OC TOBER 2 02 0

STUDENT MINISTRY UNDER NATIONAL LOCKDOWN IN THIS ISSUE

Leadership through Covid19 ....... 2
National Executive 2020/24 ........ 3

National Director’ desk ............... 4

Prayer & Bible studies ................. 5

Faithfully engaging scripture ....... 6

IFES Global day of Prayer ............ 8

May, our month of prayer........... 9

Christian Concept of Leadership 12

Schools Section - NSLC ................ 15

Staff Conference 2019................. 16

STEM Training ............................. 17

My story in God Story ................. 18

Celebrating Class of 2020 ............ 19

PRAYER & PRAISE ........................ 20

NEW FACES IN THE

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE UPCOMING 2020
MR RAMASOBANA & MS MUNGWANE • Online National Conference
>> page 3 12th December 2020
• National Council Meeting -
DR RORY PREST CHRISTIAN 11th December 2020
• Leadership Training
CONCEPT OF LEADERSHIP September 2020

SNIPPETS OF THE WRITINGS OF DR RORY PREST ON • MONTHLY ZOOM

LEADERSHIP >> page 10 CONVEERSATIONS

Faithfully Engaging with the NATIONAL OFFICE

Old Testament Passages info@sco.org.za

021 685 0942
INSIDE TO SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT TRAINING WITH MR NCUBE
>> page 6

LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE COVID-19
>> Mr. J Koma, NATEX CHAIRPERSON
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you..."
Isaiah 43: 2
Covid 19 has brought to light the fact that even with the
best plans and resources it is ultimately the Lord who not
only knows but is in charge of our future. As the Lord as-
sured the children of Israel of his presence even as they go
through the storms of life, we too have felt the assurance
of God's presence through the storm of the Covid pan-
demic. We want to first pass our condolences to our mem-
bers who lost their loved ones through this disease. To
those directly and indirectly affected, be assured of our
prayers and support.
*National Leadership Conversations*
One of the positives to come out of the Lockdown is the
Zoom National Leadership Conversations we launched
back in May. IFES BOARD CHAIR Bro Septi Bukula shared
with us his motivation for involvement in different leader-
ship roles; Dr Eva Seobi, Prof Rocky, Bro Ish Mkhabela and
Rev Frank Chikane from the SCM Turfloop 70s Class spoke
about the impact of SCO ministry on their various leader-
ship journeys; and Bro Pastor Thandi Memani and Prof
Dave Holgate reflected on the merger of SCA and SCM to
form SCO, as first SCO Board Chair and Treasurer respec-
tively. These Conversations have served to connect the
SCO family from across the country and even those out-
side the country. It is heart warming to witness particularly
our veterans reconnecting with the SCO ministry. Second-
ly, they have afforded us as the present SCO leadership an
opportunity to learn from the wisdom of those who served
before us. The National Leadership Conversations will con-
tinue once a month through out 2020.
Mathew De Smidt
Lusapho Mlandlu
4
*Rory Prest Memorial Fund *
At the heart of our discipleship and leadership develop-
ment in SCO is staff. The presence of Staff often determine
the quality of our graduates. The lack of enough staff
workers in SCO has been attributed to the weak quality of
our graduates in terms of both their spiritual maturity and
Leadership capacity. Presently SCO has less than 10 full
time staff members and over 50 000 students and learners
to serve. Through the Dr Rory Prest Memorial Fund we aim
to raise a minimum of R1 million a year by inviting at least
1000 SCO Associates to give a minimum of R1000 a year.
This Fund will be used primarily towards employment of
staff. Through this fund we hope to employ about 10 new
staff members a year. In our Strategic Planning we realized
we need at least 75 staff workers to effectively serve our
constituency. Our aim as the new NATEX is to increase our
present staff by 30 in the next 4 years. Given the number
of Associates we have produced over the years, SCO has
the numbers to ensure that we achieve this. All we need is
the willingness and commitment to make this a reality.
Jesus said "For where your treasure is, there your heart
will be also" Matthew 6: 21. To ensure that we uphold the
legacy of SCO ministry we must invest our treasure in this
great ministry.
Lastly, congratulations to the new SCO National Executive
which was elected on Saturday 27th June. We hope the
next four years will be a fruitful time as we serve the Lord
through the SCO ministry together. We also want to thank
our outgoing National Deputy Chairperson Mr. Lusapho
Mlandlu, National Treasurer general Mrs. Mabel Ndlovu
and National Training and development officer Mr.
Mathew De Smidt for their unwavering support and ser-
vice in this student ministry.
Natex 2017/2020
 3

NATIONAL The New Elected National Execu-

tive Committee members.

EXECUTIVE - 2020/2024 The following leaders were elected to lead

SCO for the next coming four years.

1. National Executive Chairperson:

Mr Jack Koma (re-elected for 2nd term)
STUDENTS’ CHRISTIAN ORGANISATION
2. National Executive Deputy Chairperson:
Mrs Sinazo Mboye (re-elected for 2nd
term, previously served as National Secre-
tary General).
On the 27th June 2020 SCO hosted a successful National Council meeting which includ-
3. National Secretary General:
ed the election of the new National Executive. Below are the members of the 2020 - Mr. Ramasobana Mokgophana (1st term)
2024 National Executive committee. May we continue to pray for them and support
4. National Treasurer General:
them. Mrs Noncedo Mungwane (1st term).

Let us pray for their leadership journey,

pray for God's wisdom and strength. We
are truly grateful for their availability to
serve God in SCO. Below is the current
staff team.

STAFF - 2020
Mr. J Koma VACANT
Ms S Mboye Mr Motseki Sosibo
National Chairperson National Legal Advisor
National Deputy Chairperson National Director

Ms Sibongile Maseko
Gauteng Provincial Director

Mr Phumlani Mhlongo
KZN Provincial and National
Schools Director

Ms Noluvuyo Masindi
Mr. M Sosibo Mr. M Ramasobana Ms N Mungwane
National Director National Secretary General National Treasurer General
National HIS Director/
STEM Coordinator

Mr Khayalethu “Casta” Zatu

Western Cape School’s Staff

Ms Reta Ntloko-Nyatela
Associates Staff
Eastern Cape

Ms M Mafokoane
National Schools Chairperson
Mr. O Tsomoko
National Associates Chair-
Ms Toliwe Ndabankulu
ECN Administrator
Mr. C Tjege
NATHIEX Chairperson
Ms Nthabeleng Brown
National Administrator

