By Peter Cibuabua

My participation in the Young Leader’s Summit revealed my passion, capacity, and calling to engage in ministry. It was a great and powerful turning point in my young adult ministry that helped me deepen my commitment to Christ, be more connected to the UMC, and to the needs of the world. Beyond that experience, I understood the value and place of young people in the church and community.

I was blessed to have a new vision of the Church, a network for all young leaders in Africa; the ability to share and plan programs for young people’s ministry in our respective annual conferences and episcopal areas. The Summit has created a space in which I was able to exchange ideas and experiences, where we have time and space to discuss and exchange views on leadership.

The Summit has created a space in which I was able to exchange ideas and experiences, where we have time and space to discuss and exchange views on leadership.

My life has changed. I no longer think like a child but I am a part of a group of world transformers through the gospel of Jesus. My Bishop, David Yemba, Rev. Mike Ratliff, and Rev. Desire Tiriwepi have been great resources and have extended their grace on me.

Through the summit, I have met people from different cultures. In May 2016 I had the privilege to deliver the young people's address at the General Conference in Portland, Oregon, USA. It was a message of love and unity to the church. I am blessed and Happy to use my time to serve God.

Those who truly seek the will of God are given more than expected.

After the summit experience, I found new leadership opportunities in my annual conference. I was elected as youth director, a member of the conference executive committee, and deputy chair of the Board of Trustees. These are important positions that I dedicate myself to serving in my conference.

As young people, we all have ambitions. But those who truly seek the will of God are given more than expected. We are called to serve God—in any capacity that we are able. There is no small or big service, but there is maturity in the Lord.

Peter Cibuabua, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, attended the Young Leaders Summit in 2014. Together with Chelsea Spyres from the USA, he delivered the Young People’s Address at the 2016 General Conference in Portland, Oregon, USA.