash player, a keen fisherman and today, an impressive 16 handicap golfer. "Golf is a great sport…it breeds honesty, patience and forces people to be social. Between the tee-box and the green, people open up their hearts to you, and there is always an opportunity to display Christ." When not on the golf course, Oom Solly is in his study, surrounded by books and overlooking the lapping ocean.
It is easy to see where his passion comes from, but I wanted to know where he finds inspiration when God feels far away? "We all experience times of testing and drought. Instead of running from God though, I encourage you to run to Him. Draw even nearer, and bow your knee before Him. God knows what you go through, and He has your best interests at heart. We lost a daughter and it was a tough time, we could not understand why it happened. You dedicate your life to God, and you lose a loved one. It is not easy to stay strong…but you must not let your mind and heart trick you. God will never forsake you. Now is a time of testing for believers and for their faith, but just keep pressing on. Your rewards come from Heaven."
Oom Solly’s life clearly demonstrates God’s intricate plans for each and every one of us. Even when he was placed in the wrong orphanage, God was in control.
Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you a future and a hope."
We thank God for Oom Solly’s obedience to His calling and His plans and to the blessing he is to the Body of Christ through his devotionals and inspiring books.
By Jackie Georgiou
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