ALL AFRICA BAPTIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP WEST AFRICA SUB-REGION BIENNIAL CONFERENCE UNDERWAY IN LOMÉ, TOGO
Togo
Saturday, 06-September, 2024
The biennial conference of the All Africa Baptist Youth Fellowship West Africa Sub-Region (AABYFWA) is currently underway in Lomé, Togo, from September 4 to 8, 2024. Themed “KEEP MOVING FORWARD” (Numbers 13:30), the event has drawn delegates from several countries, including Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Ivory Coast. The Ghana Baptist Convention Youth Ministry is represented by a delegation of twenty-three participants.
Rev. Enoch Thompson, Chairman of the West African Sub-Region of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship, delivered the keynote address during the opening ceremony. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of African youth overcoming challenges such as economic stagnation, limited educational opportunities, and unemployment. He urged the youth to take positive, faith-driven actions in alignment with the conference theme, stating:
“The theme of your conference, 'KEEP MOVING FORWARD' (Numbers 13:30), speaks to the need for progress, advancement, achievement, and the realization of dreams. Failure to do so results in youth succumbing to drug addiction, embarking on dangerous journeys across seas and deserts in search of greener pastures, or engaging in cybercrime and ritual killings in pursuit of wealth and fame. Our theme invites us to shake off the stupor of an incapacitated youth and rise to action. It is an invitation to move forward on paths that glorify God and benefit society.”
Rev. Thompson also took part in a presentation on Baptist identity, highlighting the significance of understanding and embracing the distinctive marks of the Baptist faith. He concluded his remarks by affirming, "THE BAPTIST BRAND IS A GOOD BRAND."
Among other notable attendees were Rev. Elias Apetogbor, General Secretary of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship, and Rev. Pierre Addasso, President of the Togo Baptist Convention.
The conference continues through September 8, fostering discussions and activities aimed at empowering Baptist youth across West Africa to keep moving forward in faith and action.
