In Candlelighters International, ministering to young people is viewed as accompanying the young minds into an adventure with the world surrounding them, and also with that which awaits them as they step out from home. As such, our target is to help each and every young person we come in contact with, to develop a deeper spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. We also focus on helping young people to grow as individuals with strong capacities to identify and appreciate God’s fingerprint in and around them.

Our Innovative Approach

The very nature of a teenager or a young adult involves certain daily struggles, fears and anxieties. As such, young people constantly struggle with issues concerning Relevance, Reasons, Relationships, Renewal, and what is Real. Our innovative approaches are inspired and directed by these key Scriptures:

On Relevance

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:9-11

On Reason

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs. 3:5-6

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans. 8:28

On Relationships

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians. 4:32

On Renewal

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

On Realness

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7-8

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Our Youth Adventure ministry strives to provide a variety of opportunities and experiences to draw teens and young adults into an active and responsible participatory life within their homes, communities, countries and the world at large.  

We also focus on helping young people begin the preparatory phase of identifying their gifts; growing in life skills; developing a positive self-image in-build in God’s purpose for their lives; overcoming contemporary prejudices against believers; developing respect for differences without compromising; serving their local communities and particularly those in need, and preparing on how to be good parents, co-workers, etc. of tomorrow.

Youth Categories

The Youth Adventure ministry in Candlelighters International involves three groups: the Pathfinders, the Delegates, and the Ambassadors. This will help us to be strategic and intentional in our approach towards young people, taking into consideration the challenges and opportunities that go with their age groups.

Pathfinders (10 -15 years of age)

Delegates (16 -21 years of age)

Ambassadors (22-31 years of age)