My sentiments are shared with Spurgeon

As originally shared by Charles Haddon Spurgeon — and echoed word for word in my own conviction.

The Lord Jesus gave this solemn warning:

“But keep yourselves from men” (Matthew 10:17), and, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore prudent as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Spurgeon wrote — and I find myself in full agreement —

“Do not expect others to be friends of your piety, or if they are, suspect the reality of that piety of which the ungodly man is a friend. You must expect to be sometimes bullied and sometimes coerced, to be sometimes flattered and sometimes threatened. You must expect at one time to meet with the flattering tongue that has under it the drawn sword, and at another time to meet with the drawn sword itself.”

That line could be published today without changing a syllable. People will oppose you — it’s not an accident, it’s the natural result of truth colliding with the world’s current.

Think of Athanasius in the fourth century, standing alone against the tide. He declared, “I, Athanasius, against the whole world. I know I have truth on my side, and therefore against the world I stand.” Those words still ring for every believer who finds themselves isolated yet steadfast.

Spurgeon reminded us of Martin Luther — men schemed to burn him, but he died in his bed. His enemies tried to silence him, but his words took wings, carried across Europe as though by angels. The seed he planted refused to be uprooted.

And here’s the sting of truth: numbers do not sanctify a cause. Spurgeon noted, “Truth in general seems to be with the minority, and it is quite as honourable to serve God with two or three people as it would be with two or three million.”

History’s true benefactors — God’s servants — have often walked a path marked in blood and fire. The world rarely rewards them. At best, it pays in meagre coins: a title, a stone monument, exposure to the wind and storms, to be stared at by passers-by.

That’s the world’s payment plan. But heaven counts differently.

Filed under Faith & Conviction.

— O.W.F. Brinkmeier

From the Editor’s Desk – Echoes of Humanity

Good morning, friends.

I am compelled to pen a special news report.

From this day forth, the news reports on this website will appear under one or a combination of nine titles. General Humanitarian News will carry one of the following: Echoes of Humanity / Voices from the Field / The Wider World. Internal Site News will be published under one of these: Behind the Pages / From the Editor’s Desk / Inside OCV. Finally, Author’s News will appear under one of these titles: The Writer’s Log / Notes from Othello / In the Margins.

Having lived a very diverse history, my writing—and therefore these news bulletins—will also be diverse. Yet every article will be written with every iota of professionalism within me. Truth remains paramount in my mission. There is already far too much sensationalism in the world. Neither will I pull punches when it comes to stupidity or blatant lies I encounter online. When I come across misrepresentations, I will address them, exposing the real truth for my readers.

As a Christian Author and Journalist, I will endeavour always to write in love. Still, there may be moments when human nature breaks through—the “old man” who was known for being facetious, callous, and often too straightforward. For this, I apologise in advance.

At times, it shames me and weakens my testimony for my Master when I realise that some who profess religion are a disgrace not only to their faith but even to common morality. It makes me feel as though I must speak with bated breath and trembling knees when I remember the damnable hypocrisy of those who thrust themselves into the church of God and thereby give Christ and Christians a bad name.

I also need to affirm that I live by the principle of doing all things as if I am doing them for the Lord, as exhorted by the Apostle Paul and many other passages of the Holy Bible. Grace makes me a servant of God, but Grace also makes me a servant of my fellow man.

The conclusion for me, as a Christian, is simple: I am bound to live for Jesus and for Him alone. I cannot serve a co-master, nor pursue a secondary or divided goal. If I divide my heart, my life will be a failure. Just as no dog can chase two hares at once—lest he lose both—no man can follow two contrary objectives and hope to secure either of them.

I want my life to be like a miniature painting, so that people can see Christ in me, and not the “old man” I have left behind. Having studied Humanities at school, I also feel it is my civic duty to be a positive influence in the world, not a destructive force. We live in a world already cloaked in negativity, self-gratification, and countless other forms of darkness.

Yet as a writer—not merely a journalist—my influence can be far greater.

