KELC YOUTH ASSEMBLY MEETS IN MALINDI
Forty youth leaders from all Parish and Mission areas converged in Malindi to deliberate and discuss on their role in the growth of the church. Meeting under the 1 Timothy 4:12 theme: Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. The youth engaged in tracing path towards resolving challenges affecting youth in Kenya.
Deacon Chambi gave keynote address on the role of the youth in the church. He urged the youth to make clear difference, follow Jesus to be called good disciples. He added that youth in traditional Africa set-up were tasked with various responsibilities in the society, such as provide security, being productive. He advised youth to be responsible in spreading the gospel, to serve in Christ and be ambassadors, attend worship service, ascend to leadership positions and give comments and advice in the church.
‘Defend dignity, bring peace among ailing communities, be productive by working hard and build trust’- said Deacon Chambi.
The KELC youth co-ordinator Mr. Jonathan Kapanga gave an overview of milestone the youth department had achieved during his short stint at the department. He mentioned poverty, drought, lack of education and access to the Ministry of Youth Development Fund as some of the greatest challenges faced by the KELC youth. ‘The department hasn’t been able to initiate income generating activities programs for the youth’ -lamented Jonathan.
Being optimistic on the future prospects of the youth Mr. Kapanga shared programs the department had planned for KELC youth. ‘We want to establish a scholarship fund specifically for youth’ said Kapanga. Citing that such a move will help empower the youth to make right and informed decisions.
He concluded by saying that the youth need to be represented in all church committees of the church to prepare youth in leadership noting that ‘we are the leaders of today and not tomorrow’.
The Assembly also provided a platform for the youth to be educated on issues of leadership, good governance, civil rights, transparency and accountability.
Youth General Assembly meets every two years the last one having been held in March 2007, and is attended by all youth chairpersons, Secretaries and Treasurers from all Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church Parishes and Mission areas. |
