Rccg empowers youths

THE Redeemed Christian Church of God has reaffirmed its commitment towards the empowerment of more Nigerians through its National Youth Empowerment Initiatives. A statement made available to news correspondents by RCCG’s National Youth Affairs department, enumerated some of the initiatives to include SHIFT, R.I.S.E., National Youth Sports Festival, SHIFT Magazine, REACH, and the Messiah Marathon Praise. According to the statement, “The Lord helped the NYA to pursue and achieve various goals, win more souls for God’s kingdom within and outside the country, organise several life-changing programmes, empower youths through our diverse initiatives and also become worthy ambassadors of RCCG.” The SHIFT initiative uses unconventional ways such as dancing, singing, comedy, innovation and empowerment that youths can relate with to win their souls for Christ, as well as promote the Lord’s gifts in youths’ lives. The initiative has been anchored in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Dubai, Nairobi, Istanbul, South Africa and the Redemption Camp. R.I.S.E is another initiative aimed at skill acquisition and empowerment. Nine editions of RISE have been conducted with over 3,000 participants graduating from the Academy. Courses offered within the two-week duration include Web Design, Photography, Video Editing, Baking, Fish Farming, Bridal Enhancement, Soft Interior Decoration, Computer and Mobile Phones repairs, Paint Making, Home Maintenance Products, Driving and Project Management. There are also mandatory teachings including Writing of Business Plan, Business Ethics and Practice, Raising and Management of Capital, Leadership, Integrity, Relationship, Christian Courtship and Spiritual Development Activities. Apart from the nine editions that have held in Nigeria, RISE has also been organised in Nairobi Kenya. The National Youth Sports Festival was first conducted in September 2013, which held at the Redemption Camp. Ten regions participated in the inaugural edition and the next edition holds in September 2015. Shift Magazine, the RCCG educative, live changing and dynamic publication projects what God is doing through the National Youth Affairs. Six editions have been published with Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Pastor Peter Amenkhienan, Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, Bob Fitts, Dr. Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili and Pastor J.F. Odesola as main features. In February 2014, the NYA went on an outreach to Pako Village on the outskirts of Badagry. The three- day activity comprised a spiritual leadership retreat/ training for the youth pastors, medical outreach in three different villages, mass evangelism to several islands, an educational Corporate Social Responsibility to public schools in the community, sharing of clothes, food and other welfare materials, renovation of two different churches and the donation of a big boat and machine for fishing in the local community. The Messiah Marathon Praise is a non-stop praise and worship dedicated to thanking God for His faithfulness in the life of the General Overseer, Pastor E.A. Adeboye. The next edition will last for 74 hours, commensurate to when the GO will be 74 years old. This initiative brings together thousands of leaders from all over the world