Since September 2009, I have partnered with the International Assemblies of God (IAG) to assist with developing their National Youth Ministries (NYM). The foundation was laid as I (with the help of Jessica White, Missionary Associate from 2010-2011) did Youth Leadership Trainings in all 11 districts of the IAG in 2010. Then in 2011 we were able to hold elections for a National Youth Committee (7 members). For over a year, I worked alongside the NYM Committee teaching and training them.
Now that the National Youth Committee is in place—my focus (for my return to South Africa in 2014) has moved towards other areas that will strengthen the NYM and reach the youth of South Africa. One of these areas is Chi Alpha—which is a ministry that reaches University students. My desire is to partner with local IAG pastors and churches to help them reach the campuses near them. Youth Alive is another ministry that we want to develop to teach young people how to reach their fellow students at Secondary Schools (High Schools). To give you just one more idea of another area—that is yet to be developed is Youth Bible Quiz. The children’s ministries have already begun Junior Bible Quiz. As the children graduate to the youth department, we want to have Youth Bible Quiz established to allow yet another way to disciple our young people. These are just a few of the ministries which the NYM hopes to develop.
Now that the National Youth Committee is in place—my focus (for my return to South Africa in 2014) has moved towards other areas that will strengthen the NYM and reach the youth of South Africa. One of these areas is Chi Alpha—which is a ministry that reaches University students. My desire is to partner with local IAG pastors and churches to help them reach the campuses near them. Youth Alive is another ministry that we want to develop to teach young people how to reach their fellow students at Secondary Schools (High Schools). To give you just one more idea of another area—that is yet to be developed is Youth Bible Quiz. The children’s ministries have already begun Junior Bible Quiz. As the children graduate to the youth department, we want to have Youth Bible Quiz established to allow yet another way to disciple our young people. These are just a few of the ministries which the NYM hopes to develop.
Here is a glimpse of what Youth Ministry in South Africa involves...
Youth Leadership Training Seminars- Training leaders in Youth Ministry in every district of the IAG in South Africa. Recently we also developed a Train the Trainer Program to multiply our efforts by training trainers who will train youth leaders. The Train the Trainer Program covers the following topics in Youth Ministry: (1) The Survival Guide to Youth Ministry (2) Leading by Example (3) Vision & Planning (4) Disciple Now (5) Evangelism Explosion
National Youth Ministries- Everything that is done has been to develop the National Youth Ministries. In July 2011, the National Youth Committee was elected (far right photo). Since then I have been working alongside the committee members to develop the National Youth Ministries.
One of the exciting developments of NYM is Plant to Harvest (PTH). This is a missions giving program similar to Speed-the-Light (USA). In order for there to be a harvest, there must be seed planted. The youth of the International Assemblies of God South Africa can help bring in the harvest of souls to the glory of the Kingdom of God. Through our different missions projects, the seeds are being planted to produce a great harvest. For example, by giving to our Bible Schools we are raising up pastors, evangelists, and missionaries who will take the gospel to those who have not yet heard.
One of the exciting developments of NYM is Plant to Harvest (PTH). This is a missions giving program similar to Speed-the-Light (USA). In order for there to be a harvest, there must be seed planted. The youth of the International Assemblies of God South Africa can help bring in the harvest of souls to the glory of the Kingdom of God. Through our different missions projects, the seeds are being planted to produce a great harvest. For example, by giving to our Bible Schools we are raising up pastors, evangelists, and missionaries who will take the gospel to those who have not yet heard.
Youth Rallies- Preaching, leading discussions, and coordinating games at youth rallies that last 1-3 days throughout the whole of South Africa.
Youth Camps- Traveling to different parts of South Africa spending 4-7 days with the youth. These camps have consisted of preaching, leading discussions on purity, modesty and relationship issues as well as the Holy Spirit, and coordinating the games for the camp.
Purity Talks- Getting youth together to discuss issues such as; relationships, purity, modesty, and secret sins. Some of these topics are discussed as a group while at other times boys and girls are separated to better meet their needs.
Reaching the Universities- Equipping local pastors, churches and young people to reach the university students near them. Encouraging on-campus evangelism & Bible studies.
Reaching the Secondary Schools (High Schools)- Encouraging the youth of our churches to be Christ's Ambassadors to their peers at school. Local churches are committed to pray for their students. The youth are commissioned to be a "missionary" to their schools. School assemblies and before/after school "Youth Alive" groups are also encouraged.
Mission Teams- As ministry opportunities allow, mission teams are welcome to visit South Africa. In 2011 & 2012, Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW) Chi Alpha Ministry & The Point Young Adult Ministry partnered with our national church to reach the University of Limpopo. In 2012 I also had the joy to host Pastors Josh & Charissa Stephens from Capital Christian Center in Indianapolis, IN. If you are interested in coming on a mission trip, please email me at sarah.careins@agmd.org
Compassion- Showing the love of Jesus through compassion. During Christmas 2010 & 2011, Cry Africa asked me to partner with them to help those affected by HIV and AIDS in the Venda region of South Africa. We were able to minister to many with HIV/AIDS as well as orphans and vulnerable children.
Resource Development- Developing youth resources for Africa has been one of the biggest tasks. The journey began in 2010 as we revised a book to South African context which we now call "The Youth Leader's Training Manual." The first printing was funded by BGMC. Then with the help of Light for the Lost (LFTL), we were also able to fund the printing of youth evangelism tracts and "The 21st Century Discipleship Series." The "Train the Trainer" program (mentioned under trainings) was also a huge undertaking as this curriculum was written and now made available to all missionaries in Africa.
