Young Life Africa Impact Report, 2021

I M P A C T R E P O R T 2021

J O I N T H E M O V E M E N T. C H A N G E L I V E S . I M P A C T E T E R N I T Y.

3

Mission and Vision

5

Where We Work

7

From the Field

11

Annual Impact

13

Our Model in Action

15

Stewardship

19

Meet the Team

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand..

ISAIAH 41 : 1 0 (E SV)

Dear friends, This past year, it was tempting to doubt the promises of God and give in to fear. Young Life Africa and Middle East staff, leaders and volunteers faced many challenges. Most countries had to postpone camp and cancel weekly clubs. Political divisions made it dangerous for young people to gather together. Many families lost jobs and didn’t have food, water and access to healthcare. Our mission also experienced tremendous loss and heartache with the passing of our friend and brother, James Davis, vice president of Africa West.

Our response to this is to continue to trust the Lord because of His great love for His people. We have been declaring God’s faithfulness and clinging to scriptures like 1 Samuel 7:12, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” We remember the vision from the Lord given to Papa Deo, one of the first Young Life staff in Africa. Twenty years ago, at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, he saw flames rising up in every African country to join together as one big flame. This year we witnessed sparks in South Sudan, Burkina Faso and Congo Brazzaville — sparks that we have hope will grow into a flame. Our mission to transform Africa and the Middle East through Jesus-centered, disciple-making leaders continues to thrive. In fact, we have incredible stories to tell!

Teenagers from all walks of life are being transformed by the gospel. And now, as communities begin to open, we take the renewed focus of innovative gospel proclamation and deeper personal relationships with us. We’re dreaming and praying about reaching the next teenager in the next city.

We want to sincerely thank you. Your prayers and partnership this year lifted and upheld us.

Perhaps more than ever, we realize that we were never meant to do this ministry alone. So with renewed and hopeful hearts, we move forward — “pamoja, pamoja” (together, together).

Martin Wamalwa Vice President

Africa East

Alexis Kwamy Vice President Africa South

James Mungai Kamau Vice President Africa West

Snapshots of 2021 64,739 TEENAGERS IN AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST heard the gospel from a Young Life leader by phone.

TEEN MOMS IN KENYA experienced the tangible love of God through a surprise visit and meal from their leaders.

TEENAGERS IN ETHIOPIAN PRISONS played soccer with Young Life leaders, who shared the gospel with them.

THE YOUNG LIFE COMMUNITY IN RWANDA united to rebuild the wall of a leader’s home and now use the home to host club and Campaigners.

O U R M I S S I O N is to introduce young people to Jesus Christ

and help them grow in their faith. O U R V I S I O N is simple: we make disciples, one kid at a time. As the Lord continues to uphold us, we will not stop until every kid across Africa and the Middle East has heard the gospel. Explore our Impact Report and see how you can partner with us.

S I N CE 2 016 In 2020, there were

• OV ER 75, 5 00 P H YSI CAL BIBLE S have been distributed to kids across Africa and the Middle East.

1 . 3 B I L L I O N PEO PL E on the continent of Africa, with an average age of 19 years.

• OV ER 3, 5 00 AU DI O B I B LE S in 46 languages have been shared with local teens.

is under the age of 15 years

ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIPS WITHIN

77%

48,432

is under the age of 35 years

F I V E-Y E A R FORWA RD GOA LS (20 1 7-2 022)

Anglican Church Catholic Church Apostolic Church Vineyard Church Assemblies of God

20,000 VO LU NT EER LEADERS BY 2022

continues to grow. Partners from

Currently: 11,207 volunteer leaders

around the world ask God to carry out His mission through this ministry.

Lutheran Church In the Middle East/North Africa region, Young Life works with 4 very different people groups:

1 Jewish communities in the south of Israel

Individual staff meet regularly with a Raised $288,342 of our one million dollar goal indigenously from Africa and the Middle East (as of 7/1/2021)

remote “Barnabas Partner” to pray for and encourage one another. Local in-country prayer partners attend camps, club and leadership meetings to pray over these communities.

2 Arab-Israeli communities in the north of Israel 3 Palestinian communities in the West Bank 4 Muslim communities in North Africa

Our team of prayer intercessors

FAST FACTS

41%

of the current African population

AND

Hard copies in 2020 alone:

Recruited

203 regional team members, over halfway to our goal of 300.

