Young people are much more than the Church of the future
- they are a vital part of the Church of today!
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This summarises the attitude of the large and lively Youth Department which has groups in most ZEC
Churches. Its motto of "Seek, serve and make disciples" also effectively sums up the aims of the
ZEC youth work which embraces a wide range of activities.
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FELLOWSHIP OF YOUTH (FoY)
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The Fellowship of Youth was formed by the 1983 ZEC Synod 'with the purpose of helping its young people
to become strong Christians and active participants in the Body of Christ'. FoY has become a key part
of ZEC, and its ministries also extend to youngsters beyond the ZEC family.
FoY choir sharing in worship at ZEC Chitepa
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Rev Willard Muwalo,
FoY Coordinator
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FoY is active in evangelism and has seen new Churches planted as a result of its special outreach events in areas where there is no evangelical witness.
Evangelistic event at Michiru
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GIRLS' BRIGADE
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Over recent years GB has played a developing part in the ZEC youth work and has spread
to other Church groups. It is, of course, an international organisation which the Churches decided
to launch in 1997 in response to the special needs of teenage girls in an African culture.
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Many are unable to complete their education because of the demands
of home and family
and often because of juvenile pregnancy.
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Others fall away from the Lord and the Church because of
arranged marriages to non-believers.
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Girls frequently find it difficult to break away from some of the ceremonies
connected
with African traditional religions.
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The Churches also recognise the need for girls to meet with other girls so that their
particular situations can be addressed and counselling given.
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 Mrs Ruth Folayan, who gained wide experience
of GB in her native Nigeria, has taken a number of leaders' training sessions in various parts of the
country.
The GB programme, like all of ZEC
youth work, has four main thrusts
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SPIRITUAL - Bible study, prayer, worship, witness.
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PHYSICAL - exercise, fun, healthy living
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EDUCATIONAL - teaching and mutual support
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SOCIAL - showing God's love in the community
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The Aims of ZEC Youth Department are
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To help young people to become good followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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To deepen the spiritual lives of young people in the Churches and in schools through
Bible study and prayer.
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To bring motivation to young people on how they can represent Jesus in their ministry
to others.
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To advise and guide Churches and young peoples groups in their relationships.
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To provide pastoral care for ZEC youth.
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To give spiritual counselling to young people with problems.
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To give teaching to those preparing for marriage.
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To promote healthy growth and living through exercise, games and fun.
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To relate to the community and help the needy through social work.
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Young people during a FoY conference
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