August Youth Spotlight is here!

Zablon Kariuki Murage

Age: 19

Corps: Kathaka Corps

Favorite Food: Ugali

Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 17:5

As an active member of the Kathaka Corps, Zablon has become a wonderful example of a God-fearing young man with a moving testimony. Before coming to know Christ, earthly pleasures and even drug addiction had a stronghold on Zablon. However, God claimed victory of his life and rescued him from the slavery of sin! Now he is encouraged by the life obtained in Jesus Christ and desires to remain faithful in serving Him. Zablon is a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Praise and Worship team at his Corps where he can apply his talent of song composing. He enjoys The Salvation Army's ministry through Gospel Dance and believes this is a great way to motivate youth to embark on the journey of serving the Lord. He also loves youth fellowships where the young people can encourage each other with prayer and guidance. Zablon is optimistic about his future in serving God and about Kenya's future as well. He believes with confidence that Kenya will join him in rejoicing before the King and serving Him.

If you want to know more information about Youth Spotlight or know of a potential nominee, contact your DO, DC, or DYO for a nomination form, or contact the THQ youth department for more details.

Kathiani District Hosts Kenya East United

"Kenya East United" was successfully hosted in the Kathiani District on Saturday, September 12th. There were snacks, worship, fellowship, games, and discussion for the over 70 young adults who attended from 17 different Corps. This was our largest turnout yet! Everyone had a great time getting to know others from different Corps in the district and learning some things about God together.

As always, the theme for the meeting was "commitment." Each young adult filled out a "commitment card" and agreed to pray for two others and their commitment to Christ. They will also be calling each other to make sure they are staying true to their commitment.

We were so blessed by the great turnout and the variety of different Corps in attendance. Kathiani District's youth ministry is flourishing and we were so lucky to be a part of it. If you are a young adult and desire to have "Kenya East United" in your division or district contact your DYO and we can come out for a fun-filled Saturday!

The Territorial Commander Visits Machakos Youth Congress

On the last weekend in August, as students were getting ready to go back to school, Machakos Division held a youth congress where hundreds of youth came together to compete in dance, choir, and timbrels competition and to hear a message from the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Anzeze. There were wonderful presentations from many different Corps on Saturday, followed by a joint Sunday open-air, march past, and holiness meeting lead by the TC with youth from Machakos Division, Kibwezi Division, Makueni District, and Kilome District.

The Commissioner had many encouraging words to say to the countless youth from these districs and divisions and they were blessed by his message. The day was a memorable one for everyone involved and the youth of these four areas have gone back to their homes and schools spiritually refreshed. Thank you Commissioner Anzeze!

Kenya East Youth T-Shirts!!

The Kenya East Youth t-shirts are here! Come and get yours so you can proudly represent The Salvation Army youth in Kenya. The t-shirts cost only ksh. 280 each and come in three different colors (green, pink, beige) and different sizes (S, M, L, XL) so you can choose what's best for you! The youth department will be selling them at all youth meetings that we attend and any youth seminars. Tell your Corps Officer or DYO if you want one and we can find a way to get them to you. If we are coming to your district or division be prepared to get your very own Kenya East Youth t-shirt!

Youth Seminar in Meru is a Big Hit!

Meru District hosted a youth seminar for all the young people in the District the second week of August. The seminar was mid-week so as to be able to get as many delegates as possible while they are on break. Because of this, over 150 young people of all ages showed up to Kangoro Corps for a fun filled four days!

From Tuesday to Friday there was a lot going on. The delegates worshiped God with singing and dancing, they learned through some good lessons, they were convicted by some intense messages, and they showed their talents through gospel dance, timbrels, and singing. The youth were lead and looked after by a wonderful bunch of officers who really show their dedication to the youth.

On Wednesday night we all went for a crusade at a small shopping center nearby. After an intense march we arrived for the program - dancing, singing, timbrels, testimony, and an alter call by the TYS Captain Khayumbi. The community was blessed as there were many people watching and listening to the proceedings. The delegates returned for a movie and rest.

At the end we were sad to go and leave all of our new friends but we left very grateful for the wonderful hospitality of the Corps and the District. We pray that everyone there left with some greater understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ and will be ready to be an active disciple.

Coast Division Hosts a Wonderful Youth Seminar!

On the weekend of August 7th, 8th, and 9th over 275 youth from all over Coast Division came together in Mombassa to enjoy a great weekend youth semiar full of fun and excitment. We all came expecting to meet new friends, learn new things about God and being a Christian, and to enjoy some impressive performances. No one was disappointed!

Things got started Friday as delegates from many different Corps arrived from far and wide (especially Nzukini Corps!) to Likone Corps in Mombassa. Everyone was excited to see that so many youth were coming (although the cooks were getting nervous :) ). By the time lessons started on Saturday, all the youth had arrived and were ready to go!

TYS Captain Khayumbi started things off with a message about Jesus' attitude towards youth and how we should have the same attitude and realize he loves us too. Then the youth broke up by ages into their different lessons. Among other things they learned about being a soldier in The Salvation Army, Corps Cadets, scouts, discipleship, being a full body witness, leadership, purity, and stress managment. We love teaching the lessons and we know that God will use them to form the youth into the people He wants them to be.

One of the exciting things about this seminar was it was the first place that the new "Kenya East Youth" t-shirts were being sold. The kids were excited to purchase them and show off with pride that they are a part of The Salvation Army!

As the lessons ended the dancing, singing, and acting began! Many different Corps presented gospel dances, choir selections, and poems. Some of the dances even had acting incorporated into them! Everyone enjoyed seeing the different groups perform and the applause was loud after each presentation. Each Corps even got tips from an adjudicator on their performance. It was a packed, busy day and everyone was ready to get some rest by nightfall.

Sunday featured a march and open air meeting where the ferries from Mombassa Island load and unload thousands of people each day. We then had a meeting with Likone Corps and people from other Corps, including all the delegates. It was a great service highlighted by a gospel dance that had three members from each Corps doing their version of the same song together! If you are confused, go to the videos section and see it for yourself!

After the meeting concluded we all had to say goodbye and go our seperate ways. Likone Corps did such a great job hosting the event and everyone was so appreciative of the job they did. Our prayer is that the kids from Coast Division will go home with a deeper relationship with Christ and a better idea of what he wants for them. We pray that they will all become Godly, active disciples of Christ!