For the past three years, we have had the privilege of partnering with Word of Life Ministry in Johannesburg as they bring a team of students to serve alongside The Message Trust and the Nyanga Community Hub during the annual Holiday Bible Club. What began as a shared commitment to take the gospel to young people has become a strong partnership built through serving side by side, tackling real challenges, and investing in the next generation of evangelists.
This year’s Holiday Bible Club was another opportunity to see that partnership come to life. Together, we welcomed children and teenagers from the Nyanga community into a space where they could hear the good news of Jesus, explore what it means to follow Him, and be challenged to live out their faith in a changing world. Through engaging Bible teaching, worship, games, and small group discussions, young people were encouraged not only to understand the gospel for themselves but also to share it with others.
One of the highlights of the week was the discussion groups that followed each session. These conversations created space for students to ask questions, reflect on what they had learned, and wrestle with how faith intersects with everyday life. It was encouraging to see the level of engagement and the openness of young people as they explored these topics together.
The Word of Life students played a leading role throughout the week, taking responsibility for worship, teaching sessions, discussion groups, and activities. For them, this was far more than a ministry trip or a learning experience. They were truly on mission. As they invested in the lives of the children and teenagers of Nyanga, their own passion for evangelism and discipleship grew.
The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the Holiday Bible Club itself. On one hand, the Nyanga community benefits from a high-quality programme led by passionate and gifted young leaders. On the other, the partnership aligns closely with our heart at The Message Trust: to see young people equipped, inspired, and mobilised to share the gospel wherever God has placed them. Watching students step out in faith, grow in confidence, and develop a heart for mission is one of the most rewarding aspects of the week.
We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Word of Life. From the very first conversations about working together, it became clear that we shared the same vision and values. We both believe in the potential of young people and in the transforming power of the gospel. As we have served side by side over the years, that shared vision has strengthened our relationship and deepened our trust in one another.
It has been exciting to see this partnership grow and develop year after year. Together, we have witnessed God at work in the lives of young people from both Nyanga and Johannesburg.
We look forward to continuing this journey together, believing that as we invest in the next generation, God will raise up young men and women who are passionate about bringing hope, sharing the gospel, and living on mission for Jesus wherever He calls them.
