GYC Africa 2026 Brings Young Adventists Together in Zambia

Before the GYC (Generation. Youth. Christ.) Africa Conference opened in Lusaka, Zambia, GYC Africa was already at work. Mission initiatives had taken place in communities, schools, and university campuses in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa, with evangelism, community service, home visits, literature distribution, and Bible studies.

From July 3 to 7 the third annual GYC Africa Conference brought approximately 1,300 young Adventists from 18 countries together in Lusaka. Under the theme “ARISE,” the five-day gathering centered on worship, Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and a renewed call to live out the gospel.

The conference, one part of GYC Africa’s work, aims to provide opportunities for young people to take the gospel beyond the conference hall and into communities and campuses. Some of those initiatives took place before the Lusaka gathering, while others continued afterward.

God Cares About Road Trips

While it was a joy to have everyone gathered in one place, participants also had many reasons to praise God for His protection throughout the journey, despite the challenges some encountered along the way.

A few young people experienced flight delays that caused worry and panic, but thankfully, they arrived safely. Others testified to God’s protection during a road trip from Kenya to Zambia. While they were traveling through Tanzania, their vehicle collided with another on the highway, leaving some passengers with minor bruises. They were immediately rushed to the hospital, where they were examined and later cleared to continue their journey.

Throughout the ordeal, those who had already arrived at the conference venue kept the group in their prayers. They were overjoyed when the travelers finally arrived, allowing everyone to begin the conference together.

Although most of the travelers had been little more than acquaintances at the start of the journey, the experience brought them closer as they learned to trust and support one another through a difficult time. What began as a road trip became a defining moment of unity, forging friendships that continued to deepen throughout the conference.

Five Days in Lusaka

The conference program included plenary sessions, seminars, devotionals, prayer meetings, music, testimonies, and outreach. More than 10 speakers contributed to the program, while 16 exhibitors presented ministries, businesses, health initiatives, evangelistic organizations, and youth movements.

The theme “ARISE” called young Adventists to a deeper walk with Christ and a life of service. Across the five days, the emphasis remained on Scripture, faith, Christian growth, and the responsibility of believers to share what they have received.

The gathering also created space for young Adventists from different countries to worship together, meet one another, and connect with organizations serving in different areas of ministry.

The guest speaker, Eric Walsh, delivered powerful messages cautioning young people against straying from God’s Word. He emphasized that sin, especially sexual sin, can lead to a cycle of more sin and is often a result of what our minds dwell on.

Although his final message was sobering, it also offered hope and reassurance that no one is beyond redemption. He reminded listeners of the power of God’s love and His willingness to restore and transform the lives of those who surrender to Him.

In response, more than 20 young people walked forward that evening, some with tears in their eyes, to rededicate their lives to God. Their personal struggles, though not visible to others, were brought before the Lord as Walsh prayed for them. Participants said they praise God for these youth who recognized their need for Him and found the courage to take that step of faith.

The final hours of the conference were filled with fellowship as attendees connected with new and old friends, sang the theme song that called everyone to “arise,” and excitedly began making plans for next year’s GYC program.

“It was a blessing to witness and experience the connections created at GYC 2026,” one of the participants said. “We look forward to seeing these friendships grow and new connections develop as the young people carry the spirit of fellowship and commitment beyond the conference and throughout the year.”

Mission Across Africa

GYC Africa’s mission work in 2026 reached rural communities and university campuses in four countries.

As previously reported, in Sesheke, Zambia, a rural evangelism initiative reported 256 baptisms. The work also saw more than 5,690 people served, more than 300 homes visited, and more than 2,000 Bible studies initiated.

On university campuses the Copperbelt University mission in Zambia reported 50 baptisms, while an initiative at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe reported 18. At the University of Zambia a seven-day student mission reported 24 baptisms.

In Angola, mission efforts at Twapandula University and The Instituto Superior Politécnico da Caála school resulted in two baptisms and the distribution of 350 copies of Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy and 60 Bibles.

Mission Windhoek in Namibia brought evangelism and community outreach to the capital, while a post-conference rural mission in Rufunsa, Zambia, reported seven baptisms and included health services alongside evangelistic meetings.

Taking the Gospel to the Community

Outreach also formed part of the Lusaka conference program.

During a four-hour community outreach, delegates distributed 1,800 pieces of Christian literature, including Impact tracts, The Great Controversy, and Words of Hope.

Across GYC Africa’s mission initiatives in 2026, the reported results included 357 baptisms, more than 5,690 people served, more than 2,000 continuing Bible studies, more than 300 homes visited, and 3,076 books and tracts distributed.

“For GYC Africa the work continues beyond one gathering or one location,” event organizers said. “The annual conference brings young Adventists together for worship, study, and fellowship, while mission work gives them opportunities to serve and share their faith in the places where they live and work.”

The next GYC Africa Conference is scheduled to take place in Uganda in 2027.