The President of AYSA, Lulama Ntuta, who hails from the Diocese of the Highveld, has been doing us proud as a leader; she recently was elected to the Anglican Communion Youth Network (ACYN) as the Executive Member of the Youth Network, the Co-Chair of the Mark 3 Mission and the Secretary of the Africa1 Region. Ntuta is no stranger to leadership, having served as a church council member, church warden and recently completed her term as Lay-Canon, in her Diocese.

Lulama, is currently serving at ACYN. The Anglican Communion Youth Network is a gathering platform for young people and youth workers in the Anglican Communion. It connects, equips, motivates, promotes, and encourages youth movements and structures at all levels in the Anglican Communion, as they fulfil their respective mandates. The ACYN operates under the guidelines for approved networks of the Anglican Communion.

The ACYN gathers, supports and promotes the ministries of young people and youth workers in the Anglican Communion.

This is done by:

• Praying together to deepen loving service and friendship in Christ’s name, individually and communally.
• Advising the Instruments of Communion and enabling young voices to be heard in the Communion’s life, work, and decision-making.
• Celebrating grassroots mission stories; and through the mission sub-committees, encourage and equip young leaders and youth workers for active local engagement.
• Encouraging connections across distinct locations, cultures, interest, and skills to share information, tools, and resources.
• Facilitating the transition of youths and young adults into adult ministry and bridging the existing generational gaps between the youth and adults.

As the Mark 3 (Humanitarian Service) Co – Chair, part of her role is internal coordination; communication; projects; building internal & external links. This Committee engages young people on thematic issues of Disaster Risk Management and Safeguarding Youth Livelihoods; undertaken through Community Engagement, Facilitation of workshops and training for young people, and Resource mobilization.

The Africa 1 region consists of The Church of the Province of West Africa, The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Church of the Province of Central Africa, The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, The Anglican Church of Southern Africa, Igreja Anglicana de Mocambique e Angola. As the Secretary of the Africa1 region her duties include administration and coordinating the work of the region as mandated by the Regional leadership.

Lulama, believes, the opportunity to serve has been the biggest privilege and that has exposed her to the different church structures and the Anglican way of doing things. Leading in AYSA exposed her to the global Anglican community and a lot of work being done in that space inspired her to where she is today.

Lulama once served as Lay Canon, in her Diocese, this involved being part of the Diocesan Chapter and serving in a team as advisors to the Bishop in Diocesan related work. Her role included a lot of praying and seeking Gods voice in the issues of the church and ministry thereof. Being the youngest was a privilege in that it also showed how the church is growing in creating spaces for young people to not only occupy but also demonstrate their potential in.

Lulama, has served on various levels of Church Leadership; from Parish Youth Structures, Church Treasurer, Church Council Member, Church Warden, Diocesan Youth President, Provincial Youth Deputy President and now her current office in the Province is President of AYSA. But wait, there is more. Lulama is also a Lay Minister at her parish; growing and learning daily in this ministry. “I love being Anglican, I love the church and all this work stems from my love for God and His work” affirms Lulama.

When asked, what she dreams for AYSA in the next 10 years, this s what she shared:

“A Christ centered youth has always been my prayer! That as young people grow into themselves, they may know who God is in their lives and live lives that are shaped by this very God. I hope to see AYSA effectively ministering in all dioceses; where young people across the province are active, vibrant and enthusiastic for Christ!”

She continued: “We need trained and licensed Sunday school teachers & youth leaders across the province. Dioceses need to invest in the youth ministry and empowering young leaders to effectively serve in these roles. And lastly, we need to increase our budgets for children ministry across the board. It’s been said that “If you want to see the focus of an organization, look at their budget/financial expenditures”.  So I wish to see budgets that speak to the vision of empowering children and the youth.”

President Lulama, leaves young people with these inspiring words:

The bible reminds us of the mind of God about us: we are “Fearfully and wonderfully made”; “Created in Gods very image”; “Children and heirs of God”; “loved and set apart”. May Gods mind be in each and every one of us, that we may know who we are in God and that we lack nothing when we are in Him and He in us. The world offers us a lot of things, good & bad, but what God offers us brings fulfilment and joy. May the Love of God enfold you as you grow into your Christ-like self!

Love Lulu