First Brethren Youth Ambassadors Summit in Kisumu, Kenya

From October 4 to 8, 2024, the vibrant city of Kisumu, Kenya, hosted the inaugural Brethren Youth Ambassadors Summit under the inspiring theme “Unified on Purpose.” This landmark event brought together youth leaders from across Africa, marking a significant step in fostering unity and collaboration among the Brethren community.

During the summit, the first African Brethren Youth Committee was elected, establishing a dedicated team to drive youth initiatives across the continent. The committee members are:

• Emmanuel Cyiza (Rwanda) – Chair
• David Juma (Kenya) – Vice Chair
• Lindwe Miti (Zimbabwe) – Secretary
• Lynn Zawadi (Kenya) – Treasurer

This newly formed committee is set to play a crucial role in organizing the first Africa Youth Conference, scheduled for December 9 to 13, 2026, also at the Echoes of Mercy Mission in Kisumu.

The summit was well-supported by country leaders who recognized the importance of empowering youth in this critical phase of development. Together, they witnessed the signing of a pivotal declaration, the Africa Brethren Youth Network, which articulates the commitment of attendees to unity, love, and service as inspired by Christ.

Key Commitments from the Declaration:

• To love one another as Christ commanded, fostering a supportive community.
• To embrace differences and work collaboratively to strengthen faith and fellowship.
• To reach out compassionately to those in need, reflecting Christ’s love in practical ways.
• To nurture future leaders grounded in faith and dedicated to service.
• To collaborate across the body of Christ, pursuing shared goals and supporting the Great Commission.
• To initiate projects that actively address contemporary challenges and share the gospel.

The Advisory Board, comprising various Brethren national leaders from the continent endorsed this declaration, emphasizing the importance of the youth’s active role in the Brethren community. The leaders who signed the declaration at the Africa Brethren Youth Network meeting are:

Advisory Board Members:

• Pastor Moses Omondi Odhiambo
• Pastor Aminadab Mbanzabugabo
• Dr. Lewis Uriri
• Pastor Dr. Mulugeta Ashagre Endeshaw
• Beatrice Saida Musindai

These leaders joined the Youth Executive Board to collectively commit to the principles outlined in the declaration, emphasizing unity, love, and service within the African Brethren youth community.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that the 2026 Africa Brethren Youth Network Conference will take place from December 9 to 13, 2026, in Kenya. The conference promises to be a dynamic gathering of young leaders, providing a platform for sharing ideas and collaborating on community initiatives. With keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities, this event aims to empower and inspire the next generation of change-makers across Africa.

As Moses Omondi stated, “This event will not only highlight the incredible potential of our youth but also strengthen the bonds within our community across Africa.”

Join us in this exciting journey as we celebrate youth leadership and create a positive impact across Africa. UNITY IS MISSION!