(SOUTH AFRICA) "Have Courage in God": 2025 Spring Bible Conference at Wits University
- by ubfhq
- Dec 06, 2025
- 502 reads
By Lesedi Masisi
The 2025 Spring Bible Conference was held at the Wits University campus under the theme, “Have Courage in God,” based on Joshua 1:1–18. This theme was prayerfully chosen to encourage members to face daily challenges (such as academics, decisions regarding marriage, employment, and raising families) with faith in the God who is able.
The conference began on Friday evening with an opening message delivered by Khomo. He encouraged all participants to overcome any obstacles that might hinder them from encountering Jesus Christ during the conference. Drawing from the story of Zacchaeus, a short-statured man who climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see Jesus, the message emphasized the importance of prayer and humility toward the Word of God. This was followed by a time of worship and prayer, during which participants prayed to receive one clear word from God throughout the conference.
Saturday began with Bible study, followed by a message delivered by Tsibela. He taught that courage is not merely a personality trait but a command and the will of God. Using the example of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River, the message highlighted how believers often face situations that provoke fear and anxiety. Yet God’s promise remains that He is with us. Participants were encouraged to cross their own “Jordan Rivers” by faith and to study God’s Word deeply in order to know Him and draw strength from His presence.
In the afternoon, Ivan delivered a message on the passage of Daniel. Through the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednegol, he illustrated how to practically live out courage in God. These young men refused to worship the golden idol set up by King Nebuchadnezzar because of their unwavering faith in the living God. The message also emphasized the importance of godly friendships, which help believers encourage one another to be bold and face challenges not by their own strength, but by faith in the God who is able.
On Saturday evening, participants were encouraged to meditate on the Word and write personal testimonies based on the two messages. Sunday morning was dedicated to sharing these testimonies in fellowship groups. Many participants shared how the Word had deeply impacted them. Some likened their personal struggles—such as academic pressure, upcoming exams, and anxiety—to the Jordan River. Through the message, they were reminded that God’s command is clear: do not be afraid, but be courageous, for Jesus Christ is with us. Others shared how they identified with the challenge of resisting modern-day idols, such as excessive time on social media or fear of worldly expectations. Through the messages, they were encouraged to stand firm and not bow to these distractions, choosing instead to meditate on God’s Word and focus on their spiritual growth and studies.
Following the testimony sharing, the conference continued with a Sunday worship service. The Children’s Bible Fellowship (CBF) presented a drama based on Daniel 3. Three young brothers, aged between 10 and 13, powerfully portrayed the courage of Daniel’s friends who refused to worship the idol. Their performance was deeply moving and reminded us that even children can receive and live out the Word of God.
The closing message of the conference offered spiritual direction for life after the conference. It warned that the devil would attempt to steal what had been received by planting doubt and fear to weaken courage. Participants were encouraged to view their life of faith as a race—one that requires training, perseverance, and strength through the study of God’s Word. Just as runners face challenges such as fatigue or shortness of breath, believers also face spiritual obstacles. Yet by fixing our eyes on Jesus, who ran the race to the finish, we can endure and overcome.
The Spring Bible Conference was a spiritually enriching experience that reminded all who attended that courage in God is not only possible, it is commanded. Through prayer, fellowship, testimony, and the Word, participants were equipped to face their personal challenges with renewed faith and boldness.
