I recently wrote a post about my prayer group experience; you can read more about it by clicking here. We meet via zoom, and we sometimes have guest pastors who come and briefly preach to us. This past Friday, I looked at the zoom attendants, and one, in particular, caught my eye. I kept asking myself, “Why does he look familiar?” I did this as I squinted and I tried to switch my phone to landscape to see him better, “Oh gee, he sure looks like Pass Wess” Then I looked down at his name and sure enough, it said “Pastor John Wesley” I started crying as this was my youth pastor 20 years ago! The youth group would fondly refer to him with a cool name- Pass Wess! What are the odds of meeting my Kenyan youth pastor in a random zoom call based in the U.S?
I have shared in the past how I grew up in the church. To be specific, I attended Nairobi Pentecostal Church (Central/Valley Road) from the time I was an infant! My parents were keen to ensure that we lived close to the church as they believed in the impact it would have on our lives. I attended every Vocational Bible School, every church camp, and sang in every Christmas concert. Here is a picture of one of the many Christmas concerts:

When I turned 13, I joined the youth church. Our pastors were Pastor Patrick and Pastor John Wesley. They were a fiery duo that found fun and innovative ways to encourage the teens to serve God and understand sound doctrine. These pastors, along with their lovely wives, ministered to us in a special way. I am attaching some copies of the youth program from 2001 & 2002! (I am very sentimental and thus kept them throughout the years 🙂 Hoarders TV, don’t come and get me!! lol)

In Kenya, most of the teenagers go to boarding school during their high school years. Pastor Patrick and John Wesley found a way to ensure we were still connected. They would mobilize youth leaders to handwrite individual letters of encouragement. The pastors would ask us to keep the faith and remember God in all we do. It was heartwarming to receive such letters, and they would often tell us where the next church camp would be. Therefore, we always looked forward to when school closed so as to go back to the youth church! Here is a picture of some of the letters I received while I was in boarding school!

Later, when I graduated high school and came to the U.S, I felt that I had been ripped from a constant spiritual source of nourishment. Due to this, I found that I struggled spiritually for almost three years in this foreign land. I switched churches several times as I looked for a good spiritual fit. However, what held me was the word that was profoundly and firmly rooted in my heart. The biblical counsel that these youth pastors provided was critical in drawing me back to a strong foundation!
So back to the zoom call, when we were introducing ourselves, I immediately pointed out this divine destiny connection! I shared how much the youth ministry shaped my life as a believer, all to the Glory of God. I am happy to report that Pass Wess was happy to hear from me and has still maintained his humor and fiery dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ!
As I end, I want to encourage every person who has a leadership position in the church (especially youth ministry and mentorship!). Keep doing what you are doing! Your work is impactful! God sees what you are doing in private, and he will reward you! You are sowing seeds in future leaders, movers, and shakers who have significant kingdom assignments. Someone is waiting for your obedience and service…May God grant you the strength and the direction you need as you serve Him! May he elevate you as you pursue your destiny assignment!
This is such a heartwarming and encouraging post. A very good reminder to never underestimate the roles we can have in church because they can be such a difference for someone.
I always enjoy your summaries, they are so thoughtful and powerful. I love what you said about never underestimating our roles! This is so true!!!!!!! 🌺🌺🌺
You are the best!
May God bless you!
What an encouraging testimony! ❤🙌
Thank you so much for dropping by and for your kind words 🌺❤️🌺 I appreciate this! Have a blessed week ahead!
You’re welcome!
Thanks, and you too! 🌸💖🌸
Amen. This is so encouraging!.
Ministry is about sowing seeds and these seeds spread and last. We should indeed not grow weary in spreading His word and living a life of faith, that encourages others to be the same too. ❤
I agree 🧡🧡 Ministry is indeed about sowing seeds! thank you so much for stopping by! 💝💝
Aww! So beautiful and powerful! Divine connection is real ❤
Thank you 💖💖💖💖💖💖 It is indeed real 💐💐💐💐💐
An encouraging testimony 😊😊 God truly molded you during your youth days.
Thank you for stopping by 🌺 I agree, I am very thankful for that !
Have a happy Sunday!
Down memory lane. indeed! Beautiful testimony.
I always looked forward for the NPC Bible Vacation School.
Thank you for the reminder.
God Bless!!
Thank you 🙏🏾 for stopping by. I appreciate the kind words 💖
Down memory lane indeed.
This testimony is beautiful.
I remember NPC bible vacation school. Thanks for the reminder. lets continue impacting the youth early enough.
Amennnn! Thank you 💖💖💖
NPC was the absolute best 💝