A strategy to minister to at-risk homeless street youths in the Central Region of Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Problem The dissertation examined the plight of homeless at-risk street youth who patronize the Lusaka Central Business District. There was an observable growing presence of street youths exposed to various risks and dangers, whose predicament challenged the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide an adequate and holistic ministry. Purpose The purpose of this dissertation was to develop, implement, and evaluate a viable intervention and ministry model that seeks to account for both the physical and spiritual needs of street youth. This model is here dubbed the PSR2D model consisting of meeting physical needs, equipping with skills, reform and rehabilitation, and most importantly, discipleship as a way of reaching the street youths.

Method To adequately and meaningfully minister to at-risk street youths, the researcher used the qualitative method as the approach to the research process. After an examination of the problem through data derived from focus groups and observations, the researcher designed and implemented a multi-faceted ministry to reach at-risk street youth and thereby create an entering wedge for discipleship. The program started on December 2, 2023, and continues to date at Railway Adventist Company under Lusaka Central Church. A series of deliberate relational activities such as food and clothing sharing, skill impartation, counseling, and prayer and Bible studies were undertaken.

Results Data collected from Focus Group Discussions was examined and the results showed that street youths in the central region of Lusaka were faced with various risks and needs. It was ascertained that various factors led to their condition. The program implementation and intervention were successful. Street youth were counseled, enabled to acquire various life-saving skills, were presented with opportunities for reformation and rehabilitation, and were led to Christ. Through coordinated acts of kindness, the gospel was preached to street youth. Street youth are regularly attending church services. Railway Adventist Company is currently providing quarterly skills training programs, literacy classes, and weekly feeding programs from the worship premises.

Conclusion By ministering to their physical needs, and equipping them with hands-on skills that benefit them at an economic level, street youth who roamed the Lusaka CBD were ministered to. The PSR2D model was implemented successfully. By conducting programs related to street youth needs, Christ’s love was not only proclaimed but demonstrated as well. The research was successful.