GYC Conference: One in Hope and Doctrine

July 2024 will be etched in memory as a milestone moment for young Seventh-day Adventists in Africa. Kenya became a vibrant hub of spiritual enlightenment and fellowship as the campus of Adventist University of Africa hosted the inaugural Generation. Youth. Christ (GYC) Africa Conference.

Despite the backdrop of the so-dubbed Gen Z Political Reform protests in Kenya, the conference, themed “One,” achieved a remarkable feat — uniting hundreds of young Adventists from 17 countries across the continent. With a shared desire to deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to God’s mission, these young leaders came together in a powerful display of unity and purpose.

Sessions, Workshops, and Sermons

The conference was organized, with a blend of worship sessions, workshops, and sermons. Each day began with early morning devotionals, setting a contemplative tone for the activities of the day. Participants had the opportunity to engage in intensive Bible studies, prayer sessions, and discussions on contemporary issues facing the Adventist community.

One of the conference’s standout moments was the opening sermon delivered by Steven Conway, pastor of the Troy Seventh-day Adventist Church in Troy, Michigan, United States. With conviction and passion, he emphasized the urgent need for spiritual revival and the vital role young people play in advancing the global mission of the church.

Building on this theme, Jongimpi Papu’s presentations on “One in Charity” skillfully addressed common misconceptions about love. Through insightful biblical exposition, he offered clear guidance on God’s expectations for our relationships — loving Him, ourselves, and our neighbors with authenticity, sincerity, and without expectations of reciprocation from others.

The conference also featured a diverse range of workshops, tackling topics such as effective leadership in the church, navigating modern society’s challenges while maintaining one’s faith, and more. Led by experienced pastors and lay leaders from various African countries, these sessions equipped attendees with practical tools, valuable insights, and real-life examples to enhance their personal and spiritual growth.

A Sense of Community

In addition to spiritual nourishment, the event fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among the attendees. The cultural gala, afterglow, and music concert allowed participants to connect with like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and form lasting friendships.

The event reached its climax with a powerful closing ceremony, featuring a music concert and a special moment with GYC Africa leaders. They announced “Much More” as the theme for the 2025 conference and revealed Nigeria as the next host country. Delegates departed with testimonies of profound renewal and inspiration, eager to return to their communities with a strengthened resolve to live out their faith. The corporate Adventist Church supported the event, with East-Central Africa Division (ECD) president Blasious Ruguri attending with his leadership team.

Various supporting ministries offered their support, demonstrating a united commitment to the event’s success. Notably, the Adventist University of Africa proved to be a fitting venue for such an event, providing a conducive environment that fostered deep spiritual connections and growth among participants.

One in Mission

GYC Africa 2024 was more than just an event; it was a call to young Adventists to rise and shine as beacons of hope in their communities. Through the Mission Outreach activities organized during the conference, an average of 1,420 people were reached each day, with literature distributed and Bible studies offered in malls, markets, hospitals, and schools. Attendees departed with the spirit of revival, determined to make a tangible impact in their spheres of influence.

In partnership with the ECD and other organizations, a series of missions were conducted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia from July 7 to 27. The fruits of these efforts are evident: at least 1,292 baptisms have been reported, with hundreds more enrolling in Bible classes across all 18 mission sites, marking the beginning of their Christ-led journeys.

One in Charity

Empowered by their mission to transform African communities through wholistic ministry, GYC Africa’s efforts embodied Christ’s method of compassionate service. The GYC Africa team set up free medical camps across various sites. These camps offered a range of services, such as general consultation, dental care, optical services, dermatology care, reproductive and women health services (OB/GYN), blood screening and donation, tuberculosis and HIV testing, mental health and counseling services, pediatric care, and more. The clinics catered to more than 1,500 patients.

The medical outreach included 17 free cataract surgeries, two pterygium excisions, and the distribution of 260 pairs of reading glasses.

In addition to medical care, GYC Africa’s team engaged in a classroom construction project at Nkararo Primary School in Narok, Kenya, leaving a lasting impact on the community. In the coastal region of Kenya, a Muslim-dominated area, the team donated 20 fishing nets to local youth and provided 200,000 Kenyan shillings (about US$1,550) in seed capital for a poultry project to empower women. Through these acts of service, GYC Africa nurtured communities spiritually, physically, socially, and economically, inspiring positive change and faithful discipleship.

Much More for 2025

The success of GYC Africa 2024 is a testament to the power of collective worship and the enduring strength of the Adventist community in Africa. Now leaders are looking forward to “Much More,” the theme for the second continental GYC Africa Conference in Nigeria in 2025.

Generation.Youth.Christ is a nonprofit supporting ministry and is not operated by the corporate Seventh-day Adventist Church.