Evangelization – Empowerment and Formation

When I first considered the assignment to Nairobi's Kenyatta University, I wondered whether it was really the place for a missioner and more so a European. My years at the university have reinforced my belief that it is a place for a missioner. Evangelization is part of the missionary call and this evangelization process is a dynamic element of the university ministry. It is a ministry of formation and empowerment of future leaders.

We each have our own understanding of the evangelization process, but I see at the university that this process is multi-faceted. It can be in direct evangelization that leads to Baptism and this does take place every year. However a key component of evangelization is to, what I call, the lost generation which are our young people. Our young people are living in society in which a value system is not really present. Violence in both the home and broader society is common place. Understanding personal boundaries, rules and accountability are hard to follow.

It is more than just the late adolescent issues. Our young people need to be evangelized and formed in regard to these issues. Faith needs to be understood as more than just a ritual practice. Faith in Christ needs to be translated into Gospel values as a dynamic lifestyle for transformation of the student and his/her world. This is what we try to do as a chaplaincy. It is challenging and at times not always accepted by students - but isn't this the role of the missionary; to evangelize the structures and cultures of societies?

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Maryknollers in Nairobi, Kenya