Written by: Guillaume Olivier
Article source: JOY! Magazine

The Christ for All Nations (CfaN) School of Evangelism (SOE) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) recently hosted an awe-inspiring initiative that showcased the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Over the span of several weeks, the programme focused on training, equipping, and deploying a dedicated group of evangelists, with a clear goal of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to one of South Africa’s most challenging regions. The experience left participants and organisers in awe of how God’s work transforms life, gives hope, and sets the captives free.

Impressive outreach results
The programme, structured as a five-week classroom learning experience followed by two weeks of in-field training, saw 18 students participate in 10 distinct outreach events. These students enthusiastically shared the Good News of Christ Jesus with hundreds, resulting in 486 documented decisions for Christ through personal one-on-one discussions. The beauty of this outreach lay not only in the numbers, but in the deeper, lasting connection each new believer had with local churches, ensuring that discipleship could continue. This approach aligns with the Biblical mandate to not just make converts, but to raise disciples who grow in faith and relationship with Christ.

Partnership in action
Partnering with the Full Gospel Church Living Waters in Durban North was a pivotal aspect of this initiative. This church generously provided the venue, student accommodation, and ongoing discipleship for the new believers, embodying the essence of the Body of Christ working together for the Kingdom. Their evangelism team also worked hand-in-hand with the CfaN students, resulting in a truly unified effort.

Challenges and perseverance in the field
The two-week in-field part of the SOE was an intense time of service, where the students were assessed not only for their commitment to the Gospel, but also for endurance and resilience. They served in Inanda and KwaMashu, regions known for their high levels of crime and danger, but their dedication never wavered. The daily schedule started with morning devotions at 05:00 and continued with full-day outreach activities that often went late into the night, demonstrating their relentless commitment to the mission.

During this period, the students engaged in a variety of evangelistic efforts, including:
• 61 street preaching and market outreaches
• 3 large-scale crusade nights
• 6 pop-up outreaches
• 12 hospital and clinic visits
• 35 youth events

Miraculous transformation
The results of these efforts were nothing short of miraculous. A total of 36 889 decisions for Christ were recorded throughout the seven weeks of outreach, with the majority coming from the youth events, which brought in 35 487 new believers. These numbers represent individual lives touched by the message of salvation and reflect a deep hunger for hope and truth in the communities.

Overcoming spiritual resistance
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Spiritual resistance was felt, especially during the youth events and crusades. In one unfortunate event, the team was hijacked, and their vehicle and equipment were stolen. Yet, even in the face of adversity, the team’s resolve remained strong as they continued with the youth event even after they were hijacked. One of the evangelists, despite being shaken, expressed sorrow not for the hijacking but for not being able to complete a salvation prayer with a group of Shembe children before they were taken away. This moment underscored the deep urgency the team felt in reaching every soul for the Kingdom.

Crusades in the ‘devil’s playground’
The climax of the outreach came during the three nights of crusades held in Inanda; an area known locally as the “devil’s playground”. These crusades were nothing short of miraculous, with the Holy Spirit moving powerfully among the people. Witchcraft items were burnt, and people renounced ancestor worship and other occult practices, declaring Jesus as Lord. In one particularly powerful moment, a follower of Shembe handed over his necklace, renouncing Shembe and proclaiming Christ as the true Messiah. Another profound transformation occurred when a local leader of the Church of Satan accepted Jesus as his Saviour, handed over his satanic bangles, was baptised, and was filled with the Holy Spirit that same night.

Testimonies of healing and transformation
Physical healings also marked these crusades, with stroke victims regaining their ability to walk and a woman blind for eight years miraculously regaining her sight. These testimonies of healing and transformation powerfully affirmed the message of the Gospel. To Jesus Christ be all the glory, now and forever.

This article is featured in the May issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za

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Date published: 06/05/2025
GUILLAUME OLIVIER – director of the CfaN School of Evangelism.

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