3 3
National
Director’s Desk
D ear SCO friends and ministry partners,
The first half of the year has been a roller coaster ride
for all. A year full of ups and downs, a year that
eventually shepherded us into a “National Lockdown” as
the world adapted to the nascent but rapidly growing
pandemic called “COVID-19 aka Corona”.
As I write this newsletter South Africa has passed +100 days of
the lockdown and is currently at “Level 2”. We have collectively
evidenced God’s gracious hand and protection on our country
and the rest of the African continent. As the Sosibo family, we
have witnessed God's consistent preservation over us. My wife
and I have been working from home since the lockdown. Initial-
ly, it was challenging, but we have since developed a working
rhythm and subsequently adjusted to the new realities. Our
daughter, Thato is currently enrolled for Grade 5 and happy to
report that she is back to normal schooling. The twins (Leano
and Atang) are still at home and will not go back to Creche any-
time soon. Their big sister Siphokazi is busy with her CTA exams
at UNISA while job hunting.
The national lockdown has introduced and embedded newness
to the SCO ministry. I recall the seminar I did on “Social Media as
a new mission field” seven years ago at the Ignite Conference.
How I wish the church and organizations had listened and pre-
pared for this season we find ourselves in. The church and para-
church movements had to wake-up from their slumber and em-
brace the world of social media.
Looking back on the ministry pre-lockdown, I am honoured to
have been asked by the leadership of the National Schools Com-
mittee to be a speaker at National Schools Leadership Camp in
December of 2019. I was mandated to speak on the book of
Nehemiah, which SCO has been focusing on for the past three
years. This is because as an Organisation, we are in the process
of rebuilding the movement. We all recall how Nehemiah as a
leader mobilized people as part of the rebuilding of the walls of
Jerusalem and their responsiveness to the call to duty. Despite
the external constraints confronting this generation, the cited
individuals responded positively with a high level of enthusiasm
and commitment. This passage of scripture from the book of
Nehemiah serves as a case study to the SCO (Schools ministry) to
persevere as we rebuild the work in our different regions and
provinces.
2
National Director, Mr Motseki Sosibo & his family
As part of the rebuilding phase, I started the year 2020 with a
focus on capacity building and putting Organisational structures
in place. NATEX organized an induction weekend training in Jan-
uary for the newly appointed Provincial Executive Committee
(PEC) of Gauteng. This was an important activity commissioned
by NATEX in collaboration with the newly appointed Gauteng
PEC. A lot of planning and prayer went into this training event. I
trust that the appointed leaders are fully equipped for the work
ahead as the mandate of rebuilding God’s work in the province,
such as putting structures in place and advancing the vision of
the Organisation continues.
“And they said, ‘Let us arise and build’. So they strengthened
their hands for the good work.” Nehemiah 2: 18b
Ministry during lockdown
As proponents of prayer, SCO made use of the first 21 days of
national lockdown in March to engage in prayer. This included
praying for South Africa and its leaders to navigate how to miti-
gate the scourge of the pandemic.
In April, the ministry took a new shape as we moved all our ac-
tivities to virtual (on-line) platforms. On the other hand, where it
was deemed necessary, the implementation of some of the
planned activities were postponed to a later stage. We started
with prayers, Bible studies on the book of Acts and Romans and
also had a joint staff Bible Engagement training with our IFES
sister movement Eswatini Fellowship for Evangelical Students
(ESWAFES).
May God continue to bless and protect you all. We serve a faith-
ful and loving God. Paul in the book of Romans 8:31-39 reminds
us that “Nothing can separate us from the love of God”. As we
go through life and its challenges, let us be reminded that the
love of God is so deep for us.
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God”
Romans 8:37-39
 5
MORNING PRAYERS DURING THE COVID-19
A wonderful life experience.
LOCKDOWN
>> Magdaline Mafokoane
Praying for various issues with Corona Virus at the center stage was touching and emotional at times.
Even though the country and the whole world were on panic, the number of infections rising on daily basis that was the time of
ceaseless prayers. Keeping social distancing never meant keeping a distance from God. Men and women of faith cried out in one
voice for divine intervention.
Scriptures and prayer items were always relevant for each day. During these hard times the team stood firm, interceded for our
country and the world at large, preaching God’s power to heal. There was plenty of time to connect with our Heavenly Father and
learnt more about His unconditional love for His children. It was really such a privilege to be part of prayer warriors.
We joined hands praying for our leaders – the President and his cabinet, asking God to guide and give them wisdom to take in-
formed decisions.

Touching moments: Praying for the frontline workers, thinking
of the sacrifices they make, putting their lives at risk.
Challenges: The only challenge was connectivity. Since we re-
lied on technology, on other days it would take me the whole
session trying to connect but in vain.
Significance: The morning prayers were quite significant as
they brought - Spiritual enrichment and growth in faith. Serving
others and caring for those in need.
The joys: Despite being on lockdown, the prayer sessions had
joyful moments. The laughter, there was always that feeling of
togetherness in God’s presence. Exciting indeed.
It is really a blessing for me to be amongst the team that is not
shaken by circumstances but the one that stands firm on God’s
word and keeps trusting in Him. Only God can change the situa-
tion. May the God of Peace heal the world.

“It is really a blessing for me to be amongst the team that is not shaken by circum-
stances but the one that stands firm on God’s word and keeps trusting in Him.”

THERE'S A PRAYER FOR ALL SEASONS

>> Nathan Theunis

If anxiety, depression and stress could speak, they would probably tell us to worry more instead of joining a prayer group. Reality is,
prayer is a much needed commodity in our everyday lives.

Our SCO Online Prayer Nights have faithfully stood the test of
time amidst all seasons. What began, in March, as a powerful
platform for mutual edification and intercession at the start of
the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, has now grown into a sta-
ble friendship, brother and sisterhood amongst it's core values
to stand-in-the-gap for one another, the organisation, the coun-
try and the world.
Held at the end of every week on Saturday mornings, between
00:00 & 05:30 - this nationwide prayer has joined associates
together irrespective of one's geographic location through the
online video conferencing platform, Zoom.
During the month of April intercessions were made for the
Covid 19 pandemic to draw to an end. In May, the group lifted
up personal and organisational needs. In June & July interces-
sions were further spirit-led with prayers for #BlackLivesMatter,
the city of Beirut and the Lebanese IFES-movement, Lebanon
Intervarsity Fellowship (LIVF).
"Friday Prayer sessions have been a great experience for me. I
have grown in knowledge and understanding of the Word of
God" says Sisipho, a UWC associate. She exclaims that these
online prayer sessions have induced her appetite for prayer.
"Although in the lockdown corporate gatherings have been
restricted, through [our] Zoom all night prayer we were able to
connect and pray. I never knew that technology would give
access to corporate fellowship and prayer in this way, Praise be
to God", she adds. Prayer sessions are yet set to resume on
Friday midnight through to Saturday mornings. To join, message
SCO South Africa on social media for the WhatsApp & Zoom
Details.

