Clerics have urged youth to make good use of the December long holiday to avoid later regrets in life as schools close for longest holiday.
The Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Kenya Bishop Dr. Samuel Nyatera speaking during a youth convention which brought over 3500 young people, said that destiny does not die suddenly, but it does in the careless choices young people call harmless.
He added that youth across the nation look forward to relaxation after a long academic year. Yet, amid the laughter and freedom, a silent danger lurks — one that has destroyed countless dreams and stolen promising futures.
“It is not rest that destroys destiny; it is how you rest that determines your tomorrow.” — Dr. Samuel Nyatera said
The same words were echoed by Rev. Musungu Issac, the Christian Education Youth Director, who reminded the gathering that the December holidays should be a time of renewal, not ruin. He urged all youths to uphold discipline, respect, and godliness as the foundation for lasting success.
“Character is the true celebration of a visionary youth. Guard it at all costs.” Rev. Musungu Issac said
Dr. Nyatera also warned that many young people misuse their freedom; abandoning prayer, discipline, and purpose warning that freedom can either refine or ruin a youth. “Freedom without direction is a curse in disguise.” He said
He challenged the youth to structure their holidays — assist their parents, engage in reading, community work, and spiritual growth. Rest should refresh, not weaken one’s vision.
He further said that December often turns into a contest of popularity — who dresses better, parties harder, or travels farther, however many compromise values to impress others.
“You cannot shine by dimming your values. A moment of pleasure is not worth a lifetime of pain.” He said
Rev. Musungu added that true friends are those who help you draw closer to God, not those who push you toward sin.
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The cleric noted that the festive season often triggers a change in conduct. Youths who were once obedient and focused suddenly become defiant, secretive, and reckless. They attend unsupervised parties, travel without permission, and make regrettable decisions. These poor choices often lead to unexpected pregnancies, broken trust, and lost opportunities.
“What starts as fun often ends in tears. The body celebrates for a moment, but the soul carries the consequence for life.” — Dr. Nyatera said
Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining moral purity and remembering one’s upbringing, even when peers choose otherwise.
Both clerics further raised serious concern over the rising rate of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections among the youth during December holidays saying that in the excitement of freedom, many engage in irresponsible sexual behavior, sometimes under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“One reckless night can bring a lifetime of pain. The disease may be invisible, but the damage is permanent.” — Dr. Nyatera said
Rev. Musungu reinforced this by urging the youth to value self-control and chastity, describing abstinence as “a badge of wisdom, not weakness”, adding that the temptation to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and shisha becomes strong. Many youths, in search of fun, end up enslaved by addiction.
“Real maturity is not how many people you impress, but how many temptations you resist. A single sip or puff has buried more dreams than failure ever did.” — Dr. Nyatera said
He cautioned that under the influence of drugs, moral judgment collapses, leading to accidents, fights, and shame.
Rev. Musungu urged the youth to keep their bodies and minds pure, saying, “You cannot hear the voice of destiny through the noise of intoxication.”
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Traditional night dances and “disco matanga” have, in many areas, lost their cultural and moral purpose. What was once community bonding has turned into avenues for immoral behavior and indiscipline.
“Any gathering that kills your discipline is no longer cultural — it is destructive.” — Dr. Nyatera said
The two church leaders advised communities to restore the moral fabric of culture and eliminate events that expose young people to temptation and moral collapse.
A growing number of youths return home during holidays and display disrespectful behavior toward their parents and elders. They disregard authority, claiming maturity. “No one grows too big to honor their roots.” — Dr. Nyatera
Rev. Musungu reminded them that obedience attracts blessings, while rebellion breeds regret. “The proud learn through pain; the humble learn through counsel.
The youth were also warned against spending their allowances or earnings, recklessly on luxuries, parties, and unnecessary items, only to face financial strain come January. “Money is a mirror — it reflects your maturity.” — Dr. Nyatera
Both leaders emphasized saving, budgeting, and sharing with the needy as acts of wisdom that prepare one for a stable future.
The leaders urged the young people to use digital spaces wisely, by learning constructive skills, share good vibes and inspire others, not to compete or imitate sin.“You can’t stop temptation from knocking, but you can choose not to open the door.” — Dr. Nyatera said
Dr. Nyatera and Rev. Musungu extended their message beyond the PAG assembly — to the entire nation of Kenya. They urged families, churches, and government institutions to work together in protecting the moral, spiritual, and intellectual growth of the youth.
“When a youth loses direction, the nation loses its future.” — Dr. Nyatera said
Rev. Musungu reinforced, “Every youth guided today becomes a pillar of the nation tomorrow.”
They added that rather than a time for indulgence, December should be a season of reflection and realignment. Youth should evaluate their year, reconnect with God, and plan for a stronger future.
“The same energy you use for fun can build your future if redirected toward purpose.” — Dr. Samuel Nyatera
“Destiny is fragile. Guard your December, and you will guard your future.” — Dr. Samuel Nyatera
“Those who master their moments will never be slaves of regret.” — Rev. Musungu Issac
By Hillary Muhalya
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