Written by: CfaN South Africa
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Something extraordinary is stirring in South Africa. In the town of Heidelberg, Gauteng, a blaze of revival has broken out, and it’s lighting up the region with the power of the Gospel. For three weeks in September and October, South African School of Evangelism graduates, CfaN Bootcamp graduates, and CfaN Germany graduates united with over 30 local churches to proclaim the Gospel through the Rise & Shine Gospel campaign in collaboration with CfaN South Africa.
What began as a small spark through the leadership of CfaN Bootcamp graduates Cherez Tschopp and Markus Ghighi has become a movement transforming hearts, churches, and communities from the inside out. This was more than just an event, it felt like an outpouring of Heaven’s power. Over the course of three unforgettable weeks, salvation, healing, deliverance, and unity swept through Heidelberg in ways that could only be described as miraculous.
Equipped and activated
It all began with a CfaN Fire Camp, where 58 passionate believers gathered to be trained as evangelists. These were not seasoned preachers. They were everyday people from all walks of life, including a 14-year-old who said, “Instead of Christmas gifts this year, I just wanted to come to Fire Camp and learn to preach the Gospel to my classmates.” After a week of deep discipleship, boldness was ignited. These newly equipped soul-winners were sent into the streets, malls, and markets of Heidelberg. In just five hours that first outreach day, 336 people heard the Gospel and made decisions to follow Jesus.
The streets became a sanctuary
As week two unfolded, the Gospel was proclaimed with urgency and joy. Evangelists – both local and international – took the message of salvation into clinics, old-age homes, supermarkets, taxi ranks, and informal settlements.
Miracles followed. One woman, recovering from thyroid cancer surgery, was instantly healed of pain and weakness. A supermarket security guard practicing ancestral worship encountered Jesus in a back room and surrendered his life to Christ. Everywhere the teams went, hearts were opened and lives were changed. Even the atmosphere began to shift. The very field where the campaign was held (once the birthplace of the Afrikaner Resistance Movement) became a place of repentance and restoration. Pastors and intercessors prayed over the land, breaking the strongholds of racism, addiction, and witchcraft. And the Spirit of God moved mightily.
A picture of unity
The Gospel doesn’t just save – it unites. Nowhere was this more evident than during the “Bride of Christ” women’s conference. Women of different backgrounds worshipped together under the leadership of a black female speaker, something almost unheard of in Heidelberg. As testimonies were shared and healing flowed, walls of division came crashing down.
This beautiful unity was echoed throughout the campaign. Local churches, ministries, and volunteers – over 380 of them – served together with a single purpose: to see Jesus glorified in Heidelberg. And 24 of the participating churches held a joint service on the crusade grounds on the Sunday morning, an unforgettable time of fellowship and thanksgiving.
The grand finale: The Rise & Shine crusade
The final week brought the heart of the campaign: a four-day open-air crusade under the African sky. Despite wind and rain, the crowds came by the thousands. Evangelists Itumeleng Mokganya, Kaisa Fischer, David Rotärmel, and Israel Taylor preached with boldness and clarity. And Jesus showed up in power.
Each night was filled with salvations, miracles, and deliverance. Margaret, suffering from intense foot pain for months, walked freely again after prayer. Adele, who had battled joint disease and knee pain for years, was completely healed. Soli, tormented by chest pain and coughing, was instantly set free. Nolcuthula, with severe thumb pain and limited mobility, was fully restored. These are just a few of the countless stories of healing and hope that emerged from the crusade.
A city transformed
By the end of the campaign, over 7900 people had made documented decisions to follow Christ and more than 15 000 heard the Gospel. Youths were ignited, families were restored, churches were united, and Heidelberg was changed. From a place marked by past division to a city now shining with the light of the Gospel, Heidelberg stands as a testimony to what God can do when His people rise and shine.
The harvest is ripe
This is just one story of what God is doing across South Africa and around the world through CfaN. But the work is far from over. If your heart is burning to share the Gospel, if you’re longing to see lives transformed and cities set ablaze with the love of Jesus, what are you waiting for? CfaN is raising up evangelists across South Africa through Fire Camps and the CfaN School of Evangelism. Whether you’re young or old, experienced or just starting out, there’s a place for you in the harvest field.
Apply today at cfan.org.za
This article is featured in the December issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 25/11/2025
Feature image: Day before Crusade
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