Let Me Introduce:

Our Loser of the Year!?

Seriously? Well, the group involved couldn’t decide on whether to use “Loser” or “Lifer”. It all centers around the key verse, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” Luke 9:23-24

These verses have been the foundation of an intense in-community discipleship program called Lose Your Life, (LYL) which Jay and I have led annually since 2017. It has proven to be a dynamic and transformative opportunity for many college-aged adults.

Students live in community, catering for themselves and practicing a “with Jesus” life, which this year included reading through all four Gospels using Discovery Bible Study, daily personal devotions, serving The Base community, outreach to the local college campus, prayer, hospitality, six hours of daily sessions, fun and games, physical fitness, and not least, Sabbath rest.

2024 was our smallest LYL group but what a great group. They engaged so well with the material related to critical keys of the Kingdom and a holistic approach to discipleship at the level of culture.

Here are some of their comments:

Munashe: “LYL has been impactful in all aspects of my life: spiritual, physical, financial, and emotional. I am on a journey of spiritual transformation and topics like Identity really set a good foundation towards that transformation.” The “most helpful servant” award.

Nomqhele: “The module on worldview impacted me the most. It has changed my perspective and beliefs. It has challenged me to have a Biblical worldview in contrast to the lies that society leads us to believe.”

LYL has impacted the fundamentals and foundations on which my life is based. I have been looking at life using blurry glasses, but the program has opened my eyes to see things clearly, using God’s word.” The “best listener”, and the “most responsible” award.

Iphithule: “I have learned that I can look to God in different situations or realities. I can change the lies that I have come to believe into the truth that God says. I have learned that my past does not define who I am, but God does. I now know that I am who God says I am.” The “best team player” award.

Confidence: I have gone through a life-changing experience during LYL and it has highly impacted my spiritual and physical well-being. I am so excited to re-enter the world with this new-found knowledge. I want to use it to grow my relationship with Christ and to bring other people to Christ.” The most “fun to live with” award.

The cherry on the cake for me was their Sunday commissioning service. Our preacher that day, Nyasha, was a graduate of our very first LYL. He is now in leadership in a significant local agricultural company and is representative of many LYL success stories. God is Good!