In our afterschool program at Freedom Café, we lovingly call our youth our NextGen because they’re the future leaders God is raising up for His Kingdom. Each week, Monday through Thursday, our café fills with students who come not only for snacks, fellowship, and fun, but also for something much deeper – discipleship.
We spend Monday through Wednesday diving into Bible-based leadership lessons, encouraging the kids to grow in character, faith, and confidence. On Thursdays, someome in the community blesses us with a meal and we gather around the table to celebrate what we’ve learned all week. These rhythms are more than just activities – they’re a safe place where our youth are seen, loved, and reminded that they matter to God.
The other day, after one of our leadership sessions, I asked, “Who would like to pray?” Through all the chatter, one boy sheepishly raised his hand. I smiled and asked the group if they knew why I invite them to pray. Without hesitation they answered in unison: “Yes, ma’am! So we will know how to pray and also get comfortable praying in front of people!” I said, “Exactly.”
The boy who volunteered was timid, so we slowed down and talked it through together. I reassured him that no one would ever make fun of him here – that prayer is simply talking with God and that this was a safe space to learn and grow. With bright pink cheeks, he prayed his very best prayer in his sweet 6th grader voice. When he said, “In Jesus’ name, Amen,” the entire group erupted in claps and cheers!
Oh, my heart. This is what it’s all about – discipling and preparing the next generation for a Kingdom life. Moments like these, when students step out in faith, push past fear, and discover the joy of prayer, remind us exactly why we do what we do.
Watching their courage grow reminds us of 1 Timothy 4:12:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
At Freedom Initiative, our mission is to build cross-cultural bridges, ignite freedom, and transform lives – and it starts with the next generation. Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support. Together, we’re raising up young leaders who will shine God’s light in their schools, families, and communities.
A Prayer for the NextGen
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of these young lives. We pray that You would fill them with courage, faith, and a deep love for You. Teach them to pray with boldness, to lead with humility, and to shine as lights in their schools, families, and communities. Protect their hearts, guide their steps, and raise them up to be leaders who bring Your Kingdom to earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
