recidivism – The Message Trust

December 7 2016

MEP GRADUATION 2016

dayne@bluepigeon.co.za Uncategorized CapeTown, christianoutreach, community, community development, crime, department of correctional services, Department of Education, prison, prison ministry, recidivism, rehabilitation, reintegration, saps, schools, social development, social justice 0

MEP Graduation ceremony, 2016

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.

Written by: Siseko Ngwayishe

Edited By: David Tucker

April 14 2016

GANGSTAR ENTERPRISES has now gone public!

Dayne Myles Uncategorized CapeTown, crime, employment, enterprise, entrepreneurship, gang, juvenile, prison, recidivism, rehabilitation, reoffending, southafrica, urbanmission, youthmission 0

THE DARKER THE NIGHT, THE BRIGHTER THE STAR!

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.

Click below to check out pictures from our launch

Media / Business contact person

Jessica Longe

GANGSTAR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Jessica.Longe@message.org.za

www.gangstar-ent.org

021-4473906

February 8 2016

Introducing Ruan Toua

Dayne Myles Uncategorized CapeTown, christianoutreach, community, crime, employment, enterprise, entrepreneirship, gangsterism, jesus, jobcreation, juvenile, ministry, Prisons, recidivism, rehabilitation, reintegration, reoffending, urbanmission 0

Meet the newest member of The Message Team Ruan Toua.

Ruan has been employed as our Gangstar Enterprises manager and will oversee all our Gangstar Apprentices and Employees at The Message.

We are excited to welcome him onto the team!

1. Ruan welcome to The Message Trust! Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I have two amazing parents and a younger brother, and grew up in the northern suburbs, Parow. As a family we love camping and have been camping for as long as I can remember. I have always been very technically minded and love gadgets and building just about anything. I grew up in the NG church, and gained a lot of bible knowledge. I love spending my free time playing rugby or squash but mostly spending time in nature doing something that gets my adrenaline going!

The four values of The Message Trust are passion, church, innovation & community.

2. Tell us what you’re passionate about?

To be a Warrior for God. To grow His kingdom.

I have a massive heart for people and have always found people interesting, especially the uniqueness of every individual. I love working with people reaching out to others whether it’s in a group or as an individual. I have a strong background in teambuilding and love to watch the dynamics of a group. Teambuilding is my absolute passion, as I love games and seeing people have fun, learn and overcome obstacles.

I have a great passion for evangelism and outreach, as well as shepherding and developing others to be able to carry over what they have learned. I am involved in a number of ministries such as Straatwerk, Prison Ministry and CBMC (Christian Business Man Connection).

The Lord has laid on my heart to purse unity in South Africa through encouraging one another and mentorship. As the future of South Africa, our youth have a critical role to play in uniting our culturally diverse country. I believe that the diversity of our culture holds the potential of South Africa as our greatest asset. We have a lot of groups doing their own thing but we need to unite in God’s presence and fight the good fight together.

3. Tell us a bit about your church?

Urban Edge in Durbanville is my church community and spiritual anchor. The church has such a powerful vision which is “Connecting people to people and people to God”.

I am part of a Connect Group, and serve often. From the first moment, I have felt absolutely welcome at this church.

4. You mentioned you are from Panorama what does community mean to you?

I have moved around a lot which means that I have developed a broad perspective for community. My church is in Durbanville, Straatwerk is on the streets of Cape Town, CBMC is in Bellville and Kraaifontein, therefore community means “unity” for “the broad circles” I live in, to come together, to develop and thrive for the Kingdom of God. South Africa is my “Community” and I believe in the unity of this amazing country.

. The Message loves developing new innovative ways to reach youth – what was it that specifically attracted you to join The Message team?

Prison ministry; I wasn’t aware that The Message was working in the same prison that I was volunteering at, as a facilitator for the Alpha Coarse (at Drakenstein).

What stood out for me the most was Christ Centered Enterprise, incorporated with the goal of ‘Raising up generations of Urban Heroes’ by the joint effort of the 4 streams in The Message.

As an evangelist you often get faced with the question: “What happens when the Individual in prison gets saved? What type of support does someone that lives in poverty have that can help them grow to become the man that God wants him to be, rather than ‘back-sliding’ due to surrounding peoples influences and circumstances?”

A question that I asked myself so many times has been “What can I do to make a difference? What can I do to create more support for someone that comes out of prison or lives on the streets?”

One thing led to another, (“a chain of unexplainable coincidences”) and the Lord led me to The Message Trust, while I was doing prison ministry with Alpha.

6. If you could say one thing to the youth of South Africa what would you say?

You are the Future! No one can make a difference alone, but with God as our center and guide, together – “we can do this”!