Today for Tomorrow is rooting the next generation in Christ across Southern Africa
By Susan Akyeampong | Southern Africa in
Chris Maphosa and Mrs Fanja
Today for Tomorrow (T4T) is a ministry run by SIM across several Southern African countries- including South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar, Namibia, and Botswana. Its heart is with children aged 0 to 14, aiming to teach them about Christ and build strong Christian character from an early age. T4T works in partnership with local churches and pastors, reaching children from all walks of life, including those with disabilities and those living in poor communities.
The programme began with just five children when SIM mission worker Graham, Jessie and Chris Maphosa saw a gap in how children were being discipled. While serving in Zimbabwe, Chris and colleagues developed the T4T training programme to help pastors and teachers share Christ-centered lessons in ways children could understand. Today, the ministry has grown significantly and continues to shine across the region.
A seed planted in childhood led Wilfred to full-time ministry
One of the many people whose lives have been deeply impacted by the T4T ministry is Wilfred Gonese. He first joined the programme at the age of 9 and later became a volunteer, helping to reach other children with the love of Christ. Sensing a call to full-time ministry, Wilfred went on to study at Bible college and has since graduated, now preparing to serve as a pastor.
As older Christians, we have an important role to play in nurturing faith in the next generation, because God has plans and purpose for every child’s life. T4T helps equip churches, pastors and volunteers like Wilfred to disciple children in their communities through structured, Christ-centred lessons.
Mrs Fanja sees discipleship as something to begin at home
In Madagascar, Mrs Fanja, a grandmother and community leader, was so encouraged by the T4T training that she felt compelled to start teaching straight away.
“I never had this kind of training in my life. I will begin by teaching my 12 grandchildren at home before sharing it with my church and community. I have grown as a leader, a mother, and a grandmother.”
Her story shows how the T4T discipleship training doesn't just equip people for church ministry. It builds up whole families and prepares everyday believers to pass on faith within their own homes.
Teachers are helping young people find their worth in Christ
Through T4T’s structured lessons, teachers are helping children and teens discover who they are in Christ. One teacher shared how two particular lessons: I Am Special and I Accept Myself, have been especially meaningful for the teenagers she works with.
“Many children have low self-esteem or feel unloved. When we taught them that they are special and should accept themselves as they are, something changed. One girl even said, ‘I accept myself because I am special.’ These lessons bring light where there was once only pain.”
The training gives teachers practical tools to help children and teens process real struggles through the truth of the gospel bringing healing, confidence, and hope to a generation in need.
How can you support T4T?
To continue this vital ministry, T4T is now preparing to revise and update its training materials. The goal is to create a second edition of the teacher training manual and six lesson books for children. The cost of this important work is $5,000 USD, and donations are being prayerfully welcomed. To contribute, the project number is #96393 or Ministry Number 040234.
T4T has been a light in many children's lives, introducing them to Jesus and giving them a foundation of faith and hope. Updating the materials will help that light shine brighter for the next generation.
“In him we live and move and have our being.” - Acts 17:28 (ESV)
Because He lives, I live.
Please pray:
- That the children coming through the T4T programme would encounter the love of Jesus, understand the truth of the gospel, and grow in a strong, lifelong faith that shapes their future
- For the pastors, teachers, and volunteers, like Wilfred and Fanja, who are faithfully sharing God’s word. Pray they would be encouraged, equipped, and guided by the Holy Spirit as they shape the next generation.
- For the funds needed to update and improve the T4T training materials, so that even more children and churches can be reached with clear, Christ-centred teaching.
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