4

WHERE

AFRICA WEST

2021 STATS

28,934 KIDS IN CLUB/WEEK 12,743 KIDS IN DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS/WEEK 1,284 MINISTRIES 75 STAFF

A CLOSER LOOK

MINISTRIES ON THE HORIZON: BURKINA FASO

James Mungai Kamau entered the role of vice president for Africa West in June 2021, following in the footsteps of the late James Davis. “He is one of the finest leaders in all of Young Life ... bringing a high level of leadership and wisdom to the role,” says Group Senior Vice President Steve Larmey. With his huge heart, inspirational leadership and strategic mind, along with 16 years of Young Life experience, Mungai will lead this region well. “Africa West is a geography full of diversity — in culture, language and religious and traditional beliefs,” he shares. “But despite the challenges we face, we feel very called to reach out to the next kid and furthest out kid in Africa West.”

AFRICA SOUTH 35,994 KIDS IN CLUB/WEEK 18,413 KIDS IN DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS/WEEK 916 MINISTRIES 109 STAFF 5

MINISTRIES ON THE HORIZON: CONGO BRAZZAVILLE

WE WORK AND HIGHLIGHTS

NORTH AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST 786 KIDS IN CLUB/WEEK 433 KIDS IN DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS/WEEK 37 MINISTRIES 12 STAFF MINISTRIES ON THE HORIZON: EGYPT, IRAQ, JORDAN

AFRICA EAST 29,355 KIDS IN CLUB/WEEK 14,074 KIDS IN DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS/WEEK 1,119 MINISTRIES 102 STAFF MINISTRIES ON THE HORIZON: SOUTH SUDAN

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a prodigal son AFRICA E AST ETH IO P IA Negasi was a “street kid,” a troubled teenager who

F ROM TH E FIEL D

rebelled against his parents and looked to make a life for himself on his own. He spent his days stealing or begging for food and hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Young Life leaders in Ethiopia often reach out to these kids, knowing that they need connection and hope.

Abel, a Young Life leader in Woliso, befriended Negasi.

Their friendship started with talking on a sidewalk and developed into a deep discipleship journey. Abel invited Negasi to Young Life club, where he heard the gospel and gave his life to Christ. Now, Negasi lives with his family again, attends church and is growing in his faith.

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embodied love AFRICA WEST SIERRA L EO N E Like many people in Sierra Leone, Konka’s parents are Muslim. Because of this, she was prohibited from participating in anything related to Christianity. However, a friendship grew between Konka and Fatama, a Young Life leader who regularly visited her high school. Konka started going to Young Life club and eventually was able to attend camp. At camp, she was deeply impacted by the message of the gospel and gave her life to Jesus.

Konka shared, “The love I experienced at camp made me feel like these people embody Jesus on earth. I’ve never experienced such love — even from my own family!”

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transformative friendship AFRICA SOUTH Z IMBA BWE

F RO M TH E FIEL D (CONT' D)

Tonderai would go to the Mosque with his Muslim family every week. But at home, he was stealing from his parents to support his drug addiction. When Auggie, a Young Life leader in Zimbabwe, befriended him, Tonderai was hesitant; his parents would never support him being friends with Christians. When they found a Bible Auggie gave him, they were disappointed and upset. Over time, Tonderai began a relationship with Jesus and his life completely changed. He stopped stealing. He stopped using drugs. He had good friends. After seeing the real transformation in their son, Tonderai’s parents were relieved. Now, he has their blessing to attend Young Life club and spend time with Christian friends.

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living waters NO RTH AFRICA/ MIDDLE EAST I S R AEL Anna is a Young Life leader in Be’er Sheva, a town in southern Israel. She disciples Israeli and Sudanese girls side by side, doing daily life with them and taking them on adventures where they talk about the “fun stuff and the deep stuff.” This may sound like ordinary Young Life, but it’s quite remarkable that these two groups of girls — one native born and the other asylum seekers fleeing genocide — can grow in deep relationships together. On one adventure, Anna brought a filter straw, the kind that produces clean drinking water from the muddiest of ponds.

After daring some of the girls to try it, Anna shared how the Holy Spirit helps us navigate the muddy brokenness of this world while still experiencing the living waters of Christ. In the midst of the fun stuff, Anna taught these girls the deep stuff — the transformational power of the Holy Spirit.

KIDS IN DI SCI PLESH I P GROU PS

K I DS I N CLUB

In homes and fields, under mango trees and in

In addition to building relationships at school and

the streets, indigenous Young Life leaders across

throughout the community, 94,739 young people

the division meet with kids in their community to

attended Young Life clubs each week, where they

walk page by page through the Bible. This year,

experienced the love of Jesus and heard the gospel.

more than 45,000 young people were involved in discipleship groups each week, learning together

A NNUAL IMPACT

about the life they are created for.

