Ten months into the year, the Mission Team journey continues to be a season of growth, discovery and transformation. Each team member has a story to tell about how the programme, and above all, God, has been at work in their life.
Through ministry, fellowship, challenges and moments of reflection, these young people have experienced God in different ways and seen Him shape their faith, character and understanding of service. They share some of the changes they have experienced along the way.
These are real stories from young people of different backgrounds and walks of life who chose to dedicate a year to growing in their relationship with God and serving His people. May their testimonies encourage other young people to take a step of faith, join the Mission Team and discover what God can do in their lives in just one year.
Cherlene Thomasso
Western Cape Division, Manenberg Corps
I am glad I had the opportunity to slow down and do full-time ministry with the Mission Team this year. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” The more I seek God this year, the more I find Him. In the quiet mornings and in the busyness, He has been a constant help to me. I thank God that my dependence on the Holy Spirit has grown this year.
Thamsanqa Ngidi
Mid-KwaZulu-Natal Division, Imbali Corps
My time on the Mission Team has been a journey of spiritual growth and discovering God’s purpose for my life. Through prayer, studying His Word, preaching, teaching and serving in different ministries, God has helped me grow in confidence and better understand my calling.
As someone who was once shy, I have seen Him stretch me beyond my comfort zone and teach me to trust Him. I am grateful for how He continues to shape and prepare me for ministry, and my prayer is to remain obedient and serve wherever He leads me.
Ungiphile Mvula
Eastern KwaZulu-Natal Division, Mangeza Corps
Before joining the Mission Team, I doubted my abilities and often felt unworthy of being used by God. Yet He showed me that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
He worked through me despite my fears and limitations, and I witnessed lives being touched by His love. This journey has taught me that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls. I return grateful, humbled and more confident in His power than in my own abilities. I am grateful to God for this opportunity and for changing how I see myself.
Shothodzo Tshaumotoma
Limpopo Division, Malamulele Corps
Since joining the Mission Team, my perspective on serving the Lord has changed. I now serve with understanding, meaning and purpose. I have learned that serving God is not simply about doing things for Him, but about building a personal relationship with Him.
Now I serve so that others may encounter God through me, just as I have encountered Him. I want God to use my life to touch others and bring them closer to Him. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Mission Team, and I would encourage every young person to take this journey because it can transform not only how you serve God, but also how you know Him.
Nkanyiso Dlamini
Mid-KwaZulu-Natal Division, Pietermaritzburg Corps
My testimony of my Mission Team journey reflects the impact God has had on my growth and how I have learned to depend on and trust Him, even when it has not been easy. When I look back at who I was when I started this journey and compare that to who I am today, I can see that God has grown me in many ways.
One of the biggest areas of growth has been my faith. I have learned to trust God even when I do not understand what He is doing. Through the challenges, I have learned that God is always with me and that I do not have to face everything on my own. God has also grown my confidence. I have learned to step forward, serve, speak and believe that God can use me. I may not always feel ready, but I have learned that God does not call perfect people; He grows the people He calls.
Sometimes the greatest evidence of growth is not found in what we have achieved, but in who we are becoming. And I thank God for who He is helping me become.
Khensani Mashele
Mpumalanga and Eswatini Division, Tonga Corps
My time on the Mission Team has been a journey of growth, courage and discovering what God can do when I step out of my comfort zone. Before joining, I considered myself an introvert and struggled with stage fright and speaking in front of people.
During this journey, I have been challenged to face my fears, trust God and step into situations I would normally avoid. I have learned that growth begins when I take a step of faith, even when I feel afraid. I am discovering that my fears do not have to limit what God can do through me. Isaiah 41:10 reminds me that God is always with me, strengthening and helping me. I have learned that God does not call me to be fearless; He calls me to trust Him even when I am afraid.
Princess Mkaya
Mpumalanga and Eswatini Division, Pienaar Corps
Joining the Mission Team has been an important part of my spiritual journey. It has given me an opportunity to learn more about God, myself and the responsibilities that come with serving His people. I have come to understand that ministry is not always easy. Living and working with other people requires patience, humility, understanding, love and forgiveness. Through these experiences, God continues to teach me how to live in unity with others.
I am learning that serving God is not always about doing the things that make me comfortable. At times, it means stepping out of my comfort zone, accepting correction, taking responsibility and being willing to serve even when I do not feel like it. The Mission Team has also helped me understand that ministry is not about positions, recognition or being seen by people. It is about having a willing heart and being faithful in the things God has entrusted to me. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This verse reminds me that God is continually shaping and changing me. As I grow in my faith and learn to surrender more of my life to Him, I am discovering that true transformation happens when I allow God to guide my thoughts, attitudes and actions.
Joshua Webber
Eastern Cape Division, Sidwell Corps
As I reflect on my Mission Team journey, it has been a journey of self-growth mentally, physically, and spiritually. Looking back at how my life has changed, I’m simply grateful to God.
What I take away from this experience is a changed lifestyle, a love for serving others, and a clearer understanding of my purpose in life. One verse that has encouraged me along the way is Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The Mission Team has helped me discover my identity in Christ, and I’m eager to live it out.
May these testimonies inspire more young people to take a step of faith, join the Mission Team and experience how God can transform their lives in just one year.