The first ever “Africa Ablaze” Youth Conference was held at Africa Nazarene University (ANU) from 20-24 August as part of ANU’s on-going mission to change the face of Africa for Christ. Two hundred and thirty delegates from fourteen African countries joined excellent pastors, academics, and business leaders who gave presentations on personal purity and holiness, male-female relationships, dealing with the mass media, integrity versus corruption, and other issues relevant to African young people. Mr Kenneth Phiri, Africa Regional NYI President, was present for the length of the conference leading breakout sessions and meeting with Nazarene youth leaders. Africa Regional Director Dr Eugénio Duarte delivered an inspiring Sunday morning message.

Delegates testified about how Africa Ablaze changed their lives and empowered their ministries in the Sunday evening praise service and in email messages submitted after returning to their home countries and districts. Some of the comments follow.

“It was a great experience for me to be part of Africa Ablaze. The impact it had on me was amazing. Africa Ablaze was a divine appointment for me and I am glad I went. I am no longer the same.” – Kenneth Phiri, Africa Regional NYI President

“The Africa Ablaze Youth Conference was a blessing for me and all people from the French-speaking countries. Most of the delegates from French speaking countries were so afraid because our English is very poor, so when the other participants came, all of these walls started to fall down, and that happened because we are one in God, and that makes us very happy.” - Milly Ibanda, Africa French Equatorial Field YIM Coordinator and NYI leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo

“I am convinced that my life will never be the same. I am glad that skills and teachings I have learned, especially in leadership, will be of great benefit to the youth in Uganda Central District. [As a result of Africa Ablaze] the entire community and church in Uganda is already set ablaze.” - Bogere Seezi, NYI vice president, Uganda Central District

“I want to thank the Almighty God for this conference. I have been rejuvenated in my soul and my vision made clear. I have been lit ablaze. I am going to influence the youth in my generation both in church and out of the church as a whole.” - Mr Stephen Kilonzo Rep, NYI President, Kenya Eastern District

“…all I have learned will bear fruits unto the Kingdom of God, as I keep the fire burning. [The conference] prepared me in lighting the world through servant leadership. I know that no matter how dark it is a small amount of light can still make a big difference.” - George Kadesha, NYI President, Tanzania Central District

“I am grateful to have had a chance of attending the Africa Ablaze Conference where I have been blessed and refined through the burning message. I want to lead by example, by lighting the image of Christ to the youth, and organizing them to win people to Christ and to be effective in the youth ministry.” - Juma Eliud Paschal, NYI President, Tanzania Northwest District

“It has been a great honour to attend Africa Ablaze Conference at ANU with its theme ‘Light the World Through Servant Leadership’ which has been an impact on my life as a leader. I am commissioned to give servant leadership to the world by becoming the fire that burns and purifies. It has also been a good thing because I have been able to meet other Nazarene servant leaders and shared great times together for His glory.” - Matthan Muyela, NYI President, Kenya Central District

Conference delegates and many others who were unable to attend have asked for immediate details about the next Africa Ablaze Conference. ANU is pleased to announce that the next Africa Ablaze Conference will be held on the ANU campus in April of 2010.

Youth and youth workers interested in being part of this ANU-led youth movement are encouraged to contact assistant chaplain Constantine Magaya cmagaya@anu.ac.ke or University counsellor Simon Kangethe Mwangi SMWANGI@anu.ac.ke to be added to a communication list. Watch the ANU web site at www.anu.ac.ke for additional information about speakers and registration details.

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