This year promises to be an enlightening, exciting and challenging year for the 2025 intake of participants on the Brunstad Christian Church (BCC) – Christian Youth Development and Empowerment Program (CYDEP). The program is hosted by BCC in South Africa and at the orientation session held on the 10 January 2025, 34 participants from various countries in Africa, were welcomed onto the program.
Tielman Slabbert, who is the spiritual leader of BCCSA and the program director of CYDEP, gave a brief explanation of the purpose of the program. The primary purpose is to give participants the opportunity to learn about the gospel and how to put it into practice in their daily lives. It is also to prepare participants to be individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities, and by the end of the program, participants should have gained skills for future employment. Slabbert encouraged the new intake to develop a “servant’s mind” by practicing humility, selflessness, love for others, bearing one another, and respecting one another regardless of differences.
The orientation session covered topics such as the Code of Conduct; Work Attitude and Training; BCCSA Integration; Operational Procedures; Introduction to Management, Support and House Responsible Teams; Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Course. As part of the welcome the CYDEP participants went on a Go-Karting outing which proved to be very exciting and lots of fun.
It is important that participants are integrated into church life, therefore attending church services, conferences, Bible studies, an English language course, BUKSA (Youth clubs which includes outings, sports activities, interest clubs), work parties and choir, forms a vital part of the CYDEP. Participants are also encouraged to learn as much as possible in areas such as the media, technical and music.
Testimonies:
Magdalena Charles (Tanzania):
“I want to make my faith in God the foundation during this time on CYDEP. I want to be a doer of God’s Word so that I can be a good example and others can learn from me.”
Kevin Nashal (Kenya):
“I am very pleased to be on the CYDEP. I am particularly excited about the spiritual growth through Bible studies and church services. I also look forward to gaining skills that will help me in future employment.”
Jessie Chidziwe (Malawi):
“I am very excited about this opportunity I have been given and thank you to the organisers of this program, I am very grateful!“
Lorraine van Jaarsveld (South Africa):
“My experience so far on the CYDEP has been amazing, of course there are challenges, and we are very busy but that is a good thing. I enjoy the family dinners and trips with the girls, and it is exciting to learn more of God’s Word and gain work experience.“
Divine Favour (Nigeria):
“I am thankful for this program and I’m looking forward to completing the VUT Course successfully. I am also excited about the BUK Camp and Camp Africa.”