42,968 11,466 18,932

1,864 427 34

4,264 685

10,317

4,580

3,139

241

2013

129

58

2011 2005

2007

2009

457

2021 120,606

94,739

2019 45,376

46,788 1,223

2,653 176,503

68,873 20,823

2017

71,199 1,791

765

2015

N UM BE R O F M I N I STR I E S We are committed to reaching all kids across Africa and the Middle East. As leaders dive deeper into their communities, we recognize the need for different types of ministry. WyldLife and Young Life clubs serve middle and high school students, and Young Life College and University serves young adults. We minister to kids with special needs through Capernaum and to teen moms through YoungLives. Despite new restrictions, ministry opportunities with internally displaced people and young people in prisons are growing. Young Life leaders continue to seek out innovative ways to introduce all adolescents to Jesus Christ. This year, we watched our number of ministries grow to 2,653.

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prince emmanuel

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faith

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Every Young Life staff person and leader has a Leadership Tree on which they write the names of those they are discipling along the branches. As the leader disciples individuals, who then disciple others in their neighborhood, the model multiplies to impact entire communities. The Leadership Tree is slow, intentional and thoughtful, but year after year we continue to see

Michael Sackor Associate Logistics Coordinator I’m proud to say that my Leadership Tree is flourishing and bearing exceptional fruits. Since I was introduced to the Leadership Tree ... two of the leaders on my tree are now Developing Global Leaders and also team leaders running their own Young Life ministry ... and making a great impact on society. My Leadership Tree is now at the fourth generation and still moving forward.

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O UR MODEL IN ACTION

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leaders grow, rooted in Jesus as they disciple others.

As we remember the late James Davis, former vice president of Africa West, we see tangibly the way that God uses the Leadership Tree to further His work across Africa and the Middle East.

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Rebecca Luogon Area Director My Leadership Tree has grown amazingly. It bears fruits that are making other fruits. I have great leaders on my tree that bring me so much satisfaction. I grow my tree by pouring myself into those on my tree. I pray with and for them. I study the Bible with them. I coach and mentor them. I encourage them to do the same with those on their trees.

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Roland Harris Area Director

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I am now a new man who is now called a role model in my community and wherever I go, because I now carry the spirit of a servant leader.

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Prince Musa Area Director James Davis’ Leadership Tree model was a servant leader. This has given me the experience and enthusiasm to grow and mentor many more young leaders who are ready to take the mantle of leadership after me. I will forever remain grateful to him for his good work in Young Life Africa West and beyond.

Ethel Dixon Regional YoungLives Coordinator The Leadership Tree has really built up my life and changed my life completely ... I didn’t know God or myself, and didn’t see my potential as a woman [in leadership]. Because of personal relationships and training ... [I have a] clear vision of who I am as a woman and what I ought to do as a leader, not only in Young Life but also in society at large.

james davis

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EXPENSES

Excellence in Giving Tr a n s p a r e n c y C e r t i f i e d

6% Management and

STEWARDSH IP

Fundraising

94% Direct Ministry to

Kids (camps and clubs)

OF EACH DOLLAR RAISED...

94¢

D I R E C T LY S U P P O R T S MINISTRY IN THE FIELD.

15

O U R M O D E L of raising up disciple-making volunteer leaders allows us to multiply our impact while

minimizing costs. The exponential impact of this model that starts with one staff is eternal.

STAFF

1 staff supervises 38

leaders.

LEADERS

Each leader brings 8 kids to club each week to hear the gospel.

KIDS 16

T H E T H R E E - L E G G E D S T O O L operational model includes

a senior field staff, bookkeeper and logistics coordinator who promote and ensure fiscal and operational integrity within the country. This model operates in 12 countries currently and we have

STE WAR DSH IP (CONT'D)

performed on-the-ground assessments in all of these countries.

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THE SPONSOR–STAF F PA RTNERSH IP S PON SOR

fosters connection, fellowship and deep friendship.

T O G E T H E R , staff and sponsors enter into an active mission

STAFF

partnership to reach kids and develop leaders across Africa and the Middle

SUPPORT F I N ANCIALLY A N D SPI RI TUALLY

MINISTER TO KIDS

East. A sponsor’s financial commitment

PART N ER I N PR AY ER

DISC IPL E KIDS

T R AV E L TO SE E M I N I STRY

DEVELOP L EADERS

JOI N A R EGIONAL T E A M C OM MUNITY

IMPAC T C OMMU NITIES

PATH OF STAFF

PATH OF SPON SO R

directly supports staff and ministry costs in the field and it provides sustainable resources to fuel this mission. If fully funded, nearly 100% of in-country operational expenses are supported by staff and country sponsors. By partnering with African and Middle Eastern staff, sponsors are

TOGET HER LIVES ARE TRANSFORMED FOR E T E R N I T Y AT H O M E A N D A B R O A D .

able to build transformative, lifelong relationships with those in the field as they reach the next kid.

