Written by: Lourieke Haller
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Christ for all Nations’ very first School of Evangelism (CfaN SOE) kicked off in South Africa this August. It concluded on the 22 October and was a triumph for the Kingdom – with zealous students who have been ignited to become effective evangelists, and with many souls won for Jesus.
First intake
This group of 37 students was the first intake of the SOE, which will now be replicated around the world. The students were from all over South Africa, but there were also some from Tanzania, Brazil, Zambia, Ghana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. They were from all walks of life, different backgrounds and races; their ages ranged from the early 20’s to the oldest being 69. But one thing united them, their love for Jesus and a shared calling to be evangelists.
Peter Vandenberg
Purpose achieved
The purpose of the SOE is to train people who are called to be evangelists. During the six weeks students not only gained theoretical knowledge through intensive classroom training, but in the very first week they started with outreaches too! They went into the streets, malls, market places, and to night clubs and bars.
By their final week the students had seen thousands documented decisions for Jesus (meaning those who CfaN has been able to put into contact with a church to follow up their conversion and for continued discipleship and fellowship).
Levi Lutz
Exposure to world class evangelists and leaders
The students were exposed to wonderful teaching from CfaN ministers like Daniel Kolenda (president of CfaN), Levi Lutz (director of the SOE), Jacques Mau (CfaN South African director), and Peter Vandenberg (vice-president of CfaN) who all taught in person. A wide range of topics covered both the spiritual and practical sides of being a Spirit-filled evangelist.
Evangelism has many faces
We are not all the same: Some are better at one-on-one evangelism, some want to work with local churches and smaller campaigns, or prefer child evangelism. CfaN, recognising that not everybody is called to mass crusades, exposed students to all the different evangelism methods to help them find their niche.
Daniel Kolenda
All in vain if not with the aid of the Holy Spirit
During the corporate devotions in the morning, South African evangelists shared their hearts with the students. This was always followed by a time of ‘soaking’ in the presence of the Lord. “We are not talking about a big band and noise, just a very intimate time with God,” Tanya Gardiner, the communications director, explains. “We witnessed a remarkable move of God in our midst and experienced His tangible presence. It was beautiful to see the students growing in confidence, going from being tentative to fearless evangelists! That is unquestionably the work of the Holy Spirit.”
Unity and commitment
Tanya testifies about the fellowship, love, and commitment – not just between the students, but also the CfaN staff and guest speakers. “The Lord knit our hearts together; a family of people who are sold out for Jesus – it was like being in the book of Acts.”
The final two weeks
During the final two weeks – the “initiation” – students put everything they learnt into practice. Based in Fish Hoek, they did multiple outreaches. The course ended with a graduation ceremony and the desire to see that these students step into their ministry as evangelists.
This SOE was the first of many (Brazil and Germany will each host one next year) and is part of the greater vision that the Lord gave Daniel Kolenda: that the only way to reach the whole world is if we multiply and collaborate.
The Great Commission
“Last night in Cape Town, my heart was broken for the state of this world. We walked past a teenager with vomit all over him, passed out in his school uniform… My heart laments. We met a 27-year-old addicted to heroin and so lost…” One of the students posted on Facebook. “Church, where are you? The lost are on the streets, in dark corners, down alleys… We need to go to them; to hold them and tell them that there is hope. Freedom from bondage, fear, and sin. We need to work together to see breakthrough in our cities.”
Answer your calling to be an evangelist!
The next SOE will be in March 2023 and CfaN is already open for applications. Those who feel stirred and want to become the most effective evangelist they can be are encouraged to get their applications in as places for the second school are filling up rapidly.
“I said YES to Jesus when called to attend the CfaN SOE, but I didn’t have a clue of the profound way in which this would impact my life. My future life will never ever be the same again.”
– Jane Louw
Shaiheda’s story:
“During our outreach at the waterfront I met an older Muslim lady. She had incredible pain in her legs due to arthritis … God drew me to her as we walked past. I asked if I could pray for her legs and she said yes. After praying, she walked up and down saying all the pain was gone! I ministered the Gospel to her and told her that Jesus Christ is the one who healed her … She not only experienced healing, but the Holy Spirit touched her heart so deeply. She confessed with her mouth and believed in her heart that Jesus is Lord, she repented and gave Him her whole heart!”
– Rochelle Hicks
“…The CfaN SOE was nothing short of amazing! During an evening and morning of 1-on-1 evangelism, we saw more than 104 new souls giving their lives to Jesus! My friends, His light is penetrating the darkness, and the sick are being healed in Jesus’ Name!”
– Itumeleng Mokganya
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Date published: 26/10/2022
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