In 2004, a remarkable journey began when a young man from Kenya felt the divine call to embark on an adventure that would change lives. With faith as his compass, he traveled to Lima, Ohio, to participate in a transformative nine-month training program as an intern with Teens For Christ International (TFCI). This pivotal experience equipped him with the knowledge, skills, and passion necessary to return home and ignite a movement. By 2005, he had successfully launched the first international chapter of Teens For Christ in Kenya, marking the inception of what would become a powerful ministry.
Today, Teens For Christ Africa, as it is affectionately known, has blossomed into the largest teen ministry in Kenya, making an extraordinary impact on the lives of over 285,000 students each week. This impressive reach is not merely a statistic; it represents countless stories of young lives transformed by the message of hope and love found in Jesus Christ. The ministry's vision does not stop there. With sufficient resources and unwavering faith, our dedicated team in Kenya believes that they can extend this outreach to 500,000 students weekly—a staggering half a million young hearts that could be touched by the Gospel.
Teens For Christ Africa is a proud member of the Global Discipleship Network (GDN), a collaborative Christian organization that encompasses both Teens For Christ International and the Sharon India Foundation. This partnership has allowed us to expand our reach beyond borders, and as of June 2024, we are operational in 16 countries outside of the United States. Each country presents its own unique challenges and opportunities, reflecting the diverse cultural landscapes in which we operate.
In some regions, TFCI leaders enjoy open access to schools, where they can minister to students during assemblies, sharing the Gospel freely. In stark contrast, other countries impose restrictions that require TFCI chapters to convene in private homes or churches, where open discussions about faith may be constrained by legal limitations. Despite these challenges, our dedicated staff and volunteers remain resolute in their mission to proclaim Jesus Christ as the one true hope for a world that is often lost and in despair.
When God bestowed upon TFCI the vision of “developing an army to impact the world for Jesus Christ,” we could scarcely comprehend the depth of this calling or how it would manifest. Yet, with each passing day, we witness the unfolding of this mission, trusting that God will guide us to the right individuals in the right places, empowering us to fulfill the divine purpose He has set before us. We place our faith in Him to provide every resource necessary for this mission—financial support, spiritual guidance, administrative help, and relational connections.
As we reflect on this incredible journey, we are filled with gratitude for the countless lives that have been touched and transformed through this ministry. To God be the glory for the work He is doing through Teens For Christ Africa, and we eagerly anticipate what lies ahead as we continue to serve and share the love of Christ with the youth of our world.
A young man from Kenya felt the divine call to embark on an adventure that would change lives. He traveled to Lima, Ohio, to participate in a transformative nine-month training program as an intern with Teens For Christ International (TFCI).
After returning from training, the first international chapter of Teens For Christ was successfully launched in Kenya, marking the inception of what would become a powerful ministry.
The ministry began to expand significantly, reaching more schools and communities across Kenya, with a growing team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
Today, Teens For Christ Africa has blossomed into the largest teen ministry in Kenya, making an extraordinary impact on the lives of over 285,000 students each week across 16 countries.
In the Gospel of John 15:5, Jesus proclaims, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” This profound statement encapsulates the essence of our ministry’s core value: a life rooted in Christ. To abide in Him means to cultivate a deep, personal relationship that sustains us through the trials and triumphs of life. It is not merely a theological concept but a daily practice that transforms our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. We strive to foster an environment that encourages every individual to embrace a Christ-centered life, where His teachings guide our decisions and His love inspires our mission.
Mark 16:15 states, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.’” This verse is more than just a directive; it is a clarion call for all believers to take action. Evangelism and discipleship are at the heart of our mission, urging us to share the transformative message of Christ with the world around us. We recognize that every believer is entrusted with the responsibility to spread the Gospel, making it our duty to equip and empower one another in this essential task. Through outreach programs, community engagement, and personal relationships, we strive to live out this command, understanding that it is a privilege to share the love of Christ and to walk alongside others in their faith journeys.
In 2 Timothy 3:16, we are reminded that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” The Word of God is not just a historical document or a collection of ancient texts; it is the living truth that guides our lives. Our ministry holds a deep reverence for Scripture, recognizing its authority and relevance in today's world. We prioritize making the Word the cornerstone of our teaching, study, and personal growth, understanding that it equips us to navigate life’s complexities with wisdom and discernment. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we become better stewards of the faith and more effective messengers of God’s love.
Ephesians 3:20 beautifully articulates the limitless potential of prayer: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Prayer is not just a ritual or a formality; it is a vital lifeline that connects us to God’s heart. Through prayer, we invite His presence into our lives, allowing Him to guide, comfort, and empower us. We believe in the transformative power of prayer—not only as a means of communication with God but also as a catalyst for change in our own hearts and the world around us. We encourage a culture of prayer within our ministry, where individuals are inspired to seek God’s will, share their burdens, and celebrate His faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1 reminds us, “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” In a world that often seeks recognition and accolades, we strive to maintain a humble perspective, acknowledging that all glory belongs to God. Our ministry is a testament to His greatness, and every blessing we experience is a reflection of His love and faithfulness. Even when we are used as instruments for His work, we remain resolute in our commitment to honor Him above all. This core value serves as a constant reminder to celebrate His goodness and to approach our ministry with gratitude, recognizing that it is only by His grace that we can impact lives and bring about change.
