SCAS Newsletter - November 2025

GLOBAL IMPACT 2025

In June, we had the privilege of hosting the interns of Global Impact 2025, eight from the United States, two from Kenya, two from Botswana, and one from Ghana. They were accompanied by four shepherds who offered mentorship and counsel throughout the program.

Over the course of the month, participants were trained and equipped to discover their true identity, develop sports ministry leadership skills, and gain the knowledge and spiritual grounding needed to create a lasting impact within their communities. The interns also had the opportunity to lead huddles, run camps, and participate in school and community outreach activities. They boldly shared their testimonies and the gospel, inspiring many through both their words and actions. It was a transformative time of ministry, growth, and impact for both the interns and the communities we served.

Testimonies

Thank you all for this life-altering trip. There was a lot of uncertainty within me when I first decided to go on my first mission trip to South Africa. Now I have no idea what my life would look like if I hadn't gone. Through SCAS, God has changed my life. Coming here, I have got to witness the beautiful and wonderful works of God. On this trip, I thought I would only be helping the community and watching God work around me, but now that we are at the end, I realize how much God has worked in me. I am hoping to stay in touch! Again, thank you, SCAS!” – (CJ Hawkins - Intern)

It has been a pleasure being here. South Africa will forever hold a special place in my heart. This place felt like home. Thank you for all your hard work and for organizing such a full month. We were able to connect with the Lord because of your faithfulness and obedience. (Jeremiah Marrero - Shepherd)

I am beyond grateful for all that you have done and continue to do. This trip has been life-changing for me, as I have grown both personally and in my walk with Christ. Nothing any of you have done goes unnoticed. Wishing you all the best. (Addie Hawkins - Intern)

OUTREACHES

The SCAS staff members are involved in numerous outreach activities in and around Stellenbosch, as well as in Strand and Somerset West. The most notable weekly ones are:

• Calling Academy, where we host Bible study groups for Grade 8 and Grade 10 boys, creating space for discipleship and spiritual growth. In addition, we are actively involved in coaching the U15 and U19 boys’ soccer teams. We were also involved in their Church Camp and Huddles.
• Stellenbosch High School, where we have a huddle ministry. Student-athletes from Grades 8-12 participate in a Bible study, fostering community and spiritual growth.
• Cloetesville Primary School, where we are involved with Life Orientation for Grade 6 and 7 learners. We cover topics like teamwork, strengthening values, and encouraging spiritual growth in Christ.
• We are involved with the HEY Project in four schools in Strand and Somerset West. We engage Grade 7 learners through the power of play, teaching values, building teamwork, and leading Bible studies that foster spiritual growth.
• Friday 5-a-side soccer program. This program brings together primary schools from the Stellenbosch area, with boys competing in the U/7, U/9, U/11, and U/13 age groups. We are privileged to coach the boys and serve as officials during their matches.
• The AITSA Aftercare Centre in Kylemore, where we do an after-school program for soccer (U11 and U13 boys) and trail running.

In addition, we provide support to several other upliftment and ministry-based initiatives, like the Pebbles Aftercare Centre, Usiko Sport & Ministry, Pearl Aftercare Centre, NG Church Farm Outreach, and Kuyasa basketball in Kayamandi.

Testimonies

I am incredibly grateful for everything you have done for us. I really enjoyed it. Please come visit Strand High School next year. (Grade 7 Learner)

We are deeply grateful for the time you took to spend with us. Your presence and guidance have helped us grow in our relationship with the Lord, and your words and actions have left a lasting impact. The bracelet you gave me will be a memorable keepsake that I’ll wear for a long time. Thank you (Grade 7 learner)

Thank you very much for a great term. We will miss you greatly, and we have learned a great deal from you, which has strengthened our faith in the process. (Grade 7 learner)

U/18 CRAVENWEEK

Middelburg High School hosted the U/18 Craven Week Rugby Tournament from 6-12 July 2025. South Africa's top 16 provincial rugby teams participate in the tournament, and we had the privilege of serving them again, as we have done for over 25 years.

