Born-Frees to Born-Again: A Look at the Engagement of the Spirit-Empowered Movement with the Post-Independent Generation of Namibia

Born-Frees to Born-Again: A Look at the Engagement of the Spirit-Empowered Movement with the Post-Independent Generation of Namibia

Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, Korea

Born-Frees to Born-Again: A Look at the Engagement of the Spirit-Empowered Movement with the Post-Independent Generation of Namibia

Caroline Polly Tjihenuna

Abstract

On March 21, 1990, Namibia gained independence from South Africa after decades of a blood-shedding struggle against the apartheid regime. The generation of Namibians born after independence (1990 and onwards) are referred to as "born-frees." The born-free generation now makes up more than 60% of Namibia's population. They face many challenges that are distinct to their region (i.e., unemployment and poor education) and common challenges that millennials and generation z face worldwide (i.e., poor mental health, gender identity confusion, etc.) With over 90% of Namibians as professing Christians and the youth being the majority, this paper poses the question: what could happen if there were to be an emphasis on discipleship of the youth of Namibia, shifting from nominal Christianity to a true disciple of Christ empowered by the works of the Holy Spirit? This paper will also examine how local Pentecostal churches, such as the Apostolic Faith Mission, engage with Namibia's youth and the potential challenges the Spirit-Empowered movement may face in reaching the born-frees of Namibia.

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