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Foreword
We give honour to God for yet another time to celebrate and mark the significance of Youth and Children’s Ministry within the depth of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Connexion. Youth Week is a vibrant celebration of the energy, passion, and creativity of young people everywhere. It’s a moment to unite, exchange ideas, and inspire one another to drive positive change globally.
As we navigate life’s ups and downs, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s presence and promises. Yet, Habakkuk 3:17-18 reminds us that even in the toughest times, we can trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. ‘Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.’ This year’s word challenges us to put our trust in God and it also teaches us what it means to ‘Trust God in all circumstances.
This booklet serves as a spiritual guide and compass for us as young people. Our faith is tested daily, yet we have to remain steadfast and trust God in all the circumstances.
It is my hope and prayer that this week will be filled with thrilling events, activities, and opportunities for us as young people.
Let’s unite to make this a week that will leave an indelible mark!
In His Service
Patricia V. Matemera
Vice Youth President
DAY 1: LAUNCH: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16TH 2025
TRUSTING GOD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-18
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.”
This year’s theme teaches us to trust God in all circumstances, even when things seem bleak. The scripture we read was written during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty in Judah around 600-590 BC. The Assyrian Empire, which had dominated the ancient Near East for centuries, was weakening and the Babylonian Empire under king Nebuchadnezzar was emerging as a new power. Judah as a small kingdom was caught in between these two powers and faced threats from both. Prophet Habakkuk is then writing to address the questions of justice, faith and God’s sovereignty. He dialogues with God and complains about the injustices in Judah and God’s apparent inaction when Judah was experiencing economic hardship due to the Assyrian-Babylonian conflict, agricultural failure and the military threat.
The prophet Habakkuk lists several disastrous scenarios: No fruit on the fig tree, No grapes on the vines, failed olive crop, empty fields and no sheep or cattle.
It’s a dire situation that is now raising doubt, questioning God’s justice. As is always the case when we experience hardships one after the other, we tend to think that God has left us. The prophet, despite these calamities chooses to rejoice in the Lord. This is not a superficial happiness but a deep-seated trust in God’s sovereignty. As young people and the Church at large, we may be facing many threats in life due to the economic hardships. Some are selling their identity for easy wealth; others are pursuing drugs and alcohol to forget on the ongoing life stresses. You have graduated from college but no job, parents have sent their children to school but they are struggling, all these are the tensions we live with these days. In all this, are we to blame God, are we to evade our faith and start doubting God’s sovereignty? No, like the prophet, we may have nothing tangible for now but we will hold on to our faith, knowing that He whom we believed is faithful. He has the power to turn around the situation.
Activities
1. Identify areas where you struggle to trust God.
2. Reflect on Habakkuk’s declaration: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”
3. How can you apply this verse in your life today?
Prayer:
“Dear God, help us trust you in all circumstances, even when things seem impossible. Give us the faith to rejoice in you, our Saviour. Amen.
DAY 2: MONDAY FEBRUARY 17TH 2025
TRUSTING GOD WHEN LIFE DOESN’T MAKE SENSE
Scripture: Proverbs 3: 5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
There is a time when life does not make sense. Have you ever felt like life is a puzzle with missing pieces? You are trying to make sense of everything, but nothing seems to fit together. As a young person you may face situations that leave you confused, frustrated or feeling lost. But here’s the good news, you are not alone.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 teaches us to trust God when life doesn’t make sense. We are instructed to: Trust in the Lord with all our heart, and not lean on our own understanding, Submit to God in all our ways. This scripture acknowledges that we won’t always understand what’s happening. However, we can trust God’s sovereignty and wisdom.
When life doesn’t make sense, we tend to rely on our own understanding. We try to figure everything out, but it’s like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded. Today’s scripture reminds us to trust God, not our own understanding. This doesn’t mean we become passive, but rather we acknowledge our limitations and surrender to God’s guidance. You have experienced painful and difficult situations, you are scared, you play the record daily but nothing comes out of it, only more brokenness, regret and powerlessness. You have to let go of control, recognize that you can’t control everything. Surrender to God’s sovereignty. Seek divine guidance. Ask God for direction and wisdom. You have to trust in the unknown. Have faith that God is working even when you can’t see the outcome because truly, He is working.
Picture a stormy sea, with waves crashing against the boat. You are trying to stay afloat but the turbulence is overwhelming. In life’s storms, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s presence. But He’s always there, even when the circumstances are chaotic. Hold on to His promise that “He will make your paths straight.”
Discussion
What areas of life feel uncertain or confusing right now?
Share a time when life didn’t make sense. How did you cope?
How can you apply Proverbs 3: 5-6 in those situations?
How do you balance trusting God with taking control of your life?
Prayer:
Dear God. I am feeling lost and uncertain. Help me trust you with all my heart, even when life doesn’t make sense. Guide me through the tunnels of life, calm the storms. Make my path straight and give me wisdom to navigate the unknown. Amen.
