This year’s Junior Soldiers’ and Junior Miss Rally in the Limpopo Division was an overwhelming success, serving as a powerful and life-transforming experience for more than 220 children. Held over two days, the rally successfully combined high-energy activities, singing, and dancing with intentional spiritual growth, creating an atmosphere where children truly experienced God’s love and presence.
The theme for the rally was “Jesus sees me, Jesus welcomes me, and Jesus sends me” (inspired by Galatians 2:17). From the very beginning of the weekend programme, the emphasis was placed on the importance of our children and their voices within our homes and churches. Through engaging Bible stories, memory verses, devotions, and worship, the children learned that they are not alone in their challenges and that they can stand firm in their faith.
Saturday Highlights and Impact
The atmosphere was electric, with many children actively participating in worship. A major highlight was witnessing more than 220 children and leaders from different Corps across the Division coming together to connect and be transformed through the love of Jesus Christ.
The day began with praise, worship, and prayer led by the young people. Lieutenant A. Matukane, the guest for the weekend, introduced the theme. This provided a wonderful opportunity for the children and everyone present to be inspired and challenged from the very start of the weekend. The programme continued with a session of “playing with purpose” — fun and educational games led by one of the Divisional Youth Board members. These activities served as icebreakers while also encouraging the children to remain grounded in the things of God. Lieutenant Matukane then shared a Bible message from Luke 19:1–10. YPSM Tendani Madala led a time of questions and answers, during which the children confidently responded and demonstrated what they had learned throughout the session.
The rally also provided a safe space for young boys and girls to discuss matters of faith and social challenges in small groups led by Corps Officers. These sessions created opportunities for fun activities, spiritual encouragement, and relationship building. The day concluded with a joyous Shayatafula and worship service, where the Junior Soldiers and Junior Miss members were given the opportunity to seek God and develop a personal relationship with Jesus. Divisional Commander Major N. Malinga concluded the day with prayer and the benediction.
Sunday Celebration
Sunday was equally impactful, with even more children joining the programme. The hall was filled with young and old alike, celebrating the love of Jesus under the leadership of Lieutenant A. Ndou. The weekend concluded on a high note with a memory verse from Matthew 28:19 and a Bible message from the same passage, shared by the guest speaker. A further time of questions and answers challenged the children to reflect on what they had learned during the rally. This was followed by a skit performance by the children and a lively quiz challenge. Major N. Malinga closed the gathering with prayer and the benediction.
In conclusion, this rally was not simply fun — it was deeply meaningful and impactful. The weekend successfully encouraged the children to take ownership of their faith and apply it in their daily lives. The Divisional Commander expressed sincere appreciation to the guest speaker, the Youth team, Officers, and the hosting Corps for giving their time and energy to make the rally a place of love, learning, and spiritual growth.
We are already looking forward to seeing how God will move next year.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Mark 10:14