In 1976 there was a student-led uprising in South Africa. Many believe it changed the course of history in South Africa. Today 48 years later, many things have changed, but man still needs to be reconciled with God.
I asked a few godly leaders to give their perspectives.
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A) Encouragement for the youth
by Ena Erasmus, Retired teacher and missionary.
A leader of men, he has inspired millions around the globe with his actions on and off the pitch and served as a role model to young people. Siya Kolisi was raised in dire poverty by his grandmother. Not even 10 years old, Kolisi suffered heartbreak when his grandmother died in his arms. “The one person who’d loved me unconditionally had gone,” he wrote in his autobiography.
The people from my community might be poor financially but are happy, proud and resilient.”
I always enjoyed rugby; I trained every single day for it. I was set on preparing myself for any opportunity I could, though I didn’t know what that may be.
In 2019 Kolisi made his most important decision: “I knew I either had to change my life or lose everything. I decided to lose my life and find it in Christ”. Today he is a devout believer who puts his faith in God first in everything.
Siya’s favorite verse is; “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” — Isaiah 43:2-3
Heinrich Gabler was crowned Mr South Africa in 2019. He was a little nine-year-old boy when he lost his mother in a car accident. His mother’s funeral was the last time he saw his father, an alcoholic. Heinrich and his siblings, being orphans, were sent to a children’s home where he lived until he finished school.
Heinrich recalls a day in Grade eight when he entered into a personal relationship with God, which changed his life forever. “That feeling of emptiness was gone and I experienced an inner peace like never before. I felt worthy and I knew that I belonged. To this day, I hold on to the scripture: ’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’- Jeremiah 29:11.”
He carries a story of hope, one that encourages others to never give up on their dreams, to rise above their circumstances, to embrace community, to stay humble and to continuously look for opportunities to give back.
Not everyone will accomplish what Siya and Heinrich did, but the lessons from their lives illustrate that success is possible for everyone willing to work hard. You can rise above your circumstances. Both of them experienced that their lives changed when they committed themselves to Jesus.
The first lesson for everyone is that God created you for a reason. The second lesson is that nothing is accomplished without hard work, commitment, perseverance, faith in God and believing in yourself. Only through a personal relationship with God, can your full potential be accomplished.
Psalm 12: 1 “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”
Mark 9:23 Jesus said: “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
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B) Embracing Responsibility
by Godknows Muto, Director at Extra Mile Ministries, Zimbabwe
Today, we come together to celebrate you, Today’s vibrant and promising youth. It is a day to honor your unique qualities and God-given potential. As we gather here, let us explore the Scriptures and discover how we can live responsibly, demonstrating good conduct, hard work, and a love for peace.
Opening Scripture:
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
- Responsibility and Conduct:
As young individuals, it is crucial for you to understand the significance of responsibility in your conduct. The Bible teaches us that our behavior should reflect the character of Christ. In Ephesians 5:1-2, we are encouraged to “be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us.” This means that our words, actions, and attitudes should align with the love and grace of Jesus.
When we take responsibility for our conduct, we choose to honor God and others. This responsibility involves being mindful of our words, treating others with kindness and respect, and making wise choices that align with God’s principles. By doing so, we become living examples of Christ’s love, inspiring others to follow in His footsteps.
- Hard Work:
In a world that values instant gratification and quick fixes, the Bible teaches us the importance of hard work. Proverbs 14:23 reminds us that “all hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” As youth, you have incredible potential and talents waiting to be developed and utilized for God’s glory.
Hard work encompasses dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Whether it is in your studies, career, or service to others, God calls us to give our best effort. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
When we embrace hard work, we honor God with our diligence and commitment. We become responsible stewards of the gifts and opportunities He has given us, and we bless others through our efforts.
- Love for Peace:
As young people, you have the power to influence the world around you. In a society often marked by division and conflict, the Bible calls us to be peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Being peace-loving means actively seeking reconciliation, understanding, and harmony. It involves resolving conflicts with grace, promoting unity, and extending forgiveness. When we choose peace over strife, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father, who is the ultimate source of peace.
As we celebrate you today, let us remember the importance of living responsibly. May our conduct be a testament to God’s love and grace, inspiring others to follow Him. Let us embrace hard work, using our talents and abilities to make a positive impact on the world. And may our love for peace shine brightly, bringing healing and reconciliation in a broken world.
Remember, you are not merely the future of the Church, but active participants in God’s Kingdom here and now. Go forth, embracing responsibility, and let your light shine brightly for all to see. Amen.
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C) To the Youth in South Africa..
Nancy Wagacha, founder of Wells of Hope Daycare & Kindergarten, Nairobi, Kenya
Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your youth, be an example in conduct, in love faith, and Purity.
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D) Many Experiences
Dr Johan Louw, Retired inspector and principal of schools.
Many experience our world, with its famine and wars as unstable and in turmoil today. Not even to talk of so-called leaders who have feet of clay and make empty promises to attract votes for elections.
This of course brings uncertainty and instability with it.
The Bible on the other hand, encourages us to build our physical, psychological and spiritual houses on rock (Mat 7:24).
We as believers know that Jesus is the Rock. If we build on Him and His Word we experience safety, security, certainty, and hope.
Furthermore the Bible also states:
“You are loved, you are valued, and you are cherished by God. In a world filled with uncertainty and pressure, remember that your identity is rooted in Christ. You are a child of the King, and He has a plan to prosper you, not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11).
The worldly mindset should not define our worth; instead, we are encouraged to find our worth in God’s unfailing love. We are forgiven, redeemed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors God.
Remember that we are not alone; God is always with us, and He wants to guide us through every ups and downs of life. His grace is sufficient for us, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
We are the light of the world, and God wants to use us to make a difference in the youth generation.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for your faith, share the Gospel, and be a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs it.
You are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers, and God has a special plan for your life. Trust in Him, lean on Him, and never give up on your dreams.
Remember that God’s love for you is unwavering, unshakeable, and unending. You are His beloved, and He wants to have a personal relationship with you.
Hold on to hope, dear youth, because God is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the hope that anchors our souls, and He will never let you down.”
I hope this message brings encouragement and inspiration to you, the youth of today!
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E) Encouragement
Past. Loffie Schoeman, Missionary and Evangelist. He has worked in many countries.
Hi, dear friend, I would like to remind you that God has given you all you need to fulfill your created purpose on earth. Salvation through Christ and blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3) to live a godly life, through our knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3) equipped with everything good, for doing His will! (Heb. 13:21)
We have been chosen, appointed to go, bear fruit (Joh 15:16), to be God’s instruments telling others what He has done for you ( 1 Peter2:9)
Be not ashamed of the Gospel, it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. (Rom 1:16) The Holy Spirit God has given us does not make us timid, but gives you power, love, and self-discipline! (2 Tim 1:6)
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (HEB. 12:1,3)
May you experience God’s pardon, power, presence, provision, protection, and peace – fulfilling His purpose for your life!
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F) Conclusion
We pray and stand with the youth to grow to become the leaders of tomorrow. Ps 119
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
#youth #youthday #youngpeople #education #character
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