ENJOY THESE TESTIMONIES FROM THE OUTREACH TEAM – MIKE, MICHELLE, DAVID, AND STEFANIE!
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“I met Tongai under the Rhodes Arch near the vendors. I handed him a tract, and was about to continue on my way, when he called me over and asked to explain it to him. We began talking about why our group of 4 had driven up from Cape Town to Grahamstown, and how we were offering Jesus on an individual level.
He said that he had accepted Jesus into his life, and has been reading the Bible often, but had some questions. He asked if he could discuss some of these questions with me, which I happily agreed to. My word! “Where do souls come from?” “Where does it say God will destroy the Earth?” “How will Jesus set up His Kingdom on Earth if we are all going to Heaven when we die?”
I could see these questions needed accurate Scriptures to answer, and I wasn’t exactly sure where to start. Silently, I prayed, and asked the Holy Spirit to “guide me into all truth.” (John 16:13)
I started by using the Psalm from King David: “For Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.” And in Jeremiah: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.”
Then I moved on to his other question. I told him that while God is coming to destroy the world, first off as Christians we don’t have to worry. I briefly explained what to expect between Jesus’ Second Coming and New Heaven and the New Earth. Also, God destroying the Earth will be like He did with the Flood, but this time with fire. He won’t actually break planet Earth up like a sci-fi or Marvel movie.
By this time, I needed to catch up with the rest of my team. We swapped numbers, and I promised him that I will come by with some of the Endtime books that helped me understand Bible Prophecy: The Future Foretold, The Rise and Fall of the Antichrist, and From the End to Eternity.
The next morning, David and I went by to see Tongai. We had great this time with him and his friend Tawanda. We were able to answer many of his questions, and gave the Endtime series, as well as a sponsored Bible to Tawanda. We shared more time together, and promised to meet up if we ever in each other’s neck of the woods. And in the meantime, if Tongai or his friends had any more questions, to please contact us via What’sApp or phone, and we’ll do our best to answer. Both men eagerly thanked us for coming, for taking the time to talk with them, and share the Truth of God and His Love with them.”
“I was invited to hear a woman speak at one of the local churches about her journey to Divinity. She comes from a long line of Traditional African Healers, and coincidentally was working at the town’s History and Anthropology Centre. She said I would really like it, since I was doing missionary work. I agreed, and when the day arrived, took a seat near the front.
Before long, I realized that this woman was stating that one can be a certified Healer (previously known as a witch doctor or sangoma), and a Christian both at the same time. This certainly wasn’t what I was expecting! I asked the Lord for His Wisdom, and wanted a chance to speak up in a polite, firm, and Spirit-led way. I asked Jesus to make an opening for me. Her talk continued for the better part of an hour where we, the audience, were told the various differences between “bad” and “good” sangomas (locally used word for Medicine Man or Woman). Sufficient to say, both forms require pits, organs, sacred artefacts, incense, blood sacrifices, and special rooms to practice in. She went on to explain that she grew up with both Church and Sangoma as spiritual influences in her life: some weekends she would go with the mother’s side of the family and participate in these traditions, and other weekends would go to church with her father on Sundays. When she completed her lecture, the floor opened up for Q&A. My hand was the second up, and I asked: “Once you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, what exact change did you have in your ability to perform these healings?”
Well, the Devil can also give wisdom to his followers, and I am convinced her answer was pure inspiration:
“Oh no, I do believe in God! God is very powerful! I consider God to be my ancestor! He has a lot of power, and I have availed myself of His power. I wouldn’t say that it affected or changed my ability at all. If anything, it has strengthened me because I am able to use both forms to connect to my spirituality, which in turn helps those who have come for my assistance, and want me to heal over them, using my experience.”
