“During a youth outing, a young man approached me and spoke to me about Jesus. Something in the honesty and passion of his voice touched me deeply. Right there, I gave my life to Christ. He prayed for me, and from that moment I joined their youth group.”
Kouame’s story is an example of the quiet but steady movement reshaping the future of Free Will Baptists across Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). It is led by young people — students, newly-
married couples, musicians, and emerging leaders — going into their communities with conviction to serve and carry the gospel as well as stepping into leadership responsibilities in their local churches.
The population of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, is young. Seventy-five percent are below the age of 35, with a median age of 18 years. Twenty-two percent of the population are within the age range considered “youth” (between 15-30 years). These statistics show the strategic importance of a vibrant ministry targeted at this vital segment of the church.
The youth department of the National Association of Free Will Baptist churches in Côte d’Ivoire is highly organized and divided into national, associational, and local church levels. The youth ministry rests on four pillars: evangelism, spiritual formation (discipleship), Christian fellowship, and pastoral support. These pillars guide a range of creative and practical initiatives incorporating young believers — not just in church life — but as active builders of its mission. Through evangelistic campaigns, spiritual retreats, community outreach, and worship gatherings, they embody a living discipleship bridging generations.
Campus Ministries
One of the longest-running efforts of the youth department is campus ministries, founded in 1998. Cell groups on campuses of middle schools, high schools, and universities gather students to explore how Scripture intersects with academic life, personal challenges, and social issues. Over the years, many non-Christian students, whether invited by friends or showing up out of curiosity, have discovered faith and repentance in these meetings.
“My journey began with a simple invitation,” says Eri. “While in high school, a classmate who is now a pastor invited me to a meeting of his Christian group. It was full of meaningful conversation, prayer, and even a skit. My heart opened that day. Afterward, my friend spoke to me about Jesus with such sincerity I could not ignore it. I surrendered my life to Christ. All glory to Jesus for allowing me to encounter Him. Today, I’m married and all my family is active in my Free Will Baptist church, but my faith began in high school.”
On campuses, Bible studies give students answers for questions that emerge on a secular campus, strengthen them academically and spiritually, and foster mutual support and Christian friendships.
Community Service
Beyond school campuses, the youth-led community service days encourage young people to engage with those around them by going into the streets of cities, villages, and neighborhoods. Armed with brooms, cleaning tools, and open hearts, they clean and beautify public spaces while sharing the Good News.
They also have served in orphanages, hospitals, and even military camps performing acts of generosity and opening doors for conversations to plant seeds of hope. This is how Kouame
encountered the youth from the church.
Evangelistic Campaigns
Inspired by the words of 1 Peter 2:9, which encourage us to demonstrate “the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,” the youth plan a large-scale evangelistic campaign once a year. These efforts both reach unreached areas as well as help local churches seeking to evangelize their communities. Robert said, “Hope after death awakened my heart. It was during a major evangelistic campaign.
The youth were going house to house, inviting people to a special gathering. One of them stopped to speak with me about the immense love of Christ and the reality of life after death. His words touched something inside me. The promise of eternal joy filled me with hope, and I chose to give my life to Christ.”
In the most recent campaign, 72 people committed their lives to Christ, and a brand-new congregation was planted. Each evangelistic campaign draws between 500 and 1,000 people. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and the efforts of 30 to 50 young volunteers handling logistics and actively sharing the gospel, anywhere from 20 to 100 people give their lives to Christ each year during these campaigns. New congregations are often planted.
Spiritual Retreats and Youth Camps
Spiritual retreats and youth camps, held nationally and locally, gather young people for days of prayer, teaching, testimony, and fellowship. This renews faith, deepens commitment, and offers opportunity for rest and connection. Year after year, attendance is strong, and the spiritual impact is evident.
Each year, youth camps alternate between one national camp and three associational camps. The regional camps permit more youth to participate, since the cost of transportation is less. The national camp allows youth from all over the country to come together, reinforcing unity, keeping their faith vibrant, and making new connections. Youth camps and retreats usually gather 200 or more students for biblical teaching, worship, fellowship, and growth in the Lord.
Worship Concerts
Worship concerts have become another signature event with three hours of joyful praise led by hand-picked music groups. Besides the music, time is also spent in a directed concert of prayer. For many young people, these moments become catalysts for renewed devotion and spiritual depth.
Visible and Lasting Impact
The fruits of this movement can be counted not only in numbers but also in transformed lives, where faith took root and changed the direction of their lives. Many young people are now well-trained and hold leadership roles within their local churches, regional associations, and the national association.
One of the leaders of the youth organization commented, “I’ve seen firsthand how the sincerity and maturity of the youth inspire confidence in church leaders, both locally and nationally. This trust has led to many young people being placed in significant roles within the church. It is clear evidence of the strength and effectiveness of the youth ministry. Their maturity opened doors for leadership.”
A Movement Shaping the Church’s Future
Through service, testimony, and unshakeable commitment, Free Will Baptist youth in Côte d’Ivoire are proving faith is not only inherited. It is lived, shared, and renewed with every generation. Their work illuminates communities and strengthens the Church, ensuring the flame of the gospel burns brightly across the nation.
About the Writer: As first vice-president of National Youth, Robert Kouassi oversees organization and training for the Ivorian youth association. He and his wife attend Shalom FWB Church of Abidjan-Angré. He serves as a tax official in his professional career and enjoys reading and football (soccer). Learn more about IM International Partnerships: IMInc.org/.