5

SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT
Faithfully Engaging with the
Old Testament Passages
> > WITH MR NCUBE
“My brother, you need to build an altar in your house
where you connect with God as Jacob did at Bethel! You
need to put a condition to your tithes like Jacob, don’t
just pay the tithe! You must respond with the faith of
Jacob to God! We must imitate that great patriarch and
give God conditions for him to act on our behalf and on
his promises.”
Friends these are some of the unfortunate readings and conclusions
people derive from various texts and pass on as legitimate interpreta-
tion and applications for themselves and their communities. They find
these to be of spiritual significance yet they are mistaken on the teach-
ing of that particular text just as they often are with many texts. The
above conclusions and application are drawn from Genesis 28:10-22.
Serious questions do arise on engaging with the Scriptures and for our
purposes here, engaging with the Old Testament (OT). Why should we
read the Old Testament? How should we interpret and apply its mes-
sage as new covenant Christians? Most people and particularly our
students struggle with motivation for reading the OT as they think that
the New Testament (NT) is more of God’s word than the former. This is
untrue. All of the Bible is God’s inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16). As a
matter of fact what Jesus and the apostles had were the OT scriptures.
Their use of them in their public ministry certainly attests to them as
God’s word. Again, OT finds fulfillment in the NT. Thus for you to fully
understand certain things happening in NT, you need to go back to the
original context in the OT for that to make complete sense. So we must
have the same desire to read and understand the OT the same way we
do for the NT.
Now let us address the second question, how should we read, interpret
and apply the OT as new covenant Christians? Firstly having understood
that all of Scripture is God’s word we therefore need to embrace all
Scripture as God’s story. This story has a beginning, a middle and an
end. So various events of the Bible are located at different places on
the story’s timeline. Secondly, we need to understand that this story
has one overarching purpose- God story is moving towards one end
result which is to: “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth
under Christ” (Ephesians 1:9,10). So as we read the Scriptures and
particularly the OT, we must have this overarching purpose of God in
mind. The OT points to and finds fulfilment in Jesus.
Coming down to the particular story, how do we engage with it faithful-
ly as part of Scripture? Because the particular story is part of the bigger
story, you need to look at what comes before it and what comes after
it. We call this context. So we can't interpret and apply a text without
considering its context. We also, in view of what we mentioned above,
need to ask what in the story is fulfilled by Christ. From the Jacob sto-
6
ry, we notice that God fulfilled his promise of a blessing to Abraham
through Christ who is his offspring. Further, God has fulfilled his prom-
ise to be with us just as he fulfilled the promise to be with Jacob as he
went to Laban’s. More importantly, Christ is “the staircase to heaven”-
he is our access to the father!
Christ is the stairway to heaven; he gives us access to the father, he is
God with us and promises to be with us to end of the world.
Finally, we must appreciate that the OT is full of people who desired to
know and relate with God so that they could live in God-honoring ways,
just like we do. Inevitably, there will be good and bad examples. As a
people of faith today, and in light of what we know about God and His
purposes in Christ- we know what is bad and good from these stories.
For instance, in the Jacob story God appeared to Jacob and promised
that he would fulfill his promise to Abraham through Jacob. Jacob did
not fully believe God and gave a conditional response.
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with
me and will watch over me on this journey I am
taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to
wear so that I return safely to my father’s
household, then the Lord will be my God an] this
stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s
house, and of all that you give me I will give you a
tenth.” (Genesis 28:20-22, NIV, emphasis added).
The above response seems like a response of faith which we can make
to God today. But a closer look points to the contrary.
This is a conditional response lacking 100% faith commitment to God’s
promises.
How are we to apply that to our situation today? From where we stand
in the story of God, there are things we know which Jacob did not
know. We know that God fulfilled his promise to Abraham through
Christ, and that Christ is not only the “stairway” (28:12) to heaven but
he is God with us. So God fulfilled his promises. So our response today,
unlike Jacob, is that we can fully and unconditionally worship and trust
God who fulfills his promises “For no matter how many promises God
has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is
spoken by us to the glory of God” 2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV.
Friends this is just one of the many examples in which we can encour-
age people to faithfully engage with the text, especially the OT.
 7

SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT TRAINING

SCO STAFF & ESWAFES INTERNS SHARE THEIR TRAINING EXPERIENCE WITH Mr NCUBE

I learned how to "rightly
divide the word of truth".
The tools I received from
the training have helped
me understand the Bible
more and be better pre-
pared for leading others in
Bible Study.
Vuvu, SCO HIS Director
For me it has laid a very
robust foundation on how
to CORRECTLY interact
with the Scriptures for
maximum personal gain
and as a result be able to
effectively help others do
the same and benefit
fully.
Zazi , ESWAFES Intern
The Bible exposition out-
line is what was key for
me because it helps one
not to read the Bible out
of context. You get what
the author originally in-
tended to be understood.
This helps one not to go
off course when applying
the passage.
Zethu, ESWAFES Intern
Learning how to read the
Bible faithfully and also how
to preach it faithfully, I found
it to be very helpful. Even
though it's not very easy to
unlearn the wrong method
one has been using but God
will help us.
Simo, ESWAFES Intern

“Friends, this are some of the unfortunate readings and conclusions people de-
rive from various texts and pass on as legitimate interpretation and applications
for themselves and their communities.” Mr Mkhululi

