“That the world may know…”

After many months of hard work and preparation, Wits University is about to experience an evangelical effort the likes of which it has not seen before.

In the week from the 24 August until 1 September the Christian societies of Witwatersrand will unite, together with the expert leadership and guidance of African Enterprise, in bringing the Good News to thousands of students at the Jo’burg university.

The mission programme (available on the Wits Christians blog) includes many well-known speakers such as Michael Mol, Michael Cassidy and Baby Jake Matlala. The musical entertainment lineup includes Benjamin Dube, Harbourlight, Spin the Flava and the Wits Band and Choir.

Get all the latest news and details at http://witschristians.blogspot.com

The excitement is mounting… see you on campus!

Spirit and Truth (or SAT) is a new initiative from Lyttelton Methodist Church in Pretoria.

One of the great things about young worship team members and youth bands is the way that they overflow with spunk, passion and creativity. SAT seeks to match these qualities with a rock-solid understanding of the true meaning and heart of worship, which we believe is vital in effectively being able to lead others in worship.

Our vision: To bring young worship leaders closer to God, closer to an understanding of all that worship is, closer to a worshipping lifestyle, closer to one another as a team and closer to excellence in their musical and leadership skills.

The weekend promises to be a lot of fun and a rich learning experience, as well as an opportunity to connect with other young worship-loving people.

Date: 17-19 August 2007
Age group: From high school age up to young adults
Cost: R300 per person; this excludes transport
Venue: YFC Cyara campsite (click for map)

Youth worship teams wanting to attend should book their place as soon as possible. Get in touch with Wendy Walker on 084-586-7267 if you’re interested.

Today is my last day as an engineer and Sunday my first day in full time ministry. This period of change has meant tearful goodbye’s and nervous hello’s have been said. And amidst all of it I’ve learnt a lot about the  boundaries of church…

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Are you a high school or university student who’s dreading the impending boredom of the June/July holidays? Didn’t think so! You deserve a good break, but why not consider giving up just a few of your precious vac days to get involved as a leader of a Holiday Bible Club? It’s a chance to really make a big impact in some Primary school kids’ lives.

There are two holiday clubs happening in the South of Jo’burg, both taking place in the week of 25 - 29 June 2007. If you happen to know of any others looking for leaders, please add the details here by means of a comment on this post.

The Hill
Forest Hill HBC (Scripture Union)
Contact Roan 082-330-8812 or roanck@gmail.com

Mondeor
Mondeor Primary HBC
Contact Tyrell 072-104-7916 or tyrellhaa@gmail.com

People think power will make them happy. People think things will make them happy. The truth is that happiness in things only comes when there is power to enjoy them…

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Update: The second blanket distribution outreach trip is taking place this Thursday evening (14 June) starting at 6pm at Central Methodist Church in Jo’burg (corner of Pritchard & Smal streets). 1500 blankets have already been handed out - come along and help make an even bigger difference.

If you’re reading this blog post on a computer screen, there’s a good chance that you fall well within the 10% segment consisting of the wealthiest people on the planet. Here’s an opportunity to reach out and help someone sitting at the other end of the scale - someone who could use a little bit of extra warmth this winter.

“It is that time of year when we remember those who are less fortunate, sleeping outside in the cold. This time each year, Paballo collect blankets to distribute them to the homeless people in the inner city of Johannesburg.”

Paballo Ya Batho’s annual blanket distribution run in central Jo’burg is happening this Friday Thursday night, starting at 6pm. If you’d like to volunteer to be a part of the hand-out team, or if you have any old clothes or blankets to donate, please contact Ndai for details on 0829684543.

“Change Agents is a youth leaders training conference. It is a place where youth leaders of diverse cultures come to discuss changing ministry in a changing world.”

This year’s conference will be held at YFC Cyara in Hekpoort (Magaliesburg) from 9-12 August 2007. Cost for the full 3 nights is R470, or R390 if you can only get there on Friday evening. Discount if you register before 10 July!

Here’s the blurb explaining this year’s theme:

Taken from the Latin word for “new”, a NOVA occurs when a small insignificant star draws matter from a larger nearby star, creating a huge explosion that makes the small star very bright. In Daniel 12:3, the angel said, “Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever”.

To be God’s ‘Change Agents’ in this rapidly changing world, we ourselves need to be changed! Our minds must be renewed, and our lives and ministries transformed! We must “Think New” so that we can “Act New”. As we draw from Jesus, He will cause our lives and ministries to explode with new life, new love, and new power. It is time for NOVA.

To find out more about this exciting and valuable opportunity to get equipped in making a difference in the lives of the new generation, head over to the new Change Agents site. You’ll find a ton of information, interactive polls, contact details and the all-important registration form.

Sarepta Music is hosting a presentation (actually four of them, in different venues around the country) targeted at “worship pastors, worship leaders, pastors, youth leaders, and anyone interested in worship”.

If you’d like to attend and find out more about the new resources and music available, you’ll need to make a booking by contacting Sarepta on 0861-467-735 or by e-mailing info@sarepta.com with your details.

Presentation times and venues:

Monday 18th June - Durban
17h30-19h00 @ Makaranga Garden Lodge

Tuesday 19th June - Johannesburg
18h00-19h30 @ Protea Hotel Midrand

Wednesday 20th June - Cape Town
17h30-19h00 @ The Commodore Hotel

Thursday 21st June - East London
17h30-19h00 @ The Southern Sun Garden Court

Maps with directions are available upon request.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like without the Spirit? Imagine Jesus ascended into heaven leaving just His words. Leaving us just history to study. Leaving companionship only as a promise for the future, leaving us alone.

I find it easy to imagine, because thats how I live. Dead sometimes, studying history and talking to the roof. I’m not alone. Well I feel alone but I know there are others like me whose duracell has run flat, whose candle has burnt to a stump, and who have forgotten that the switch that could flood space with light is right at our fingertips…

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