” We have learned a lot,” says Lubabalo Vesele, one of the 12 people who attended the Introduction to the Contextual Bible Study (CBS) workshop on 11 February that was hosted at kwaNobuhle Congregation in Uitenhage. “We learned how to assist our congregants to speak openly about the struggles they have with drugs – a huge challenge in our communities. I think we should involve ministries in our CBS workshops. CBS is the vehicle that can move the church into the right direction.”
Rev. Babalwa Sifuba who facilitated the CBS workshop with URCSA Uitenhage Presbytery says: “This is the kind of witness stories that we get from participants after attending our workshops. The group was mainly represented by older men and women. Unfortunately no young people attended which was a bit disappointing.
“The theme that was discussed was substance abuse. We studied Luke 15: 11-32. It was very interesting to listen to how deep the people delved into scripture, how they wrestled with the text and found meaning in it for their lives.”
Stephen Jonas says: “It was a surprisingly fruitful exercise. I enjoyed the way in which this CBS workshop was presented. It was way above my expectation. It was practical, systematic and relevant. I can strongly recommend CBS for the whole church and community.”
Another attendee, Desire Plaatjies, says: “CBS has created an eager spirit in me to read the Bible. I am really so excited about how it changed my insight. It broadened my imagination and the use of language. I am quite grateful to have been part of this group today.”
Contact Rev. Stephen Pedro at stephen@kaapkerk.co.za for more information.