When Back2Back Ministries moved into Jos, Nigeria, their focus was on one particular community. Many of the children involved in programming called the village home. Among them was a young man named Joshua.

“As a young adult, I wanted more for myself and for those younger than me in the community at large,” explained Joshua. 

In light of this desire and knowing some of his peers felt similarly, a Bible study was formed. They started by studying the book of James, focusing on Chapter one, verse 27 – Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

As they studied and learned more about God and themselves, they felt called to start a small group focused on caring for others. They called it Kissayhihp Development (KYD); Joshua was elected as the leader of the group, and others took on important roles to keep the group focused on its vision.  

The young men kept James 1:27 in their hearts and minds, taking the directive seriously as they began by serving widows in the village; they helped cultivate their farms, clean their homes, prayed with them, and offered to help in any other way that was needed. As word spread about what they were doing to help their community, more people asked for their assistance. Eventually, worship nights were organized and held so all could gather together; the young men wanted their community to know the Lord and understand the why behind their initiative to offer care and grow the Kingdom.  

Over time, Back2Back learned of the work they were doing and offered sponsorship to the group of young men, allowing them space and tools to achieve their personal goals.  In 2018, Joshua graduated from high school, entering into a difficult season of writing the JAMB exam. This required exam is what students take to earn eligibility for university studies; it is an intense test which often requires students to take it multiple times to pass.

“I felt the pressure of this exam,” shared Joshua. “Each time I studied and retook it, I felt stress consume me. There were many times I wanted to give up and just go find work without a degree.” In his darkest moments, Joshua pictured the faces of those he helped in his village and of the children who were watching his every move. “I wanted to be strong for them, to be an example of what was possible for all of us with hard work, so I continued to study and take the tests until I passed.”

In 2023, he was admitted to open University in Nigeria and moved into a Transition Home with other young men his age and in the same season of life as him. Together, on the days they weren’t in classes or studying, they went into their community to wash cars and people’s houses to earn extra money. That same year, Joshua also applied to intern with Back2Back and learned a great deal about administration and how office spaces work. He was then hired as the office assistant in 2024, and in 2025, Joshua was promoted to Transition to Independence Program Coordinator.

Joshua’s role as coordinator allows him to truly impact the young adults he works with. So many of the students Back2Back serves come from similar backgrounds as Joshua, many with similar desires, to forge new paths and trajectories for their stories. Joshua helps young adults in learning new trades, how to study effectively, available internships, and is a point of support and safety for them.

Joshua may not have been born with many options before him, and in some ways, had to build his own path forward and find options for himself. His self-esteem and the support of Back2Back and other safe adults in his life have been integral in helping him defy the odds. Today, he stands before young adults in very similar situations, in seasons of transition and change, and completely empathizes with what it takes. Joshua was designed for Kingdom-minded movement, and every day, through his personal and professional work, he steps into this gifting with pride and love for the Lord. This is a hope that will not stand still.