by Jonathan Asiedu Okyere
To provide a warm, loving and edifying Christian fellowship for educated youth to promote Christian growth, commitment and service.
It will be very difficult for anyone who has had fellowship with EYO especially throughout their stay on any campus to say that they did not experience the components of the ministry’s vision. Whenever someone was asked about what made them stay in EYO, you almost always knew what answer would follow.
“I feel so loved here”
“The love is so real”
“People here are very friendly”
These are just are few of many.
It felt like a cliché sometimes, but the more I thought of it, the more I was convinced it was true. I really had a different understanding of love when I encountered EYO. Whether it was a surprise visit from a member, a stew ministration, praying for another nation or even a surprise birthday party. The love was tangible and infectious.
Sometimes when you exhibit these traits of love towards people outside the EYO environment, it is met with surprise. Unfortunately, we live in a society where true love has been corrupted so much that any act of genuine love towards someone is met with so much scrutiny and suspicion. I thank God I am able to enjoy love- the very Agape love- in my EYO environment. It has become a part of me. I cannot help but love just as Jesus did.
What made this experience even better was the fact that you left each meeting or encounter edified. There was always something profound that was added to your personality and character. I was always challenged to become a better person and Christian. After all, it is a Christian fellowship. My favorite sessions were the Bible study sessions.
Akin to the final part of the vision, I experienced Christian growth, became more committed to the things of God and finally served. There has been a tangible growth in my Christian life. This had been one of my goals when I was entering the university. Quiet time and prayer times are no longer boring rituals. I have become more interested in building my relationship with my Heavenly Father than just doing them as a daily chore. I got to understand that every relationship requires commitment and so did my Christian relationship.
Through EYO, I have become a very committed Christian. All my friends knew that when it was time to be in the house or presence of God, I wouldn’t trade it for any other thing. I knew what my priorities were.
However, one of the best parts is getting the privilege to serve in the Lord’s house. It is selfish on our part as believers to only enjoy receiving and not going out to also serve in the Lord’s vineyard. After receiving all this love and edification, it was only right and prudent that I helped other people to experience the amazing life I had. Serving in the Lord’s vineyard with my time was a great privilege and blessing. This experience has really transformed my life.
The vision of EYO really captures what the ministry is about and I know that many more lives are being transformed daily through this blessing of a ministry.