Jul 2022 - Evelyn's Story

 In our Acts 29 witnessing group, we have been working with the students on developing a personal testimony.  It is one of my favourite activities because we get to hear everyone’s story and how God has impacted their life.  Over the next few months, I will be sharing three of those stories with you.

Evelyn is a quiet, unassuming young lady who wasn’t at all sure she wanted to join Acts 29.  Acting on a God-given impulse, she committed to the program early this year and has grown in leaps and bounds since then.  Her growth this year includes being baptised and sharing her testimony with other students during our Easter movie outreach.  She even guest led our student Bible study this week!  I’ll let her tell her own story…

“My parents are Christians, we went to church almost every Sunday. I was not much of a believer because I did not know about Jesus, my church never talked about him, but only God. At the age of 16 I started experiencing severe chest pains, abnormal heartbeat and heart rate. Also swollen legs and constant tiredness. I did not know what was the cause of all this and neither did my mother. She tried getting me different medication, taking me to hospitals and traditional doctors to find out the cause and get me healed but they all did not work out for me or make anything better. I had anger issues and was always feeling pity for myself. It frustrated me because these symptoms have been occurring for more than 5 years but I don't know the cause. I thought perhaps it's better I just live with this and accept it even thou my mother did not want to.

“I was on a gap year when I met this Christian lady. She started by encouraging me about my gap year and I feel like God pushed me to her. I started going to her house, the first time she preached the gospel in the Bible I was astonished by how she knew different verses and scriptures. I didn't know that people can actually do that so I fell in love with it and wanted to know about God and Jesus too. I asked her one time how she understands and memorize verses, she just told me that you ask God for understanding and indulge in the word meditate on it. I went to her church during the weeks and I learnt so much from it that I had no knowledge of.

“My body had a breakdown because of my illness and I had to be admitted to the hospital. I had a low blood count so I had blood transfusion. The doctor suspected that there is something wrong with my heart and she recommended me a heart specialist. The specialist performed tests on me and he told me that my heart does not pump enough blood because of a valve that needs to be removed and replaced by a heart operation. He gave me medication to take in the meantime and come back after a few months. I was relieved to find my answer and few days later I did not feel those pains anymore, the chest pains where no longer that intense.

“I accepted Jesus at church because I understand his death and him as a whole. That was the best decision I've made. I am happy and at piece today. God gave a spiritual heart that can never be broken by anything. Even though I still have to do the operation, I am still and I know that God has already approved it successful so I don't worry about it. I enjoy getting to know him and following him where he leads me.”

May 2022 - Acts 29 is back!

 The Acts 29 team is back in action this year!  South Africa is resting at a level 1 Covid status and that means that most events and activities can begin again.  The university has also eased many of their restrictions and that has allowed us to start holding activities on campus.  Although there is still a lot of paperwork involved and signatures needed for approval!

For Easter, the Acts 29 team hosted two viewings of The Passion of the Christ movie in campus residences, and we had a great turnout.   For the second showing, we hit the allowed covid capacity with 60 people and had to turn some away.

The Acts 29 team for 2022 -  Timmy, Kamo, Wes, Mary, Evelyn, Given, Timothy
Me, Beth, Reneilwe, and Ompile

Five Acts 29 students had an opportunity to step out in faith during the movies by acting as MC for the event, sharing their testimony, and sharing the gospel after the movie.  We also had comment cards for those watching the movie to fill out that will provide opportunities for the team to visit later and share the gospel one-on-one.  You can see photos of both outreaches on my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/gospeakliveboldly

Over the next few weeks, please pray for our Acts 29 team as they use the comment cards to visit students in the residences and share the Gospel.  Pray for the students to share the gospel clearly and completely.  Please pray as well that the hearts of those they visit will be prepared to hear God’s word. 

For Easter morning, we had a great student church meeting at the Gestring’s house.  It was a special occasion as we baptized two of the Acts 29 team members and two Bible study attendees!   Afterwards we all shared an Easter lunch of chicken stew with rice, curried carrot salad, and chocolate cupcakes for dessert.

Evelyn newly baptized!

The Wednesday night Bible study has also continued with around 15-17 students attending regularly.  We are studying the book of James this term and the practical topics are really hitting home with everyone, including myself!  His section of the importance of the integration of faith AND actions is one of my favorite. 

Please keep our student home church and Bible study in your prayers.  Pray that the Lord gives them eyes to see and ears to hear what He has for each of them in His word. Pray also that they will be doers of the word and not just hearers; putting into action what they have learned and heading the promptings of the Holy Spirit in this regard.