Sleepover November 2006

Our sleepover this term was held at Lance and Ros' place and was attended by about 35 students, suggested by the number of eggs we were short of.

The evening kicked off with a talk on marriage followed by a cracking poitjie and sadza. After a couple of games we watched a DVD by Piper entitled "Sex and the Supremancy of Christ" which focussed on two points - how the knowledge of Christ restrains, guards and guides our sexuality, and how our sexuality is given as a way of knowing God better.

A futile attempt at encouraging folk to the bonfire due to the rain resulted in some swimming and buffoonery followed by a game of getting to know folk (putting them on the spot rather!).

Those who were up for it managed to get through two further DVDs before sunrise. The photo is evidence that some did sleep, even though these folk were actually 'watching' the DVD.

Samkele camp 2006

The Samkele camp this year was truly one to be remembered. Thanks to Stambolie assistance of an extra truck load to camp, we actually started according to the timetable - a first ever I am sure - and this proved to be maintained throughout the weekend thanks to the very comptetant camp master Prince Tino Chipato.

The games and activities were headed up by Gift Gana and Simba Manyureni who had dipped into about four different books beforehand and produced an amazing variety, such as the eating competition, pre-scripted skits, pip-pop, killer, the mad race and many more, including the usual chair ball, volleyball and treasure hunt. The highlight for all was the eating competition in which Khulisani Sibindi whitewashed the field with his mind-boggling display of non-chew machine-gun consumption. The treasure hunt this year was a further highlight, which ended in much confusion as the 'hunters' beat the 'hiders' to the finishing post which was at the top of the hill. The prize was meant to be the spectacular view, but this was obviously missed by the first group who were somewhat insulted at the thought that it was the empty juice carton they had found at the top. Although 20 minutes ahead to the finish, they ended up with last place as they had left some of the clues with Lance back in the camp. Well done whoever quelled the imminent riot!

The four talks (Gift, Blessing, Lance, and John Stuart) presented an overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, which proved a challenging yet highly rewarding task for both presenters and listeners. The faithfulness and sovereignty of God became clearly evident as we moved from book to book following themes, chronologies and genealogies, tying the knots between familiar stories and characters.

Overall, we the staff and committee were very pleased with the way camp went, and the excellent foundation it has given us for the work this year.

Two types of faith

It is observed that amongst the various Christian student groups within Zimbabwe, there appear to be two fundamental viewpoints on what faith looks like. Both perspectives would turn to Heb 11:1 as saying that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen", however they apply this in different ways.

The first group is a type of "Power faith" group. If I am God's child, surely He would want the best for me? Is it God's will for me to be sick or in poverty? No! I will believe and receive - you can doubt and do without! They struggle with the perceived poverty mentality of the second group, accusing them of being stuck in their theology and head knowlege and not stepping out in faith by putting into practice what they have heard. Yes, faith is a gift from God, but we have an onus to exercise our faith in order to live victoriously and reclaim what is really ours. Faith is all about taking God at His word and stepping out boldly in belief that He will be true to His Word in doing whatever we ask in His name.

The second group is a type of "Foundation faith" group. Faith is all about trusting in the character of God, as revealed in the scriptures. God has in the past shown Himself faithful to perform whatever He has promised and He is able to do anything - even to complete the work of redemption and sanctification that He has begun in us. They struggle with the first group in that the first group presumes to know what God's will is for here and now in a specific situation. How do you know that God is not more glorified by my suffering than by my healing? Why do you ask God for a special revelation into a specific situation when He has already given us a mind to reason with God-given wisdom? The faith of the second group is largely the plodding type of faith which weathers the storms.

What do you think? Do you align with either of these groups? Does this misrepresent your perception?

Surely there is only one type of faith - God's Kingdom is not divided? If so, which one is right, or is there supposed to be a balance?

Australian Bush Dance

Once again the annual Australian Bush Dance proved to be a most memorable occasion. The Stambolies bravely opened up their home again to being invaded by about 50 to 60 students, all willing to be part of a raucous and exhausting event.