DAY 3: TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18TH 2025
FACING FEAR AND DOUBT
Scripture: Psalm 23: 4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.”
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1: 7
“For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, self -discipline.’
The scripture from Psalm 23 was penned by King David, a Shepherd around 1000-950 BC. The exact circumstances around it are unknown but David is known to have faced numerous challenges in his life including wars, personal struggles and spiritual doubts. At one time he had to flee for his life (1 Samuel 23: 14-29). During his reign in Israel, the nation faced internal conflicts, external threats and spiritual struggles. Analysing the scripture, it may have been the king’s personal reflection on God’s guidance and protection throughout his life. David may have been facing a personal struggle and was now engaged in fears and doubts about God’s presence (Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 11-12).
Psalm 23: 4 teaches us to trust God in times of fear and doubt. As Christians, fear and doubt can creep into our lives unexpectedly making us feel lost and uncertain. We are not immune to these emotions but God’s word offers us comfort and guidance during such times. David declares: God’s presence with him, God’s protection from evil and God’s comforting rod and staff. This scripture reminds us that God is always with us, even in the darkest valleys. Child of God take note that, in the valley, he did not sit and wail over his circumstances, he was walking through, there was some action on his side. O what a lesson to us today as the Church, and as young people.
2 Timothy 1: 7 charges us to be fearless!!! Fearlessness is not the absence of fear, but rather it is the presence of faith during fearsome circumstances. God’s spirit empowers us to face challenges boldly. Timothy faced challenges and fears as a young leader in the Ephesian church. Paul encouraged him to remain steadfast focusing on God’s empowering presence.
Today’s word seeks to challenge someone who has given up and says it does not matter, I am finished, there is no way, it is dark everywhere. My friend, rise up, for this is not a resting place, this is not your destiny, and God is with you. In that uncertainty, trust God just like David did in the battle of Keilah (1 Samuel 23: 1-12).
Discussion
1. Describe a time you faced fear or doubt. How did you overcome it?
2. What are some of the practical ways to trust God’s guidance and protection?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me face my fears and doubts with confidence. Remind me of your presence and guidance. Thank you for being my shepherd, protecting and comforting me. Amen.
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 19TH 2025
TRUSTING GOD’S TIMING
Scripture: Psalm 27: 14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
In today’s fast-paced world, waiting can be challenging especially for young people. With the pressure to succeed, find love and secure a job, it’s easy to lose patience and take matters into our own hands. But God’s word reminds us to trust in His perfect timing.
Psalm 27: 14 was written by King David during a time of great turmoil in His life. He was facing enemies, persecution and personal struggles (1 Samuel 27: 1-6). Despite him facing these, he remained steadfast and trusted the Lord.
In a world where instant gratification is expected, waiting on God’s timing can seem outdated but today’s word reminds us that God’s timing is perfect. For example, waiting for sex within marriage may seem outdated, but God’s plan for purity and love is still relevant. In job seeking, unholy deals and shortcuts may promise quick success but they compromise our values and faith. As believers and children of God, we should practice patience in all areas of life, trust God’s sovereignty and timing and seek strength and courage in His presence. To wait on God’s timing we need to have faith, trust and patience. As we navigate life’s challenges, let us remember that God’s plan is perfect and His timing is worth waiting for.
Reflection
What areas of life require patience and trust in God’s timing?
How can you apply Psalm 27: 14 to your current challenges?
Prayer
Lord, God help me to trust your timing and wait patiently. Give me strength and courage to follow your plans even when it seems impossible, Amen
DAY 5 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20TH 2025
TRUSTING GOD DURING MOMENTS OF LOSS
Scripture: Romans 8: 28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Loss can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling shattered and hopeless. The pain of losing a loved one, job, relationship, dream or dignity (through abuse of any form) can be unbearable. But in the midst of grief, we are to remain trusting God. In Him we find hope in the darkness.
In tackling this subject, we will use Romans 8: 28 which was written by Apostle Paul around 57-58 AD to the Roman Church, addressing their struggles and persecutions. He re-assured believers that all things work together for good to those that love the Lord. He looked at both good and bad experiences and saw that in bad times God can transform difficulties into opportunities. Believers who trust God, thus, those who love Him will never be disappointed.
In times of loss, it is easy to question God’s goodness. Remember the time you lost something dear to you. When you lost your spouse, child, parents, your boy/girlfriend, your limbs, your dignity; it may not have been easy but Romans 28: 8 is reminding us that God causes everything to work together for our good.
We have some of our members who have turned to suicide as a way out. Others may be contemplating it. To such, God offers hope and healing. You only need to turn to Him. To those who have turned to drugs, I say to you, substance abuse may temporarily numb the pain but will eventually lead to destruction. Also, seeking comfort in unhealthy relationships only brings harm.
Imagine a puzzle with missing pieces. Loss can feel like a missing piece, but God sees the complete picture.
All you have to do is acknowledge your grief and pain, trust God’s goodness and seek support from other believers and professionals.
