Written by: Rev Nico van Wyk
Article source: JOY! Magazine
“The Bible’s directive is so clear that we must testify, but I don’t know how?” This is the question that Evangelism Explosion (EE) South Africa, or as many know it, EE3, has been addressing. Over the past 40 years, they have equipped roughly a million people to share their faith effectively with others.
Training in personal evangelism
You might be one of the million who helped us last year to train more than 30 000 people in personal evangelism. Perhaps you are part of the million trained in the past and are no longer active. I’m sure you remember the wonderful days of going out and sharing the Gospel, and perhaps you also recall the peak of joy you experienced when someone accepted the Gospel and made a commitment. It would be wonderful if you could get involved again. If you haven’t yet experienced one of the life-changing trainings from EE, we invite you to contact us.
Introducing Hope for Kids
Today, we want to introduce you to one of our most well-known and successful programmes, our famous child evangelism ministry, Hope for Kids. We do this in partnership with One Hope. Hope for Kids focuses on equipping 10-11-year-old children to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ. Naturally, in the process of equipping, it also helps our children to understand and embrace the Gospel themselves. Children are taught through Scripture, crafts, and gestures, along with practical procedures about what the Gospel is and how we can share it. As one child said: “Never again will the Gospel not be exciting for me.”
Impact on schools and communities
Multiple churches testify to the impact this course has had on their children’s lives as part of a one-day school programme. Additionally, hundreds of schools where we implement the Hope for Kids ministry testify to how a school’s DNA changes when the ministry is applied in a school. Therefore, we also place such great emphasis on our school ministry.
The sad reality of school ministry
It’s sad that statistics show that only about 10 to 20% of school children are in Sunday school or go to church regularly. Whoever reaches a school, reaches an entire community. We have so many testimonies of the impact it has on a school and community.
A call for involvement
This is a lasting impact since most schools allow us to work with the same children for a year, and it is not a “hit-and-run” presentation. We are so grateful for all the schools we have already reached, but think of the thousands of schools we can still reach. We need you! If a church adopts a school – just think of the impact. Only two to four people (or more) from a church willing to give one hour per week of their time, can reach a school and an entire community with the Gospel.
We believe that with Hope for Kids we can really change the world – one school and one church at a time, but we need you to help us!
TESTIMONIES
As a Sunday school teacher, I was frustrated and unsure what to teach, but Hope for Kids training gave me an excellent program. Now, our ministry is growing as children share the Gospel, invite friends and parents, and learn through games, songs, and fun activities. After 20 years as a believer, I also finally understand saving faith, not works. Even our school’s Life Orientation is more engaging with take-home items to share. Hope for Kids is an amazing tool for both churches and schools!
Sophy Masilo – EE SA leader
I have been with EE Ministries for 12 years, training and implementing programmes in Eastern Cape schools. The most amazing thing about Hope for Kids is how children remember and share the Gospel. It’s incredible when a child I ministered to in grade 4 recognises me years later, recalls the Gospel hand actions – Heaven, Sin, God, Christ, Faith, and Response – and shares their faith. This brings tears of joy, reminding me that this is no ordinary programme; it’s not just a conversion of the mind but also a transformation of the heart.
Cobus Fourie – Eastern Cape leader
Schools need God back in the classrooms, and we welcome the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have seen firsthand how Hope for Kids training positively impacts the children in our school.
Mr Christoffel – Pearston Primary vice principal
This article is featured in the April issue of JOY! Magazine, which is now on sale nationwide! Pick up your copy from any leading supermarket, or read a digital version of this issue here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 12/04/2025
Feature image: Supplied
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