1. Vision

A ministry of MES to the youth of the inner city (living under the guidance of their parents or guardians) as well as their families, to build supportive relationships that will empower them to a meaningful, sustainable life and develop Christian leadership amongst them.

By building supportive relationships through the activities and programmes of the youth ministry we aim to bring the youth into a living relationship with Jesus Christ, support them in their Christian growth and develop Christian leadership. The youth workers’ motto is: "Seek and Empower".

2. Activities

2.1 Bible Clubs

The Bible clubs focus on children and the youth. Through these clubs we do not only try to evangelise the children and youth, but work towards developing and guiding them into spiritual maturity and the practice of Christian leadership. The Bible clubs reach children in schools, children in area communities as Bertrams and Vrededorp as well as the children living in the inner city.

2.2 Inner City Outreach

During the annual Inner City Outreach in Joubert Park a selected group of youngsters from the bible clubs are trained to conduct an outreach to the children playing in the park. This activity trains them in developing Christian leadership and greatly enhances their self-confidence and abilities.

2.3 Outings, hikes and camps

Other special programmes such as outings, stay awakes, hikes and camps are also regularly organised as and when the needed funds are available. The children of the inner city has the same need as youth elsewhere to socialise in a safe environment, but also need to be taken out of the city from time to time to enjoy nature.

2.4 RUACH Theatre

This existing group has joined us for the Inner City Outreach of 2000 and since then decided to join hands with MES. They focus on street theatre programmes bringing the Gospel to the man on the street. Youngsters from secondary school age level are involved in the programme and a group of inner city youth from the Alumni and Irene Youth Clubs has joined the RUACH Theatre. It is encouraging to see how this activity has enhanced their spiritual and personal development.

2.5 Homework Centre

For many of the youngsters living in the inner city circumstances at home are not conducive to their academic and personal development. In many instances there is not even a table available to work on and there are no safe play areas around there homes. During the school terms youngsters from Drill Hall, Ekuthuleni and the immediate area come to the Irene Church where they can do their schoolwork and play in a safe environment. This facility is open every weekday from Monday to Thursday.

3. Statistics

• IH Harris Primary school:__ 1211 children reached.
• Alumni Bible Club: _________30 Children reached weekly.
• Irene toddler groups: _______9 Toddlers reached weekly.
• Irene youth group:_________34 Children reached weekly.
• RUACH music group: ________8 kids involved.
• Drill Hall Bible Club_______ 12 kids reached twice a week
• Ekuthuleni Bible Club ______14 kids reached twice a week
• Bible lessons at Ekuthuleni Creche ______Twice a week
• Sibusisiwe Bible Club:_____ 14 reached twice a week.
• Bertrams Bible Club: ______19 reached twice a week.
• Vrededorp Bible Club: _____22 reached twice a week.
• Beyhan College:__________13 events

4. Partnerships

• IH Harris Primary School.
• Beyhan College Private School.
• Morris Freeman Community Centre belonging to the city council.
• Youth with a Mission.

5. Conclusion

To be able to participate in the lives of the children and youth of the inner city is both a privilege and responsibility. By investing in the children and youth of today we are building the leaders of tomorrow.