Africa-Press – Eswatini. A wave of spiritual awakening, purpose-driven mentorship, and youthful empowerment swept through Shiselweni over the weekend as dozens of teenagers gathered for the much-anticipated Young Life Campaigners’ Camp.
The three-day camp, held from May 16 to 18, 2025, brought together adolescents from various corners of the Shiselweni region, united by a shared desire to grow in faith, character, and vision. According to organisers, the camp was part of Young Life’s broader mission to help teenagers meet Jesus Christ and develop a deeper relationship with Him.
Young Life Shiselweni Area Director Mphilisi Ngwenya was quoted saying the camp was not only a retreat from life’s noise but also a sacred space for spiritual growth. He noted that the gathering provided what many described as the best three days of their lives.
“This is where transformation happens,” Ngwenya said as he unpacked the essence of Campaigners, a discipleship platform under Young Life where teenagers who have accepted Christ are mentored and equipped to grow in their faith.
The weekend camp featured a series of soul-searching sermons, practical workshops, worship sessions, and life coaching, all tailored for the young audience.
Faith and Life Lessons
Pastor Mdluli from AGCI challenged the youth to choose the right path, urging them to prioritise God above all else. He reportedly laid out life’s journey, from school to marriage, and warned that careless decisions, especially in the form of drugs and sexual immorality, could derail their futures.
Similarly, Mr Thulani Ngwenya from the Evangelical Church Jerusalem encouraged the teenagers to stand firm in their faith, reminding them that following Jesus was the best decision they could ever make.
Money Matters and Mental Wellness
From the pulpit to practicalities, the camp offered more than just spiritual nourishment. Mr Thabiso and Mr Dumisani Nyawo, both representing the Eswatini Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (EYERF), unpacked entrepreneurship for the young minds. They spoke of business as a game of risks, telling the future CEOs that wealth creation starts with bold ideas and well-managed funding.
On the mental health front, Msizi Nxumalo from the Evangelical Church Ngololweni delivered a powerful talk that struck a chord. He reminded the youth that they were the CEOs of their own lives. He encouraged them to make sound decisions, remain positive, and not suffer in silence. “Bottling things up only leads to implosion,” he was quoted as saying.
Financial Literacy and Safety
Money-savvy lessons were also dished out by Bheki Dlamini from Evangelical Church Nhlangano, who spoke on the importance of saving and financial education in the digital age. He stressed that understanding money early on was no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Safety officers Mr Fakudze and Mr Hadebe drove home practical lessons on home safety, gender respect, and road awareness. Fakudze spoke boldly against rape and domestic violence, while Mr Hadebe cautioned teenagers about overloaded public transport and pedestrian carelessness.
The Call to Purity
In one of the most talked-about sessions, Ngwenya, wearing both his Young Life and pastoral hats, delivered a heartfelt message on purity. He defined it as separation from sin and dedication to God, reminding young people that choices made today shape the future.
“Sex is not just physical, which is why rape is deeply traumatic,” he warned. He went on to caution against pornography, describing it as a silent destroyer of genuine intimacy and human value.
Worship That Moved Mountains
As the sun set on Saturday night, hearts were lifted in a powerful worship experience featuring award-winning gospel artist Dudu Mhlanga, who is also the founder of It’s a Call to Youth Choirs. Rising star Bhekiwe Ndwandwe, fresh from the Mother of All Gospel stage, also graced the night alongside other local choirs and solo performers.
Gratitude and Giving Hearts
The organisers expressed deep appreciation to local philanthropists who made the event possible. Mr Dumisani Kunene, owner of Izigi Zendoda, and Mrs Lindiwe Nxumalo of Zikhotheni were both thanked for their financial contributions, with the latter described as a community builder and aspiring MP.
By the time the final prayer was said and the buses pulled away, one thing was clear. The seeds planted during the weekend were bound to bear fruit in the hearts of Shiselweni’s future leaders.
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