The Message Trust hosted the first ever Thursday Night Live (TNL) open mic event on Thursday, 27 July 2017 at our very own Mess Cafe! TNL is an exciting new initiative that provides a night of well known and upcoming local artists from around Cape Town.
Local artists included our headline act Seve Music Kid, Kinetic IV, Erin Faro and Christina Otto-Anakwa. It was an amazing evening as each artist performed various cover songs and originals which got the audience singing and dancing. It was exciting to see such a full turn out for our first ever TNL and we will now be introducing TNL as a monthly event at the Mess Cafe.
The vision of TNL, is provide a platform for Christian artists to to perform their music and share stories of hope, whilst being able to give back through supporting our Mess Cafe. The Mess Cafe provides employment and training opportunities for youth who want to leave a life of crime and gangsterism.
Look out on our facebook page for more information and our next TNL on the Thursday 31st August!
If you would like to know more about TNL please email Donovan Nelson for more information.
The break every chain event was held in Khayelitsha by Urban Heroes of the Message in partnership with Radio Tygerberg. The urban hero is a guy who was once a problem, and now he is a solution in his community, family and work.
The much anticipated event finally arrived in the community of Khayelitsha, with the people coming in their numbers to fill the auditorium. Radio Tygerberg was there……..The Message SA was there………and so too were our urban heroes, all eagerly waiting for the event to start.
The event commenced with prayer and an overview of the purpose of the event and how it came about.
Following on from this, an urban hero took the stage to present the first speech; the second speaker then gave his story, and both these urban heroes moved the audience to tears. The Message’s Kinetic IV also performed a song for our audience, which was a real blessing to the people.
The families
The families were really touched by the whole event; in particular, one woman was so moved by the testimonies that she couldn’t contain her sobbing, and left the auditorium where she needed to be comforted by one of the pastors.
What made her to cry like that was when the group of urban heroes asked the people for forgiveness for any crimes that might have been committed against them. This affected everyone, to the point that the different pastors took turns praying for the victims of crimes and those who are in abusive relationships. They prayed for us and for those in prison.
This was one event that I believe shook the people to such an extent that they left with renewed hope ignited in their hearts for the good of Khayelitsha.
Chains really broke down and the walls of darkness and separation fell as God took control of the stage and released his people. Parents were asked to come to the front for prayer, and the host of people who responded was testimony to these people being broken and looking for solutions.
“The event was the first of its kind in Khayelitsha and many confessed that they have never attended such anywhere else.”
“The personal life stories that were shared by the Urban Heroes and the MEP students gave amazing Hope to the audience especially parents and family members who have children/youth that are still trapped in crime.”
“The highlight for almost everyone is when the Urban Heroes came up on stage, and opened their hearts to the community acknowledging all the wrongs they have done and the pain they have caused to the community members, whilst giving glory to God for transforming their lives.”
“Many people from the audience could not keep their emotions and many said they were experiencing healing in their hearts as the Urban Heroes were asking for forgiveness.”
“The 104FM management team is looking forward to strengthen our partnership with The Message Trust and Urban Heroes in impacting our communities with The Message that advances the Kingdom of God. Overall feedback from our listeners is phenomenal and they are still expressing their appreciation of this initiative and some said they felt comforted. Some were asking to have a similar gathering in other communities where they reside. Radio Tygerberg”
Drakenstein Corrections Facility (DCS) was abuzz this past weekend as we came to the end of yet another fruitful year of the Message Enterprise program (MEP). The day had finally dawned for our students to be honored for all the hard work they put in throughout the year. This experience was momentous, as most of us had never worn an academic gown before, or even obtained any kind of qualification. It was so moving to see the excitement on the faces of the 1st year students as they were adorned with their gowns and handed their certificates. What was particularly poignant was that our families were invited to share in this special day, to witness their sons standing proudly in front of everyone, and be recognized for something so significant. Emotions were running high and joy was written on their faces as they saw their sons coming out in gowns……an amazing experience!
This reminded us why we do what we do. Seeing the smiles and the hope revived in the hearts of the parents was so fulfilling that words fail to adequately describe the impact it must have had on them. We are confident that the lives of these young men will never be the same again. The future looks promising and the world is full of opportunities for them.
In MEP these men are not only taught entrepreneurial skills. They are also equipped to become servant leaders in society, thus enabling them to return to their communities and become change agents and positive role models to their peers. This also helps prepare them for the working environment, and it is a real privilege to witness the change in these men. It energises and empowers us to do more; however, without you, none of what we hope to achieve will be possible.
