Evangelism
Background
From March 2001 the activities of MES was regrouped into a project and a ministry leg. The ministry leg’s activities consists of evangelising the homeless, evangelism, a pastoral centre, a bible school and youth work.
A ministry of MES bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people in the inner city to enable them
A comprehensive plan is being developed which will focus on guiding people to maturity in their faith, empowering Christians to make life-changing choices based on the Word of God and guiding individuals to live a meaningful life grounded in faith and hope.
2. Activities
2.1 Open Air Services
Open air services focus on the man on the street. With the use of a sketch board the Gospel is brought to the people in a creative way to which they can relate to. The evangelists target Joubert Park, the Drill Hall-area, the public area at the High Point building and the taxi ranks. Open air services are held at different times during the day and early evening in order to reach as wide a section of the public as possible.
Once a month a Saturday morning is reserved for visiting groups from out of town where they can join in an open air service.
2.2 One to one conversations
Once a week the evangelists also take to the streets and buildings in the area around the Irene Church where they distribute tracts to the public and use this as an opportunity to talk to individuals and families on their spiritual needs. The need for encouragement, hope and guidance among the people of our city is great and these conversations and visits go a long way in addressing those needs.
2.3 Preaching
An evangelist preaches daily to commuters travelling on the train between Krugersdorp and Johannesburg. This effective ministry has inspired some of the Christian commuters to use their travelling time to spread the Word of God. Counselling in the train and on the platform is also done.
Services are also held at Ekuthuleni Transitional House and at the Irene Church.
2.4 Bible Studies
The main aim of the Bible studies is to build, encourage and strengthen the community's faith. Questions and difficulties regarding the implementation of the Christian faith in our daily lives are discussed and counselling is done.
2.5 Hospital Visits
The Johannesburg General Hospital and a hospice are visited every week. Patients are visited, encouraged and prayed for. To many, it is the only visits they receive.
2.6 Correspondence Course
A correspondence course was started in September 2000 as a way to follow up on contacts made during open air services and individual conversations. The circumstances of the city create great problems in keeping contact with individuals reached at open airs and visits. Where postal addresses are available an initial letter is sent out and the person is invited to join a regular correspondence course on spiritual growth and discipleship.
2.7 Discipleship course
The first discipleship course was launched in February 2001. At this stage the meetings are only attended by MES personnel and the boys of the Othandweni project. It is hoped that in future others will also join the course.
3. Statistics
4. Partnerships
5. Future Developments
In keeping with our strategy for guiding people further on their Christian Pilgrimage great emphasis will be placed on a system for ongoing discipleship courses, individual discipleship meetings, home visits and the development of cell groups for new converts.
6. Conclusion
We are living in a fast-changing world and as evangelists we are constantly seeking for new, relevant ways to present the Gospel and meet the Spiritual needs of the people in the inner city.
Pastoral Centre
The erection of needed security measures at the Irene Church building has made it possible to start a centre for pastoral care from May 2001. An office will be manned at regular hours during the late afternoons where members of the community can come for spiritual guidance, support and prayers.