YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Every week, of every month, of every year during the school term, there are thousands of Student Christian Groups meeting around South Africa.  Some groups meet for a short time during a break and others meet for hours in the evening.  For some the meetings are for a few and for others, hundreds gather.  Worship varies.  From full teams of drums, electric guitars and keyboards to the moving sound of acappela singing.  Venues are different.  From beautiful stained glass chapels to cold classrooms.  In all the languages of our country God’s word is taught amidst the ordinary school day.  Voices are raised, the Gospel is proclaimed, and prayers are uttered.

I’m not sure what your SCA is like (or what name you give your student Christian gathering) but know you are not alone.  Weekly there are other SCA’s meeting.  SCA’s who face similar challenges and she equal joys.  SCA’s who are filled with young people who have a passion for Jesus and a desire for those in their school to be transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ.  Just as God called the Nation of Israel to be a Holy nation, set apart to be an example to the surrounding nations of His covenant relationship with them, so too is an SCA set apart to bear witness in their school.

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people.  You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.  As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”  (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

SCA’s have the amazing privilege of bringing hope to a school, which is filled with brokenness.  For those who mourn, there is comfort.  For those who are hurting, there is healing.  For those who are confused, there is direction.  For those who have rejected God, there is grace.  For those who follow other idols, there is conviction.  For those who are rejected, there is acceptance.  For those who lead, there is anointing.  For those who are anxious, there is peace.  For those who have questions, there is guidance.

Whilst Jesus went to the Synagogue, much of His time was spent amongst the ordinary people in everyday situations, speaking parables of the kingdom of God.  Through SCA’s, Jesus again walks into the everydayness of our lives.  He sits in classrooms and walk down corridors.  He declares again, Immanuel, God is with us.

I’m not sure of the state of your SCA.  If it’s thriving or struggling.  I’m not sure what role you have in your SCA.  If you’re on the committee or one who attends every now and then.  I’m not sure what your week has been like.

However, what I am sure of is that you are not alone.  Keep meeting.

Xavier

Director of Scripture Union Independent Schools