Online Prayers and Bible Studies

With the National Lockdown upon us, as an Organisation we had to look other through the
and think of new ways of doing student ministry and life online. With the word of God. In the
help of technology, we moved into the online spaces to reach out to our midst of a pandemic
students, associates and learners, although this seemed to pose a signifi-
where there is uncer-
cant challenge especially to learners and students who had limited access
to data and Wi-Fi. This continues to be a great challenge with which we
tainty and fear, it was
need to strategies and find ways in which we can reach students in our a great blessing to
country with the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ Online looking at the stand together in
4IR before us. prayer. My under-
standing of the fellow-
With the programs we held online, we asked for feedback from our mem-
bers to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the programs online. ship of the brethren
and love grew, which
Sisipho, a graduate of the University of the Western Cape had reminded me of the Words of Jesus that say we should love one
this to say: another. Being indoors for long brought weariness, however
It has been a great blessing to participate in SCO prayer sessions. these prayers made me to have something to look forward to.
These sessions impacted my prayer life tremendously and en- Furthermore, my insight about SCO as an organization grew, the
couraged me to read the Bible regularly. Although the lockdown role it plays in schools, universities and to fellow associates in
restricted gatherings and enforced social distancing, these ses- spreading the Gospel. These sessions have equipped me,
sions enabled us to have virtual fellowship. Henceforth we could strengthened my faith and in nutshell I would also encourage
pray for one another, for our loved ones and our nation, share others to join.
testimonies about the goodness of God and encourage one an-
 Online Bible Studies 8
>> cont.
The SCO prayers and Bible study also helped and reminded me that it is
meetings held online have been a not about our works, dedication in the
good time for us as the SCO family, church, giving and all, but we are
Associates, Students and Learners. saved through the grace of God and
Acts 13:36
Since the lockdown, we have been that only through Christ we are saved
spending a lot of time in fellowship, in and nothing else.
the word and prayer. We have been
SCO strongly believes in studying the
going through the book of Acts and the
word and prayer in small groups as
book of Romans. l am personally learn-
one of our core fundamental values.
ing how to be a good Bible reader,
Reference to this is found in our SCO
and teacher of the word. These ses-
LIFE GROUPS FOUR IMPORTANT COM-
sions also help me to be able to con-
PONENTS OF SMALL GROUPS docu-
duct small group Bible studies at
ments. SCO staff worker, Mr Zatu.
church, home and at SCO branches.
Going through the book of Romans has

“The invitation to partner with us in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and
joining us in our Bible studies and prayers Online stands. The details are at the
bottom of the page.”

NATIONAL STUDENT’S IFES GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER

PRAYER DAY - 9/5/2020 >>Sinazo Mboye SCO National deputy chairperson

On the 9th of May, we had our 2020
SCO National Students Prayer Day. As
the NATHIEX, we were greatly hon-
ored to be part of the event planning
Team and the event program. And
learning that it was a yearly tradition
for SCO students to have this event,
fired us up to make this initiative a
success. What made things even
more exciting was seeing students
and SCO elders across the entire
nation join in unison in prayer united
in spirit calling on the Lord Jesus. For
me that was an amazing experience!
We had around 40 participants. We
thank God for the work done, and
trust Him that next year session will
be even greater!
Calvin, NATHIEX Chairperson
SCO PRAYER & BIBLE STUDIES ONLINE
MEETING ID: 865 3256 0627
PASSWORD: PRAY
One Saturday evening on the 23rd of May, while on my study break I was going through
different WhatsApp statuses and came across Nthabeleng’s status reflecting on the on-
going IFES day of Prayer. I had been meaning to join in one of the ongoing SCO prayer
sessions as it was SCO’s month of prayer but my schedule had not yet allowed it. I
thought to myself that this was perfect, it was just what I had been looking for and
quickly asked Nthabeleng to send me the link to the Zoom meeting.
It was nearly midnight in South Africa but broad daylight in the US which was hosting the
IFES day of prayer. I’d been studying at the time and I was already in my most comforta-
ble clothes (lol, read pyjamas) I decided to keep my video off – feeling grateful for the
online platform that allowed this. I joined the meeting and was immediately blown away
by the size and diversity of the gathering. I was also taken by the sharing in the group, so
open and so reflective of the state of the world in 2020. Pretty soon after joining the
meeting I was assigned to a small group with whom to pray. My cloud of anonymity
quickly vanished as I grabbed a jersey to look presentable! I was paired up with two
other believers from two other IFES ministries who shared the needs that had come up
as a result of the COVID_19 pandemic worldwide. It struck me how students were now
more than ever looking to connect to God and to the dynamic power of the Word and
the Blood. How we, who are in student ministry, needed to reach out to students who
are lost. We were united in our need for resources for the ministry to reach out to stu-
dents. We shared the need to pray for the rising needs and particularly for the availing
of resources in the wake of the dire need that was creeping in.
While we were in 3 different countries, the needs were the same: the staff was
stretched thin, the students were worried, the medical resources were limited and the
yearning for God palatable. It also struck me that in the midst of the crisis, we could see
God’s hand of protection and love in very chaotic times. When we rejoined the larger
zoom plenary session we were able to get insight into what happened in some of the
groups and jointly pray and thank God.
I’m grateful for the time we had to share, and to hold each other in Prayer, agreeing on
the Lord’s goodness and provision. We spoke different languages and at times needed
translation but we knew that our hearts were one in Him. I’m glad I got that post and
had opportunity to join with our international community in prayer, pyjamas and all!

MAY, OUR MONTH OF PRAYER
Was Church beyond the 4 walls
During the month of prayer in May, as an Organisation we visit church-
es, we take time to pray not just for the needs of SCO, but for our com-
munities, our sister movements, and the church - partnering with pas-
tors across all our provinces. In this month, SCO Provincial Executives,
associates, students, and learners visit different churches within their
province and share the good news of Jesus Christ, opportunities availa-
ble within the Organisation, and ways in which that particular church
can partner with the Organisation in advancing the kingdom of God
within the University and Schools. Above all, they take time to present
pressing issues within their campuses, communities, churches, and the
Organisation at large before the Lord in prayer.
This year has been different – Nations were under lockdown due to a
pandemic and church members and pastors could not meet in one
building anymore. However, new ways of doing church and spreading
the gospel and strengthening the saints was done online via different
social media platforms. Though this change seemed to be a huge chal-
lenge for many – in its own way it was a blessing. In just an hour or two
the entire nation could meet online and experience different ministry
work in different provinces and globally. Every morning and evening we
could meet online, share the word of God, give thanks to God, and pray
for all requests presented. As mentioned in the previous article on the
IFES Global day of prayer, with no travelling costs, visas etc. the entire
IFES family was able to meet, share the good news of our Lord Jesus
Christ and pray for the entire IFES family. What a blessing it is to have
the hope we have in Christ Jesus and to be messengers of hope to our
communities in such times.
info@sco.org.za
9
KwaZulu Natal Provincial Prayer
The Provincial leadership of KZN hosted Prayer on
Zoom collaborating with church leaders and associ-
ates.
The Prayer was a huge success with the attendance
of a majority of church leaders, staff workers, asso-
ciates and students representing their branches.
Phumlani Mhlongo, the Provincial Director had a
slot on how the church can be involved and partner
with SCO. He stated that the church can play a
supportive role in the following ways: praying for
the student ministry, mobilizing resources, sending
recent graduates to join the STEM programme for a
year and praying for the ministry.
We are grateful for the positive response and com-
mitment we received form the church leaders and
associates promising to support and to be actively
involved in the SCO KwaZulu Natal. We are in con-
tact with them discussing more on the role they will
play both at a provincial and branch level.
KZN PEC
Western Cape Provincial Prayer
This year we could not visit any church as
the country was under lockdown and all
churches were closed due to the pandemic.
However, with serious prayer and consider-
ations we had a one day Zoom prayer
meeting where we invited Associates,
Learners, Students and Pastors. The
meeting was both live on Zoom and Face-
book. We had Pastor Mdolomba share the
word and Absalom Maluleke the associates
chairperson in the Western Cape give a
breakdown on how the ministry is doing in
the Western Cape and how churches and
associates can be more involved. WC PEC
To find out more on how you can be involved
and partner with us in the student ministry,
please contact the National Office.
021 685 0942
 10

DR RORY PREST MEMORIAL FUND VISION:

TO EMPLOY MORE STAFF ACROSS ALL THE PROVINCES AND SUSTAIN THOSE EMPLOYED ALREADY.

