Kenya East Youth Introduces "Youth Spotlight"

The THQ Youth Department is introducing "Youth Spotlight," a space on this website dedicated to highlighting youth within the Kenya East Territory. We know there are young Salvationists doing great things in the name of the Lord and we want to acknowledge them! There will be one boy and on girl selected every month. DC's, DO's, DYO's, and all local officers are encouraged to nominate youth within their division/district or corps/outpost whose lives are demonstrating the work of the Holy Spirit within. This may include exceptional participation in the Corps, challenges one has overcome, and/or consistent evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. Sharing these personal testimonies will not only encourage the ones being acknowledged to hold fast and not grow weary in doing what is good (Galatians 6:9) but will also be a witness to those who are striving for obedience in their own lives. We have selected the first two young people for the month of July. May you be blessed by their stories!

Simon Muinde Kitonyi

Age: 25

Corps: Kyamutwoii Corps - Kithomgoni Outpost
Favorite Food: Githeri

Verse: 2 Peter 3:10-11

Simon has attended The Salvation Army since he was young where he has been a Jinior Sergeant, Corps Cadet, Choir Master, bandsman, and worship team member at his Corps. In his teens Simon fell away from God. In 2005 he heard Christ and desired to follow him again. During 2008 he finally gave himself totally to God after hearing a radio message and reading in Hebrews. God is now teaching him to be patient and obedient. Now Simon has been asked to lead his own outpost as a Sergeant-in-Charge which could lead to him hopefully serving as an officer someday. He like The Salvation Army because he feels there is good leadership and the way they worship. Simon would ultimately like to see all of Kenya worship in Spirit and in Truth.

Peninnah Osoth

Age: 19

Corps: Congo Corps

Verse: Luke 6:38

Since hearing a sermon in High School about breaking out of the camp of sin and ignorance, Peninnah has decided to follow Jesus Christ whole-heartedly, seeking comfort and fefuge in the Lord even in times of trouble. Currently God is teaching her that she is a chosen disciple called to be a soul-winner and co-worker with Christ. Born and raised in The Salvation Army, she desires to fulfill this calling and follow her parents' exaple in becoming a full time servant of God as a Salvation Army officer. At her Corps she participates in Sunday School and choir, and is a very active Corps Cadet, turning in all her lessons! She says that the Army is a great witness in Kenya. She hopes that in the future her country will acknowledge God as their pillar and join her in worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth!

Psychosocial Support in Kenya East is Thriving!

An important part of the youth department in this Territory is PSS. To keep you informed, here is a little about this wonderful program:

The Salvation Army Psychosocial Support (PSS) Program was initiated in Kenya to assist communities accept and respond to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children as well as to develop relationship, skill, and spiritual capacities in the youth while attempting to facilitate reconciliations and family reunion. PSS was designed and tailored to accommodate all children and youth with different behavior patterns. It is a devised strategic approach used to activate the sense of self awareness and motivate the willingness to challenge one's own weaknesses. PSS facilitators are well trained to bring out the real personality in children and youth through counseling and capacity development. This program has reshaped the lives of many young people! After participating in this program, some of the young people have even chosen to serve God as full time pastors and many more are either in the Officers Training College or accepted entry. It is of this movement that one youth said, "The Salvation Army is the only church that penetrates to regions where no other churches go!" Hallelujah!

Recently, after spending the whole day training the young people on Psychosocial Support concepts, Eric Brown (head of PSS at THQ) and his team went out of the walls and held a PSS Kids and Youth Club at the Fourteen Falls Picnic Site in Donyo Sabuk in Thika District.

The theme verse for Psychosocial Support is found in Eccl. 12:1-2: "Remember now your Creator in the days or your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, 'I have no pleasure in them.'"

Future Officers Get Youth Training

During the last week in April, the first year cadets gathered for a seminar to learn about one of the most important aspects of their role as future officers- YOUTH WORK! The THQ Youth Department and several other youth workers traveled to the National Officers Training College in Thika to give insight on the many programs and opportunities the Salvation Army offers to young people in East Kenya. These include Scouts, Junior Soldiers, Corps Cadets, Sunday School, and Psycho-social Support (PSS). The cadets also tried to pinpoint reasons why today’s youth leave the church, specifically the Salvation Army, and discussed what they can do differently to prevent this from happening.

The big hit was the last 45 minutes, as Quarry Road soldier Winnie, introduced the cadets to Gospel Dance. That’s right! Your future officers and leaders came together in the NOTC chapel and learned a full dance. Even the teachers and Captain Khayumbi joined in the fun. (Be sure to check out the video below!)

The two day seminar was very successful and the officers showed great passion for the YOU, the youth of Kenya and future of the Salvation Army, even vowing to bring an emphasis on youth work to their appointments and implement the ideas that they shared! Let us continue to keep them in our prayers as they devote their lives to full time ministry and work of the Lord.

For more information on youth activities or how to get involved, contact your Corps Officer.