Loss is inevitable, but despair does not have to be. Trust in God in darkness and he will guide you through.
Discussion
How can you support friends struggling with loss?
What are healthy ways to grieve and heal?
Prayer
Dear God, help me trust you in my loss. I am overwhelmed. Transform my pain into purpose and my sorrow into strength. Amen.
DAY 6 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21ST 2025
FINDING STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
“…. but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
As young Christians we often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and weakness. We may feel like our struggles, doubts and fears disqualify us from serving God. But 2 Corinthians 12 :9-10 reminds us that our weaknesses are precisely where God’s strength shines.
Apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to address Corinthian Church struggles with pride, division, and false teaching. Paul shares his experience of a ’thorn in the flesh’ (2 Corinthians 12: 7), a physical affliction that humbled him. Whilst praying for its removal, Paul received a revelation from God that instead of praying for the removal of challenges, we need to focus on the grace of God which carries us through our trials. Today young people struggle with self-doubt and insecurity, fear of failure, struggles with sin and temptation, emotional struggles (anxiety, depression) and physical limitations. This has hindered many from responding to their calls to preach the word as preachers or as ministers. They disqualify themselves. Below is an illustration of the weakened athlete which could help us.
Picture an athlete struggling with injury. Instead of hiding the weakness, they seek help and through rehabilitation they become stronger. Similarly, acknowledging our weaknesses allows God to strengthen us. Your weaknesses don’t disqualify you from serving God. Instead, they become the canvas for his strength to shine through.
Discussion
What weaknesses do you struggle with?
How can we support each other in vulnerability?
Prayer
Dear God help me find strength in my weaknesses. May your power be made perfect in my vulnerability, Amen
DAY 7 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22ND 2025
TRANSLATING BELIEF INTO ACTION
Scripture: James 1: 27
“Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world”
In the above scripture James defines religion as expressing our love for, and devotion to, God, by compassionate service to the fatherless and the widows.
Today we practice the faith and word that we preach. We have been preaching on the importance of trusting God in all circumstances, let us visit the less privileged in our communities and show them that even in their circumstances God loves them.
Activity:
Identify a place where in your community you spend the day evangelizing through acts of charity.
DAY 8 SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23RD 2025
SUNDAY SERVICE- FINDING HOPE IN THE PROMISES OF GOD
Scripture: Joel 2: 25-27
Today is the last day of Youth Week 2025; we take charge and lead the Sunday Service!!! Today’s word encourages us to anchor our hope and trust in the promises of God. The Church of God needs to trust and believe in His promises of restoring what has been lost or broken. As we end this year’s Youth Week pray that He restores what is broken or lost in your life. Trust Him in all circumstances, He has never disappointed and cannot start now.
We also take this opportunity to fundraise for the Youth and Children’s Ministry as well as uphold the spirit of the Youth Charter.
Activities:
Arrange preachers from all the youth groups who will participate in leading today’s service.
Have someone give a five-minute message on the Youth Charter.
Arrange for fundraising activities towards your Youth Week 2025 target.
Be Blessed
MESSAGE FROM THE YOUTH COORDINATOR’S DESK
Youth Week remains the climax of Youth and Children’s Ministry’s programs. It is a time set apart by the MCZ to celebrate and cherish the gifts, presence and importance of youth and children within the Connexion. It is also time to fundraise for the Youth Department.
We meet for this special week at a time when so much is going on for us as young people, our hearts are broken due to deaths of our loved ones, unemployment, inflation, excessive drug and substance abuse continue to threaten our existence as young people. The Psalter writes, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11: 3. As we meet for Youth Week 2025, it is undeniably true that the foundations of our joy and faith are shaking. The challenges that we face as young Christians shake our faith in the Lord. What then do the righteous do when their faith is shaken? The theme for this year calls us to trust in God in all the circumstances. My prayer is that this year’s Youth Week will draw us closer to God, and we shall continue, trusting God in all the circumstances. May Youth Week 2025 be a week of fellowship, worship, bible study and prayer!!!
NB
Youth and Children’s ministry is largely sustained by the special effort funds raised by churches during this special week. All Societies, Schools and Fellowships are encouraged to prepare fundraising activities towards Youth and Children’s Ministry work.
Families, individuals and business cooperates are invited to pledge/donate generously in sowing seeds of growth in this special ministry which is the heritage of our Church.
Districts, Schools and fellowships are encouraged to faithfully and timeously remit Youth Week Levies to the Connexional Youth Account, details are as follows:
Bank: Banc ABC
Account Name: Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Youth
Branch Code: 125
Account Number: 12873696633189
Branch: Heritage House
Appreciation
We extend our profound gratitude to, the Hwange District Youth Pastor, Rev S Fuyani, and our Vice Youth President, Miss Patricia V Matemera for preparing Youth Week 2025 material. May God bless you and continue to strengthen you as you labour in His Vineyard.
In His Service
Rev Marry Chiwara
YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRY COORDINATOR
Methodist Church: Hillside Circuit 
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