Exciting things are happening in the Territorial Youth Department and one of those things is the new addition to their staff, a Youth and Young Adults Coordinator! The War Cry sat down with the vibrant Khaya Khoza who hails from Kwa Mashu Corps in the Mid Kwa Zulu Natal Division. One of the few fun facts about Khaya is that he is an amazing vocalist and keyboard player. Here is what Khaya had to say:
Q: Tell us more about yourself?
My name is Khayelihle Khoza, and I am the Youth & Young Adults Programme Coordinator. I am a young adult who is born again, and I am fascinated by things that make me grow and be more productive. In my spare time I enjoy being with my friends, creating music. Recently I have been interested in learning more about how I can use my musical talent to reach people’s hearts for God. I am strongly family-oriented, not just with regards to blood relations but also creating family relationships within the church. I face my fears head on believing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Q: What is your role as the Young Adults Coordinator in the Youth Department?
My role as the Young Adults coordinator is to plan, develop, lead, coordinate and promote intentional programmes that are relevant to youth and young adults within the territory. I work with the Territorial Youth Secretary creating programmes to help young people grow spiritually and empower them in dealing with socioeconomic issues.
Q: What is exciting about your role?
What is exciting about my role is reaching young people and having a positive impact in their lives. This includes evoking their interest and thirst for church, creating a safe space for them and a sense of belonging regardless of their different backgrounds and personal situations. It also feels empowering knowing that I make a difference in the spiritual growth of young people and this gives me purpose.
Q: How does it feel to work with young people?
To be honest it is not easy because you never really know what to expect as you are dealing with many different characters and you need to try to find common ground with them.
However, so far it has been quite a learning experience that has helped me grow and understand important things (e.g. no matter how broken you are, God can still use you.)
Q: What are some of the plans being worked on in the department?
Currently the plans include starting outreach ministries within our many tertiary institutions and ensuring that each Corps within our territory has an intentional young adults programme established. This will help our young people grow spiritually and will ensure the development of young leaders within the church. Plans include creating unity and solid relationships within our youth and young people emphasizing the importance of the oneness.
Q: What can people do to start a Young Adults programme in their Corps?
Coming up with strategies on how we can start up Young Adults in Corps is still a project that is in the pipeline and proper feedback will be communicated after the programme has been finalized. Watch this space, there are some exciting developments!
Q: Is there a place for Young Adults in the church?
There has always been a place for young adults in the church, as they are the future leaders of the church and an example to the coming generations such as the youth and junior soldiers. As Scripture says in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise your youth but set an example for believers in speech, conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
Q: What keeps you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is knowing and resting in the fact that God will show up for me even when life does not make sense. In addition, I am motivated by the fact that I can make a difference in this world and have a positive impact nurturing the lives of youth and young adults within our territory.
Q: Where do you see the Young Adults Ministry going in the Army?
In the long-term, I see Young Adults ministry becoming fruitful and intentional. I see growth taking place, not just in numbers but also in spiritual maturity. 2 Peter 3:18 supports this saying: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
Q: Motivating words for Young People?
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will”. I would like to pose the challenge to young people to seek God always and refrain from the ways of the world.