2022 could not have commenced better than having sealed 2021 in a spiritual style. COGYOK, the youth organization in Kenya, congregated at the COGMERs headquarters at Eastleigh, Nairobi and camped there during the last week of the year. During such a time, they learn from one another through sermons, exhortations, testimonies and guidance & counseling. Additionally, they engage in outdoor leisure activities and this time they visited the Kenya Arboretum which is at the heart of the country’s capital. The exercise is aimed at not only helping the youngsters relax but also form stronger bonds as a COGYOK team and an organ in the church.

Under the patronage of the Youth president Mr. Cohen Thumbi, who was winding his three-years tenure, the camping ran smoothly witnessing a bigger number of attendees than 2019 (Covid-19 made it impossible in 2020). Cohen lauded the youths for forsaking the worldly pleasures and indulgence during the pagan festivities and embracing the divine call of converging for a noble course. He further commended his fellow officials for persevering through thick and thin during his tenure. Before handing over the tools of power on Friday 31st to his successor, Evanson Gathinji, Cohen assured the youths that he is leaving the office to both a capable and determined sage who will thrust COGYOK to the next glory. Cohen will mainly be remembered for refurbishing the Youth Sabbath, renaming it National Friends Day and improving youth participation in decision making. “He ruled more diplomatically than most of his predecessors.” confessed one of the exiting officials.

The icing of the cake is normally on Sabbath. It is the day when youths from different regions regale the audience with an assortment of performances ranging from songs, chants, recitations and narrations to acting and other intriguing stunts. Different regions showcased their items in front of a bench of six judges. This was deviation from the norm as the bench normally accommodates three judges who adjudicate all the items. The results that evening had Nairobi appearing best, closely followed by Team Ruiru as the first runners up and a special recognition to GUDOK as the most improved team. 

Mr. Methu Kiragu, Dcn. Muchiri and Tr. Wambui Waweru have been the trio judging for the past two decades. However, this time they sought to recruit new members to whom they will hand over the baton. The recruits are Gachoya Wanjama (Ruai), Hannah Mwaura (Limuru), Risper Njenga (Ruiru) and Boniface Kamica (Kirinyaga). Unlike their predecessors who owed their membership from the same church branch, these were picked from different regions perhaps to devolve the skill to other areas. Mr. Kiragu applauded the outgoing judges stating that their impartiality, dedication and cooperation has been unparalleled. He urged the new recruits to embrace both humanness and integrity considering the sensitivity of the task ahead of them.

To officially close the grand event, the COGYOK patron, Bishop H.K. Karanja acclaimed everyone for their selfless dedication and urged them to show the same diligence in all pertinent matters pertaining to spirituality. He further urged the members to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit which were the guideposts of the AGM. While awarding accolades to different exiting officials, he reminded everyone that an opportunity to lead is an opportunity to grow. Echoing the youth minister’s (Pst. Mugoya) sentiments, the patron warned against despicable demeanor likely to blot the church’s impeccable reputation.

Reported by George Mburu