When Jesus taught that whoever welcomes a child welcomes Him (Mark 9:37), He revealed how deeply God values children. They are a gift from the Lord, deserving intentional care and meaningful discipleship. Yet, in many churches and faith formation spaces, children and young people are often overlooked.
Children and young people are often overlooked, but Jesus taught how God’s kingdom values children. For Kenneth Mutanga, a 2012 alumnus from Zimbabwe, this reality became a calling.
Kenneth began his journey at African Christian College after several years of ministry at Nyautare Church of Christ. Reflecting on his decision to study, he shares, “I wanted to improve the way I was doing ministry and gain a fresh perspective, because the world is constantly changing.”
After graduating, he returned home equipped to lead transformation within his church. He contributed to strengthening church structures and advancing mission efforts, including evangelism and discipleship initiatives.
Over time, Kenneth noticed young people were drifting away from the church as they entered their teenage years. This concern became personal when his own daughter reached that stage. “It became real for me when I saw changes in her commitment to church. That’s when I realized something needed to be done, especially in schools,” he recalls.
Recognizing that schools are powerful environments where young lives are shaped, often under strong peer influence, Kenneth saw an opportunity for mission. Drawing from the African proverb, “A stick is straightened while still young,” he became convinced that early discipleship was essential.
He began by partnering with a nearby school, Matinha Secondary School, where he was invited to lead assemblies. What started as a simple opportunity soon grew into a structured, external chaplaincy program. Through this platform, Kenneth provided biblical teaching, mentorship, and counseling to students.
The need was immediate and overwhelming. “Teachers were in desperate need of support,” Kenneth explains. “They were witnessing students lose their futures to drugs and substance abuse because of peer pressure.”
Today, Kenneth serves as an external chaplain to three secondary schools, Apex, Mazarura, and Matinha, reaching over 800 students each week. His ministry extends beyond students to also support teachers who are navigating personal and professional challenges.
Reflecting on the impact, Kenneth says, “It has been a great journey. I have seen students give their lives to Christ and be baptized. Some have gone on to university and still reach out to express how this ministry shaped their lives.” Many of these students have also become part of local church communities, continuing their discipleship journey.
Kenneth’s story is a powerful reminder that mission is not confined to church buildings. Today, he helps raise a generation of faithful leaders in Zimbabwe. His work reflects what it means to be equipped for excellent service in God’s Kingdom, identifying real challenges and responding with courage, creativity, and a heart for transformation.