West Africa Assemblies of God Youth Conference Ends in Liberia with Call for Young People to Impact Their Generation

By Lazota Bility

KAKATA, Margibi County, August 9,2026 — More than 300 young people, church leaders and international delegates from across West Africa have gathered in Kakata, Margibi County, for the West Africa Assemblies of God Youth Conference, held under the theme “Empowered to Impact.”

The five-day regional gathering, which opened on Wednesday, August 4, 2026, at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata, concludes today, Sunday, August 9, bringing together delegates from Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.

Liberia is hosting the regional conference, which has combined worship, preaching, youth fellowship, leadership development and discussions on issues affecting young people across the region.

The opening sessions were marked by vibrant worship as participants raised their hands in praise, sang in different languages and chanted the conference slogan, “Christ for All, All for Christ.” French-speaking delegates also joined the worship with chants of “Merci Jésus!”

Participants have described the conference as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, fellowship and learning, while praising their Liberian hosts for the hospitality extended to delegates.

Call for Youth to Become Agents of Change

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Rev. Pastor Samson Ibrahim, Chairman of the West Africa General Youth Assembly, said the gathering was an opportunity to renew, equip and commission young people to make a positive impact in their communities and countries.

Rev. Ibrahim said the conference was not simply a routine religious gathering but a call for young people to deepen their relationship with God and become agents of transformation.

Addressing the theme, “Empowered to Impact,” he challenged young people to reject spiritual mediocrity and embrace lives characterized by integrity, prayer, faith, service and commitment to Christ.

He said true empowerment comes through the Holy Spirit and urged participants to use their gifts and abilities to influence their families, communities and nations positively.

Rev. Ibrahim also acknowledged the challenges confronting young people in Africa, including unemployment, poverty, conflict, corruption, addiction and the distractions associated with the digital age.

He, however, encouraged the young people not to allow those challenges to prevent them from fulfilling what he described as God’s purpose for their lives.

“Young people, let your light shine. Africa needs your faith, your commitment and your willingness to allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work through your lives as you leave this convention empowered to impact your generation until the return of Jesus Christ,” Rev. Ibrahim said.

Liberia Youth Leadership Welcomes Regional Gathering

The National Youth Director of the Assemblies of God Liberia, Rev. Isaac G. Jolokleh, thanked the participating countries and international delegates for attending the conference.

Rev. Jolokleh described the gathering as one of the largest youth events hosted by the Liberian Assemblies of God, saying preparations had been underway for more than a year.

“I thank the Lord because this conference has become a reality. We have been working on it for more than a year. This is one of the largest gatherings we have ever had, and I give God the glory for the level of participation,” he said.

He said unity remains one of the major strengths of the youth ministry, despite differences in nationality, culture and language.

“We are united with one goal and one purpose despite our diversity,” Rev. Jolokleh said.

According to him, the conference goes beyond spiritual activities, with participants also engaging in discussions and activities focused on leadership, healthy relationships, business and other practical areas of life.

He said the objective is for young people to return to their respective communities with knowledge, confidence and a renewed commitment to making a difference.

Regional Youth Network

The West Africa Assemblies of God Youth Alliance, commonly known as WAAGYA and referred to in French as A.J.A.D.A.O., is a regional youth network within the Assemblies of God movement that brings together young people from countries across West Africa.

The alliance promotes spiritual development, leadership training, Christian fellowship and youth participation in community life.

Its activities also seek to strengthen relationships among young Christians across national and cultural boundaries while encouraging young people, often identified within the movement as Christ Ambassadors, to play active roles in their churches and communities.

The regional youth movement places emphasis on spiritual empowerment, moral development, leadership and unity among young people across the West African Assemblies of God fellowship.

Liberia Hosts Regional Christian Gathering

The conference was officially opened by the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Liberia, Rev. Dr. Abenda F. Tamba.

The event has provided Liberia with an opportunity to host young Christian leaders and delegates from across the sub-region while highlighting the role of young people in faith, leadership and community development.

As the conference concludes in Kakata today, organizers are expected to encourage participants to carry the message of “Empowered to Impact” back to their churches, communities and countries.

For the organizers, the ultimate goal is for the gathering to move beyond worship and fellowship and translate into practical action as young people seek to influence their generation through faith, leadership, service and community engagement.