Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14.
In the university town of Stellenbosch, AE and local student churches came together from 20-22 September, in a joint effort to reach their campuses for Jesus. They brought living water to thirsty hearts.
This was the first such initiative of local churches and student ministries in a very long time. With AE’s help, the Student Ministry Forum (SMF) of Stellenbosch University united local churches and Christians in spreading the Gospel to South African’s bright, young, searching minds.
“The campaign sought to address the deep longings students have for love, purpose and justice,” said mission chairman, John-Paul Harper. “A longing that can only ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus.”
From promo videos and campaign posters, to free water bottles with flyers attached, to WhatsApp and Facebook messages, the mission organizers used whatever they could to reach the youth.
Through four powerful talks from South African Christian icons, this mission addressed the thirst that lies deep in people’s hearts.
Married couple Gary and Debbie Kirsten kicked off the campaign by sharing how God had sustained them through their careers and marriage. Gary is a South African cricketer, and Debbie is an author, motivational speaker and daughter of AE founder Michael Cassidy.
Motivational speaker Myan Subrayan also shared about his experiences as an Indian South African growing up during apartheid. He showed students how the Gospel really changes life.
“I found Myan excellent. He captured everyone’s attention with his stories of overcoming the pain he felt towards rugby and Afrikaans during the Apartheid regime, and how God changed his heart to be filled with love and passion for Jesus.” (Stephen, university student)
At the end of Myan’s talk, several students committed their lives to Christ.
The campaign ended with a powerful talk by Mahlatse Mashua on the topic of justice.
“What I loved was the way he brought justice and the Gospel together.” (Lenny, university student)
After three days, the young Christians at Stellenbosch had been extremely encouraged, and several new Christians had found Christ.
Please pray for these new believers, and that the Gospel will continue to move in South Africa, young people.
