CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ADVENTIST YOUTH ORGANIZATION IN ADVENTISM IN GUSII, KENYA

Abstract

History records reveal that the Seventh-day Adventist church grew in membership rapidly from 1912 on-wards but slowed in 1960s. At this time a group of twelve young people came together to study the Bible for their personal spiritual nourishment not knowing the impact thereafter resulting in tremendous growth. With this in mind the researcher sought to probe the contributions of the Adventist Youth Organization in Advent-ism in Gusii. The study was guided by the following objectives: to assess the growth of the AYO in Advent-ism; to examine the contributions of AYO in Advent-ism in Gusii; and to evaluate the impact of AYO in Advent-ism in Gusii. The researcher focused on over 3000,000 SDAs in Gusii. Members of the AYO were the respondents. The conceptual framework indicates the contributions of AYO and the growth of Advent-ism in Gusii. Literature was reviewed in line with the objectives of the study. This study employed critical historical design, which is intensive investigation of the event. Data were collected by questionnaires and interview schedules. Published materials from journals, articles and all relevant books in the library were perused. The study sample was the AYO pioneers who are scattered in different parts of Gusii. Consultations with the faculty in the department were made to ascertain the validity and reliability of research instruments.