When mission teams come to serve alongside us in South Africa, they participate is what we call Relationship Evangelism. It’s all about building relationships with people, serving them in tangible ways, and sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

As our team from Grace Community Church served around World Fellowship Church, they impacted many lives.

One young man had been raised with traditional Basotho beliefs, but didn’t agree with them because he felt we should be able to talk directly with God rather than through ancestral spirits. He also investigated Islam, but didn’t find the truth he was looking for. When the team met him, they found him hungry for truth and seeking a direct relationship with God. They introduced him to Jesus Christ and his life changed forever.

But it didn’t stop there. The team continued to disciple this young man through the rest of the week. They visited his tuck shop, taught him from the Bible, and answered his many questions about God, Christ and life in general. They invited him to World Fellowship Church where he was connected with other believers. And they invited him to a LaunchPad class, where he will continue to grow in his faith.

As the team said their goodbyes, they found that this young man was already witnessing to others. He is well known in the area and people often hang out around his tuck shop.

It’s all about relationships. Our personal relationship with Christ. Building relationships with other believers. And stepping out to reach people in need of the hope that Jesus offers.

We recently hosted a student mission team from Grace Community Church in California.

It was amazing to see these young leaders step out boldly to share their faith and show the love of Christ in tangible ways. And as the Lord worked through each of them, it was clear that He did a mighty work in them as well.

Here are some of the lessons they learned from their experience in South Africa:

“God uses us in different ways than we expect.” – Lindsay

“That in any situation I face I can have peace in that He’s going to accomplish His will whether I’m nervous or not, that His Spirit is helping to guide my words and actions when I fully rely on him.” – Daniel

“Always trust, and let the Holy Spirit lead me everywhere, in absolutely everything.” – Sara

“To be bold, and to pray for whatever you need.” – Mollie

“Don’t be afraid to let God lead me and stretch me and use me, even if I feel awkward or uncomfortable at first.” – Kelsey

“God taught me that I need to be listening to him every day and praying that his Holy Spirit works through me.” – Sara

Our mission is to equip leaders, disciple believers and strengthen the local church. Mission teams are a critical part of that mission.

We were recently blessed by a student team from Grace Christian Church in Michigan. As they ministered in Paballong village, they definitely stepped out of their comfort zones to reach people for Christ. As the students shared powerful stories of salvations, healings, and serving, it became clear how much this trip also impacted their own lives.

As leaders they were equipped, as believers they were discipled, and as they take what they’ve learned back to the States, their churches and ministries will be strengthened as a result. We asked them if they would recommend this trip to others and here is what some had to say:

“Yes, yes, yesssssss! This trip has changed my life. Getting out of your comfort zone and relying fully on God is AWESOME. I’ve made relationships I’ll never forget. Africa has left a huge imprint in my heart and I will never be the same.” – Stephanie

“Yes, it truly gets you closer to God, and you change the lives of others. It is amazing!” – Carley

“Yes, because it really stretches you spiritually, and teaches you to have compassion and to get love and compassion in return.” – Lexy

Our coaches are an integral part of our AIDS prevention program. They’re the ones on the ground, teaching over 4000 students in public schools across Qwa Qwa.

The second term of 2010 started in July, here’s what a couple of our coaches have said about their experiences teaching throughout the last month:

“The learners were amazed of how God can guide them in every journey that they are in and they were amazed of how the Bible can encourage them.” – Thulo

“I saw God work in my life at this school because I was a bit nervous to teach the curriculum “Save Sex”. After I started teaching I had the most wonderful time doing it. I enjoyed this class that I was working in more then all of my other classes. I really enjoyed myself and I love being a coach to these kids. I thank God for all of this.” – Constance

After their first week of relationship evangelism and children’s ministry, our team from Grace Christian Church had wonderful testimonies for the congregation of AFM Paballong church. The church was overjoyed by the stories of salvations and healings, and by how many kids came each afternoon hungry to learn about God.

Afterwards, Pastor Thito thanked and encouraged the team in return.

“Thank you so much for your testimonies. They are such an encouragement. Please know that we as a church will continue to pray for the families you’ve met, and the children that came to children’s ministry – that they know the Lord, come to this church, and become our next generation of leaders. Please also know that the seeds you planted will bear much fruit. Even if you don’t see it because you are returning to America, when you go to heaven God will be so excited to introduce you to the ones who are there because of the time you spent in Paballong. When you meet them, you will say Wow! Wow! Wow!”

