January 2025 Prayer Requests

Happiest of New Years! We hope you and your family will continue to keep us in your prayers this year.

Prayer Laborers,

Courage Youth staff and learners are in the midst of South Africa's Festive Season which includes Seasonal Holidays--Day of Reconciliation, 16 Dec; Christmas, 25 Dec; Day of Goodwill, 26 Dec; New Year’s Day, 1 Jan--and summer vacation rolled into one, so we’ve given staff a month off from assembling prayer points and offer a few below from the perspective of the Management Committee.

Thank you, as always, for interceding on behalf of those involved in and affected by the Courage Youth Movement.

~ Zeke & Paul

for Directors, Lead Team and Life Coaches

PRAISE

1. For learner outcomes of the year:

   1. Membership. 966 Courage Youth Members, those who signed the Courage Youth Pledge and participated in at least half of the daily Courage Youth meetings on campus. This represents about 14% of the learner population across our seven junior high (1) and high schools (6).

   2. Discipleship. Discipleship has been a pillar of the Courage Youth program from the outset, but the introduction several years ago of Discovery Group Discipleship (DGD) has provided a consistent approach for staff and learners. This year 387 learners engaged in DGD sessions, about double the number last year. (In case you’re interested, link to the Life Coach DGD Handbook: CY DGD Life Coach Handbook )

   3. Teen Pregnancies. Courage Youth: 1 (most years we have none). Across our schools: 30 reported to school officials.

2. For restoration of a remote Courage Camp following a five year hiatus beginning with Covid followed by a period of financial constraint. A total of 59 learners and 20 staff participated. Eighteen learners gave their lives to Christ and 40 re-dedicated their lives to Christ. We are especially grateful for three financial gifts that enabled us to take full advantage of camp activities for the learners.

3. For financial support that has remained strong throughout the year and for currency exchange rates that have been in our favor. This has enabled us to cover a few unanticipated expenses and take advantage of a few ad hoc opportunities without overspending the budget.

4. For our dedicated Lead Team and Life Coaches who are daily laying down their lives on behalf of the learners. God has entrusted to us. John 15:13

PETITION

1. Retention. Please pray for staff and learners as they return to school in mid-January, especially for a fast start with this last year’s members as a result of Life Coach contacts with them over the break and attractive launch-the-year activities upon their return.

2. Expansion. We are planning to add an eighth school and pilot test a community center site focused on recently graduated learners this year. A very successful launch at Bona Comprehensive School last year suggests we have a proven approach for site expansion. Please pray for wisdom in site selection and development of productive relationships with respective stakeholders.

3. Apprenticeship. To support these new sites, we will be recruiting four new Life Coaches early in the year. Please pray for wisdom in the selection process and a fast start for candidates under the apprenticeship approach launched last year for new Life Coaches.

4. Vision trip. We are contemplating a Spring vision trip for US supporters interested in first hand exposure to the Courage Youth and sister Setshabelo Family & Child Services ministries. Please pray for wisdom and early commitments if the trip is to come to pass.

5. Direction. Pray for our resolution--Board, Lead Team, Life Coaches and social worker--to operate continually under the premise of Proverbs 16:9: The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be frightened, and

do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9