Honouring the King

 ”Give thanks to God. Call out his name. Ask him anything! Shout to the nations, tell them what he’s done, spread the news of his great reputation!” – Isaiah 12v5

We often sing of what a mighty God we serve, we read it to one another in Psalms, we proclaim it on twitter and facebook and to our friends; and in the doing of this, we often need to stop and reflect on exactly Who’s Name we proclaim.

The King of Kings.

He is the One Who created this entire universe, and then stooped down, rolled up His sleeves, and got dirty to make us, the most intimate part of His creation.

This is the same King Whom we, as SCO Comm of 2011/2012 together with the larger SCO society, have set out to proclaim as Jesus. “Make Jesus King”. This has been the mantra of SCO for years now, and although the wording of the motto has changed recently (see Notice Board for more details), this is still the resounding cry of our hearts.

Our theme and vision for the year, “Manifesting the Kingdom of God”, has been centered around honouring this same God Whom we all know to be Yahweh, mighty to save, all-knowing, compassionate, Saviour…

We hope that you will remember God, the greatness of His majesty, and be encouraged through and through. This Walk is no small matter, and though our task has been to honour so great a King; as His unworthy subjects we yet cry out:

“Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and song; yes, He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12v2, Amplified Bible)

Please see below photos from our recent Women’s Week, which saw us feature the likes of Ps Debbie Sloane and Thando Gwabeni as our guest speakers. We were also privileged enough to host a Talk Show, discussing the theme, “Seek Him continually, serve Him faithfully, and share Him”. The Saturday of the Week saw the Women’s Ministry embark on a boat cruise and beach trip. Well done on an excellent Week ladies!

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Thank you for supporting the Comm of 2011/2012. God be with you all even as you support the incoming leadership.

Yours in Christ,

SCO.

Spreading the Word

“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12 (Amplified)

How many times have we had the best of intentions in our hearts, charged forth, and then made a colossal mess of things? Often. As Christians, we have never been exempt from these types of human error, especially because we make the great mistake of thinking that we ought to be in charge of God’s business. He uses us to do good works, true, but God is mighty to save whether we’re there at the battlefront or not. In the beginning was the Word, and this Word was with God, this Word WAS God!

We ought to let God use us, let Him do it His way, which is the better way. That way we honour God’s plans and things work out the way He desires. Not our will, but God’s… Let God take charge friend.

One of the many ways in which the society reaches out to those who need Him but have never experienced Him, is through the weekly schools missions, which the Evangelism and Discipleship team see through. Each week they visit the school to share Bible stories with the learners, sowing seeds we pray fall on good soil. Join them if you can.

The World does not need us to think up events, make t-shirts, wave flags… the world just needs Jesus, all else should be done with this in mind, lest we value the creation above its Creator. The Casting Crowns (the rest of the song lyrics are posted on the Soul Food page) have put it well:

What this world needs
Is a savior who will rescue
A spirit who will lead
A father who will love them
In their time of need

People aren’t confused by the gospel
They’re confused by us
Jesus is the only way to God
But we are not the only way to Jesus

This world doesn’t need my tie, my hoodie
My denomination or my translation of the Bible
They just need Jesus
We can be passionate about what we believe

But we can’t strap ourselves to the gospel
‘Cause we’re slowing it down
Jesus is going to save the world
But maybe the best thing we can do
Is just get out of the way

Dear friends, God be with you for the rest of this exam season, and may He keep you till we meet again in third term. My, what a journey it’s been!

Return refreshed and ready to charge into the next chapter.

Yours in Christ,

SCO.

Finding God in unexpected places

Sometimes we look so hard for God that we fail to find Him right where He is: in front of us. We search high and low, we cry out that He is hiding and that He is silent, but God never moves away. The easiest Person to find is God, because we are guaranteed to meet Him – at the heart of prayer.

May is National SCO Prayer Month. The nationwide body of SCO is standing together in faith and prayer, asking God to deposit His heart for the body into our spirits and minds, so that we may execute His service perfectly. Join us as we pray for His renewed revelation in this regard. Also, read more about prayer in the Soul Food page.

It was with great excitement and planning that we left for camp on 27 April. There were so many things we looked forward to, things that we prayed for God to do, and you know what? He came through. The canoeing, swimming, services, food, beach trips, group activities, games, fellowship, scenery, and rest; made the camp what it was. We must admit though – even the flat tire on the side of the road and the getting lost on the way there, gave us laughs for days! We saw God in every aspect, because God uses every opportunity to show His face. And God is always in a good mood, He always smiles when He sees us.