Dr Prest led SCO from the day of merger between the Students’ Christian Association (SCA), an or-
ganisation racially classified by the influence of the Apartheid regime as being for English-speaking
Whites and the Students’ Christian Movement (SCM), an organisation racially classified by this same
regime as being for the Black African community – in July 1997 up until his passing in 2001. In 1996
when Rory Prest was the National Director of SCA, he launched The Centenary Fund which helped
raise over R100 000 to subsidise staff salaries. This Fund became part of SCO after the merger and
many new staff workers benefitted from this Fund and many new staff workers were employed by
SCO during the first years after the merger. This resulted in producing effectively discipled and well
mentored students who still continue to serve SCO as staff, leaders and Associates. To continue his
legacy the RPMF was launched in 2017 and should you be interested to be a partner, simply email
us at info@sco.org.za.
Dr Rory Prest Memorial Fund Partners contributes at-least R1000 per year towards staff employ-
ment. This is done either once off or periodically annually.

BAKING DETAILS Name: Students’ Christian Organisation

Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account No.: 501 700 75706
Branch Code: 201509
REFERENCE : RMPF - SURNAME
STUDENTS’ CHRISTIAN ORGANISATION 11

OUR VISION
“…building students in South Africa into communities of disciples transformed by Jesus Christ,
impacting the School, the University, the Church and society for the glory of God”.

OUR AIMS
DISCIPLESHIP:

We seek to nurture students into a deep,

transforming relationship with God
which will profoundly change the way
they think, live and relate to others –
EVANGELISM: equipping them for a life of service to
God.
We seek to share the love of Jesus
Christ with students – leading to a
personal faith in God the Father, Son
and Holy Spirit, according to the
teachings of the Holy Bible.

MISSIONS:

We urge students to commit themselves

to the expansion of God’s kingdom
throughout the world by evangelistic
witness. We see this as a means to re-
ENGAGING THE SOCIETY: spond with compassion to the needs of
society and through this strive to work
We seek to actively be involved in for peace, righteousness and justice.
issues pertaining to students in their
respective institutions.
 12

TOWARDS A CHRISTIAN CONCEPT OF LEADERSHIP

>> Snippets of Dr Rory Prest writings and reflection on leadership in September 2000

Defining Leadership a custodian of the hopes, dreams, ideas and

“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of
the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials
exercise authority over them. Not so with you. In-
stead, whoever wants to become great among you
must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first
must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not
come to be served but to serve and to give his life as
a ransom for many.” Mark 10: 42-45
“I would like to suggest then, that the defining
characteristic of a leader, is a deep concern and
sense of responsibility for the whole. It is pay-
ing attention to the broader dynamics of the
community, discerning what is needed and nur-
turing it towards its full potential. It is a stew-
ardship function of accepting responsibility for
the corporate health of the group. Leaders are
health care specialists.
Emily Griffin expresses leadership very well,
“leaders hold something very fragile in their
hands – the hopes and dreams and ideas and
contributions of their people. These must be
held gently with respect, not crushed in the fist
of Power”. Therefore a leader can be said to be
contributions of a community of people. Web-
ster’s dictionary defines a Custodian as one
who guards and protects and maintains. The
leader might also be thought of as an environ-
mental engineer, concerned with cultivating
and nurturing the environment so that the
group can begin to live and serve fully as the
people of God in a given context. A leader is like
a gardener who carefully prepares the soil so
that plants can grow. The effectiveness of lead-
ership is thus measured, by the tone of the
body and whether the followers are reaching
their full potential (Max de Pree asserts, 1989).
The biblical image of shepherding or tending
the flock is at the heart of this understanding. A
leader has a deep love and concern for the
community of which they are part and express
this as they seek to tend the whole. It is also
conveyed in the word “overseer” – one who
looks over the whole. Leadership is an act of
service, it is a labor of love to make this com-
munity a significant and transforming place in
which to be and work. Leadership is a gift to the
spirit.

Developing people
Leaders are intimately involved in developing
people. Many words can describe this – em-
powering, enabling, equipping, training, releas-
ing gifts, drawing out potential. All of these are
valid, but none of them really captures the
heart of this process. It has to do with enlarg-
ing people’s capacity to embody and express
the depth and richness of the community as
described in the dimensions of God’s word. Ul-
timately it is a work of God in which leaders
graciously participate.
The leader helps to provide the space where
growth can happen, creating appropriate op-
portunities for transformation. It conjures up
the image of a mother eagle pushing her
youngsters out of a nest, teaching them to fly
and swooping beneath them like a safety net.
The heart of the leader is the joy of seeing ea-
glets learning to fly. The role of mentoring is
key here.
Often this involves the leader releasing organi-
zational power or authority and delegating it as
far as people are able to accept it. It may in-
volve affirmation and expressing in people,
walking alongside them in support. It may in-
clude challenging them and stretching them in
new ways. It could involve helping them see
and develop their gifting. Sometimes it is con-
necting them to the required resources.
Therefore, as an Organisation when we speak
of training and developing leaders, we speak of
nurturing every person into a deeper and more
meaningful participation in the life and service
of the community to be able to clearly & dis-
tinctively paint a true picture of God and of the
good news of Jesus Christ to the people. It is
not mass-produced but “custom- designed”,
relationally centered process for each person.”
13
The Vision of SCO, in practical terms what
does it really means?
It means Impacting the communities with the
gospel of Jesus Christ, the schools, the universi-
ty, the church, and the society at large. It
means reiterating Isaiah 58,
“... to loose the chains of injustice and untie the
cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and
break every yoke… to share food with the hun-
gry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter
– when you see the naked, clothe him, and not
to turn away from your own flesh and blood…
to do away with the yoke of oppression…”
It is training and equipping students to live out
the gospel of Jesus Christ within their commu-
nities. To model Isaiah 61
“…to preach the good news to the poor, to bind
the broken hearted, to proclaim the freedom
for the captives and release from darkness for
the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s
favor, and the day of vengeance of our God, to
comfort all who mourn, and provide for those
who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown
of beauty, instead of ashes, the oil of joy, in-
stead of mourning and a garment of praise,
instead of a spirit of despair…”
It is therefore of great desire that leaders
would be “…called oaks of righteousness, the
planting of the Lord for the display of his splen-
dor”, “…the repairers of broken walls, restorers
of streets with dwellings.”
In addition to these concepts, our National Di-
rector Mr Sosibo says “Raising Godly leaders
with a servanthood spirit is at the core of SCO
training programs and developmental goal.”
Aug 2020
 14