We want to also take a moment to thank DCS for partnering with us, as well as all our contributors and supporters. Your support has helped save a young man’s life from a threatening lifestyle.
On the 29th of October in the early hours of a Saturday morning, our climbers met together to begin our daunting challenge of conquering the 3 peaks in 11hrs. As we gathered for the morning prayer just before we began I could see the excitement and anxiety in the faces of the participants as they looked ahead to climb Devil’s Peak, Platteklip Mountain and Lion’s head mountain. The one question that went through my mind was, Are we crazy? I mean I had never climb 3 mountains in one day!
We started our climb at 7am and we began to climb up Devil’s Peak. I always wondered why this mountain had this name, well now I have first hand experience and one thing I can say about it is that mountain isn’t friendly!
You may be asking yourself if it’s such a climb, then why do it? Our challenge was aimed at raising funds for The Message Trust and we took the mountain as a symbol to the social-ills faced by many of our Cape Town youth daily, challenges such as gangsterism, teenage pregnancy and unemployment.
Everyone was motivated to continue the climb and even though my legs were shaking because of the pain, I gave it my best shot! Our mandate is to effectively share the love of Christ for our young brothers and sisters and we need all the support we can get to help our youth. Our mission is to empower young people to become world changers who will multiply and empower other’s.
We are thankful to all our activists and all our donors and every contributor to our cause, this wouldn’t be possible without your help.
Join us next year and if you want to know more about the 3 Peaks Challenge email us on [email protected]
For two weeks in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, 15 Christians who God called from different parts of the United States through Believers World Outreach, linked arms with The Message Trust in the work that God is doing through them.
During our time serving with The Message, they put together a wonderful programme whereby we were able to serve alongside their Eden teams in the communities of Nyanga, Woodstock, and Pelican Park. Through an optical clinic we conducted in these areas, nearly 700 people were provided with free eye examinations and spectacles. We also ran a vacation bible school where children heard the Gospel message. We had the opportunity to minister at youth events where some teens accepted Christ for the first time, while other re-dedicated their lives to Him to be the author of their story.
Lastly, we participated in a day at Drakenstein prison with the Message Enterprise Programme, witnessing how prisoners are being transformed into mighty men of God who will lead their generation. Their freedom has brought liberty in our own lives; and their hope for the future inspires us to similarly persevere in hope.
During the two weeks, we witnessed the deep growth of discipleship in these communities and within the prison walls. The Message Trust is impacting this generation of young people, which is not only helping to transform their country, but has also ignited a fire in our hearts to bring this impact back to the U.S.A.
This experience has been so powerful and has changed our hearts forever. Having seen it with our own eyes, we are convinced that there is an expansive work of God happening through The Message! Heaven’s doors are opening wide and many are running to His open arms. We are so honoured to be a part of God’s great work. Until next year my friends!
KICK24 Soccer event helps raise awareness against gangsterism and crime
The Message Trust and Sports Chaplaincy SCZA teamed up to host a 24-hour soccer event at Ajax Ikamva Grounds from 12pm on Friday 3rd June through to 12pm Saturday June 4th. The objective of the tournament was to raise awareness against gangsterism and crime in our communities, and to showcase both of the charities.
KICK24 got off to a rousing start as the KICK24 ALL STAR team (consisting of professional players and local celebrities) showed The Message Trust team no mercy, trouncing them 15-0! From the moment the tournament started there was a great vibe, with the music pumping and good weather playing its part. 24 hours of adrenaline surged as teams such as Legal Wise, AD Properties, PEP Stores and ASD Cape Town took on the pro team. But the pros were up to the challenge presented by their opponents, with the All Star Team comprising such big name players as Ayanda Patosi (Sporting Lokeren), Travis Graham (Ajax), Ricardo Skippers (Santos FC), Jon Armogam (Vasco Da Gama), Nathan Paulse (Ajax), and many more. The celebs weren’t far off playing like pros themselves, having been joined by the likes of songbird Chad Saaiman and Goodhope FM’s presenter Carl Wastie. The 24 hour FIFA Tournament had everyone buzzing as Cole Alexander from Supersport United took a break from the game to grab a seat and join in on the fun. Kids from all ages gathered around the FIFA area eager for the opportunity to get in on the action.