 

 Special shout out to all the group leaders and people who helped make the camp a success. You’re the best

Now, before we go, we’d like to invite you to our Men’s Week (14- 18 May 2012). Men’s Week is one of the events on our calendar that everyone looks forward to. More details are on the Events page. God has a heart for men, and yet men have gone astray in the world, dislodging the purpose of God from their lives. This week is designed to help men grown in God, to find who they are in Him, and to understand His purpose for their lives. Join us, and bring a friend Women are welcome also, except on Wednesday, when they have a discussion for men only.

Be blessed brethren.

Yours in Christ,

SCO.

‘…they were of one accord…’

The second term of the year is upon us and we cannot be any more excited, and so go into it running knowing that we serve a God of beginnings who is the beginning To each of you, welcome back beloved. May the Creator of time teach each of us how to manage our time better this term, and grow us so that this term is better than the last.

Our last service was Friday 23rd March, a few weeks back, the day of the annual Silent Protest. The service was a short but thought-provoking one, with a word from Ms Karabo Tledima based on Tamara’s story (2 Samuel 13).  Thank you to all who attended and respect to each of you who participated in the Silent Protest.

Before that we had a beautiful Opening Function at the GLT, where guests from NMMU and Fort Hare SCOs graced us with their presence.

This past weekend was Rhodes University’s Graduation for the class of 2012, we celebrated with many of our members (alumni and current) this weekend and we congratulate each of you. Daddy’s so proud of each of you We thank you for being leaders and role models in our family and wish you only the best in future endeavours.

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rains fall soft upon your fields”.

- The Irish Prayer

Fortunate Mokoena (Chairperson), and Ottie Mtabi (SCO alumnus), share a celebratory hug at last week’s Garden Party.

Gift Dube (Vice Chairperson 2010/2011) and Lindelwe Moyo (Chairperson 2011/2012), SCO Alumni, at the RU Graduation celebrations this past weekend.

In the Spirit of stepping into this term running, we hope that you are all prepared to continue our race having found rest in Him during the vacation period. After all, in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians he states that in Him there is refreshing. Please do have a look at the ‘Events’ and ‘Soul Food’ pages for updates and direction on what’s coming up this term. We’re all very excited about camp coming up soon! Get involved. If you have any problems or queries about camp, please e-mail us for assistance. Camp will be refreshing and will be held at Woody Cape. You can also help out in any way you can before and during camp. To do so, visit the “Student Christian Organisation – Rhodes University” facebook page and view the “Camp Essentials!” document. Otherwise we hope to see you there A good week full of opportunities awaits you, enjoy them & bring your testimonies along

Yours in Christ,

SCO.

Running the race, taking a breath, running the race…

We all want it. We all want to one day get to Heaven and hear, “Well done, good, faithful servant that you are. Come in – we’ve been waiting!” We can all imagine it in our minds. It is this, and our love for God, that pushes us to press on, to keep running the race.

It is by no means easy, and oftentimes we get so out of breath, and we panic, but take heart, God has a “Take a breath Policy” you know! Don’t believe that? It’s in scripture:

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (New Living Translation)

See? God has equipped us for this thing, man. We are well into our term, and some of us may have been discouraged. Take heart, approach Him with your weakness, and watch how when you are weak, you find you are strong.

What have we been doing this past few weeks?

Extravaganza and Societies Sign-Up: Despite many obstacles, we were able to pull together and advertise the society. If you still haven’t signed up, be sure to do so this week.

Revival Week  (Theme - Send me Lord, here I am!): This was designed to make His name famous. It included events during the day, including a prayer march , evangelism and a table at the Kaif; and services in the evening, which included the Valentines Day evening service (God’s Romance vibes!) and the Main Service on Friday, featuring Bhut’ Jabu and Bhut’ Sandile from Fort Hare (their photo is featured on the Media page).

Women’s Ministry and Mid-week services: these have been running, and members are encouraged to come along.

Amen ♥

Praise party!

Our Evangelism and Discipleship Leader, who organised the event

The SCO banner was at the Kaif for the duration of Revival Week, with a display table. Events took place during the day, designed to make His name famous :)

Set-up before the event took place.

Mathabo Tlali, who MC’d for the Main Service of Revival Week on the Friday.

Committee members at the Info table. Do you spot any familiar faces?

Extravaganza, where we advertised the society.

We aren’t done yet. There is so much more to come, and we do hope you’ll run this race with us. Remember, you’re allowed to breathe. ♥

Yours in Christs’ service,

Students’ Christian Organisation

Gearing up for Revival

Welcome back to Rhodes University, and more excitingly, welcome back to SCO. We missed you Family!

Many of you may be visiting this site for the first time, unsure of whether this is the right place to be looking for friendship and fellowship. We assure you – there could be no better place than with God’s children. Here there is love for you enough to see you through the year. And like a guest at Christmas, you’ve come at a good time! We are just heading into our first major event of the year: Revival Week.