Shumbeyi (committee) did an excellent job of organising the event and this year raised a considerable amount in burger and waffle sales to supplement camp fees. Well done Shumbeyi and her team (many of whom were soon accosted by Estelle for cricket on the lawn).

Welcome Event

Many thanks to our faithful Alumni who once again sponsored our welcome event at the Theological College. This year we also had wonderful support from the Jabulani Celebration band who conducted the music for the presentations, unfazed by the chaos of a last minute power cut.

The staff presentation was delivered by John Stuart and the Alumni testimony by Tinomuonga Mashavakure, with Gift Gana acting as the Master of Ceremonies.

Although the attendance numbers were not quite up to what we expected, the catering for the Mongolian braai was perfectly sufficient and the fellowship very good. We are very pleased with the way the University year has started.

Housewarming

Lance and Ros have moved more into the student zone to 2 Townsend Road, Suburbs.

The excuse of a housewarming party proved much too attractive to be ignored by students, especially at the beginning of term.

We were treated to an astounding and humbling DVD presentation, "Indescribable", in which the size of earth and Man is placed in perspective against the size of the known universe. In response we had a heartfelt time of praise and worship lead by Jorum Mugari on guitar.

And of course some snacks!

Committee Retreat 2006

This year's committee retreat took place at Diana's pools. This was a new venture for us which proved to be an excellent choice. The TeVelde's have two cottages there which are of a high standard, affordable, and very comfortable indeed at student level!

This photo shows our team at the site of the orbicular granite formation which we found through great perseverance and not-so-skilled map reading.

Our Saturday evening discussion was focussed on John 21, and how "Feed My sheep" could be applied in our context.

The Sunday morning meeting focussed on the term calendar and the selection of roles within the committee. Blessing Maruta was announced as the selected Chairman, and the elected roles of Finance, Secretary, and Praise and Worship leader were filled by Simbarashe Manyuneni, Willard Mudzimiri and Khulisani Sibindi respectively.

We finished the morning with a short hike to a local irrigation dam.

Alumni

This page will be used to add blog links or other contact details (e.g. Facebook) for UCSF alumni. If you want to get on here, create yourself a page either on this site or elsewhere and email us the URL (address), or Facebook details. We will vet your status and publish your info.

Simbarashe Chinyemba

Latest Alumni news - Abigail is now married! See photos below:

Support

Financial Support

If you would like to offer financial support toward the ministry of UCSF, we have two possible options, one through UCSF's local account managed by the administration team, and one through the Student YMCA in Cape Town who are assisting us at this time with fund raising.

UCSF account (Zimbabwe)
University Christian Students Fellowship
Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ)
8th Avenue Branch (Bulawayo)
Account Number: 01223279840029


Student YMCA account (South Africa)
Student YMCA Grotto Hill
Standard Bank (Rondebosch)
Branch Number: 025009
Account Number: 07 149 218 6
Reference: UCSF

Support needs

We are currently seeking financial support for a Student's Worker stipend, and for Rent and Maintenance for the Den.

Further financial needs will grow as we move to the next phase of the re-establishment of the ministry.

If you have any queries, please contact Lance Kuttner or Willard Mudzimiri.

Board and Staff

Gift & Tendai Gana

Acting Ministry Coordinator

Our journey with UCSF has been a phenomenal one. We have both grown in our relationship with Christ and knowledge of the Scriptures. As students at NUST, UCSF provided for us a safe haven, a home away from home, kept us grounded in the faith and gave us an opportunity to grow and share our faith. We have both had the privileged opportunity to serve in the ministry as part of the student committee. We both also had the opportunity to serve as student workers and now as part of the staff team.  This is a truly humbling yet inspiring experience. We count ourselves amongst the blessed few who found spouses through UCSF and have now been happily married for nearly three years now. It is our hope and prayer that UCSF can grow and continue to be a home for college students for many generation to come and a place where many will find Christ and mature in the word .

