“Something” for Millennials

October 17, 2013

Based on reports from an Alliance worker

Alliance personnel in a West African city have labored nearly 10 years to realize a dream—opening a center to serve at-risk young adults living in one of the poorest countries on earth. While addressing felt needs, the team seeks to introduce them to the only One who offers true “hope and a future” (see Jeremiah 29:11–13).

Finally! Almost a decade after an Alliance colleague dreamed of building it, our center is up and running. Services are minimal for the nearly 1 million Millennials (teenagers and 20-somethings) living in this city; most of these young people are unemployed or underemployed and susceptible to delinquency.

Within the first three months of opening our doors last spring, we were over capacity. We had 105 members and had to start putting names on a waiting list!

“Something”

Currently, we offer seven English classes and one computer training course. After each class the center remains open for leisure activities—darts, ping pong, fooseball, and board games—which is a great time to build relationships.

God has blessed us with those who want to learn and are searching for something. We know what that “something” is, even if they don’t yet!

We already have a few regulars who enjoy spending time here. And we’ve had opportunities to share about God’s sovereignty in their lives. “Ultimately, we want to earn the right to present these young men and women with the truth of Jesus Christ,” one of our coworkers said recently.

A Long Road

After years of unsuccessfully trying to obtain a government land grant to build and then raising funds to purchase property, two years ago our team finally decided to rent a facility. In November 2012 we found the perfect place—a courtyard with two houses. Since then we’ve been busy with renovations.

We praise the Lord that the first semester of English classes was completed this summer and that many students were able to pass to the next level. We started offering computer classes this month, and we plan to have a fitness center up and running by December.

This is all good, but the main thing is that we want to see Jesus glorified. Our desire is to share the good news with the young people God brings to us, most of whom follow West Africa’s predominant religion.

Help

We know we wouldn’t be able to serve these young men and women He loves so much without faithful partners—Canadian Alliance workers, Baptist missionaries, and staff from Pioneer Bible Translators. Two young women who are here from Canada as short-termers will teach English and sewing this year.

We also have hired two local believers, young men who have a passion to reach the youth of this city. They live at the center where they are helping us to build relationships with our members and following up with them in the neighborhood.

Praise God with us for this dream come true! Please also pray for God-appointed times—and boldness—to share the good news with the many young people here who need the hope only Jesus offers.