Youth Ministry in Tabora

Bishop Elias writes...

The future of the Church is in the hands of the Youth. 50% of our congregations are under 20 years old so this is a vital ministry. Today young people in Africa are faced with many struggles and challenges, alongside poverty; they have to cope with the impact of HIV/Aids, Globalisation and environmental concerns. The vision of the Youth department is to ensure the provision of spiritual, mental and physical development of the young people. The mission is to build up the body of Christ all over the diocese so as to fulfil the great commission of Jesus Christ.

The Youth department is faced with many challenges and despite our lack of material resources, teaching materials, sports equipment and musical instruments we work hard at meeting the needs of the young people in order to prepare them for adult Christian life. In the past the department has organised Youth and Children camps which have been very successful. As a result of one camp forty children committed their life to Jesus. Parents have also remarked on how their children’s attitude and behaviour have improved.

Other current activities include organising games and sports for the young people. There have also been opportunities to do home crafts and join in choirs which the children have enjoyed. We offer a range of classes including Bible study, marriage and virginity classes. After a week course on virginity, 25 young ladies surrendered their life to Christ and every week some have been coming for counselling. Stewardship classes and HIV/Aids Awareness training have also been arranged.  As well as continuing the activities mentioned in the future we hope to offer training workshops for youth leaders in order to encourage and enable them to fulfil their calling. We also hope to run a big youth event on the theme of globalisation. Another aim is to raise awareness in our congregations of the challenges and pressures our young people are faced with today.  We encourage you to remember the many young people and our work with them in your prayers.