Lennon Mazonde 

Students Worker

I came to faith at the age of 15, having grown up in a church going family. I was raised in Mutare and came to Bulawayo in 2007 to study Civil and Water Engineering at the N.U.S.T. It is there that I first encountered UCSF and I swallowed it- hook, line and sinker!  I quit Civil Engineering in 2009, and moved to the Theological College of Zimbabwe (which is a stone’s throw away from N.U.S.T) to pursue a B.A. in Theology, which I completed in 2011. God has worked through UCSF to shape my faith, humbling and maturing me in Christ as I experience love and relationship akin to no other. It is with the hope of impacting other students in Christ, that I serve in Student U. I’m a member and servant of the City Presbyterian Church in Bulawayo.

Simba Manyureni
Staff Member

I was raised in a Christian home, - with apparent syncretistic African Traditional affinities, but this did not stand in the way of strict church attendance, participation through Catechism, and a generally  Christ-friendly adherence, modelled by my parents and the Christian community with whom we lived.  In late 2004, whilst visiting in Botswana, I made a conscious personal commitment to follow Christ as my Lord and Saviour: a commitment that continues this day to confront my life: worldview and culture. I joined UCSF, in my first year at the NUST, and have from thereon, been involved with the young adults’ ministry. My relationship with UCSF has seen me undergo theological training with the Theological College of Zimbabwe (TCZ). My passion for student ministry is primarily driven by the testimony of Christ's transforming work in my life. I desire to witness a generation radically moved by the call of God upon their lives: vibrant Christians who are all out for the Gospel – in Word, in Prayer, and in the Community of Faith – living and loving this Gospels' outworking in their lives and impacting their communities for God.  

Godwin & Vimbai Chiparaushe

Staff Members 

We have been part of UCSF since we were University students at NUST and have a great passion for student ministry. We strongly feel Gods calling on us to serve him in this way. Having experienced first-hand the value and benefit of being part of a setup like UCSF especially during one's University days which is a defining period in anyone’s life, we want to impart to others as well what we experienced and enjoyed. It gives us so much joy and happiness working with a dedicated and supportive Staff at UCSF, who challenge us and are continually helping us in our spiritual growth.

Mfakazi Ndlovu

Staff Member

Hi everyone. I'm Mfakazi Ndlovu a staff member with the University Christian Students Fellowship (UCSF), in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I am very excited about serving the Lord in student ministry. The LORD called me to His service through UCSF in 2009 as I began my studies with the Theological College of Zimbabwe institute. I am currently still studying with TCZ a degree in Theology. I am single, and am based in Bulawayo where I call it home. My greatest passions in ministry are teaching Bible studies, meeting one-on-one with guys, missions and evangelism. Its a joy to be part of UCSF and to serve the LORD with all the lovely people within UCSF. I hope to grow in my walk of faith whilst a part of UCSF and impact as many people as i possibly can. God Bless...

Calendar 2006/7

Unless otherwise shown, all Friday events are held at the City Presbyterian Church. Arrive 17h30 for 18h00.

Please note that the second semester calendar is currently under construction. Suggestions and comments are welcomed.
Camp, sleepover and leavers dinner dates are confirmed.


Second Semester

February

Friday 16th - Welcome meeting. Introduction to Isaiah

Friday 23rd - The issue of suffering
First deadline for camp payments

March

Friday 2nd - Isaiah
Final deadline for camp payments

Sunday 4th - UCSF takes Presby service

Friday 9th to Sunday 11th - Camp at Shalom

Friday 16th - Jabulani Celebration, burger evening, and all night prayer

Friday 23rd - Isaiah

Friday 30th - Isaiah

Saturday 31st to Monday 9th - Mid semester break

April

Friday 6th to Saturday 7th - Easter sleepover at Lance and Ros

Friday 13th - Isaiah

Saturday 14th - Ladies outing to Chipingali
Guys volleyball and Cyber wars

Friday 20th - Isaiah

Friday 27th - The now and not yet

May

Friday 4th - Isaiah

Friday 11th - Farewell dinner


First Semester

September

Friday 15th - Does God judge nations today?

