Impact Not Bound by Age – How Sudan’s Youth is the Long-Waited Change
Youth are easily shaped by the world’s influence, but in South Sudan youth are shaping the world in return. Located in the central region of Africa, the country of South Sudan is known for its rich biodiversity and various ethnic groups. But what most don’t know about South Sudan is that half of the country’s population is under the age of 35. The youth of South Sudan face realities different from those in the U.S.—lives plagued by malnourishment, ethnic violence, and economic disparities.
With a high-illiteracy rate, children are exposed to strenuous labor with no foreseeable end, trapped in a cycle of poverty they will likely never escape. Beyond the toll of physical hardship, South Sudan’s youth face little emotional and spiritual support leaving them without an outlet for hope. Yet, the same youth facing physical, emotional, and spiritual neglect is the same youth who will shape the future of South Sudan. How will the hope of the Gospel take root in their lives?
Kenyi Fredrick, a Haggai leader in South Sudan, is committed to transforming the country by developing the next generation of godly leaders. Acting as a positive role model for many, Kenyi has implemented evangelism and discipleship as daily practices that guide his ministry. With households containing up to 10 members, youth in South Sudan are constantly fighting the lie that they are unseen, unheard, and unwanted. Kenyi recognizes both the need for the Gospel and proper guidance and leadership in youth’s lives, and as his prayers for the next generation continues, he notices heart transformation within his church members. In a country where youth feel unheard and unseen, Kenyi’s actions reflect what the Gospel stands for, a story of redemption.
After completing the Haggai Leadership Experience, Kinyi doesn’t take for granted the power of turning a regular conversation to an opportunity of sharing the Gospel. With this newfound confidence and understanding of the Bible, Kinyi has found a niche for evangelizing, oftentimes to strangers who are waiting for a glimpse of hope.
Kenyi approaches every interaction with a “yes” to what God might guide him to do, no matter the person or location. When Kenyi encountered a seemingly unhappy individual on public transport, Kenyi didn’t shy away from engaging in conversation. What started as someone’s silent, indirect plea for help turned into an opportunity to begin a new life–a life marked by redemption. God used Kenyi’s eagerness to share the Gospel to eternally change a life, a reminder that simple acts of obedience can become greater than we could ever imagine.
Kenyi firmly believes that South Sudan’s youth have the opportunity to transform an entire nation and future generations to come. He reflects, “When lives of young people are changed, the entire country is likely to be changed too.” Holding onto this hope, Kenyi’s eagerness continues to guide his ministry and provide opportunities for hope-filled, Christ-centered lives.
Written by Lily Johnson
Impact Not Bound by Age – How Sudan’s Youth is the Long-Waited Change
Youth are easily shaped by the world’s influence, but in South Sudan youth are shaping the world in return. Located in the central region of Africa, the country of South Sudan is known for its rich biodiversity and various ethnic groups. But what most don’t know about South Sudan is that half of the country’s population is under the age of 35. The youth of South Sudan face realities different from those in the U.S.—lives plagued by malnourishment, ethnic violence, and economic disparities.
With a high-illiteracy rate, children are exposed to strenuous labor with no foreseeable end, trapped in a cycle of poverty they will likely never escape. Beyond the toll of physical hardship, South Sudan’s youth face little emotional and spiritual support leaving them without an outlet for hope. Yet, the same youth facing physical, emotional, and spiritual neglect is the same youth who will shape the future of South Sudan. How will the hope of the Gospel take root in their lives?
Kenyi Fredrick, a Haggai leader in South Sudan, is committed to transforming the country by developing the next generation of godly leaders. Acting as a positive role model for many, Kenyi has implemented evangelism and discipleship as daily practices that guide his ministry. With households containing up to 10 members, youth in South Sudan are constantly fighting the lie that they are unseen, unheard, and unwanted. Kenyi recognizes both the need for the Gospel and proper guidance and leadership in youth’s lives, and as his prayers for the next generation continues, he notices heart transformation within his church members. In a country where youth feel unheard and unseen, Kenyi’s actions reflect what the Gospel stands for, a story of redemption.
