Youth Services at Schulzendal
Over the years, it has become a tradition that students participate in an outreach program, giving them the opportunity to experience missionary work. These trips typically take place in areas with significant spiritual needs. While the students gain valuable exposure, the goal is also to support and encourage the children of God labouring in these regions. In the past, countries such as Mozambique, Botswana, Malawi, and Namibia, as well as various provinces within South Africa, have been visited.
This year, the outreach took place at the Youth Services of the Kwasizabantu Mission branch in Schulzendal, near Malelane, from 20-23 September.
From the beginning, Cedar was assigned to assist with the registration of both youth and adults staying overnight for the duration of the conference. We were also responsible for organizing the sports day. Our motto was “ready for anything,” which included peeling vegetables, serving food, washing the traditional black three-legged iron pots, doing dishes, singing in choirs, helping with plays, assisting at the tuck shop, interpreting into English, handling night security duties, receiving and caring for day visitors, providing help with additional electrical and IT needs, among other tasks.
Student reflection on their experience
Being at the Schulzendal youth services was a privilege. The opportunity to work with co-workers and serve the Lord was embraced wholeheartedly. I thank the Lord for this opportunity. (J Jaeger)
Being part of the Schulzendal conference opened my eyes to the privilege of being born into the revival. I learned that in God's work, we are called to be ready and diligent. Committing to God's work involves sacrificing time and personal comfort to do things that truly matter, like serving food, washing dishes, and staying up late. In the end, everything done for God holds eternal value. (N Memela)
It was a busy week in Malelane, but the outreach experience was full of valuable spiritual lessons. From the services held three times a day to the opportunities for young people to get their lives right with God, everything—from the kitchen to the cleaning departments—was a success, all thanks to God's help.
What touched me most, however, were the acts of service by the mission youth, who joyfully welcomed the young people attending the youth services. It became clear to me that the true test of our faith is revealed when we serve with pure and joyful hearts. As 1 Peter 4:9 says, "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Throughout the week, I couldn’t help but reflect on Baba Umfundisi and his obedience to Christ. I thank God for Rev. Erlo Stegen. His life was a true example of what it means to follow Christ. If he had not accepted his calling, where would we be today? (J Bazima)
Being at Malelane showed me what it truly means to be part of the body of Christ. Every part of the body is important and plays a significant role in fulfilling God's plan. Everyone contributed, from preaching to cooking, serving food, washing dishes, and even welcoming others with a smile. All of these actions spread the Gospel in their own way. I thank the Lord for what He has done at Malelane and for teaching us to return to Him as the founder of our faith. The theme was "Back to God / Buyelani kuNkulunkulu." (E Mnguni)
Serving the Lord by faithfully doing small tasks brings great joy to a child of God. In Malelane, there were many needs but few hands to meet them. Offering my help and doing what was required filled my heart with joy. I felt honored to be part of God's work, learning that, just like in an army, not all soldiers are on the front lines, but every role is important. Wherever the Lord calls me, I am ready to go. Whatever He asks me to do, I will do with a willing heart. (R Biyela)
