A Generation Being Transformed: Over 2,000 Children Reached with the Gospel in Cape Verde
PRAIA, CAPE VERDE — More than 2,000 children and teenagers in the Terra Branca neighbourhood of Praia, Cape Verde, have been reached with the Gospel through an evangelism and discipleship initiative led by the Church of the Nazarene’s Southern District of Cape Verde, in partnership with the Christian humanitarian organisation Samaritan’s Purse.
The initiative, spearheaded by Rev. António Barbosa Andrade, the district president of Nazarene Missions International (NMI), and supported by his ministry team, sought to introduce young people to Jesus Christ and equip them with a strong biblical foundation for their lives.
Terra Branca is one of the oldest and most populous neighbourhoods in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. The community is characterised by considerable social and economic diversity, with established residential areas alongside informal settlements where some families face significant challenges such as unemployment, food insecurity and inadequate housing conditions. For children and young people growing up in vulnerable circumstances, access to positive mentorship and supportive community relationships can make a meaningful difference.
Recognising these needs, the Church of the Nazarene sought to invest in the spiritual development of the neighbourhood’s younger generation, sharing a message of hope, faith and transformation through Jesus Christ a resource called “The Great Journey,” a biblically based discipleship programme.
Through this programme, more than 2,000 children and teenagers were introduced to the message of the Gospel and participated in structured discipleship lessons designed to deepen their understanding of God’s Word. The programme encouraged participants not only to learn about Jesus Christ but also to develop a personal relationship with Him and reflect His character in their everyday lives.
Through biblical teaching, the young participants were encouraged to grow in faith, demonstrate Christlike love and develop values that would positively influence their relationships.
For the local church, the initiative represented more than a short-term evangelistic campaign. It was an investment in the spiritual future of a generation, establishing a foundation upon which continued Christian growth and discipleship can be built.
The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony celebrating the children and teenagers who had completed the course. The occasion marked an important milestone in their spiritual journey, recognising their participation, commitment and growth in understanding the Christian faith. During the ceremony, the graduates were also commissioned and encouraged to continue sharing the Gospel with others.
The hope is that these young disciples will become positive influences within their families, schools, churches and wider community, carrying forward the message of Christ to others.
The collaboration between the Church of the Nazarene’s Southern District of Cape Verde and Samaritan’s Purse demonstrates the potential of Christian organisations working together to advance evangelism and discipleship.
For the Church of the Nazarene in Cape Verde, reaching more than 2,000 children and teenagers represents a significant ministry achievement and an opportunity for continued spiritual investment. As these young people return to their communities, the prayer of the church is that they will remain steadfast in Christ and boldly share the Gospel with others.
The church invites the wider Nazarene family to join in praying for every child and teenager reached through this initiative, as well as for the leaders and volunteers who continue to invest in their spiritual development.
To God be all the glory for what He has done and what He will continue to do.
