| Youth Day Outreach 2009 |
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Crossroads Youth Day Outreach June 16th marks the annual Youth Day in South Africa a national holiday commemorating hundreds of young people who gave their lives in the fight for freedom and liberty against the oppression of apartheid.  Unfortunately, for many the struggle continues! But this time the struggles aren’t against an oppressive government but against the shackels of crime, drugs, alcoholism, poverty, sexual promiscuity, AIDS, and other social ills which threaten to destroy young people’s lives.Rampant crime, carjacking, and home invasions have been joined by escalating drug and alcohol abuse among South Africa’s youth as a means of survival in the face of growing hopelessness about their futures. A recent South Africa police report stated that the majority of crimes perpetrated today are carried out by young people ages 14 -24. Without hope, without moral restraint a generation of criminals is arising on the streets of South Africa’s major cities. Crossroads Youth Ministries, just launched this year, has teamed up with local youth groups to fight and create awareness of the consequences of drugs and alcohol abuse among young people. Building on the theme of “liberation”, which is what South Africa’s Youth Day symbolizes Crossroads spearheaded a “sports outreach” day to build bridges to street hardened young people and begin sowing the seeds for sharing the gospel of Christ which will result in true liberation for their lives.   The outreach brought together 180 young people representing 22 soccer teams and 8 netball teams with an additional 150 young people as spectators for a total of 330 young people at this outreach event. Together with Crossroads 8 local Youth Groups participated in this outreach -- City of Love, AFM Merebank, Saints Church of Verulam, New Beginnings, St. Gabriel, House of Worship, Maranatha Fellowship, and Peniel Fellowship. Youth leaders from thee churches were on hand to counsel and pray with many young people regarding the various issues they face growing up in South Africa today. As a result many opened their hearts to the gospel as an altar call was given at the end of the sports day.  Malcolm Nair, Crossroads Youth Ministries Coordinator, summed up the outreach this way - “I felt we accomplished four important things through this event -- we were able instill ‘hope’ that a better life does await them in Christ; that there are people who do care about them and what they are going through, people who are willing to ‘walk’ with them through life’s challenges; we saw a greater passion for the lost emerging in the hearts of Christian young people; and we are seeing a greater willingness to work for unity among the different youth groups in the evangelism of the lost”. Though this outreach signifies a good beginning we’d like to ask for your prayer support over the next week as plans are made for the coming 10 months of youth ministry. We need God’s direction, His strength, and courage as we face off with these “giants” in the land. Join us in praying that Malcolm will be joined in this effort by hundreds of Christian young people and their leaders as they reach out with the gospel of Christ to a nation in need. Thank you again for your ongoing support of the ministries and projects of Crossroads International around the world. For Him Alone, Kent Kelley Founder, Crossroads International  |
