There is a small village community in Nigeria, known as Kisayip, where Back2Back Ministries has served since the beginning. Among those was an adolescent named Joshua.
“I always wanted more for myself and for those younger than me in the community at large,” explained Joshua. Several of them formed a Bible study, studying the book of James. There, they found purpose in James 1:27 – 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 learned more about God, they formed Kisayip Youth Development (KYD) designed to serve those most vulnerable in their community. Joshua was elected the leader, and others took on important roles. The young men kept James 1:27 in their hearts and minds, taking the directive seriously as they served widows in their village by cultivating their farms, cleaning their homes, praying with them, and offering to help. Eventually, they organized worship nights so all could gather together. The young men wanted their community to know the Lord and understand the “why” behind their initiative.
Back2Back learned of what they were doing and came alongside the young men, giving them space and tools. In 2018, Joshua graduated from high school. In order to go on to university, he needed to pass an exam that often requires multiple attempts.
“I felt the pressure of this exam,” shared Joshua. “Each time I studied and retook it, it was stressful. There were many times I wanted to give up and go find work without a degree.” In his darkest moments, Joshua pictured the faces of the children in his village 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 until I passed.”
In 2023, he was admitted to a university in Nigeria and moved into a Transition to Independence Home with other young men in the same season of life. 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 computers and business administration.
“Many people helped me, taking the time to teach me how to use computers effectively,” he shared. “I am very proud of the skills I learned.”
In 2024, he was hired as the office assistant, and this year was promoted to Transition to Independence Program Coordinator.
Joshua’s new role allows him to impact 52 young adults. Something he has been doing for a long time. Many of the students come from similar backgrounds, and he coaches them on how to forge new paths for themselves, learn new trades, and study effectively. He alerts them to internships and is a point of support for them.
“I feel humbled by this role,” reflected Joshua. “I meet with students regularly, and they know I understand where they are coming from. Together, we are working toward their individual goals.”
Joshua is already envisioning the potential of this program and what it means for Nigeria’s youth. “In a few years, there will be many young adults making changes for themselves and having dreams for their communities. They will have the skills and opportunity to improve daily life and strengthen familial relationships,” he shared. “As I look at this group of young adults, all I see is their potential.”
Joshua is using what he learned from his own journey and teaching it to those he now leads. He encourages them to learn a skill or trade, sharing with them how this can supplement their income now and benefit them throughout their lives. He has each student take a class on basic computer use, knowing it will always give them an edge.
Today, Joshua stands before young adults on journeys like his, and during their complex seasons of transition, he understands exactly what it takes to move forward. He was designed for Kingdom-minded movement, and every day, he steps into this gifting.
His is a hope that will not stand still.
