‘.CMI at GenFest: Young People – The Present and Future of the Church At GenFest, the dynamic youth gathering of the Assemblies of God, .CMI (Children’s Ministries International) proclaimed a resounding message: “Young people are not only the future but the present of the church.” Rev. Susan Nelson, .CMI Director, emphasized that children and youth are essential to the growth and vitality of the church. “Their passion, creativity, and faith can ignite the flame of revival in our communities,” she said. During the event, .CMI unveiled its vision for youth ministry: to empower and equip young people to become transformational leaders. Programs such as the Youth Ministry Institute, GenXP, and Pulse provided opportunities for youth leaders to develop their skills, connect with peers, and deepen their relationships with Christ. “We must invest in our youth, not just through programs, but by intentionally mentoring and discipling them,” said Rev. Luca Carbognin, Assistant Director of .CMI. “By partnering with them in ministry, we not only equip them for the future but also bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our present work.” GenFest attendees were inspired by the testimonies of young people who are making a difference in their churches and communities. Young preachers shared their messages of hope and challenge, while youth worship teams led vibrant praise sessions that ignited the hearts of the crowd. “I am overwhelmed by the potential I see in these young people,” said Rev. Lori Adkins, .CMI Board Member. “They have a thirst for God and a desire to make a lasting impact on the world.” .CMI’s message at GenFest served as a reminder that the future of the church is not distant but is being shaped right now by the faith, passion, and determination of young people. By empowering and investing in them, the church can ensure that the flame of the gospel continues to burn brightly for generations to come.Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Recruitment TragedyUganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Recruitment Tragedy During the ongoing UPDF recruitment exercise in Tororo District, a shortlisted applicant, 22-year-old Abdallah Bija, tragically collapsed and died at the Tororo Police playground. The incident occurred after Bija had run over 4 kilometers as part of the recruitment process. Tororo Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Albert Amula expressed his condolences and stated that Bija’s body was being held at the Tororo District General Referral Hospital pending a postmortem. The postmortem examination will determine the cause of death, although Amula suggested that Bija may have succumbed to heart failure. UPDF Head of the Tororo recruitment team, Col Saadi Katemba, declined to comment but acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the incident. This is not the first such incident during UPDF recruitment exercises. On July 9th, UPDF recruit Levi Okwir collapsed during a physical fitness test in Dokolo District due to suspected hunger, also after a 4-kilometer race. Over 500 Ugandan candidates have failed preliminary tests required for military recruitment, indicating the rigorous nature of the selection process.CMI at GenFest: “Young People Are Not Only the Future but the Present of the Church” At the recent GenFest gathering, Catholic Ministry International (CMI) emphasized the vital role of young people within the Church, asserting that they are not merely the Church’s future but its present. “Young people are not just the Church of tomorrow,” said CMI representative Father John Roeland. “They are the Church today, and they have a unique and important contribution to make.” Roeland highlighted the power of young people to inspire, innovate, and bring fresh perspectives to the Church. He encouraged them to embrace their faith and use their gifts to build a better Church and world. CMI, a worldwide network of Catholic youth organizations, serves over 100 countries. It provides resources, training, and support to help young people grow in their faith and become active members of the Church. At GenFest, CMI facilitated workshops and discussions that focused on youth empowerment, faith formation, and the challenges facing young Catholics. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences, ideas, and hopes for the future of the Church. “GenFest is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of the young Church,” said CMI director Maryna Shevchuk. “It is inspiring to see so many young people who are passionate about their faith and committed to making a difference.” CMI believes that investing in young people is investing in the future of the Church. By providing them with opportunities to grow, learn, and lead, the Church is ensuring that it will continue to be a vibrant and influential force in the world.