After completing the Haggai Leadership Experience, Kinyi doesn’t take for granted the power of turning a regular conversation to an opportunity of sharing the Gospel. With this newfound confidence and understanding of the Bible, Kinyi has found a niche for evangelizing, oftentimes to strangers who are waiting for a glimpse of hope.
Kenyi approaches every interaction with a “yes” to what God might guide him to do, no matter the person or location. When Kenyi encountered a seemingly unhappy individual on public transport, Kenyi didn’t shy away from engaging in conversation. What started as someone’s silent, indirect plea for help turned into an opportunity to begin a new life–a life marked by redemption. God used Kenyi’s eagerness to share the Gospel to eternally change a life, a reminder that simple acts of obedience can become greater than we could ever imagine.
Kenyi firmly believes that South Sudan’s youth have the opportunity to transform an entire nation and future generations to come. He reflects, “When lives of young people are changed, the entire country is likely to be changed too.” Holding onto this hope, Kenyi’s eagerness continues to guide his ministry and provide opportunities for hope-filled, Christ-centered lives.
Written by Lily Johnson
Impact Not Bound by Age – How Sudan’s Youth is the Long-Waited Change
Youth are easily shaped by the world’s influence, but in South Sudan youth are shaping the world in return. Located in the central region of Africa, the country of South Sudan is known for its rich biodiversity and various ethnic groups. But what most don’t know about South Sudan is that half of the country’s population is under the age of 35. The youth of South Sudan face realities different from those in the U.S.—lives plagued by malnourishment, ethnic violence, and economic disparities.
With a high-illiteracy rate, children are exposed to strenuous labor with no foreseeable end, trapped in a cycle of poverty they will likely never escape. Beyond the toll of physical hardship, South Sudan’s youth face little emotional and spiritual support leaving them without an outlet for hope. Yet, the same youth facing physical, emotional, and spiritual neglect is the same youth who will shape the future of South Sudan. How will the hope of the Gospel take root in their lives?
Kenyi Fredrick, a Haggai leader in South Sudan, is committed to transforming the country by developing the next generation of godly leaders. Acting as a positive role model for many, Kenyi has implemented evangelism and discipleship as daily practices that guide his ministry. With households containing up to 10 members, youth in South Sudan are constantly fighting the lie that they are unseen, unheard, and unwanted. Kenyi recognizes both the need for the Gospel and proper guidance and leadership in youth’s lives, and as his prayers for the next generation continues, he notices heart transformation within his church members. In a country where youth feel unheard and unseen, Kenyi’s actions reflect what the Gospel stands for, a story of redemption.
After completing the Haggai Leadership Experience, Kinyi doesn’t take for granted the power of turning a regular conversation to an opportunity of sharing the Gospel. With this newfound confidence and understanding of the Bible, Kinyi has found a niche for evangelizing, oftentimes to strangers who are waiting for a glimpse of hope.
Kenyi approaches every interaction with a “yes” to what God might guide him to do, no matter the person or location. When Kenyi encountered a seemingly unhappy individual on public transport, Kenyi didn’t shy away from engaging in conversation. What started as someone’s silent, indirect plea for help turned into an opportunity to begin a new life–a life marked by redemption. God used Kenyi’s eagerness to share the Gospel to eternally change a life, a reminder that simple acts of obedience can become greater than we could ever imagine.
Kenyi firmly believes that South Sudan’s youth have the opportunity to transform an entire nation and future generations to come. He reflects, “When lives of young people are changed, the entire country is likely to be changed too.” Holding onto this hope, Kenyi’s eagerness continues to guide his ministry and provide opportunities for hope-filled, Christ-centered lives.
Written by Lily Johnson