>> Conti
The training and development of leaders in SCO has been one of the top priorities for the previ-
ous and current National Executive Committee and has been one of the core programs used as
part of the rebuilding of SCO and strengthening leaders.
SCO National Executive under the leadership of Mr Jack Koma has launched the Rory Prest Me-
morial Fund which aims at employing and sustaining staff. To this they invite associates into
partnership in order to help achieve the vision, mission and aims of SCO. Together with this are
different other ways to be actively involved in the training and development of the Organisation
within different sections in different provinces. For more information on how to be involved
please contact the National office at info@sco.org.za.

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP FEEDBACK

National Leadership training camps take place annually across all provinces within the higher institutions. When
leaders complete their training, we take time and ask them for feed back and these were some of their comments.

14 14
National Schools Leadership Camp
>> Phumlani Mhlongo, National Schools Director
Mr Mhlongo with a team of student delegates
Learners in a track with co-facilitator, Hendry (PEC)
NSLC delegates on their way back to seminars
Learners celebrating God’s goodness in song
15
"Come Let Us Rebuild" was the theme of the National Schools Leadership
Camp (NSLC) and National Higher Institution Executive Committee training
that was held on the 9th -13th December 2019 at AJK Campsite in Gauteng
Province. The objectives of the NSLC were leadership training and to create
opportunity for educators to discuss and plan the Sectional work. 113 dele-
gates attended this including learners, students and teachers. They were
equipped and developed through many sessions including morning and even-
ing plenary sessions, tracks and seminars. Our main speaker was SCO National
Director, Mr Motseki Sosibo who did an expository on the theme of the camp
found in the book of Nehemiah chapter 1-4. He highlighted the qualities of
the good leader, who is a also a builder. He also emphasized the importance
of prayer and knowing how to deal with challenges when doing God's work.
He pointed out that as leaders it is important to work together in harmony,
unity and be able to work well with others. A good leader must stay focused
at all times. In our rebuilding time we must know and understand our Organi-
sation in and out.
Every afternoon delegates attended seminars in small groups where there
were qualified Facilitators training them on the following topics: academic
excellence, conflict management, finding God's will for my life, leadership
skills, mentorship and communication skills.
Impacting schools, universities and communities was our evening topic by Dr L
Dziba. He stated that we must have Daniel–like leadership: moral excellence
as defining leadership quality, being quick to understand, being competent to
stand before kings, as well as being skillful, and being able to interact with all
wisdom and understanding.
Pastor Mantsha Pheeha encouraged us to live God's Word and study it daily
so that we will grow spiritually. She emphasized that God's word must be the
primary means of personal and social transformation. She stated that it is of
utmost importance that we know the source of our lives and that we see our-
selves as God sees us. We matter to God. She also mentioned that we should
teach ourselves to study and understand the word of God and teach our fami-
lies to study the word as well. The last evening session was given by Dr Lesiba
Rashokeng on servant leadership, using the story of Joseph as an example.
National Higher Institution Executive Committee and Educators had separate
meetings where they had time to discuss and plan for their sections. Schools
were able to meet for the first time after some years without National School
Section Committee. Magdaline Mafokoane is the national school chairperson.
It was agreed in the meeting that the focus should be on the administration
and training in the coming months and the resolution was taken to host NSLC
every year.
Delegates gained more knowledge and encouragement during this camp.
Hear what they said about the camp:
"Camp was an eye opener, learning and exciting experience. The selection of
the speakers was perfect and relevant to all of us as educators and learners.
Registration was also ok without long queue. We thank the Lord for that.
It was encouraging, we were taught on how to be great leaders, what quali-
ties to possess as a leader and how to be a team player.
 16

STAFF CONFERENCE

“It was tools down, Martha out of the kitchen and

joining Mary at the feet of Jesus”
Staff conference was held in Sedgefield, Western Cape from 14-18 November 2019. We invited Mukululi Ncube, ESWAFES National Director to join us, this
served two purposes, to strengthen partnership between two organizations' and for Mukululi to give input into our staff training. Ntate Jack Koma was
asked to do a session on Fundraising. Staff Conference served to provide time of fellowship, prayer, team building, rest, personal and ministry reflection,
planning for 2020, time to listen to God and personal development.

