More than 6,500 Zimbabwean youth descended on Mkoba Teachers College (Midlands Division), braving the Gweru cold for the Territorial Youth Councils. While there were many special guests in attendance, mission took centre stage as youth engaged in worship, teaching sessions and fellowship.
On the Saturday afternoon, the youth took a proactive stance by going out to four different open-airs, leaving the whole of Mkoba dumbfounded with the sheer numbers of young Salvationists. The Territorial Commander, Commissioner Stanslous Mutewera, reminded the youth that “this is mission time and everyone has a duty to do something! We must go where God sends us, and we must be people of action!” Lt-Colonel Peter Dali, Chief Secretary, also encouraged the youth to be mobilized for mission.
The youth councils theme was “Restoration to Hope.” From the applause and testimonies, it was clear that talks presented by Innocent Matura, Mrs Matengenzara and Captain Joshua Jochore were both fitting and beneficial. In addition to the main session, several workshops were conducted, covering a cross-section of issues like cleansing for marriages, spiritual growth, evangelism and discipleship, fasting and prayer, leadership and creative communication.
Music and Gospel Arts were given priority at the councils with all divisions and territorial youth brigades contributing in music, song and drama. The Zimbabwe School of Youth Leadership (ZSYL) presented a drama, and youth were encouraged to support this new territorial initiative. Prospective students were asked to contact their divisional youth officers. Saturday afternoon provided the opportunity for sports ministry, with various sporting disciplines like football, basketball, volleyball and chess. In addition to being a recreational activity, youth were encouraged to see sports as an evangelism tool in their home communities.
The event also saw the official youth farewell salute to Commissioners Stanslous and Jannet Mutewera. Paida Changata, Bindura Division, praised the Muteweras for their support of young people before presenting them with a farewell cake.
We thank God for all of the committed, enthusiastic youth of the Zimbabwe Territory. We thank God for the hard work of the Youth Department and the Territorial Youth Planning Committee. We thank God for the more than 15 young people who offered themselves for officership at the youth councils. We thank God for the safe travel of all delegates, and the generous offerings made to the Lord’s work with young people. We thank God that all people in the very large crowd found accommodation and that there was good health. We thank God for record attendance numbers, and for the support from the corps in Gweru. We thank God for the way our leaders are supporting youth in the territory. The youth councils faced challenges of overcrowding, an inadequate P.A. system, transport, electricity and water shortages, but through God’s grace, the event was a huge success—for the young people and for the Kingdom.
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