Youth Leadership Gathering.

I know when I was at school I used to really look forward to the holidays - after all, what's not to enjoy about sleeping late, pigging out on snacks, spending hours outdoors in a lush garden, and just generally doing fun stuff like arts/crafts/playing electronic games.

The KINOS Kids however, dread holidays. They do not have such luxuries as gardens; snacks; would far rather be with their friends at school than a very long walk away from those with whom they enjoy spending time. So after our youth camp in December they have been begging us for more camps during the holidays- but camps are simply too expensive.

We were thus faced with two challenges:

Challenge #1 - how do we make their holidays fun?

Challenge #2 - finding a cheaper alternative to "camps"

We then developed the idea of hosting shorter "gatherings" of just two or three days - at the Adieu Center. The big benefit of hosting it at the Adieu Center is that we cut out the cost of both accommodation; transport, so our only expense is food. (Which by God's grace we were able to provide using Many Seeds Ministries funds) The one "con" is that space is limited but we used that to our advantage in that the event became almost a "reward" for those invited.

 Here follows a photo timeline of our first, very successful, Youth Leadership Gathering at the Adieu Center:

The lessons were focused around learning to research, prepare and present an oral presentation - be it a speech for school or bible class. Michael & Lilandi Furstenburg led the various classes. 

 

The one "tool" we shared was how to use mind-maps - here is the collaborative one we did on the days of creation.

The kids had to then make up a mind-map about themselves which takes quite a bit of introspection. Although we promised that these would remain private they granted us great insight into each teens' level of self-worth & in some ways their level of maturity as well.

Getting going on their "Me" mind-maps.

Table tennis proved to be a big hit during the breaks. Here Tumi and Ronald are challenging each other.

Having fun around a game of cards.

We were blessed with two sunny days midst a week of rain - which made such fun action shots possible! 

Always eager to help out - the kids made short work of packing 250 food parcels.

Making up smaller tea packets for the food parcels - the most delicate & time-consuming part of the process.

Taffi - the youngest attendee (12 years old) takes some time to work on his speech re his favorite bible character. 

During the afternoon Liezl Viljoen also taught us all two Hebrew Group Dances - you can view the videos on the Ignite2020 Facebook Page.

At the end of a jam-packed day we built a big bonfire, drank hot chocolate & roasted marshmallows.

Karabo (the smallest but not youngest) attendee really enjoying her marshmallows!

We kicked off the second day with an epic game of "Bible Walk" which is something like a biblical "Trivial Pursuit". We made it a bit easier by allowing each team 20 seconds to find the reference pertaining to the question if they didn't know the answer. We were pleasantly surprised by their general bible knowledge as well as by how quickly they could find the references!

Here you can see the "Bible Walk" board.

During the second afternoon each attendee presented a speech about their favorite Bible character. Here Sabelo is sharing his about David. The kids chose a variety of different characters, such as Noah, Daniel, Esther & Moses. We will be sharing the video clips of their speeches on the Ignite2020 Facebook Page as well.

"Group Photo" minus Bro Ronald who had to leave early on the second day. 

At the close of the gathering the kids unanimously voted that we should have more such events; and since it proved to be such a successful venture we will God Willing be planning a gathering during each of the upcoming school holidays this year.

With love in Christ

Michael & Lilandi Furstenburg

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Showers of blessing

We have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with funds from the Many Seeds Ministries organization - whose mission is to "make and equip disciples while meeting the basic survival needs of God's children."

These funds have allowed us to start making small but significant differences in the lives of many of the children attending the various programs at the Aphiwe & Tswelopele Good News Centers as well as at the Adieu Center in Kempton Park.

As we received the funds near to the end of 2013 our first goal was to properly equip the kids for this years' schooling. They each received a new school uniform (all government schools wear uniforms here) and a stationery pack. We have already seen an increase in their confidence and they are enthusiastic about their schoolwork. They also have a much more positive outlook on the year ahead.

Karabo & Talifhani with their new uniforms.

Frank with his uniform & sports bag.

Junior proud in his new blazer - a real "luxury" item on which he can now display the merit badges he has achieved.

The contents of each stationery pack - imagine receiving this when usually owning a single working pen is a luxury!

Ronald & the twins Zanele & Zandile "discovering" their stationery.

Another life touched through this funding is that of Sabelo, who at a very young age underwent an operation to remove cataracts from both his eyes. The operation did not go very well and he now needs glasses permanently. While attending the youth camp in December his glasses fell and broke, which would have been a disaster if we did not have the Many Seeds funds available. Through Gods abundant blessing we were able to get him a new pair of glasses with an up-to-date prescription.

Sabelo wearing his new glasses.

The funding also allows for us to sponsor children to attend church camps - and last year we were very grateful to be able to help Thuli attend the Youth Camp. Thuli is one of the kids that attends the Saturday Bible Club at the Tswelopele Good News Center. She is an incredible example in serving continually - whether it is helping us by rounding up the neighborhood kids, washing up, or helping her younger siblings.

Thuli's class' group photo at the youth camp - Thuli is third from the left.

And finally (for 2013 at least) we were able to enrich the lives of the kids by offering them the opportunity to visit a bird sanctuary near us. To ensure they paid close attention to the various birds and make it educational we split them into two groups and gave each group a questionnaire. The group that found all the answers to their questionnaire first were the winners. It was a fantastic outing that we all enjoyed very much. The kids had the privilege of seeing many new birds & animals & we trust that their appreciation of Gods' creative design increased too.

 

Group photo of the group that visited the bird sanctuary.

The look of delight - we saw this look often throughout the visit!

Many Seeds Ministries has sent us a further 6 months' funds and we are already excitedly planning how to put these funds to the best use in these childrens' lives. We look forward to sharing their experiences with you in the near future, if Jesus does not return sooner.

With love in Christ

Michael & Lilandi Furstenburg

I will bless My people and their homes around My holy hill. And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing. (Eze 34:26)

Baptism of Oliver Ruboneza

Bro. Oliver Ruboneza gave a wonderful confession of his faith earlier this afternoon (12 Jan ) and was baptised at the home of Bro. and sister Larsen in Pretoria. It was wonderful to once again experience how powerful God's Word is and how the Gospel message compels men and woman to take that first step in their walk to the kingdom. Bro. Oliver has been studying and preparing for baptism classes with the Congolese brethren in Pretoria and will continue to meet with them on Sundays for their breaking of bread meetings.

With much rejoicing on behalf of the brethren and sisters of the Congolese meeting in Pretoria

Lucas

Baptism of Bro. Ronald Motsinoni

There was lots of joy when Ronald Motsinoni from the Tembisa ecclesia in Gauteng got baptized at the Family Bible Conference on Saturday 28th September. Ronald has been part of the Youth group in the Tembisa ecclesia for over three years and has been a faithful attendee of our Sunday morning meetings and the youth classes. He gave a wonderful confession of his faith and the surroundings and weather on the morning of his baptism was just perfect. He got baptized in a river and after his baptism there were lots of brethren and sisters to hug him and welcome him into his new family in Christ.

Your brother by grace

Lucas Scheepers