By now, I was ready to go. Just before I could get up and leave my seat, a young woman from the other side of the hall raised her hand and asked a question this time from a completely different angle, but arriving at the same point. I made a mental note to speak to her after the meeting. The lecturer again cleverly deflected and ended this form of questioning, asking if there were any other topics to discuss. When the meeting adjourned, I wove my way to this woman and complimented her on her question. She was with a friend, and both of them agreed that when they heard this woman, they just couldn’t stay quiet and really felt like they had to at least ask. One of the girls had a boyfriend, who also joined our discussion. He suggested we go to a coffee shop and speak on it further.
We ended up having an entirely different conversation than the one we just left! It turns out that the girls were actually from Cape Town, while her boyfriend was studying here, and helping to organize the Christian part of the festival. He confessed that he, like myself, was hoping to show Jesus in a different light, and thought this woman would help bring that about. He said he was stressing the entire time! This was definitely not what he had in mind, and really wanted to know more about us.
I was able to share my story of being a full-time missionary, going all out for God, putting Jesus on the spot to take care of me and my family if I would serve him, how it’s not about a building or what congregation you go to; it’s all about your one-on-one connection with Jesus, the true source of power and love! I further explained that I came with our team of four to share this kind of Jesus. How we had driven from Cape Town to Grahamstown (a good 11 hours’ drive away), not to attend the festival or “see the shows,” but to put Jesus right down there on ground level. This conversation went over many topics. We discussed the need for true believers to show the world a real-life example by drawing a circle to include others, to be honest and real, and to take that time with Jesus so when people ask you “What makes you so different?” you have that answer ready. I explained the Wonder Working Witnessing concept, and also recommended that they see John Lennox’s Being a Winesome Apologist, delivered at Xenos.
We’ve already met up again since that day. This time, he brought another 2 young men who want to serve the Lord but hadn’t yet learned how best to go about it. We were able to give them counsel about following the Lord closely, and to look for ways to generate conversation about Him. So praise the Lord! He is doing amazing things through these people who are ready to go all-out for Jesus!”
“After handing two guys a tract each, I asked them if they had accepted Jesus into their hearts. They both simultaneously turned to each other and claimed that no, themselves had not but the other had. This surprised them. One saying, “No, but I thought that you were the better Christian!”. So I again asked them if they had accepted Jesus. They were hovering between: been to church, no and not sure. So I asked, “What do you think makes you a Christian? What do you need to do to get to you to Heaven?”. The one answered, “To believe on Jesus.”. The other man couldn’t think of an answer. They both agreed that they actually hadn’t ever taken that step. So I explained, that often people over complicate what one needs to do before accepting Jesus and that one to do gets stacked up on top of the other until it feels like there is a skyscraper in front of you and it feels like one does not even want to get close to trying, because it is just to much. None of us are good enough to go to Heaven but Jesus paid for that free ticket and we just need to pray and accept Him. So I asked if they wanted to and they both replied one after the other: “Yes why not?”. Then as if to compensate for their lack of knowing previously they started to try and explain away belief in Christ. What they said really made no sense. It was really confusing, even they agreed. So I quoted that, “God is not the author of confusion!”. And we can never lose this free gift, because Jesus paid for it, and it was a gift. They both then accepted Salvation and got their very own Bible, they were so happy!”
“One day, I met a man on the roadside and we were talking about Salvation. Turns out he wanted to accept Jesus, just hadn’t gotten it clearly explained to him yet. So we found a quiet spot on the side and he prayed right there with me to ask Jesus into his life. He was so thrilled that he now had Jesus, he was even more thrilled when he found that he now was getting his very own Bible. We exchanged numbers, and I promised to whatsapp him some gospel material. He was so excited at the thought of having the Word sent to him regularly.
That evening when sitting just before for dinner I sent him a message telling him that I will be praying for his safe travels to Cape Town and that all goes well at the conference he’s attending. He thanked me again for the Bible and said, “Thanks for the Bible gift. I wish I could be able to grow much spiritually to the extent of doing missionary work like you are doing!”. I encouraged him that we never know maybe he will become a missionary one day. I offered to send him our Bible study correspondence course by email and he without hesitation asked us to please send it. It was so encouraging to meet someone so ready and not just willing, but eager to receive the Gospel.”