The full program of the Revival Week is on the Events Page of this blog. For more information, stay connected to us through our communication channels.

The Evangleism and Discipleship leader, Buyi Ngidi, shares her vision for Revival Week with us:

 Revival Week: “Here I am Lord,Send me” – Isaiah 6:8

God is looking for people to send to His harvest.People who are not perfect but understand that God is always at work.That His work extends to all His children.Those who are like Moses at the beginning of his journey, asking who am I Lord to be used by you?

The message of evangelism week is that God is looking for a people who have the spirit of Isaiah,who within their own insecurities, imperfections understand that it is not by might or works but, it is grace that the truth is realised.

We look forward to you partnering with us throughout this year. Here’s to great things.

Yours in Christ’s service,

SCO

Towards the Finish Line…

It’s been a year to remember, hasn’t it? We’ve cried, we’ve laughed, we’ve shared our dreams and fears: we’ve lived.

Pastor Mteza with Fortunate Mokoena

Pastor Mteza, who happens to be an alumnus of SCO, shared a powerful and encouraging word about who we are as conquerors in Christ last Friday. A fitting continuation from the Closing Function.

To thank God for His good work, to lift Him up for His goodness throughout the year, we had a closing function on the 14th of October.

At the Closing Function, Pastor Kenny gave a word based on the theme, “Building with Care”, which blessed us all. The old Comm was awarded with certificates, the new Comm was formally introduced, and the leavers were given envelopes with a letter from SCO and a farewell card. We wish them well on their journey. We have loved being with you!

Afterwords, there was a food and then a whole night prayer of thanksgiving and exam dedication. What a blast we had! Prayer still changes things. God still answers prayer.

 

 

Below are photos from this event.

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The next day saw us host a Christmas party at the Settlers Hospital in the children’s ward, pictures of which are on our facebook page. We really enjoy bringing smiles to their faces.

We feel honoured to have known and loved you throughout the year. Continue to partner with us as we grow deeper in God.

This week, Prayer Week is being held for a dedication of our exams to God. Join us everyday at the Bots, 6pm with expectancy and faith in your heart!

Yours in Christ’s service,

Student Christian Organisation

Coffee with God

Picture this. A Man sits on His chair with an orange mug in His hand, taking a sip of the coffee within it every few minutes, smiling at the one to whom He speaks. “Oh really?” He asks, and laughs heartily at the things she/he says. He pauses a while to let His companion in conversation slow down, then proceeds. “The thing is,” He begins, “I was thinking we could do things a lot bigger this time. I didn’t really think you’d not be able. After all, if not you, who else? You’re the best person for the job.” The coffee is finished, and His companion has decided he/she doesn’t want any more, so the Man lays His back against the chair, waiting for when next His friend will come for coffee.

No prizes for guessing Who the Man is. How He loves to spend time with us! How He loves to remind us that we are Plan A, the best idea that He could think of, and oh that we would KNOW it…

Last Friday at SCO registered members received their memorabilia. The orange mugs, which kept our coffee warm for many minutes, are beautiful and have “Building each other up on our most Holy Faith”, as well as the SCO logo, inscribed on the sides.

After the service there was cake for sale, and the brethren gathered for some coffee and cake and fellowship.

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We hope that each time you drink from your new mug, you remember that God is a Friend, waiting with His cup in hand for you to visit, just so He can have coffee with you.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Student Christian Organisation.

P.S. We have a special praise report we’d love for you to check out on the Prayer Closet page. Yummy!

Introducing new heights

Welcome to the Student Christian Organisation’s blog site. It’s been a year to blog about indeed, and to mark the end of a great year, we thought we’d end things off on a high note.

First things first though! We would like to introduce the 2011/2012 SCO committee to you! Your prayers and votes and participation are what pushed the committee to where they are, and the Comm has already been hard at work in order to bless you in Christ’s name!

Below are pictures from the leadership training workshop.

The 2011/2012 Comm can be seen on the “Meet the Comm” page.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 “And then God answered: “Write this.
   Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
   so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
   pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
   And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
   It’s on its way. It will come right on time.”

This verse was the motto of the day on the 10th of September. The Comm gathered for an intense day of training, getting to know one another, and praying. God came through in a huge way as each member opened up to their fellow Comm members and learnt to trust the other. The vision of unity and trust and love that the LORD had impressed upon the Comm’s hearts was foremost on everyone’s mind, and in learning about the other, each member Learnt a little about themselves too. 

Please partner with the Comm as they lead SCO and its members to greater heights and trust God for a vision for each of their portfolios and for SCO as a whole.

God bless you and keep you.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Student Christian Organisation