The UCSF housing model
discipleship program has finally come to an end after running for about 12
years. This came about with the sale of the last standing house, the Den, which
ended our lease on the 31st of July. This turn of events has come
with mixed feelings. On one hand, managing the houses was costly and it came
with a number of administrative nightmares such that the end of this program
came with a big sigh of relief especially with the owners of the houses in mind
to whom we were accountable. On the other hand the model was such a powerful
discipleship tool that brought about such priceless gains that no amount of
money could match. There was great fellowship in the houses which led to
lasting and fruitful relationships amongst students. Christ was shared through
word and deed, and there were communal devotions, discussions and debates as
iron sharpened iron. It all happened so naturally which made the environment
conducive for much openness amongst housemates. We thank God for the wonderful
ministry we had that made such a great impact in our own lives and those of the
many students who went through it.
Although this form of ministry
had its great challenges, we still hope for yet another opportunity in future
to re-establish the same model for the immense value that it brought to our
ministry. But greater still, we dream of an even bigger services facility that
can help cater for the needs of university students at every level. This comes
at the back-drop of the fact that the life of the average university student,
especially in third world countries, is not an easy one. Students are generally
enrolled at university by virtue of their good grades and not so much their
financial standing, although this is starting to change due to economic
challenges whereby the university is only taking people who can pay the
required fees. As such, many students travel hundreds of kilometers away from
home to attend university, often with very little resources to go with, in the
hope of escaping the poverty trap through education. With very little
accommodation currently being provided by the university relative to the
student population, most students battle it out to find accommodation around
the city, and then live alone with huge needs and no one to turn to. They are
an urban poor group with very little support and representation against the
various abuses and challenges that young people of their age face in a
capitalistic and corrupt society.
In response to these and other
challenges, we hope that someday we could help establish a service center for
students that would provide counseling services for a wide range of issues
including pregnancies, family crises, abuses, addictions, and other spiritual
matters. We would also want to help provide affordable wholesome meals and
opportunity for students to do volunteer work in exchange for some needs they
would want met. It would also be strategic to provide various training programs
to help equip the students for their time at university and for life beyond.
Furthermore, there is a notable
lack of entertainment for young people in Bulawayo. As such, many students end
up gravitating towards bars and night clubs to have fun. This concern can also
be addressed through the centre by providing sporting and other recreational
activities that can serve to entertain students in a wholesome way. An
alcohol-free café with live clean music on occasion and screening live sports
during sporting competitions could also go a long way in transforming students’
social habits and helping to protect them from corrupt influences. And if all
this can be done in a Christian context, then such a centre could be a great
light in our community.
It can be scary dreaming about
such a great facility that is way beyond our resources, yet dream we must
because we are an inspired and hopeful people seeking to express our heart for
our community and desiring to make a difference. We will not be the killers of
our own dreams through fear and doubt but we pour our hearts and lives to
champion this dream and hope one day there will be such a great refuge for our
student community. Please dream and pray with us that one day we will see this
day.
