STeM 2013 Outreach

I had so much fun being part of what God is doing in the lives of the STeM trainees and our host community.  We were hosted by the Church of the Nazarene in Duduza. The local youth welcomed us and made us feel at home. They were with us in everything we did, there was no us and them. We were one team from the start to the end. We really had GOOD times.

Times of FELLOWSHIP

2013 STeM Team

We enjoyed ample times of fellowship. We lived together. Worked alongside each other. Ate together. Prayed together. Played together. The only alone time was your toilet visit, provided there was no one in the next stall. Whether be it working or relaxing, we were always together.

In our family times around supper, rest and devotions, we enjoyed what we call "DMC's", deep meaningful conversation. We spoke at length about Christianity, fruits of the Spirit, romantic relationships. Politics, drugs and alcohol, race and racism, our history and future.

Yes we lived, laughed and learnt together. I even recall a few heated debates. You know the debates where white kids turn red with anger and the black kids sweat under their armpits? Everybody standing their ground. How beautiful. In all this we all grew.


Times of EVANGELISM

As Christians we believe that we are ambassadors of Christ, salt, light and witnesses in the world. But some of us have never shared our faith with anyone.  

During the outreach we spent two afternoons doing street evangelism. I intentionally planned our first one before we did the training on evangelism. Most guys had some evangelism training and had shared their faith before. But those who did not have that experience were thrown in the deep end. We had an awesome time on the streets. A few guys gave their lives to Christ.

On Monday afternoon we did evangelism training and went out to the street again. This time everyone had training and confidence.

Times of ADORATION

STeM trainees joined the Duduza youth choir, singing "Ngcwele, ngcwele Somandla"

We had awesome times of corporate worship. Most of the songs were in isiZulu so the white kids and non South African black kids did not always understand the words but their spirit resonated.

Times of SERVICE

Community service at a local clinic

On Tuesday afternoon we went to a local clinic for a community service project. By this time into our mission the guys were getting tired. Although going into this project their energy levels were low they all had good attitudes and were determined to finish strong. Steven (our very own "Boer Seun") had motivated us to "...do it all for the glory of God." (1 Cor 10:31).
So we all cheerfully and willingly cleaned the facility knowing that it was an act of worship.

Times of TEACHING



Learning how to share our faith with other.

We started every morning with group devotion. In these times we were learning about the fruits of the spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)

We were challenging each other to reflect these in our actions and reactions.  

On Monday afternoon we spent time learning how to share our faith with others.

Statistically what we did in Duduza pales in comparison with crime rates, substance abuse, unemployment and other problems facing the youth of this township. "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope...those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." Robert Kennedy.

Our theme verse for STeM was "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Everything we did over those 5 days counted for good and for God's kingdom.

Thank you for your prayer support during our STeM training and outreach.  Bhuti.