The SCAS team, consisting of 20 volunteers (chaperones), served players, coaches, SARU officials, the local organizing committee (LOC), and support staff. Using our E3 strategy (Engage, Equip, Empower), the team modelled servant leadership, humility, excellence, and integrity. They encouraged and supported the players and coaches in finding their identity in Christ rather than in performance. We also facilitated daily devotionals and Bible studies to help players and coaches experience the love of Christ.

Many lives were transformed, and both athletes and coaches were positively influenced through the relational ministry that took place. New faith journeys started and are continuing through ongoing online follow-ups and local SCAS Huddles.

Testimonies

I had the privilege of asking a player to tell me his story. What he shared really touched my heart, and I realized this was the moment I needed to be here for. He tried to commit suicide two weeks before Craven Week. We both cried, and Jesus used me to minister to him. Three days after Craven Week, he sent me a voice note in which he shared how his life had changed through the devotions we had, the moments of prayer, and his experience of Jesus’s true love for the first time. He continued to share that over the past few days, he had felt the best and happiest he had felt in a very long time. It pushed him in the right direction, starting to have a relationship with Jesus, reading his Bible, and praying, as well as to make things right with the girl he was in a relationship with.

(Schalk Dippenaar – Chaperone)

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this impactful outreach. I’ve come to recognize that my current role is centered around connecting with coaches and fellow chaperones, fostering meaningful and spiritually enriching relationships. I am journeying with several coaches, following up with them in their walk of faith, and offering encouragement and affirmation as they grow in their relationship with God.

(Theo van Zyl - Outreach Leader)

FORWARD FOUNDATION SEVENS RUGBY TOURNAMENT

Forward Foundation hosted its annual invitational Sevens rugby tournament at the Markötter Sports Grounds on 1–2 November 2025. Over two action-packed days, amateur community teams and professional players converged for non-stop sevens rugby, displaying both raw talent and refined skill.

Nine SCAS chaperones had the privilege of serving the teams through various practical tasks and ensuring the smooth running of the tournament.

Testimonies

Serving at SCAS is a true glimpse of what it truly means to serve someone. To understand what Jesus really meant by washing another’s feet. It is amazing how close a bond you can form with people you have never met before, and how accepting they are once they realise that you are there to serve them. SCAS is a true embodiment of Leviticus 19:18. (Niel Smit – Chaperone)

To serve in sport this year at the Forward Foundation Sevens tournament was an absolute honour. The privilege of working with the ‘Blitzboks’ was one I will forever cherish and carry with me into my next endeavours. I had the opportunity to serve Christ through sport and to share my love and passion for the Gospel with the players around me. This opportunity was extremely valuable. (Jana van der Westhuizen – Chaperone)

The team I served faced various challenges and frequently had to dig deep to reach their goal. But through it all, regardless of the result, Jesus was praised and glorified while the relationships among a team of brothers were deeply forged. (Marco Mongia - Chaperone)

CAMPS

This year, we proudly hosted 12 SCAS camps and welcomed 51 additional camps to Die Eiland, our campsite. Our SCAS camps focused on servant leadership, teamwork development, and sessions on identity and mental toughness. It is wonderful that several top senior and junior schools have asked us to conduct training for their student councils.

Testimonies

The student council camp was an incredible experience for us! The students not only improved their leadership and teamwork skills but also had a great deal of fun and created memories that will last a long time. We look forward to being part of such an inspiring camp again next year. (Gansbaai Primary teacher)

TRAINING PROGRAMS

We offered different programs to various groups, schools, camps, coaches, and athletes.

• Life Skills, Coach-the-Coaches, and Whole Life Coaching
• Identity & Mental Toughness Sessions
• Teambuilding
• 3D Coaching Course
• All Ability workshops
• Youth Camps

Testimonies

My experience with the Whole Life Coaching sessions was truly rewarding. I gained valuable knowledge and practical tools from the SCAS staff that I can now apply when working with children and players. The program not only enhanced my growth but also strengthened my understanding of teamwork and collaboration. (Beautiful Gate Coach)