The 2024 Mission Team has been actively involved in various youth ministries and children’s programmes, working alongside Divisional Youth Officers and Corps to bring spiritual enrichment and community engagement.
On the 24th of May, the Mission Team attended their first youth observation at South Rand Corps. The team received a warm welcome from the youth members who were having discussions on ‘Worldly dating vs Godly dating.’ This was a valuable opportunity for the team to observe and understand the youth’s perspectives and challenges.
A week later, on the 31st of May, the team was invited to Soweto Central Corps for a Bonfire night hosted by the Young Adult’s Ministry. This evening was filled with praise, fellowship, and discussions focused on the young people. The Mission Team had the privilege of leading many aspects of the programme alongside the young adults of Soweto Central and the invited Officers, creating a night of deep connection and spiritual growth.
From the 7th to the 8th of June, the youth of Gauteng Corps hosted an all-night prayer explosion, where the Mission Team was invited as the guests. Young people from neighbouring Corps joined this event, which was rich with prayer, devotions, games, and praise and worship. The Mission Team presented various topics for discussions and organised prayer stations, facilitating a night of meaningful spiritual engagement.
In addition to their involvement with youth ministries, the Mission Team played a significant role in the Holiday Kids Club held at Germiston Corps from the 17th to the 21st of June 2024. The event, themed “Fruits of the Spirit,” aimed to provide a safe, engaging, and spiritually enriching environment for children during the school holidays.
Each day of the Holiday Kids Club was dedicated to exploring a different fruit of the Spirit. The children engaged in a variety of activities centered around these themes, including:
- Bible Stories: Daily Bible stories illustrated the specific fruit of the Spirit, helping the children understand and relate to the spiritual concept.
- Memory Verses: Each day, the children learned a memory verse corresponding to the theme, aiding in their spiritual growth and retention of Biblical teachings.
- Craft Activities: Craft sessions allowed children to creatively express their understanding of the day’s theme through art.
- Songs and Dance: Music and dance were integral parts of the programme, encouraging active and joyful engagement with the day’s teachings.
To ensure the well-being of the children, snacks and lunch were provided each day, keeping them energized and focused. Creative arts sessions also allowed children to showcase their God-given talents through various forms of art, building their confidence and expressing their individuality.
Over the five days, the Holiday Kids Club reached more than 129 children. Notably, 32 of these children made a life-changing decision to give their lives to Jesus and invited Him into their hearts! The Mission Team had the privilege of leading these children to Christ, marking a significant spiritual milestone in their lives.
The response from parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude to The Salvation Army for organizing the Holiday Kids Club. They appreciated the safe and stimulating environment provided for their children, especially during school holidays when children are often left home alone due to parents’ work commitments.
The Holiday Kids Club at Germiston Corps was a resounding success, both in terms of participation and spiritual impact. The event provided a constructive and joyful outlet for the children, fostering their spiritual growth, safety, and development. The Mission Team’s dedication and hard work were instrumental in making this event a memorable and meaningful experience for all the children involved.