Each summer I travel to my home country of America where I have a wonderful opportunity to visit different Christian Science branch churches. Sometimes it appears that there are not many youth members in these branch churches. This is something I pray about because I know that there are actually many youth interested in practicing Christian Science—just visit the TMC Youth website and you’ll see the vibrant dialog and action that is going on worldwide. Or visit a Christian Science summer youth camp and you’ll witness the energy and excitement of living and practicing Christian Science! There are also amazing TMC Youth Spiritual Activist Summits exhibiting much dedication and love of Christian Science. So, I know that any claim of dwindling interest in Christian Science among the newer generations is just a false claim that needs to be reversed.
These experiences inspired me to rally youth at my branch church in Nairobi, Kenya, to write an article. At First Church of Christ Scientist, Nairobi, the younger members inspire me daily. After graduating from Sunday School, they hold many offices in the church. Four members are currently serving on the executive board: One is the superintendent of the Sunday School; another serves as the Reading Room Librarian; and the other member serves as the Clerk. In addition, they serve on church committees, as Readers, and as soloists. Others serve in the Sunday School as teachers. Our Youth Committee, comprised of ages 18–25, is very active. Our biggest challenge is that we don’t have enough room and chairs for the 40 or more students who attend our Sunday School each week!
Recently, I asked some of our youth members if they’d like to share their insights about what branch church membership means to them; what roles they have filled in our branch church; the blessings they have experienced through active church participation for themselves and others; and how they pray for their church on a daily basis.