“It was a bit quiet at this point in the festival and I was passing by the University when I met a student. I only handed him a tract and said “Jesus loves you.” I was already about three meters away when he called in my direction wanting to know more. We had a very nice sort of introductory conversation to what we are doing at the festival. It seemed that he was hungry for more. I’d given most of the gospel material from my bag away since it was nearing the end of the day, maybe around 5:30. I realised I still had a Who Cares on me and I felt that I must give it to him. We then exchanged numbers and parted ways.
Later that evening I received a text from it said, “Hey thank you very much for the book. I don’t wanna lie to you the words are speaking to me. Thank you, may God bless you. I feel like you knew that I needed this book. Do you guys pray for people sometimes? Please if you free one day I will like to get a prayer?”.
I encouraged him that it was the Lord who knew he needed it. David and I met up with him for coffee the next morning and he explained, “The book made me cry, it is me the book was talking about.”. After talking a bit more he told us that a student he knew recently had her 21st birthday and was a very happy student, but apparently was also bipolar. She sadly committed suicide shortly after her birthday. He never knew her as sad and was very taken back by her passing. We then discussed a lot of deep topics. He mentioned that he wants real friends, rather have a few real friends then a lot of people that aren’t for real. He has a real desire to help those who are taking drugs etc…. to make change , Spoke about being ourselves, being who God meant us to be. J.O.Y. principle, which he loved. We gave him a God Online and about 100 tracts to distribute. We were also able to give tips on simple witnessing, he will wants to enroll into our 12Foundations Bible Study course by e-mail. On the last day of the festival Mike, David, Stefanie and I met up with him so he could meet the team, we gave him an Ambassador of Love book since he has a passion to give others Jesus. We added a couple of Color of Love posters and about 120 more tracts, promising to send him more once he’s out. We finished with a prayer and encouragement that God will open doors to witness for him when the time is right.”
“I was walking past the African street stalls when I met Vathiswa standing by the curb, waiting to cross the road. Said so many things in life are not working out. She explained that her life has been full of difficulties and problems ever since she was a kid. We prayed together right there for: peace that passeth all understanding, wisdom and solutions. I reached into my bag and handed her an Activated magazine. During the conversation I noticed that the back of the Activated magazine tucked under her arm was titled, “Hold On”. I told her that I felt that this one was just for her. A couple days later in the evening I received this message from her, “Hi Michelle, I meant to Send you a message last night and thank you for the prayer, it really helped and our conversation guided my prayer to God I now know what to say to him and am confident that he heard my prayers!”. I had previously sent her a gospel audio and she replied to it, “So moved by the message of peace that surpasses all understanding”!”
“During the 2015 Arts Festival in Grahamstown I met a student who was in a verbally abusive relationship. She explained that she was not sure what to do as she still loved her fiance. I explained that I couldn’t tell her what choice to make, but that things aren’t going to get any better once they get married. We prayed for a change in his life and wisdom for her. We then lost contact, and now three years later we were able to meet at her work place. Turns out that shortly after we met she left her fiancé, she now is completing her thesis. She told us that she is committed to integrity in her work place, loves people and wants to do her best to help clients and bring Jesus to those she works with. We were able to give her the “Ambassadors Of Love!” book and the Activated of the month. We were both so thrilled to have met up again and so glad at how the Lord changed her life for good through answer to prayer and her obedience to His voice.”
“We were done for the day. It had been a successful, long day. Our team had given it their all, and we were heading back to the flat for a hot dinner and bed. I was halfway in the van when I saw a group of young people walking towards me. As clear as anything, I heard the Lord say: “Give them just one more tract.” I got out, walked over with a tract in my hand, and said: “Hi guys, sorry to bother you. I just want to give you this. It’s a little message about Jesus and His Love. I hope you have a good evening.”
