Nairobi Youth Invade Machakos!

The youth from Nairobi Division really know how to have a good time! On the first weekend of May, eight buses of over 400 young people from Nairobi Division headed to Machakos for a much anticipated youth seminar. We all arrived excited to see what the weekend would bring.

The weekend started with an opening ceremony featuring a great devotion by the TYS Capt. Khayumbi. Then the lessons started immediately. There were lessons about different topics in The Salvation Army (being a Soldier, Corps Cadets, etc...), about practical living (purity, stress management, etc...), spiritual development (a whole body witness, discipleship, etc...), and knowing the truth (about marriage, drug use, etc...). We were excited to teach and the young people seemed excited to learn about these things and to put them into practice. On Friday there was also a little Gospel Dance mixed in to give everyone a taste of what was to come.

As the lessons came to a close on Saturday the contests/talent portion of the Seminar began. There were swimming races, a youth choir contest, a talent show featuring outrageous dramas and poetry, and seemingly most importantly, Gospel Dance competitions. Everyone involved glorified God with thier talents, be it swimming, singing, acting, or dancing. We were so impressed.

The eventful Seminar came to a close on Sunday with a convicting message bringing many youth to the mercy seat for prayer. The last thing that had to be done was handing out the trophies for the different events. The final results by Corps were:

Swimming (many participants)

First Place: Nairobi Central 95 marks
Second Place: Quarry Road 90 marks
Third Place: Nairobi Central 85 marks

Youth Choir (6 participants)

First Place: Quarry Road 88 marks

Second Place: Mathare 85 marks

Third Place: Laini Saba 82 marks

Junior Gospel Dance (10 participants)

First Place: Mathare 95 marks
Second Place: Quarry Road 89 marks
Third Place: Mashimoni 86 marks

Senior Gospel Dance (12 participants)

First Place: Quarry Road 90 marks
Second Place: Mathare 88 marks
Third Place: Makadara 86 marks

Overall (22 Corps)

First Place: Quarry Road 425 marks
Second Place: Mathare 371 marks
Third Place: Dandora V 234 marks

On our way back to Nairobi as we passed some buses full of Salvation Army kids we realized how fortunate all of us were to be able to go to Machakos and be gratiously hosted and have such a good time. We pray that God will help all who attended to keep whatever committments they made and live as true disciples of Christ!