On Saturday 4 February Rev. Babalwa Sifuba facilitated a Contextual Bible Study (CBS) introduction workshop with the five Xhosa-speaking congregations of the URCSA George Presbytery which was hosted by URCSA Thembalethu Congregation.
“It was a facilitators’ training workshop that focused on our youth and women,” explains Rev. Sifuba. “It was a diverse group of 14 people that consisted of church council members and members of the Christian Youth Ministry (CYM), Christian Men’s Ministry (CMM), and the Christian Women’s Ministry (CWM).
“Even though there were different challenges that were mentioned by the group, they decided to speak about the role of parenting,” says Rev. Sifuba. “We studied 1 Peter 3:1-7, and it was very interesting to hear the different inputs and how a text like this can open up a very fruitful discussion.”
This workshop meant a lot to the attendees. This is what some of them have to say about the experience:
“Iye yandifundisa ukubaluleka kokufunda iBible as isininzi, ukubaluleka koluvo lomnye umzalwane, indima yomKrestu ekuhlaleni, ukubaluleka kokuba kunye kwefamily xa ufunda iBible – I have learnt the importance of reading a Bible as a group, importance of other people’s views, role of being a Christian in your community and importance of reading a Bible together as a family.” (Linda Desha)
Shadrack Njozela says: “This serves to confirm that CBS is very good, motivating and has a great future for our congregants – in actual fact for the whole congregation. To me it was great and I have learned a lot. I must say that it must continue for the benefit of our church. I am impressed with it. May God bless the continuation of CBS.”
And last, but not the least: “It was worth attending. It enlightened me as a Christian. We need to read the Bible with understanding … Church starts at home.” (Pamela Mtshaulana)
Contact Rev. Stephen Pedro at stephen@kaapkerk.co.za for more information.