And that’s a wrap for 2023!

Overview of the first full year of Wilberforce Academy South Africa

Coming to the end of 2023, we have hearts full of gratitude. A gratitude marked by all that God has done, both in us – delegates, faculty and team members alike – and through us, in every area we have been privilege to participate through this year.

January saw the launch of the first fully-fledged Wilberforce Academy South Africa – with six saturated days of teaching, fellowship, worship, encounter and fun. All who took part in that week departed on the last day, charged and ready to take ground for Christ and make a tangible impact – not only through their vocations but at home, in their families and at their local churches.

Read here about the Academy Week in January:  https://gatewaynews.co.za/standing-for-truth-regardless-of-consequence-is-key-to-breaking-shackles-of-ideological-slavery/

The remainder of the year’s programme consisted of three quarterly Refocus Days – the first in April, the second in July and the third in November. Each of these gatherings served to remind us all to keep plugging into God, who is our source, and His kingdom community, which serves both to encourage us and to equip us for good works by which to bring Him glory and be salt and light in the world around us. We have also been involved in other activities, such as two Christian Education Workshops, speaking engagements, and key strategic development meetings locally and in neighbouring countries, to name a few.

We continue – Living faithfully and fruitfully for Jesus

Being ‘Faithful & Fruitful’ was the overall theme of the Academy year and was the spiritual goal woven throughout each encounter like a golden thread.

As the year’s activities draw to a close, we are so very grateful for all who have been instrumental in bringing it all to life – every event, every invitation, every connection, every prayer and every word of encouragement. To all our delegates, our faculty, our team, our donors and supporters, to our prayer partners and to every single person who has been a part of this journey – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We are reminded of the inspirational words that Ryan Smit shared at the wrap-up of the third Refocus Day – a final reflection of the journey that the seeds planted in each life had undergone through the year. The seed germinated and a new plant has formed. But this is not the end…

“New plants in our lives have the ability to produce fruit that bear new seed. Those seeds are for sowing in the fertile soil of others’ hearts and minds. As with your own plant, those seeds will need to be watered and encouraged to grow. As we grow together, we will start to see an oasis take shape in the present moral wasteland, where many long for the shade and sustenance of a flourishing orchard, only found in the true vine and cultivated by our heavenly Father.”

We can’t wait to see how our Heavenly Father will shape and continue cultivating this community and each member (branch), and we trust you will continue on this journey with us…

Faithful and fruitful – together – for His glory alone!