I am Nthabeleng Brown, SCO National Administrator which makes
me a staff worker attending staff conference 2019.
It was my second time attending staff retreat and 2019 was a
special year for the organisation because we had just hosted the
IFES World Assembly, in Bela Bela Limpopo.
For months I had not been able to sleep decent hours, I was part
of a global team that slept and were awake at different hours
which meant for me as an interim World Assembly Administrator
taking over from Ausi Vuvu - who was on Maternity leave, to be
awake at most times so as to be efficient. Drawing close to the
event meant no sleep and so through the event.
When we had finally said our goodbyes even to our delegates
who had decided to stay a little longer we had reports to write,
financials to wrap up and dots to put together.
Therefore going to staff retreat felt like putting tools down, and
for a moment and for the first time Martha leaving the kitchen
and going to sit at the feet of Jesus with Mary. Because of the
exhaustion I had started to feel sick - It was for me a blessing to
just STOP and smell the pine needles, besides Christmas is a few
weeks away.
We drove to the retreat, which was the first part of the healing
and rejuvenation for me.
The second part was the morning devotions: sitting at the feet of
our Lord and hearing him speak to me and feel his touch and
grace was the ultimate best.
The third part of the retreat which was really good was our train-
ing, we ask ourselves as to why we do what we do. We take time
to look back at the goals and objectives we had set at our previ-
ous conference and reflect - have we achieved our goals? Where
have we gone right? Where did we go wrong? and what it is we
can improve on. Above all, we ask ourselves, are we still in line
with the mission, the vision of the organisation, are our students
and learners achieving the aims of the organisation?
The fourth part of the retreat which was also amazing was having
our guest speaker Mr Mukhululi, who took us back to the feet of
Jesus and taught us how we could faithfully engage God's word
and teach others to do the same. And the best part of his sessions
which I loved was..."It is okay to be here, and it is okay to take
time and rest" for that moment my mind stopped wondering off
to the future and working - but trusted God that it will all be okay.
My guess is that at some point we all need this, to just for a mo-
ment: let go, walk on the wild side and trust that it will all be
okay.
The fifth and best part of the retreat was sitting around one table
and having dinner. I am from a black family where you have a
dinner table but never really sit at it, I have only experienced it in
movies, wondering what it would feel like. Doing this on its own
had healing effects, laughing, and listening to Mam Sbosh tell
stories takes the cup.
Lastly and the cherry of the retreat were team building activities. I
had my lungs sore because of laughter. In those I gained brothers
and sisters.
Looking back, evaluating my work, and searching for the hand of
the Lord, if indeed God had been part of what I did was im-
portant, because the truth is: labouring without the Lord is vain.
Otherwise, I am thankful to the SCO partners, sponsors, and lead-
ers that make all this possible and to Ntate Ncube for his wisdom
and counsel.
 Short Term Experience in Ministry *
SCO 4 STEM interns at their training in Ballito, Durban with their Coordinator Vuvu & KZN Provincial Director Phumlani
>>Vuvu Masindi, STEM Coordinator & HIS Director
SCO Short Term Experience in Ministry (STEM) according to Allen God-
dard in his tribute to Rory Prest (Feb 2002), is a ministry like Matthew
Chapter 10 replayed in the 21st Century. Christ is sending out his disciples
to take, tell, and be the message of the Good News to South African Stu-
dents!
Ministry back then as well as today is about who disciples are, through
encountering the Lord, not just about what we do. Ministry is the em-
powering presence of the Holy Spirit within and among disciples. True
ministry originates NOT with us but with God. So ministry can be summed
up as the love of the Spirit poured out (in Paul’s words) or welling up (in
John’s) in the beings of, and in the relationships between Christ’s follow-
ers, resulting in lives lived wholly for Christ and for others, and bringing
real, permanent change in society.
To prepare SCO’s staff interns for biblical way of living out ministry, STEM
aims to integrate rather than separate the relationship with Christ in
prayer and programs which teach new skills and knowledge in the action
of sharing the Good News. This aim is to be open to the Holy Spirit to
form and shape prayer and action in the curriculum of STEM.
STEM, strives to apply biblical truths – that the spiritual, practical, person-
al and social dimensions of ministry are one integrated whole. So, the
name STEM is aptly chosen because it is rooted in a biblical understand-
ing of ministry.
Short Term reminds us of many short “assignments” which Jesus and the
Apostles were led by the Spirit to set for disciples, as part of learning to
follow Jesus (Mark 5:4; Mark 6:38; Mark 14:13; Acts 10).
Short Term Experience echoes the method of teaching with the Father,
Son, and the Holy Spirit use throughout the bible. All of God’s teaching
really happens through one method – the experience he gives of himself
through his self-revelation and God’s own invitation to know him, self and
others more deeply and riskily, through personal encounter.
Ministry we have seen is simply evidence of the Spirit himself at work in
disciples, through love and sacrificial service for Christ, which results from
being a new person in Christ. These utterly spiritual and practical dimen-
sions of following Jesus come together as one in ministry.
17
It does not therefore surprise me that a program like STEM should have
been started by a disciple such as Rory Prest, whose way of being the
message of the gospel has touched so many hundreds of lives. If SCO will
continue to nurture biblical ministry, such as Rory Lived out, among South
African young disciples, then I believe there is much to thank God for and
to build on in the STEM ministry of staff interns. Let us trust him to make
this young branch grow!” Allen Goddard, tribute to Rory Prest (February
2002)
In 2020, +20 years of STEM, the training took place in Durban on 28 Janu-
ary - 2 February 2020. The training was attended by four Graduates, one
new Staff and two Facilitators. The purpose of the training was to equip
the graduates for their year of service in their respective provinces and
areas of Ministry. The training topics included; Bible Overview, Inductive
Bible Study, Biblical Spirituality, Evangelism & discipleship among others.
STEM interns after this four day training go back to their respective prov-
inces to continue with practical training and e learning at their respective
campuses throughout the year as they continue with ministry. Following
this year, interns are given an opportunity to either join staff or pursue
the career they had studied for.
However, Covid 19 pandemic has presented a challenge with campuses
being closed but we are grateful that discipleship and trainings continue
online.
I have seen the Lord at work in the lives of the interns in the last six
months as they spend time with students and the Study of God's word.
APPLICATIONS FOR STEM PROGRAM
Applications for STEM are open all year round for final year
students & graduates who would want to serve in Student Min-
istry for a year. Applicants must be able to raise a minimum of
R3500.00 per month for their living expenses.
Application forms are available online at
https://www.sco.org.za/stem-programme/
Or contact National Office for more info.
17
MY STORY IN GOD STORY
THE STUDENTS’ CHRISTIAN ORGANISATION IN THE STORY OF GOD , STUDENTS, & LEARNERS
My journey with SCO, Nondumiso Buthelezi
Involvement with SCO has been a great pleasure. It has
not been just a home away from home but an arena of
finding myself in Christ and deepening my relationship
with God. The opportunities that came along my way
have encouraged me out of my comfort box. The SCO
has taught me consistency, to be consistent with wor-
ship, with going to the house of the Lord and being true
to His word. It has been indeed a great journey, a jour-
ney of always learning something new. I've grown spirit-
ually and if it wasn't for SCO I actually doubt I would be
the person that I am today.
“But everyone who denies me before people, I also will
deny before my Father who is in heaven” Matthew
10:33. I've always been a person who lays low but being
part of SCO has made me to keep up with this verse, not
to be ashamed of who I am. Christ is the cornerstone!
Nondumiso
PR & Communications Student, DUT Midlands campus
Story by Musa: 2019 grade 12 learner
I am Musa Jerome Zulu, I joined SCO in 2013 at school. I
joined it because I am a Christian and wanted to get clos-
er to God. In 2014, I was elected as chairperson in my
school also I was an organizer with other members of
SCO for all Umlazi schools where we planned meetings,
NONDUMISO
18
events, prayer services and day conferences. I have seen
myself growing spiritually because I started preaching
the Word of God in a school assembly, and as time went I
was asked to share God’s Word in a one-day conference
even in my church that I fellowship at. I began to know
my spiritual gifts that God gave me and I began to under-
stand the following words FORGIVENESS, LOVE, PEACE,
FAITH as a Christian, that is how SCO helped me. Other
things that I have gained as an SCO member is that
‘There is nothing impossible with God’, LUKE 1:37 - that
is the word that kept me strong throughout the work I
was doing for the Lord in SCO. I have gained Leadership
skills, communication skills and learnt how to work with
people who are not Christians and people of all ages.
…
The Story of Amahle, grade 11 learner in the WC
My name is Amahle Portia Nolusu. I am doing Grade 11,
in Wallacedene Secondary School in Kraaifontein. We
had an SCO camp on the 9th till 13th December 2019 and
we enjoyed it a lot. What I learnt the most is how to
lead people and be a good example like Joseph and Da-
vid in the Bible, how to conduct SCO services in a way
that attract and is relevant to other learners. SCO helps
us a lot in our school, especially me. The services, Pray-
ers, Bible studies and discussion we get from this organi-
sation has truly transformed my life. For example I was
one of the learners who was rude, the whole school
knew me, even teachers but since I started going to SCO
the teachers are amazed when they see that I am no
longer the Amahle they used to know. Even other learn-
ers are following me now attending SCO. I hope one day
they will accept Christ as their King and Saviour in their
lives so that they will be
changed by him. I would
like to say thank you to all
educators and SCO for the
encouragements and teach-
ings they are giving to us.
AMAHLE