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ETHIOPIA Moges Berassa

ETHIOPIA Fresalem Assefa

ETHIOPIA Hanna Badassa Sima

ETHIOPIA Hirut Berassa

ETHIOPIA Wondemaneh Baye

AFRICA EAST VICE PRESIDENT

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KENYA Matilda Kiumba

KENYA Faith Kalekye

KENYA Julia Wambui

KENYA Richard Odongo

KENYA Samuel Karago

UGANDA Augustine Okudel

UGANDA Cathy Athieno

UGANDA Lawrence Erotu

UGANDA Simon Peter Okiria

UGANDA Stella Ajuki

AFRICA EAST

M EET TH E TEAM

Martin Wamalwa

BURUNDI Vianney Ndayishimwe

DRC Jerome Byamungu

DRC Pascal Mweze

ESWATINI Liyandza Mnisi

MALAWI Chimwemwe Siyabu

MALAWI Mphatso Stiles AFRICA SOUTH VICE PRESIDENT

Alexis Kwamy

MOZAMBIQUE Angelo Mahese

MOZAMBIQUE Eugenio Balane

MOZAMBIQUE Jose Tayob

SOUTH AFRICA Ezra Mathews

SOUTH AFRICA Pierre de Jager

TANZANIA Costa Mweze

TANZANIA Irene Kiria

ZIMBABWE Sharon Intauno

ZIMBABWE Sithandazile Moyo

ZIMBABWE ZIMBABWE Bhekimpolo Ncube Limukani “Lims” Sibanda

MOZAMBIQUE, ESWATINI RWANDA AND SOUTH AFRICA George Bataringaya

Nkosi Sampindi

TANZANIA Lisa James

ZAMBIA Banji Simasiku

AFRICA SOUTH

MALAWI Zein Tembo

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AFRICA WEST

AFRICA WEST VICE PRESIDENT

James Mungai Kamau

COTE D’IVOIRE Pascal Boidy

GHANA Stephen Dushie

LIBERIA Rancy Barsaye

LIBERIA Morris Bowreh

LIBERIA Ethel Dixon

LIBERIA Yancy Dixon

LIBERIA Paul Kangar

LIBERIA Elsie Karlie

LIBERIA Yvonne Morlu

LIBERIA Zinnah Yallah

MALI Deborah Samaké

MALI Jokebed Coulibaly

MALI Tiowa Diarra

NIGERIA Stephen John

SENEGAL Antoine Gomis

SIERRA LEONE Matilda Kamara

SIERRA LEONE Patrick Lavahun

NORTH AFRICA MIDDLE EAST MIDDLE EAST Hunter and Lauri Lambeth

MOROCCO Dan Barnett

PALESTINE Yousef Khalil

DIVISIONAL LEADERSHIP

DIRECTOR OF WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE AND YOUNG LIVES Dyan Larmey

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Candace Grisdale

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Michael Knowles

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Greg Wright

GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Steve Larmey

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A Big Thank You! Through your partnership, the gospel continues to spread across borders and throughout countries, reaching kids of every tribe, tongue and nation. Because of you, kids know the love of Christ. They are growing in their faith and becoming leaders who are impacting their communities for generations to come. Thank you for being a tangible reminder of God’s endless provision as we bring the Kingdom of God to Africa and the Middle East.

In Jesus, Young Life Africa/Middle East Leadership Team

TURKEY

TUNISIA

MALTA

SYRIA

LEBANON ISRAEL PALESTINE GAZA STRIP

MOROCCO

IRAQ

IRAN

JORDAN

CANARY ISLANDS

KUWAIT

ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA

QATAR

OMAN

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MALI

NIGER

CAPE VERDE

SUDAN

CHAD

GUINEA

SIERRA LEONE

BURKINA FASO

DJIBOUTI BENIN

NIGERIA

CÔTE GHANA D’IVOIRE

LIBERIA

TOGO MONROVIA

ETHIOPIA

SOUTH SUDAN

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC CAMEROON

ABIDJAN

SOMALIA

EQUATORIAL GUINEA SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

UGANDA

GABON CONGO

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

KENYA

RWANDA SEYCHELLES

BURUNDI

TANZANIA

DAR ES SALAAM

ANGOLA

REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER

COMOROS MALAWI ZAMBIA

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CURRENT YOUNG LIFE MINISTRIES

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THE GAMBIA GUINEA-BISSAU

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MAURITANIA

MADAGASCAR MOZAMBIQUE

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ESWATINI

SOUTH AFRICA

*PLEASE DO NOT DISTRIBUTE*