3) Mentoring the Next Generation
In the United States, our activities frequently focus on our children, their interests, and their activities. But in Africa, that is not the case. In some areas, children are not even named until they reach an older age when survival is more likely. Their birthdays are not celebrated, and many do not go to school. Their role is to help support the family by gathering wood and water.
Yet, we know that today’s youth will be tomorrow’s leaders. This is especially important throughout Africa because approximately 40% of the population is comprised of children under 15. So, we train leaders to begin educating parents on the needs and value of children. Then, they decide what their children need and how to teach it. For example, some areas offer Vacation Bible School, and others have started preschools and Sunday school classes to teach Biblical truths.
Over 50,000 children are invested in annually because of the Possibilities Africa training that starts with the Bible. We also focus on casting a vision to the kids about how they can have a better tomorrow. At this age, we focus on their spiritual growth, personal responsibility, and economic possibilities so that they can become change agents in their families, communities, and countries.
An outcome of this ministry model we see is communities that are motivated and equipped to minister beyond children to orphans, the disabled, and widows.
