Hope in the New Year
The New Year is always plagued with resolutions: the need to be fitter, healthier, more focused and financially independent. It’s often symbolic of how we failed the year before, reminding us what we didn’t achieve the previous year, but at the same time, giving us HOPE to do better this time ‘round. As we close off the old year, we make promises to ourselves and those around us, that ‘This will be the year!’.
As South Africans, we look back on the year, often with dismay. Load-shedding, gender-based violence and corruption, to name a few, littered headlines, smart phone screens and our homes. Moody’s and other rating agencies seemingly looked down upon us, preparing for the worst. A sense of despair and anxiety riddling every member of society driving many South Africans to emigrate en masse. Yet, out of each of these instances of wastelands, glimmers of hope have been emerging not only in our consciousness but in our daily lives as well.
Mass emigration has led to the #Imstaying facebook group, which is a platform for those who still believe in South Africa to share encouraging and motivational stories of the HOPE they are finding in day to day instances in South Africa. The murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, sparked public outcry against gender-based violence, resulting in public demonstrations, marches and ordinary South Africans standing up against abuse. These are just two examples of a renewed HOPE in South Africa.
The Message is so excited to be a part of the change taking place in Cape Town, offering several avenuesfor God’s work through our Creative Mission, Christ-centred Enterprise and Community Transformation. As an organisation, we believe there is immense HOPE in different stories unfolding through our programmes, stories that are making a real impact in ourcommunities. Unlike many individuals, we don’t look back on 2019 with disappointment or sadness, but instead are blown away by all God has done through The Message South Africa with the help of our partners, donors and staff.
Establishing a fully operational hub in Nyanga
Opening a second Gangstar Cafe in Durbanville
303 people responded to the gospel through Higher Tour
Successfully run Message Academy, Evangelism training
I am always reminded of Isaiah 43 verse 19 around this time of year, which happens to also be the founding scripture for The Message Trust.
“See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.”
God was making a promise, which stands true today. What an exciting promise it is:
He will bring new life.
He will bring about change.
He will transform the city of Cape Town.
As The Message, we have accepted the call to be a part of that promise and we have HOPE that you are also ready. On the 27th February, The Message will give you the opportunity to hear a specific call to action for Cape Town. Our annual Message Night showcases the lives God has impacted through The Message, sharing stories of transformation and HOPE, alongside breath-taking performances from our creative team, and an opportunity for you to get involved in the work of The Message in 2020.
Written by Dayne Myles, Communication Manager
