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Youth Messenger Online Edition

January-March

Youth . . . and the Mission to Take the Gospel to the World
Quim Cassicato

During the preparations for the commemoration of the 100 years of the Reform Movement, the youth of the Angolan Union responded effectively to the call to Arise and Shine. We realized that we have in our hands a unique opportunity in history: the ability to reach thousands of people with the message of the Gospel, using something that is already part of our daily life: digital media. Never before has a generation had so much access to such powerful tools to fulfill the great Mission of Christ.

As young Reformers committed to present truth, we understand that Jesus’ call to “go . . . and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19) takes on new meaning in a digital world, where boundaries are crossed with a simple click.

Based on this premise, it is worth highlighting here an experience lived during the preparation for the commemoration of the anniversary. At the level of the Angolan Union, it took place between the 15th and 20th of July with the VI Assembly of the Angolan Union and the Spiritual Revival Congress that brought together, in the city of Huambo, municipality of Cáala, close to 4,000 souls from different parts of Angola.

To better mobilize the brothers and people who do not profess our faith, strategies were created to use digital tools with communication to direct the faithful to be present at the place of the event. In this way, we used a young man (Moisés Tchicale) with strong engagement on social networks to use his influence and answer Christ’s call to spread the gospel. Materials were produced which explained the identity of the church with the motto, Arise and Shine. The young man did a great job and the result was very satisfying.

The first step for a youth committed to mission is to understand that their voice matters and is a means that God uses to reach out to other young people. Many young people underestimate their influence, thinking that only experienced pastors, theologians, or leaders can speak of Christ with authority. But the Bible is full of examples of God using ordinary people—often young people—to accomplish great things.

David was a teenager when he faced Goliath. Jeremiah considered himself too young to be a prophet, but God used him anyway. Timothy was directed by Paul not to let anyone underestimate him because of his age. The truth is that God is not looking for perfect or experienced people, but available hearts.

And where are the hearts that need to hear about Jesus today? On social networks. They are digital squares where millions of young people spend hours every day consuming content. Many of them are lost, looking for meaning, affection, and answers in places that can never satisfy them. This is where the role of the Reform Youth comes in as guardians of the present truth: to be light in these spaces. It is not about preaching artificially or forcefully, but about living and sharing the faith in an authentic way. A story with a well-timed verse, a post about how God has transformed your life, a lighthearted video that talks about hope—all of these can be used by the Holy Spirit to touch hearts.

The Gospel never changes, but the way of communicating it needs to adapt. Jesus used everyday parables to teach eternal truths. Similarly, young Christians can use challenges and popular formats to convey Christ’s message in a way that resonates with their generation. It is not a matter of diluting the truth, but of making it accessible. A young woman who loves fashion can share how her faith influences her choices. A student could share a discussion about how the Bible answers life’s big questions. The possibilities are endless when we understand that everything can be used to glorify God.

Responding to messages, praying for those who comment, creating Bible discussion groups—all of these make digital evangelism personal and impactful. Many young people are thirsty for deep conversations, for someone who will listen to them and point them to Christ. And when a person decides to follow Jesus through that contact, the journey has only just begun.

The challenge, then, is clear: Youth need to occupy digital spaces wisely. This does not mean being on all social networks at the same time, but rather using well those where God has already placed you. It’s not about numbers of followers, but about fidelity to the call. And most of all, it’s about depending on the Holy Spirit, because only He can convert hearts.