Friday 22nd - Housewarming 2 Townsend Road,
Suburbs
The God who fills the heavens

Saturday 23rd - Welcome event at TCZ 12:00pm

Friday 29th - Colossians Bible study and discussion

Saturday 30th - Manse open day at 38 Clark Road, Suburbs

October

Friday 6th - Discerning the mind of God

Saturday 7th - Australian Bush Dance
At the house of John and Helene Stambolie
30 Coghlan Avenue, Kumalo 6:00pm

Friday 13th to Sunday 15th - Camp at Samkele "Bible Alive"

Friday 27th - Creation or Evolution?

November

Friday 3rd - Colossians Bible study and discussion

Saturday 4th - Alpha day away

Friday 10th - Colossians Bible study and discussion

Friday 17th to Saturday 18th - Sleepover
At the house of Lance and Ros
2 Townsend Road, Suburbs

Friday 24th - Colossians Bible study and discussion

December

Friday 1st - Jabulani Celebration evening

Saturday 2nd - Ladies tea and discussion
Guys braai and meaningful discussion

Friday 8th - Movie evening

About UCSF

The University Christian Students Fellowship (UCSF) is a Bible–believing, non-denominational campus society, open to all students at tertiary institutions in the city of Bulawayo. The work was started by a minister of the City Presbyterian Church, Victor Nakah, in 1998. He began by meeting with a handful of students for a mid-week Bible study. The ministry has since been adopted to become a mission work of the Presbyterian Church and now runs under the overall leadership of the elders of the Presbyterian Church. Below that is a Board consisting Victor Nakah, the founder of the work and now president of the Theological College of Zimbabwe (TCZ); John Stambolie, the Development Officer of TCZ; Mandla Nkomo, a businessman and former NUST student, and Kevin Thomson, the senior Pastor of the City Presbyterian Church. UCSF currently holds a staff complement of a Ministry Coordinator, Lance (and Ros) Kuttner, two student workers Willard Mudzimiri and Gift Gana, and John (and Bernie) Stuart who are both staff members.

Our Mission Statement

“UCSF seeks to foster the spiritual growth of students, in order that they may become biblically-minded and culturally relevant. We help teach them to be obedient to Christ; to reach out and witness to others with the credibility of the gospel of Jesus Christ; and to glorify God in every aspect of life, especially as those who will shape the future ideas of our culture.”

Our Core Values

· Knowing Christ. (Knowing God through faith in Jesus Christ, is supreme. Ephesians 2:8)
· Biblical Thinking. (Romans 12:2; II Timothy 3:16)
· Biblical Living. (Romans 12:1)
· Biblical Leadership. (Mark 9:35)

What does UCSF do?

Primarily, UCSF believes in Reaching out, Relationships, Discipling and mentoring.

We seek to fulfill the aims of our mission statement through the various programmes and activities we carry out over each semester, the main ones being as follows:
· Bible Studies: We hold weekly bible studies on NUST campus, and these are the focus of our work.
· Talks: We have a Friday evening programme known as “Vital Connections”, which deals with contemporary issues from a biblical perspective, especially those affecting students.
· Discipleship: We disciple students, especially our student committee members, through bible studies and other social engagements so that they may grow in Christian maturity. We also have a student house for guys, known as “The Manse”, owned by the Presbyterian Church which they gave over for student ministry. This house provides a unique ministry opportunity for discipleship, as our student worker lives there, and students are able to pray together, share meals, and discuss all of life from a Christian perspective.
· Camps: These are an important part of our ministry, and we make effort to hold one twice a year, using them as times for teaching and fun and also developing fruitful relationships amongst our members.
· Other Activities: These include fun events, such as our annual Australian Bush Dance, sporting events, various dinners, fishing, hiking, and several more by which we try to teach the theology of fun.

The beginnings of great things

This is our first posting and is hopefully a small beginning to great things.