It is my desire to make a success of this website and to become the best-selling author I have set out to be. I would die a martyr’s death a thousand times if only I could bring about one positive shift in this depraved world.

Sincerely yours,

Captain Cody Gemini

OCV Expands Its Creative Horizons

Othello Cody Verrocchio (OCV) is entering a season of fresh energy and bold commitments. The past weeks have seen key adjustments behind the scenes, and now the future path is taking clear shape.

Daily Devotions and News Updates will remain at the heart of the site, ensuring readers can find both spiritual nourishment and timely awareness in one space. Alongside these, the rhythm of weekly news recaps will help draw together threads for a wider perspective.

By the end of October, the official OCV YouTube Channel will launch, featuring thoughtful reflections, creative experiments, and engaging storytelling. This channel will stand as a companion to the written word, offering a voice and face to the ideas readers have come to know.

The OCV presence will also spread further across the digital landscape:

Blogs and Facebook will feature weekly posts that give depth and variety.

Daily Stories will keep content fresh and immediate.

Twitter will see more frequent activity, building conversation around art, faith, and imagination.

Twitch will host a once-a-week broadcast, connecting live with those who prefer real-time exchange.

All of this marks a stronger commitment to consistency, creativity, and community. OCV is not only broadening its platforms but also reinforcing its promise: to share truth and story in ways that stir hearts and spark thought.

Stay tuned as October approaches—the journey is only beginning.

— Captain Cody Gemini in collaboration with ChatGPT 3.5

A Professional News Update

by Captain Cody Gemini (Dip. Journ.)

Imagination vs. Imagined

Reality versus False Perception has become one of the biggest problems in modern society.

A new culture is spreading across social media platforms—an obsession with fabricating scenarios and passing them off as fact. What once would have been dismissed as parody or satire is now packaged so convincingly that millions are left misinformed. We are edging into a state where illusion becomes the norm, a condition not far from what the Bible warns of as “the great delusion.”

Take a recent example: Juelz showed me an image of a live pig licking another roasted pig on a barbecue. Whether “Gimped” or Photoshopped, the image makes its rounds, drawing laughs or shock. But beneath the humour is a lie—another brick in the wall of global misinformation. Lies are destructive in personal relationships; on a worldwide stage, they become reckless and corrosive.

Then there’s the viral absurdity of a cat “rescuing” a squirrel. According to the video, this cat discovers a squirrel impaled with a crossbow bolt, gently carries it into the road, successfully flags down an ambulance without being hit or distracted, watches as paramedics patch up the squirrel, and then proudly carries its new friend off into the distance. A fairy tale dressed up as news footage. Content like this insults both human intelligence and real acts of courage.

The Core Issue

The real problem is not the existence of imagination—we need imagination for art, humour, and storytelling. The issue is deception being peddled as truth. When fabrications are crafted to look authentic without any disclaimer, they erode trust in genuine reporting, blur the line between reality and parody, and ultimately foster cynicism toward everything we see.

A Necessary Safeguard

This is why content creators should be required to include disclaimers on such videos. A simple line—“This video is fictional. It is a ‘what if’ scenario, not a real event”—would protect viewers from confusion. Just as advertisements carry labels and films open with content advisories, so too should manipulated or staged media declare itself for what it is.

It’s not about stifling creativity. It’s about maintaining integrity in an information ecosystem already teetering under the weight of lies. Without such safeguards, we normalise deception until truth itself becomes indistinguishable from entertainment.

Beyond Timid Examples

The examples above may seem timid compared to what’s truly happening. The deeper, darker danger comes when technology is used to recreate voices of real artists and make them sing one day as Christians, the next as Muslims—erasing identity and mocking faith. Or when a well-known public figure is digitally manipulated to deliver speeches they never gave, pushing someone’s worldview, selling products, or endorsing political agendas.

That is no longer mere mischief. It is debased, sick, and utterly evil. To hijack a voice or an image in that way is not only a lie—it is an assault on truth itself. And when truth is treated as disposable, society itself becomes disposable.

