We are passionate about bringing the transformational power of the gospel to teens across Africa. We introduce young people in Africa to Jesus and help them grow to be multiplying, disciple-making leaders for the Kingdom.
Kids consistently tell us that Young Life camp is the best three days of their lives. That’s because kids, some of whom have never even left their neighborhood, pile onto buses and off to a place of welcome, of good food, of games, of dancing, of small-group time and of revelation. Here, kids hear the gospel story in its entirety, many of them for the first time. They ask hard questions of their leaders and peers. They learn what sin is. And many of them meet their Savior Jesus Christ during those three days, and their lives are forever changed.
Aminata’s Story
In December last year, there was an outreach camp in Koro, Mali with 152 campers. The camp was very diverse, including 37 Muslim campers, two kids with disabilities, three orphans and one teen mom. Great diversity, leads to great variety of experiences. 88 campers gave their lives to Jesus while at camp. One of these campers was Aminata. Aminata is a fourteen-years-old who grew up in a Muslim family. The first time she heard about Young Life was from her French teacher who encouraged all of his students to attend Young Life club.
“Eventually, me and a friend decided we’d take him up on his offer, and go. When I saw my teacher dancing with a bunch of other kids, I could not believe it! As soon as he saw me, he invited me to join in. I felt so welcomed and immediately began attending regularly. I’d show up first because I was just so excited to be there. When I heard about camp, I wanted nothing more than to be able to go; but my parents were against it. So, I asked my teacher if he would be willing to talk to them and he did. He was able to reassure them that he’d take care of me while at camp, and they agreed. While at camp, I learned how God created the world and that Adam and Eve sinned, but God sent His Son that He could save us from our sins. The word of God is light in this dark world and I will seek to follow that light.”
