The Youth Department for 2026 has begun the year with great enthusiasm and purpose, embracing the vision of “Painting the Territory RED” — Reach, Evangelise & Disciple, inspired by Matthew 28:19. This vision has brought renewed energy and unity across both Youth and Children’s Ministries.
In previous years, Sunday Outreach was primarily led by the Children’s Ministry. However, 2026 has marked a significant and exciting shift, with the introduction of Friday Outreach initiatives, creating space for youth and young adults to actively participate in reaching communities and sharing the love of Christ.
The first Sunday Outreach of the year took place on 15 February under the theme, “Let’s Love One Another”, utilising Valentine’s Day for missional impact. This powerful theme served as a reminder to both young and old of the command in John 13:34–35 — to love one another as Christ has loved us. It called everyone to reflect on the importance of love as a defining mark of true discipleship.
The response across the Territory was truly inspiring. All eight Divisions participated with boldness and compassion, going out into parks, malls, and residential complexes to demonstrate God’s love in practical ways. A strong spirit of unity was evident as members reached out to people from all walks of life, showing kindness and care to everyone they encountered.
The message of love was further reinforced through 1 Corinthians 13:4–5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” This Scripture came alive through the actions of God’s people during the outreach.
Simple yet meaningful acts of kindness were shared throughout the day, including the distribution of sweets, handwritten love notes, cards, and words of encouragement. These gestures, though small, made a significant impact, reminding many in the community that they are seen, valued, and loved.
This Outreach Sunday set a strong and beautiful tone for the year ahead. It demonstrated that when the Church comes together with a shared vision, lives can be touched and hearts transformed. The inclusion of youth and young adults in outreach efforts has strengthened the mission and created greater opportunities for discipleship in action.
We thank God for the success of this initiative and for the willingness of His people to serve. As we continue throughout the year, may we remain committed to reaching out, evangelising, and discipling others — truly “Painting the Territory RED.”
Hallelujah Khanysile!!!