News Bulletin – 27 September 2025

With just three days to go before the pre-launch phase, work is intensifying behind the scenes on The Adventures of Captain Cody and the Star-ship Frederick.

Key creative updates from today’s desk:

Promo Pages are being drafted to showcase The Adventures of Captain Cody and the Star-ship Frederick.

Galactic Worlds & Maps are being detailed to guide readers through the Known Galaxy.

Character Galleries are in progress, expanding the cast with deeper backstories and visuals.

Technology Tree & Evolved Species entries are being finalized.

Lore-building continues with Divine Origins, Rebellion’s Dawn (slated for publication by 15 October 2025), Galactic Exodus, Nebula Rising, Celestial Reckoning, Stella Ascendance, and Beyond Horizons.

Looking ahead:

Official Launch Date is set for 09 October 2025.

Community sessions will be held on Facebook and across the WhatsApp groups on 05 October 2025, to discuss the launch. Invitations and RSVPs are scheduled to go out on Monday, 29 September.

Momentum is building—expect more previews and updates as we count down to launch.

— Captain Cody Gemini

in collaboration with ChatGPT 3.5

 Breaking News from Captain Gemini 

Good morning, world! This is Captain Gemini, reporting the latest updates from mission control:

•  Devotions are flying again! After a short pause, fresh words of encouragement and faith are being sent out once more. Stay tuned for powerful reflections to lift your day.
  
  

•  WhatsApp Status is now in orbit with Facebook Stories. One post, double the reach—more eyes, more impact.
  
  

• Plans are underway to monetise Life itself. New strategies are being charted to turn creativity, writing, and services into sustainable income streams.
  
  

•  SEO operations incoming. Alt tags and search elements are next on the checklist to push higher in Google’s radar. Visibility is the name of the game.
  
  

•  Rebellion’s Dawn – Book Two has re-ignited its engines and is back on track for publishing. Watch this space for updates—dawn is closer than ever.
  
  

•  Need Linux? Otto’s got you. Full install help and setup for as little as R1000.00. A stable system, affordable and tailored.
  
  

That’s your pulse check for today. Keep your eyes on the horizon—more updates are coming.

Signed,
Captain Gemini

⚡ Updated: 

Major Site Upgrades Go Live Today at OthelloCodyVerrocchio.co.za

By Captain Gemini

Johannesburg, September 24, 2025 – Effective today, OthelloCodyVerrocchio.co.za rolls out its biggest set of refinements in months. These updates are meant to sharpen the reader experience, clarify the content strategy, and prepare for more frequent publications. Below are the key changes—and what they mean for you, our faithful audience.

What’s Changing Immediately

Cleaned-Up Navigation & Focused Content Streams

The site’s structure has been simplified. The main pillars now are:

Science Fiction Adventures

Christian Reflections & Devotions

Writing Insights & Guides

These topics will get priority. Old content that drifted off-theme will be archived or integrated under these headings so nothing feels scattered.

More Consistent Publishing Rhythm

After a period of intermittent posts, there’s a promise of more regular updates. That includes:

New short stories & sci-fi novellas appearing more often.

Daily or near-daily devotionals / Christian themed posts.

Writing tips/tutorials & behind-the-scenes content.

Stronger Community Features

“Othello’s Circle” is being launched (or activated more fully) today. Expect:

Reader polls and feedback opportunities.

Spaces for readers to contribute thoughts, ideas, or reflections.

More visibility of your voice in what’s coming next.

Design & Usability Polishing

Cleaner layout—less “noise”, easier to find what you want.

Emphasis on readability (fonts, spacing, etc.).

Mobile responsiveness tightened, so the site works smoothly whether you’re on phone, tablet, or desktop.

Transparency About the Team & Process

Because you deserve to know who’s behind the curtain: Otto Brinkmeier & Juelz are re-highlighted as the “Skeleton Crew.” The site is more open about the workflow, about limitations, about how AI and beta readers assist. This builds trust—flaws and all.

