Toyin Omolola with The Timothy Project hosted “This Light of Mine” – A Youth Retreat on Faith, Purpose & Courage to create spaces for youth to explore faith, identity, leadership, and service. A total of 24 participants between the ages of 13 and 26, attended and they represented 12 Nigerian Churches in the diaspora from Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Long Island. Through the scripture reflections and discussion sessions participants were able to explore and discover the significance of identity, self-worth, and purpose from a faith-centered perspective.
The youth connected particularly well with the interactive and discussion-based components of the retreat and explored ways to integrate faith and their daily lives. A four-member youth planning and implementation committee was also established to organize and facilitate the retreat. The members of this team grew in their confidence and strengthened their skills in teamwork, communication, facilitation, planning, and youth mentorship. They also gained deeper insight into the challenges young people face related to identity, peer pressure, faith, and social influence.
This retreat strengthened our understanding of the importance of interactive, youth-centered ministry models that create opportunities for participation, openness, and meaningful peer connection. It also reinforced the need for ongoing mentorship, fellowship, and safe spaces where young people can openly discuss identity, faith, leadership, and personal challenges. These lessons learned will continue to inform future youth retreats, mentorship initiatives, and leadership development activities.