Project GOL in South Africa

Mr Jacob Isbell, Youth in Mission (YIM)

Project GOL 2010 has been on the move travelling to different districts in South Africa. Youth in Mission volunteer, Mr Jake Isbell, and Africa Regional NYI President, Rev Kenneth Phiri, went on the road to build the Kingdom of God using Project GOL. Their first stop on the tour was the Northeast District annual youth camp. To kick off the camp to a good start, Isbell gave a presentation of the GOL soccer ball which is made of different colours, each representing a significant part of the Gospel message of Jesus. Together they tell the story of hope that Jesus offers to all of us.

During the time for sports, participants used the GOL 2010 ball to play a game of soccer. While playing, they were looking around for youth leaders that could come and ask them to explain one of the colours on the ball. Phiri and Isbell also had time to discuss Project GOL with some of the pastors and the district superintendent.

The next stop on the tour was the Eastern District where the District Superintendent, Rev Solomon Ndlovu, and his team had organized a Project GOL 2010 day soccer camp. Phiri and Isbell again presented the Gospel of Jesus using the GOL 2010 soccer ball, and preached a message about the love that Christ has for the youth. After the presentation of Project GOL, it was time for SOCCER!! The students used the GOL ball and played all afternoon in a tournament of churches. Phiri and Isbell also talked to the pastors and other district leaders about the future of Project GOL.

Isbell went on to the Drakensberg District where he met with Pastor Norman Nokosi, Drakensberg District NYI President and pastor of the Ornoc B Church of the Nazarene. Isbell and Nokosi travelled to all the zones of the district to meet with the district’s youth at different churches. Isbell present Project GOL. The GOL 2010 ball was not the only sermon illustration used, however. Before preaching, Isbell would invite one volunteer to come forward and sit in a chair. He then proceeded to wash their feet as a reminder to the youth of what Jesus did, and how we are all called to serve and love one another. The youth responded very well to this illustration and seemed to connect the inspiration to Project GOL and to other opportunities to share their faith and to show love to all people.

Project GOL has gained strong momentum in South Africa; leadership is encouraged to continue the press for Project GOL 2010. God is doing wonderful work in South Africa and we know the youth in the areas of the tour have been challenged to share their faith in Jesus with others and some encouraged to start their journey with Jesus as their Saviour for the first time!

<Back to Out of Africa 19 July 2010