Evangelization Through God-Given Talents

Worldwide the Congregation is being confronted with all sorts of material and spiritual needs. The brothers, together with others, are trying to alleviate these. In the twentieth edition of this feature, we look at some of the pastoral activities of the brothers in a parish in Kenya. Brother Geoffrey Sinanga is active in youth ministry.

The Mosocho Parish Youth Group is an organized group of young people who are focused on ensuring active participation of the youth in church activities as a way of following Christ’s teachings and as way of life. The parish consists of 12 outstations, where these youth come from. Through their participation in various youth programs, every year many young people are drawn to the church. The activities include not only pastoral programs, but also seminars, theatre and music festivals and social welfare programs.

Learning from each other

The key objectives of these programs are to make them strong and responsible Christians in the Catholic Church, and people who follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They equally interact with and learn from each other, share about school life, contemporary issues affecting society, as well as their experiences in the various outstations. There is of course also entertainment.

The month of December has been the most conducive for conducting these activities owing to the fact that many of the youths are at home on holidays. Every year the program is different and under the guidance of the brothers a thorough preparation is done by the youth leaders.

Talent show

On the 31st of December 2021 some 400 young people gathered at St. Vincent de Paul Boys’ Primary School in Mosocho. The theme of the event was Evangelization through God-given talents, with on the agenda a number of performing arts. Experts in various fields were invited to speak on a number of issues affecting their lives as young people. For many of them it was a moment of self-discovery, and they attested to a positive personal change.

There is also time in the program to reflect on a variety of spiritual matters by reading and sharing the Word of God. Besides they perform traditional dances, songs, and modern music/dances. The most outstanding performers are awarded a small token as a motivation. Since the foundation of this group, there has been a great improvement of their self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.

Going out into the streets

As part of this wholesome program, the youths also visits fellow youths who have lapsed from the Christian faith, or those who have doubts because they have to face sickness or death of someone close. This has in a number of cases reduced drug abuse and other irresponsible behaviours. On every last Saturday of the month gatherings are held under the supervision of the religious brothers and sisters.