Be strong and courageous!
Many a time we tell others to take courage or to be courageous whenever we are faced with challenges in life. But do we really understand what courage is? According to Oswald Sander, courage is the quality of mind which enables people to encounter danger or difficulty firmly without fear or discouragement. You cannot experience courage if all is well. It is only when the situation is not normal that one can understand what courage means.
Paul admitted to knowing fear when he said in 1cor 2:3, “I came to you in weakness and fear, and much trembling” but it never stopped him. He did not stay home out of fear for the journey. He even confesses in 2cor 7:5 that he experienced conflicts on the outside, fears within. He did not court danger but never let it keep him from the master’s work.
The enemy may bring fear in our lives and of course the enemy will always bring fear and discouragement in our lives to discourage us from the ministry. I would encourage us not to let fear and discouragement prevent us from fulfilling what God called us to do. As Oswald says, courageous leaders face unpleasant and even devastating situations with equanimity, and then act firmly to bring good from trouble, even if their action is unpopular. People expect leaders to be calm and courageous during a crisis. While others lose their heads, leaders should stay on course to strength followers in the middle of discouraging setbacks and shattering reverses. 
As we reach out to the children and young people in this country, let us remember that traditional values face unprecedented challenges in this technological world. This has brought a lot of challenges to the young people. They are called “Facebookers” and “YouTubers” who do not think twice about sharing their opinions online with strangers whom they call friends. The technology has provided them with a powerful weapon to bring change but it is also a powerful tool that can bring destruction. We cannot afford to loose hope in reaching out to children, young people and their families in this era.
Therefore, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8).

Thank you and God bless.

Rev. Matthew Okeyo 
Ag. National Director