South African author’s personal journey of transformation inspires a message about identity, renewing the mind and discovering that purpose begins with God.
JOHANNESBURG: What shapes the way we see ourselves, the choices we make and the lives we lead? For South African author Mercia Scharneck, the answer begins with what we believe – and whether those beliefs are rooted in truth.
Through her writing, biblical teaching and personal testimony, Scharneck encourages people to look beyond the labels, experiences and beliefs that have shaped their thinking and rediscover who they are through the truth of God’s Word.
Her message is rooted in her own journey. Having experienced trauma, shame, insecurity and years of struggling with her sense of worth, she understands how deeply past experiences and false beliefs can influence the way people see themselves. Her relationship with God became the beginning of a journey of transformation, as she learned to confront the beliefs that had held her captive and embrace a new understanding of who she was in Christ.
Rather than keeping her story to herself, Scharneck began sharing it through her writing and teaching, with a desire to help others discover the hope and freedom found in God’s Word.
Her first book, A Journey with the King, shares her personal journey of faith and transformation. Her second book, A Mind Renewed, A Life Transformed, explores the biblical principle of renewing the mind and the impact our thought patterns have on the way we live.
Her forthcoming third book, Purpose Begins with God: Walking Daily in the Life He Prepared for You, takes this message further. It challenges readers to reconsider where they find their identity, how they measure success and whether they are living according to their own expectations or discovering God’s intention for their lives.
For Scharneck, purpose is not simply about achieving more, finding a particular position or trying to make a name for ourselves. It begins with understanding that life comes from God and that our lives have meaning within His design.
“I want people to understand that their past does not have to define their future. So often, we accept beliefs about ourselves that are not true, and those beliefs influence the way we think, the decisions we make and the way we relate to others. God’s Word gives us a different perspective. As we begin to see ourselves through His truth, our thinking changes, and that change begins to influence how we live.”
Her work also highlights the importance of looking beyond people’s outward behaviour. Through mentoring women and supporting vulnerable girls, Scharneck has seen how easily people can be judged without anyone taking the time to understand what they may be facing.
She believes that compassion, grace and a willingness to listen are essential if we are to encourage others rather than simply judge them.
After more than 40 years of marriage, she also speaks openly about the importance of vulnerability, forgiveness, communication and the willingness to keep growing in relationships.
Scharneck’s work is grounded in Christian faith and Scripture, but the questions she explores reach into everyday life: What do we believe about ourselves? How do we respond to difficult experiences? What shapes our relationships? And where do we find lasting meaning and purpose?
Alongside her books, she shares regular Bible teachings through her YouTube channel and facilitates Ripple Gatherings, interactive discipleship gatherings that encourage women to renew their minds, grow in their faith and apply biblical truth to everyday challenges.
Her desire is not simply to encourage people for a moment, but to help them build a foundation of biblical truth that shapes how they think, live and walk with Christ every day.
Scharneck will officially launch Purpose Begins with God on Saturday, 21 November 2026, inviting readers to explore a message that challenges the way we think about identity, success and the purpose of our lives.
ABOUT MERCIA SCHARNECK
Mercia Scharneck is a South African Christian author and Bible teacher whose work focuses on renewing the mind, discovering God-given identity and living with purpose through the truth of God’s Word. Drawing on her personal journey of faith and transformation, she seeks to help believers grow in Christ and confidently apply biblical principles to everyday life. She is the author of A Journey with the King, A Mind Renewed, A Life Transformed and Purpose Begins with God. She also shares teachings through her YouTube channel and leads Ripple Gatherings, an initiative encouraging women in their faith and spiritual growth.
BOOK LAUNCH DETAILS
Book: Purpose Begins with God: Walking Daily in the Life He Prepared for You
Author: Mercia Scharneck
Date: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Time: 09:00–12:00
Venue: The Intersection Conferencing & Events, 11 Sunnyrock Close, Germiston, South Africa
Tickets: Book tickets via Quicket
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Author: Kondi Mukhudi from JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Mercia Scharneck.
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