(SOUTH AFRICA) How Can I?: Pretoria Spring Conference 2026
- Oct 05, 2026
- 10 reads
By Abia Kganane
The Pretoria UBF Spring Conference took place on September 18–20, 2026 with the conference title, “How Can I?” We approached the conference 5 weeks in advance with vigilance, holding prayer sessions twice a week so that we would not prepare for the conference habitually or treat it merely as a social gathering. Each prayer session included a short message or sermon from the local ministry leaders. Through these messages, we were encouraged, strengthened, and reminded again and again to depend on God and prepare our hearts to receive His Word. Additionally, during the week leading up to the conference, the leaders devoted themselves to prayer and fasting.
God blessed our conference, and it was attended by 92 people: 68 adults, 10 Teenage Bible Fellowship (TBF: 13-17 yrs), 10 Children (CBF:7-12) and 8 Babies (BBF: 0-6 yrs). Missionary Joshua Suh prepared the Bible study questions for the three main studies and led TBF. Mpho and Missionary Petra Jeon took care of both CBF and BBF. Three messengers delivered conference messages.
On the first day, Friday, after supper, we had a group Bible study on Luke 10:1-9. Thereafter we heard a message by Archie. The title of the message was “The Harvest is Plenty.” Through this passage, we learned that the harvest belongs to the Lord and that Jesus sends His people into His harvest. We were encouraged to pray for workers, depend on God rather than our own strength, and boldly go to the people God has prepared, even when we may face rejection or difficulties.
On Saturday, after breakfast, we gathered in our Bible study groups to study Acts 8:26-40. Thereafter, we listened to the message by John Lee (son of M. James Lee (RSA)). The title of the message was “How Can I?” Through this passage, we learned from Philip that a Bible teacher must obey God's leading, be willing to leave a place of success and comfort, and go wherever God sends him, even if it means going to a “desert road” to meet one person. We also learned to listen carefully, begin where the person is, open the Scriptures, and lead the person to Jesus through one-to-one Bible study.
In the evening, after supper, we gathered in our Bible study groups to share our Bible testimonies. Some individuals were selected in each group to share their testimonies with the whole congregation. After listening to the testimonies, we had a talent show where groups and individuals showcased their God-given talents.
On the last day (Sunday) once again after breakfast, we gathered in our Bible study groups to study 1 Peter 2:1-9. Then, we listened to the message by Billy. The title of the message was “Chosen People.” Through this passage, we learned that God has made us His chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation, not merely for our own salvation but so that we may declare His praises to those around us. We were reminded that our identity in Christ gives us a mission: having been called out of darkness into His wonderful light, we are called to share His goodness with others.
During this Spring Conference, we were blessed to have Salohy from Madagascar in our presence. During the testimony-sharing session, she also shared her graceful testimony. We were also joined by Joshua and Daniel Suh (sons of Missionary Joshua Suh).
The three local ministry leaders are currently based in Durban, a city in the southeast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Despite their demanding work schedules, they made every effort to attend the conference, even when it meant arriving at midnight. We were deeply moved by their determination and sacrifice to participate in the conference.
Through the three Bible studies, we were reminded of our identity, calling and mission: we are God's chosen people and a royal priesthood; Jesus sends us into His harvest; and, like Philip, we are called to obey God's leading, meet people where they are, open the Scriptures, and lead them to Jesus.
Prayer Topics:
1. Books of Matthew and Ecclesiastes
2. To raise 40 shepherds/local ministry leaders by 2030
3. Bible Africa: Specifically, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland) Botswana and Madagascar
4. Godly marriages/House Churches
