‘7 Principles’ Australian resource discipling youth in Malawi
Did you know that when you purchase Youthworks discipleship resources, you’re enabling access to these same resources in the heart languages of developing countries?
The Youthworks resource, 7 Principles of Effective Youth Discipleship, comprises biblically derived theological principles which set out the priorities of a church that is effectively establishing young people as resilient disciples of Christ and members of his Church.
Over the past three years, Samuel Dewa, the Lake Malawi Diocesan Youth Coordinator, has witnessed the significant transformation among his diocese’s young people after he implemented the 7 Principles, using Youthworks’ translated Chewa language version. He says,
“I realised that to effectively disciple the youth in our diocese, we needed well-trained leaders in local churches to guide them. Once these leaders are in place, the other principles can be successfully implemented in their churches and communities.”
Samuel developed the one-year ‘Youth Leaders Internship Program,’ selecting potential leaders from various parishes and then meeting with them for training three times a year during school breaks. There is also a month-long summer camp where youth from different parishes come together to learn God’s word through relational discipleship and to practise short-term mission. By the end of the program, the bonds formed between the youth leaders and the young people are evident. These healthy relationships continue as they return to their local churches, helping them grow toward maturity in Christ. Samuel shares,
“My ministry among the youth has taken on new dimensions and is growing thanks to this resource, which has been a valuable catalyst for helping more young people grow in their faith and maturity in Christ.”
One young lady, Chimwemwe, shared how her life was completely transformed as a result of participating in this youth program. She came from a broken home, dropped out of school and became pregnant while still a teenager. As a struggling young single mother, Chimwemwe resorted to prostitution to support herself and her baby. When she joined the program, she discovered God’s love for the first time. She shares,
“I have given my life to Jesus, and I pray for God to help me avoid returning to my old ways. The Bible I have received from the program organisers will help me remain in touch with my new heavenly 'father'.”
Another amazing story of transformation is that of 17-year-old Edward. After losing his father, Edward developed behavioural issues and fell in with a bad crowd of drug users. After exhausting all other options, his mother sent him to the Lake Malawi Dicoese youth program. Naturally, Edward was reluctant to attend, and his mother was only able to persuade him by promising that the program included sightseeing activities.
Upon his arrival at camp, his behavioural issues quickly became apparent, but this did not deter the leaders. Samuel says,
“We believe that God accepts everyone, and it is our mission at the camp to provide that same acceptance and support. By God’s grace, within the first few days, this young man decided to give his life to the Lord. The change was immediate and visible—even leading to his request for a haircut so his appearance would reflect his new outlook.”
Edward’s mother says that her son has become a completely new person since returning home. He now helps her provide food for the family and encourages his siblings not to repeat his past mistakes. She is especially thankful that he is now a regular participant of their local church services and youth activities, an answer to her many years of faithful prayers.