They were off to a show, and wanted me to join them. I spoke with the team, dropped them off at our place, and met the group at the venue. After the show, I met Brian. I could tell he had specific questions to ask, but felt uncomfortable around everyone. I suggested we swap numbers, and I’d give him a call the next day.
The following day, we met up around lunchtime, had coffee, prayed and spoke for a few more hours, and shared a meal. He was going through a real rough patch in his life, and at a big crossroad. He simply needed a good friend who was willing to listen to him, pray for him, and encourage him. Thank the Lord for his nudges, showing us those that desperately need His Love.”
“I reached the end of a street, busy handing out pamphlets to the throngs and was on my way back to the van to stock up. The Lord then directed me to talk an alternative route home, one I had never been on. This happened to be a very quiet side road in not such a nice part of town, and I was wondering why Jesus would want me to take this path. Regardless, I prayed a prayer of protection, and asked Him to open my heart and show Him who He wanted me to speak to. Not one kilometre later, I saw 2 men standing outside a warehouse, which had been converted into a gym. Since they were the only people on that road, I assumed these were who I needed to speak to. I walked up, introduced myself, asked a few questions, and gave them each a tract. One man wasn’t very interested and walked away, but the other guy was super jazzed! He explained that he himself is a Christian, and in is busy studying theology while also working as an instructor. He said that even though he has some very cool and intellectual discussions with his professors and lectures in class, he hardly ever talks to people about Jesus outside of that context. So for him to see someone walking around telling people “Jesus Loves You!” and offering to pray for them was unheard of! He told me about some of the stuff he’s gone through in his life, and some of the persecution he’s even received for not compromising on his beliefs. A couple of times he’s been passed over for bursaries because those hand them out want him to join a Masonic fraternity, and he refuses to do so.
I shared with him how being persecuted for your faith is definitely a sign of the Endtimes, but not to lose heart: Jesus sees all and is writing down everything you give up for Him, and He will reward you for it. This sprung a whole other talk about living in the Last Days, the Antichrist and Jesus’ Second Coming, the Battle of Armageddon, and the Millennium. I didn’t have the books on me, but said I will return later with some books regarding the Endtimes. Exchanged numbers, and promised to be there for each other in prayer.
Later gave the books. Said he’ll definitely have a look through, and will contact me if he has any questions.”
“We met Sivenathi near an old cathedral. He was walking by with his friends, but said he had some questions. We shared our numbers, and set a date/time to meet later.
David and I met up with him, and took him to a coffee shop. The coffee was great, but way too busy so we grabbed our cups and sat outside on the campus green. Much better! He said he’s not very familiar with Jesus but liked what he heard. He also really liked the comic tract we gave him (Does Your Future Have You Puzzled?). Dave and I searched our pockets and bags, and gave him one of each of the titles we had left. We also gave him an Activated magazine, and the Gospel of John. Taking turns and starting in John 1, we explained God’s Love for humanity, the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, Jesus going to the cross as payment for our sins, and that we can experience God’s Love in our lives here and now if we accept Jesus into our hearts. We asked him if he would like to take this step, and experience Jesus for himself. He excitedly said yes. We held hands and prayed. When we were done, Sive was shining! He was just beaming! He had tears in his eyes as he put his hand over his chest, and said: “It feels really good. It’s a good feeling I have in here. Wow, thank you guys!”
He asked if we could pray for him to find a decent job; he is busy finishing his degree for Assistant Management. He’d already handed his CV out around town, but so far, no takers. We agreed, and asked Jesus to really come through for him in a big way. That as Sive took the time to learn more about Jesus and His Love, that the Lord would in turn give him the desires of his heart.”
Reactions to pamphlets:
“Oh, is this one of those Jesus things? This is awesome man! Thanks so much!”
“I really needed to hear this. Thank you, and Jesus Loves You too!
“We actually need more people like you to talk about Jesus. I like your version of Jesus.”
“May I have a few more to give to my friends?”
“This art is just so perfect. It makes me laugh and also makes me think!”
(All testimonies published directly as written by the team members – without grammar or spelling edits.)