Please pray that the seeds planted in Paballong continue to grow.

Twice a year we ask our teachers for feedback about our AIDS Prevention program. Here is what one of our teachers told us in their recent review:

“As on previous occasions, the work done by the Leadership Summit through the coaches is outstanding. What makes the school more happy is the fact that these coaches have adopted a new approach of praying for those learners having life challenges. They go to their homes to meet their parents and pray together with their families. This gesture has brought about trust from the side of schools, learners and parents.” – M.J. Mkhwanazi, Teacher at Sebabatso Intermediate

We love that our coaches are taking intiative to pray with their students, and that prayer is strengthening their relationships!

Four times a year we get the unique opportunity to pour into hundreds of kids during IMPACT, our student leadership conference. As we teach these 7th, 8th and 9th graders what Godly leadership looks like, we’re able help prepare them for what He has for their future.

Yesterday, while schools were still filtering in, we had students share songs and poems with the other students from the stage. We were absolutely blown away by some of their performances. One of the girls even came to the stage and shared how God has used Leadership Summit to impact her life.

Here’s some of what she told the other students:

“Firstly, I would like to thank Leadership Summit for giving us guidance to deal with the challenges we face in life, especially as teenagers….Guys, we are the leaders of the next generation or I can say we are the leaders by starting now.

To Thrive Africa, guys you have empowered youths to reach their highest potential by equipping us with leadership and life skills. You are developing South African youth into leaders who can change this generation.” – Montatsa, Leadership Summit Student

Our Next Step interns spent the last couple of weeks sharing life with people in Intabazwe, here’s one of their stories:

“This week in Intabazwe has reassured me of the power of God’s presence in prayer.

My group met a lady on the first day we went out to visit people. She was sitting in the corner of her kitchen by the stove. She didn’t seem very happy and told us that she was in so much pain.

She wasn’t really able to walk by herself and had trouble stirring her breakfast in a pot on the stove. Her ankles were swollen and her arms shook when she used them. When we asked what she would be doing that day, she said she would just be sitting there all day.

She said she would be happy if we prayed for her, so we did and told her we would come back the next day to pray again. The next morning she was sitting in the living room and walked in to the kitchen to greet us. She was so happy and said that she was feeling so much better. Her ankles weren’t swollen anymore and she was literally glowing with joy—she even did a little dance.

We continued to visit her everyday last week to pray and talk about God. Her faith seemed to be strong and I think this healing has brought her even closer to God. It was really amazing to see so literally the power of God through prayer.”

-Krista, Next Step Intern

There are so many testimonies and stories coming out of Thrive Trip, we can’t help but share them with you! God is doing great things through this group of young people!

“We met a very elderly lady named Mary…she made me realize that a good attitude is not determined by circumstances, but by a sound mind focused on Christ.” – Carleigh

“It’s so humbling to be reminded of how powerful God really is, more powerful than we can even comprehend. It (ministry) is a totally different approach when you remove yourself from your comfortable everyday routine.” – Morgan

“I got to celebrate my 20th birthday in South Africa and was reminded about how I truly want to spend the third decade of my life simply loving Jesus in the most passionate and powerful ways.” – Ashley

Check out pictures from their trip here!

Inspired by the stories you’ve heard? We’re accepting applications for our next adult Thrive Trip in October. You can apply here.

The students on Thrive Trip arrived a little over a week ago. It was amazing to hear the testimonies that came out of their first week of ministry! These young adults are passionate about leaving Africa a different place than when they came, here’s what they’ve learned so far:

“I realized this week that it is actually really easy to talk to people about God and his unending love…I’m so amazed that He’s empowered me to do things I never thought I could do.”—Cameron

“One of the reasons I decided to come to South Africa is the hope of changing/helping lives through Christ’s love. Little did I know that loving people of Qwa Qwa would forever change my heart, my mind and my eyes.” – Yvette

“God has pushed me past my limits this week, and then gently let me rest in His arms of love. Being here has given me a deep sense of purpose, and joy, in knowing I am answering His call.” –Sara Mae

Just think, they’re only halfway through their time in South Africa. We can’t wait to see how God shows up this week!