Why These Tweaks Matter

Clarity over confusion. With many themes floating before, it was harder for readers to predict what to expect. These changes sharpen the promise: you’ll know what you’ll get, and you’ll get it more reliably.

Engagement, not just broadcast. The shift toward interactive features (polls, reader voice) means it’s not just me writing to you, but with you.

Sustainability. As a two-person crew, you acknowledged constraints. More structure helps reduce burnout, helps ensure the site doesn’t go silent again.

Trust & authenticity. By showing process, acknowledging help (AI, beta readers), you signal you’re not hiding behind polished myth but walking the road with readers.

What You Might Notice First

If you visit now, here are the things you’ll see or feel immediately:

The homepage will reflect the new content streams more cleanly.

New posts (or reworked older ones) aligned with the three pillars will be tagged/organized accordingly.

A prompt or banner introducing Othello’s Circle—inviting readers in.

Minor layout tweaks: less clutter, possibly fewer sidebar items or more streamlined menus.

More frequent updates in the coming week: devotions, short stories, writing advice.

What Remains the Same

The core voice and mission: stories of imagination, faith, and truth revealed with “blood and fire” remain.

The pen name, the Christian foundation, the sci-fi exploration.

The transparency: you’ll still see behind-the-scenes posts, you’ll still hear about the challenges, and the skeleton crew remains intact.

Final Word from Captain Gemini

Change can feel disruptive, but it’s often the spark that wakes new possibility. Today’s tweaks are about honoring what’s always been at the heart of this site—faith, story, craft—and letting them breathe more clearly. If things feel off, rough, or incomplete, that’s part of it. We’re building this with you, not above you.

Bookmark, explore, let me know what you like and what you want more of. The journey continues—and it just got more intentional.

—

Captain Gemini

Friday night, 19 September—I was buried in my site, pulling code apart and stitching it back together until dawn. Saturday bled into the same rhythm, the glow of the screen the only witness. By Sunday, I had to deal with the mundane: changing my banking details at Amazon KDP. Tyme Bank had slammed the door on international payments, and I needed the channels open again.

In the middle of all this tinkering, I added a link to Plarium’s Raid: Shadow Legends. Seemed harmless enough. But almost instantly, Google’s cold machine-voice rang out like judgment: “Unwanted Software Policy violation.” My site—my space—was branded dangerous.

It rattled me. I tore out the offending link, yet in the confusion thought maybe my WhatsApp Channels or Communities were the problem. So I shifted the furniture of the site again, rearranging pieces that had already been carefully placed. I filed a security review, holding my breath.

Then came the email:
“Google systems indicate that https://www.othelloverrocchio.co.za/ no longer contains links to harmful sites or downloads. The warnings visible to users are being removed. This may take a few hours to happen.”

And there it was: reinstated, but not before I had worn the scarlet letter of “unsafe” for hours that stretched too long.

That’s when the voices of my IT saints rose from memory.

Bill Gates, polite and pragmatic, almost businesslike:
“It’s fine to celebrate success, Otto, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”

Steve Jobs, impatient and sharp-edged, cuts in:
“Don’t let the noise of other people’s opinions drown out your inner voice. Focus on what matters—the site is your canvas, not Google’s.”

But it’s Linus Torvalds who spoke the loudest in my head. Blunt, almost amused:
“Nobody gets it right the first time. The point is to build, break, fix, and keep going.”
And again, sterner:
“Talk is cheap. Show me the code.”

Their words mix with the static of the past weekend, as if to remind me that the bruises of building online are the same as the bruises of life.

Update – Checked In on 22 September

It’s been just a day, and the website is almost fully functional. Next up: sorting out Mail Manager (MailerLite).

Gaming has been messy. Raid: Shadow Legends ran fine on Steam until I tried linking an existing account—over 100 hours gone, because it won’t let me switch accounts. I’m back to Lutris, which worked before, but after a few updates, it now refuses to install.

Leaving the shop? Still no regrets.

Sincerely,
Dei Interretialis (Captain Gemini)