From Sylvester Jammeh, National Director of Youth for Christ
We are constantly being reminded of the lyrics of the song “Ancient of days, as old as you are, as old as you are; you will never change.” God is faithful! We pour out our hearts to Him in gratitude for all He is doing in and through us. Considering all that has happened in the last 6 months, we cannot help but say “this is the finger of the Lord at work!”
Youth for Christ in Gambia is especially thankful to our German and Canadian partners – God is your reward!
DISCIPLESHIP
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
– 2Timothy 2:2
Youth for Christ has a new group of 40 young people in the discipleship program and we hope that in due season, these ones can also disciple others. This is the life machine of the ministry.
SOCIAL INVOLVEMENT
In the past six months, Youth for Christ received five volunteers from Germany and Canada who served in several schools (nursery, primary and vocational schools) teaching English, math and sharing their faith among many non-believers.
God is opening doors to the hospitals. Three of the volunteers mentioned above served at the Serrekunda Hospital – assisting nurses in different wards.
Youth for Christ also took part in one of the national cleansing days; we helped clean the Serrekunda Police station, destroying some mosquito breeding grounds.
Zoe day care/Nursery and Primary school
The school Youth for Christ started last year September is growing and bringing liberation and empowerment to many children. 90% of the children are sponsored and we are still seeking sponsors for many more children who roam the streets daily because their parents can’t afford to send them to school. We are grateful to our German partners for sponsoring about 30 students.
Adult Literacy Program
The adult literacy program is taking shape and bringing light to over 35 adults who did not have the opportunity to attend school. The teachers are encouraged as these adult students diligently show up at the Youth for Christ centre two days a week to acquire skills. The teaching sessions give volunteers an opportunity to share the message of reconciliation and pray with those who need the potter’s touch in their lives.
Sports
Youth for Christ organized a football tournament for youngsters in the neigbourhood. Four teams were involved.Youth for Christ in Canada provided the balls and sporting outfits for the team. The participants were also shown a movie at the Youth for Christ centre which we hope will bring about a reconstruction in their souls. The gospel was shared at different levels of the tournament.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
God has provided Youth for Christ with many opportunities to equip young leaders in diverse institutions with leadership skills. In the past 6 months Youth for Christ interacted with 83 leaders in different institutions including The Gambia University student leaders. We are grateful to John and Evelyn Brinkman from Canada for partnering with us as we trained the university folks. These leadership sessions also give us opportunities to establish meaningful relationships with students, which yield many positive results.
EVANGELISM
Evangelism is an ongoing activity in the ministry. It is part and percel of our adult literacy program, leadership development seminars and social involvement activities in schools and communities. In the month of April however, in partnership with Scripture Union and Gamfes, Youth for Christ carried out a Jesus March along the busiest streets proclaiming the message of reconciliation. Two gave their lives to Christ and many rededicated their lives to Him.
PARTNERSHIP/NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The Youth for Christ land in Brufut has been fenced and ‘gated’ with the incomparable support of our Canadian partners who visited in January and April. Our goal is to build a skill centre there for the youth of Brufut.