Background

Until Nehemiah heard the news about the problem at Palestine, his country home, he was not moved with passion to make a difference. Information has a way of affecting our mindset on issues. Information is the bedrock for a passionate work.

Sometime ago, to be precise, July 1986, I was informed about the neglect and plight of young people. This information changed my perspective and fired into me a resolve to be an advocate for youth well being. Little did I know that God was actually orchestrating my part into a full time work among young people of the world.

From 1986 to 1995, I was practically involved in raising and empowering youths in my local church, Winners Chapel, Lagos, Nigeria, as a youth minister. God used me to impact so many of them and their families, and by extension, the society.

In 1994, I started sensing in my spirit, a call of God for a full time work, having caught a glimpse of the future of our successor-generation. I caught a vision of a youth who is trained and equipped in the things of God. I caught a glimpse of the future with a cream of well-cultured and God-fearing leaders. I caught a vision that someday our world will be a better place via a well-groomed successor-generation.

God cannot do anything worthwhile without our collaboration. Each time God wants to do a job, He looks for a man whose heart is connected to His heart. He looks for the available. Thank God, I made myself available. (Isaiah 6:8) After several months of prayer and word preparation, my wife and I were officially commissioned on the 30th December 1995 into full time ministry. Exactly one month after the commissioning i.e. 30th January 1996, YDI took off as a full fledge Independent Christian Youth Ministry. My mentor and father in ministry, Bishop David Oyedepo was on hand to open the doors of YDI to young people.

YDI is a centre ordained by God to shape and re-orientate the generation next; not only in Nigeria (Africa) but also in the world as a whole. It's a place of discovery and the re-discovery of great destinies. YDI is a place where youths are constantly trained and equipped to serve God and humanity.

Whenever I look at the impact of YDI in the lives of young people, I say to myself, "thank God I answered the call". It gives me great joy and hope that through YDI efforts our nation or continent is not beyond redemption. It's simply wonderful to be a setman for this colourful and impactful ministry. I am grateful to God.

Pastor Joe Jesimiel Ogbe & Mrs Henrietta Ogbe President/founder