After a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, FBC was pleased to help facilitate the 11th Annual Great Lakes of Africa Peace Camp this past August (2022) with over 50 youth from Rwanda, DR Congo, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. Together with our lead missionary, Laurena Zondo, Pastor Gibbs and his wife Rosil, worked alongside A Peace of Life – a youth peace and social enterprise that educates and empowers youth in the region to become leaders of change. It’s an initiative that’s become one of FBC’s major mission projects!

It’s a crucial ministry as youth make up the majority of the population in countries in this region – like in Rwanda where nearly three quarters are under 30. A growing concern is a high level of unemployment among youth – even those graduating from high school and post secondary studies. Large numbers of youth face being caught up in a cycle of low income/vulnerable income earning activities. They may lack vocational and life skills training, access to entrepreneurship opportunities, that could help them break the cycle. The recent COVID pandemic has further impacted youth, increasing isolation and vulnerability.

A Peace of Life (APOL) intervenes with love and hope. The major program is an annual Peace Camp that brings youth together from countries in the Great Lakes Region – such as Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. It’s an amazing opportunity for interactive learning and fun on conflict transformation, non violent communication, the use of arts and games in peacebuilding, leadership and entrpreneurship. Most importantly, it’s a time of spiritual nurture as youth experience inner peace and healing with God’s love.

We see the impact of the program year-round as youth return as peace catalysts to their schools and villages. Many form peace clubs and respond to family/community conflicts and local issues through creative means – community dramas, awareness campaigns, fruit gardens, school supplies for students in need, care for orphans, etc.

We invite your prayerful support. Give online today (noting “For APOL”)!

For more about A Peace of Life