On the hour, every hour, a fresh team was fired up and ready to do battle with the KICK24 All Star team on the Ajax Ikamva Field. At 1am on Saturday morning, teams from Dunoon township took to the field, and to witness the excitement of all the children as they played through the night was truly heart-warming. Their little faces lit up as they scored goals against The KICK24 team. The Tournament ended 24 hours after it had kicked off, precisely at 12pm on Saturday 4th June. Despite being tired, bruised and worn out, when the KICK24 All Star team were asked if they would do it all again, their unanimous reply was “YES.”
““It’s a great idea to play in KICK24 to help young kids in Cape Town reject crime and gangsterism, and to have other pro players involved. It’s essential for professional players to get involved, as we come from some of the same backgrounds as these kids, so for me personally, it is important that I give back”.
”
— Ayanda Patosi – Sporting Lokeren and Bafana Bafana
Recently we were privileged to have pastors from the Assemblies of God visit our Message Enterprise Programme (MEP) in Drakenstein. Read below a letter of reflection from Pastor Theo Roman and his experience to our MEP class.
To the Reader,
My name is Theo Roman and I am Pastor of the West Reach Assemblies of God (AOG) Church. I am also a father and a community leader in my residential suburb of Westridge in Mitchells Plain. Having lived on the Cape Flats for many years, I have been exposed to the realities of the societal challenges that plague our communities, and the resultant effect upon families, but particularly upon the youth. I therefore carry a burden for fathers and young people.
I visited the Drakenstein Correctional Facility (DCS) in November of 2015 and again in January this year as a guest of The Message Trust. Our perspective of life inside of the prison is formed mostly from second hand knowledge. Great was my surprise when I came into contact with twenty-seven young men who exude hope and discipline with the vision and resolve to give back to the communities that they once took from.
Listening to their stories, the common vein that runs through each young man is that of fatherlessness and the adverse effect this had upon their lives. Whilst they now take personal accountability for their past actions, one cannot shun the lack of proper mentoring and grooming that contributed to rendering these young men vulnerable.
The Message Entreprise Programme (MEP), coupled with the spiritual emphasis inculcated by The Message Trust, demands of churches and church leaders to embrace these young men prior to their release, and to ensure that they are correctly assimilated into society upon release and thereby break the cycle of re-offending.
My visit afforded me the opportunity to interact with these young men, share the Word of God with them and enjoy the Breaking of Bread as commanded by the Lord Jesus. My observation of them is that there is a sense of genuineness without ignoring the flaws inherent to the process of character formation in their past lives. Whilst it is difficult to overlook these, one is imbued with an enduring hope that should they stay true to the programme, and find themselves accepted within a community of people after their release, it will enhance their healing and restoration.
I believe that in communities where the pervasive culture of gangsterism and violence has caused a rift between fathers and sons, we have a mission field in which the 45 pastors that visited DCS desire to aid in the reconstruction of society and the family unit. The church that I lead, is poised to accept a newly released young man from DCS and the membership have been desensitised against stigmatiszation. We believe that we can make a difference and be a role model to other faith-based institutions.
I wish to reiterate my opening comments, by emphasising that I have a burning desire to be a father to sons who have lost their way in life, a father to sons who have need of a mentor. I’ve also surrounded myself with spiritual fathers with similar convictions, and my daily prayer is to see the hearts of the biological fathers turned back to their own sons, so that together we can restore the laughter and joy on the streets of our communities.
Thank you.
T.L. Roman
(Chairperson: The Assemblies of God, Association – South Africa)
The organisation has existed for two years, assisting youth out of prison and gangs with job-training, mentorship and entrepreneurial support. GANGSTAR ENTERPRISES is a registered PTY Limited Company which is owned by The Message Trust South Africa (NPO) an organisation established in 2014 which is a Christ based organisation, which exists to raise up generations of Urban Heroes.
The launch which took place yesterday 31st March 2016 at Artscape, was to enlighten the public about GANGSTAR ENTERPRISES and all its initiatives. This year’s Artscape Spiritual Festival theme recognised the problem that many poor socio-economic communities face. GANGSTAR ENTERPRISES believes that all ex-offenders have the potential to go from being a problem in society to becoming the solution. The event was attended by business leaders, media personalities, government officials and the general public.
GANGSTAR ENTERPRISES main objective is to provide employment opportunities for GANGSTARs who have graduated through the Message Enterprise Program. We currently run three businesses:
·The Soft Machine: a gourmet soft serve food truck made from a reclaimed caravan
·GANGSTAR FURNITURE – furniture from redeemed wood/materials
·GANGSTAR GEAR – youth orientated socially conscience street wear
We are excited to collaborate and partner with like-minded entities.
