Africa Area Update - October 2024

We present our latest monthly newsletter, highlighting the incredible testimonies of change fostered by our ministries in Africa. Your steadfast support has been instrumental in realising these achievements, and it fills us with joy to keep you informed about the uplifting developments across our continent. Stay tuned as we unveil more inspiring testimonies of transformation.

Ghana

Okai Felix Asante is a 2023 Young Catalyst Development Programme (YCDP) graduate who is now representing Africa on the Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB) together with David Imoleolu, a former YCDP graduate from Nigeria. He attended his first YLAB team meeting on 2nd August 2024 via Zoom. The meeting included introductions from Brandon Johnson, the Young Leaders Development Director and an address by International Director Dave Brereton, who outlined the purpose of YLAB and led a prayer. Attendees shared their backgrounds and faith journeys, while Brandon Johnson discussed the history of Youth for Christ and upcoming plans, including elections for Chair and Vice-Chair.

BURUNDI

Thacien Nsengumuremyi received his bachelor’s degree in leadership and governance from International Leadership University, Burundi. He dreams of continuing with a master’s degree to gain more acquaintances while still young, thus serving the Church and Burundi. Thacien was chosen by his peers and educators as a leader—a responsible and wise young man who has consistently offered advice to Homes of Hope’s little ones, caring for others and inspiring other young people to become impactful leaders. It is a joy for Euphrates (ND, Youth for Christ Burundi) and his family to raise a generation of godly leaders to transform society. Their dream is becoming a reality. They are grateful to all who support them in any way, celebrating this graduation together as a shared accomplishment. They are trusting that the Lord will provide for this young man who has dreams of furthering his education.

ANGOLA

 

During one of the ministry’s outreach activities, the staff met a young man named Adão. He was on his way to take his mother to the hospital when they offered to pray for her. Before they left, they shared with him that his mother could be saved by the same Jesus who has saved all of us from sin. A week later, Adão sought out one of them, asking, “What makes you so different? What do you have that I don’t? How can I be like you?” They shared the gospel with him, and he confessed his sins and accepted Jesus as his Savior. Adão is now being discipled in Lubango, Angola.

GUINEA-BISSAU

Noémia Noé Brandão is a fifteen-year-old girl who is currently taking the three-year Young Catalyst program from Youth for Christ. She has shown devotion and love for this program and a willingness to cooperate and serve as a volunteer at Youth for Christ. Noémia Noé Brandão expressed her gratitude for participating in the leadership training programme, thanking the Youth for Christ leadership team for the opportunity. She extended her appreciation to all the facilitators who shared their knowledge and experience. While she acknowledged her shyness, she noted that she is working to overcome it. Noémia emphasized that the 15 leadership skills taught are extremely important to her and will aid her in her leadership career. The two topics that stood out to her are Time Management and Servant Leadership. She has struggled in the past with managing time and often finds herself running late for programmes, meetings, etc. With the training, she learnt how to manage her time well as a leader. With the Servant Leadership training, she drew inspiration from Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. She has committed herself to applying all that she has learnt and sharing her knowledge with others.

 

Victor Gomes Junior went through the Young Catalyst Programme and was among the best. Since then, he has been working at Youth for Christ as an English teacher and serves with the Evangelism and Discipleship team at his local center. He was excited to be selected to participate in the Leadership training. Though he is more of an introvert, one of the things he learnt was that leaders should build good relationships with followers to enhance their influence. He feels strongly that he has great potential to be a strong leader, but he would need to step out of his comfort zone and apply what he has learnt. He is confident that with God’s help, he will achieve his goals.