In Zambia, many young men struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues.
On February 29, 2024, psychiatrist Bernad Chaibela of Livingstone reported on ZNBC News that most of the alcohol abuse is among youths aged 18 to 25. He encouraged those who are struggling with alcohol and substance abuse to seek counseling from the hospital, as not all hope is lost. And, in 2022, the World Health Organization ranked Zambia as number one in Africa with 42.3% in terms of alcohol consumption among youths aged 13 to 25.
The majority of young men in the “Christian Country” of Zambia do not go to church. They are not being discipled. The work of Network 20 International is very important in Zambia because it targets young men from the age of 18–29 years old to be discipled and grow in their relationship with God, which will have a positive result in their lives and communities. Young men who are dedicated to church and are being discipled have a low prevalence of alcohol abuse compared to their peers who are not discipled and do not attend church.
Young men who are discipled by a Network 20 disciple-maker study God’s Word and strive to become like Christ. I believe God will change the narrative of Zambian young men through the movement of Network 20.
I call upon pastors and all church leaders to get involved in discipling young men through Network 20, which is a resource for the leaders of the church to disciple young men. It is a need for all of us who claim Jesus as our Lord to rise to the challenge of discipling young men in Zambia.
Please pray that many will respond to the call of discipling young men in Zambia.
Patrick Milazi
Network 20 Disciple-maker Zambia
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