The Kenyan teenagers had a surprising challenge for the African-American communities they visited during a four-week visit to Richmond, Virginia: forgive us.
"Africans also played a part in slavery because we sold our brothers to the slavetraders," said John Kisamwa, who led the 35-strong King's Kids group. "We felt that on behalf of our forefathers we should come and ask forgiveness for what they did."
The message - presented at the close of gospel drama performances around the city - brought "a wonderful response" from people, said Kisamwa, who also led the group to pray at key historic sites in the city, including where slave auctions were held.
The group decided on the message as they prepared for the trip, believing God spoke to them through the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. "We also felt to tell people that, as in the story of Joseph, God was able to turn something into good - that they had a destiny in God, that there was a hope for them."
The Kenyans' message of reconciliation and hope was one echoed in more than 30 cities across North and South America last month, as around 5,000 young Christians from over 100 countries took part in Target World '96.
Organized by King's Kids - Youth With A Mission's evangelism and discipleship program for children and teenagers - the event brought participants together in Atlanta first for a week-long celebration and training event.
Designed to help prepare and equip young Christian leaders for the next century, the gathering included cultural presentations and Mission Adventure workshops in which the youngsters could try their hand at skills - from journalism to medicine - that can be used in missionary service.
"Target World is really a mobilization strategy for future international leaders, " said King's Kids international director Dale Kauffman. "Interaction with other young people from all over the world is a ley element, because it provides a global view of society."
From Atlanta the teams dispersed to outreach locations from Canada to Colombia, working alongside local churches in the inner cities. "Our main objective was to bring a message of hope to those without hope," said Kauffman.
Their time among Richmond's urban poor also had an affect on the Kenyan visitors, most of whom were making their first overseas visit.
"All they really knew about America was from what they had seen in films. To be in the projects and see drugs being sold openly, and to see homeless people, was really quite a shock for some of them," said Kisamwa. "It opened their eyes to see the same needs as back home."
(Photo available on request)
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