What happens when passionate young musicians, a willing Corps and a desire to share the Gospel come together?
For Krugersdorp Corps, the result was a weekend of worship, fellowship, honest conversation, community outreach and music as the Central Divisional Youth Band, CYB, joined the young people of the Corps for a weekend of ministry and evangelism. Throughout the weekend, the young musicians did more than play. They used their God given gifts to take the Gospel beyond the walls of the church and into the community.
The weekend began on Friday when the CYB arrived at Krugersdorp Corps and joined the Corps youth for an evening service. Ice breaking activities led by Lieutenant Precious Fakude and Captain Dumisani Fakude brought plenty of laughter and gave the young people an opportunity to test their knowledge of Scripture.
The evening then moved into a more serious conversation about sin and the things that society, and sometimes Christians, can begin to excuse, normalise or ignore. Captain Dumisani challenged the young people to think carefully about what was happening around them and to consider their response as followers of Christ. The conversation created space for young people to share openly. It became clear that these young people had a knowledge of God and were willing to wrestle honestly with difficult issues.
When the programme ended, the CYB’s work was not finished. The band began rehearsing and continued into the early hours of the morning as they prepared for the ministry ahead. Their commitment showed that they wanted to offer their gifts to God with care and excellence.
Saturday began with a morning devotion led by Bandmaster Nyasha, based on 2 Kings 6:16:“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” His challenge was simple: do not be ashamed or afraid to share the Gospel. The young people were reminded that evangelism requires courage and that God’s people are called to carry the good news beyond familiar and comfortable places.
After further rehearsals, the CYB and Krugersdorp youth visited the Salvation Army Family Care Centre, where they learnt more about its work in the community. They were welcomed by Centre Manager Martin Clark, who shared something of the centre’s history, purpose and ministry. The group then travelled to Munsieville for an open air meeting.
There they met members of the community, including people experiencing homelessness and people struggling with alcohol. The setting was a reminder of the early ministry of The Salvation Army and the Christian Mission established by William Booth, taking the Gospel to people where they are. There were no church walls or comfortable chairs. There was simply music, a message, a community and the Gospel.
Among those who gathered were children who had been playing in the dusty streets. They came as they were and soon joined in, dancing freely to the music. Their response brought to mind the words of Jesus:“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Several people responded to the Gospel and gave their lives to Christ. The team later travelled to another location in Krugersdorp, where there were further opportunities to meet people and share the Gospel through music and conversation.
That evening, Lieutenant Precious Fakude led the devotion. The experiences of the day had clearly made an impact. The young people reflected on those they had met and on what evangelism really means. They were discovering an important lesson: evangelism is not simply about preaching to people. It is also about seeing people.
Sunday began with community outreach as Krugersdorp Corps and the CYB marched through the streets, taking their music into the community. The service also recognised the International Day of Prayer for Modern Slavery. Later, Salvationists from different corps gathered at Krugersdorp Corps for the CYB Music Festival. The Mission Team joined the programme, while Captain M. Dathini brought the message. Through music, dance, preaching and fellowship, the weekend’s focus on mission continued.
The weekend had been about far more than the visit of a band. Young people had worshipped together, faced difficult questions, served in the community and discovered fresh opportunities to use their gifts for God’s purposes. They had experienced something of what it means to leave the familiar surroundings of the Corps and meet people where they are.
Perhaps the message of the weekend can be summed up in just four words: The Gospel belongs everywhere.