Like every other year, we have graduates to celebrate with who have
been part of the organisation in different branches. This year we hear
from Dr R. Motsoeneng, an SCO associate who graduated for her doc-
torate 2020 from the University of Johannesburg and has served in SCO
as the projects officer at the University of the Western Cape.
Below is her journey with the Lord through university. We truly believe
that her story will encourage students from both advantaged and disad-
vantaged backgrounds to hold on to the Lord and to His promises.
“He who promised is faithful…” Hebrews 10:23, The Lord will fulfil his
purpose for me, (for he perfects all that concerns me)” Psalms 138:8
I'm Dr Rapelang Gloria Motsoeneng , born in the Eastern Cape
(Sterkspruit). I started school in Mahedi junior secondary school and
Matriculated in Free State (Bethlehem). Growing up as a young lady in
the villages was not easy due to lack of opportunities to learn and en-
hance certain skills. However, that experience brought forth a hard
working spirit in me. I grew up in a Christian family where prayer was
our first meal of the day. My late Mom wouldn't let me leave home
without saying a simple prayer "Our Father who are in Heaven" found
in (Luke 11). Praying in the morning and evening didn't make sense
back then, but truth is, it was the beginning of my spiritual life or rather
walk with God. I got born again on 16/04/2003 and I never regretted
making that decision to walk with my Lord and personal saviour Jesus
Christ.
In 2007, I enrolled for a Chemical Science degree at the University of
the Western Cape (UWC) and joined SCO later that year through my
best friend Nthabeleng. My journey at varsity was never an easy one
from the first day I set my foot at UWC. I remember how I didn't know
how to construct a proper statement in English let alone hearing les-
sons from the lecturers. One day I came back from the lecture hall
crying and I called my elder brother, told him I was done with school
because of a whole lot of discouragement I felt within me. I had to find
courage from the word of God to face my daily challenges and appar-
ently, depending on God and working hard were the only tools I was
left with in order to survive at varsity. In 2008-2009 I served as a Project
officer (PO) in SCO. I had such an amazing leadership experience. One
of the main challenges I faced during my leadership in SCO was finding
a balance between school and church work which later resulted in a
drop on my academic performance. I therefore learned then and prac-
ticed time management skills we had been taught in our leadership
19
training camp (LTC) and through hard work and the help of the Holy
Spirit I managed to pull through and I have been a member of SCO
since then till today.
When I wanted to enrol for my BSc (Hons) in 2012, I was told that only
the best 10 students will be allowed to enrol for that year, I did not
have funding and I did not have a place to stay. I made a declaration
prayer "Lord I didn't come here to stay in someone else's room, I came
all the way to enrol for my Hons degree and I don't have the funding "
as short and straight to the point my prayer was, the Lord came
through for me. The following week I had a room to stay, I received a
letter from NSFAS for funding and the Chemistry department decided
to extend the number of students who will enrol for Honors in 2012 to
20. Praise God, Hallelujah! Moreover, I also received a bursary from
ESKOM, which I did not apply for. Bear in mind that NSFAS did not fund
honors students at that time.
When I enrolled for my MSc degree in 2013, I did not receive NRF to
fund me and I was not promised anything by ESKOM. However, I re-
ceived an ESKOM bursary again and collaborated with CSIR through my
MSc Supervisors. In 2015 I went to Study my PhD at UKZN (Westville)
but I left due to lack of funding as well and I restarted my PhD at UJ
2016 collaborating with CSIR and I have managed to graduate. Through
all the struggles I have faced during my studies, I have seen the hand of
the Lord. There were times when I felt discouraged, but through prayer
and meditating on the word of God I found comfort. I remember in
2016 I received NRF funding, but my project was not moving at all,
there was nothing to publish or rather write an article with, I continued
to pray and put more effort. God came through, I later managed to
publish my papers at high impact factor journals. As I conclude, never
compare your journey with someone else – its uniquely yours and
special to you and the Lord. One of the amazing things as well the Lord
has taught me during my walk with him is having faith more than being
emotional when facing giants. Lastly, remember to believe His word as
it is and let your faith take you from there.
We celebrate with you Dr Motsoeneng, we love you
and we look forward to seeing more of your footprints in SCO.
And to all our 2020 graduates, we know it was virtual - But we
are proud of all of you - we wish you the very best with your
future endeavours .
 20

PRAYER & PRAISE

Join us as we give PRAISE and thanks to God for the following;
His grace and protection throughout the season of lockdown and Covid-19. We have seen God's hand upon the SCO family.
His financial provision on the movement especially staff during this difficult times.
His protection and good health upon all SCO members.
Successful SCO on-line ministry programs since lockdown.
Successful National Council meeting and NATEX election in June 2020

Join us as we continue to PRAY for the following:

God's continued financial provision for the movement and SCO family.
Upcoming SCO virtual programs including one day National Conference in December.
Continue to pray for our government, our president and nation during this difficult times of Covid-19.
Pray for families who lost their loved ones during this season and those who have lost their jobs.
Pray for SCO to continue advancing the vision and mission during this season of Covid-19. Pray for God to help us to be
relevant to our today's world.

TO SUPPORT THE MISSION & VISION OF SCO

To support SCO, you can make a donation using via EFT or use the www.givengain.com/c/sco/donate/#start
Name: Students’ Christian Organisation
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account No.: 501 700 75706
Branch Code: 201509
Branch: Rondebosch
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJXXX

SCO INFORMATION NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2020