The Pioneering Vision
Reverend Winston Assanah firmly believes he has a God-given mandate to empower young people to live purpose-driven lives. He echoed that “young people become like your own children, their burdens become your burdens, their joys become your joys, and their pains become your pains” when we met for the interview. He wears many hats, currently serving as Senior Assistant Pastor of First Assembly of God Wortmanville (FAOGW) and as National Youth Ministries (YM) Director of the Assemblies of God, Guyana (AOG) since 2010. Reverend Assanah also served as Youth Pastor of this local church for seven years which was an exciting time of pioneering for youths.
During this time, two flagship programs were hosted annually, Gospel Fest and IYC [International Youth Conference]. Gospel Fest facilitated an evening of worship through the performing and creative arts while IYC provided training with certification in leadership and management. These programs facilitated employment for youths who now serve nationally and internationally. This was also a time when FAOGW youths volunteered for community work, including the placement of bins along Durban Street, at a period when environmental awareness was less prevalent. Still, the pioneering spirit of the church continued.
The Journey
On his appointment to the role of National YM Director by the AOG Guyana Bi-annual General Council, Reverend Assanah recalled his amazement. He described the bittersweet experience of sometimes enduring struggle with those who were struggling and other moments when he shared the triumph of those who were rejoicing. However, he understood the call to national youth development and the empowerment of young people to live purpose-driven lives. This has made the personal sacrifices worth it for investing in the next generation.
One of the most valuable lessons learned during his ministry to young people is that people are people, and God loves people. This truth is demonstrated in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son….” Reverend Assanah echoed the sentiments that God’s love can reach anyone in whatever state they find themselves in despite their background. Emphasising that everyone has potential, Reverend Assanah stated, “All it takes is for someone to believe in you and help you discover who you are. Discovering Jesus Christ along the way leads to an entirely new voyage of self-discovery about your capabilities.” “Through God’s grace, everyone is able to make it,” he affirmed. Categorising the ‘bounce back’ as the final stage of self-discovery, the Youth Director underscored that though someone may have been knocked down, there are always opportunities to bounce back, and once one bounces back, there is no limit to what they can do.
…discovering Jesus Christ, leads to an entirely new voyage of self-discovery about your capabilities.”
Reverend Winston Assanah
Innovations in Youth Ministry
As National YM Director, some of Reverend Assanah’s responsibilities include developing and coordinating the implementation of youth empowerment policies and programmes across Guyana’s ten administrative regions. Understanding that youth are influenced by their parents and are strongly committed to their local churches, he adopted a collaborative approach to youth ministry. Reflecting on over ten (10) years as National YM Director, he is grateful for his focus on mentorship and nurturing visionary and creative thinking in our youth. This and a heart for ‘giving back’ has seen many successful projects executed by our nation’s youth in the fellowship, such as the ASA Youth Camps and Leadership Conclaves that continue to provide training for over 500 youths annually. Evangelism projects implemented under the Speed the Light initiative have raised funds for the construction of two additional cabins at Camp Alpha [the premier training site of the AOG]. During the pandemic, the evangelism project included the distribution of hampers to missionary Pastors serving in rural areas as well as procuring an electrical generator to supply power to our Georgetown –based AOG Bible School.
God has guided the team to conduct youth evangelism and missionary outreaches to riverain areas such as Essequibo and Bartica. The first-ever National YM Conference held in Essequibo [in 2018] was done under Reverend Assanah’s leadership and was life-changing, as many youths had never visited Essequibo.
Pioneering youth evangelism using virtual platforms and social media in response to pandemic lockdowns in 2020 remains a proud moment for Reverend Assanah. It was initially challenging to get others to see the vision, to be agile in staying connected to the youths. However, he understood that it comes with the territory of innovating. The leadership of the National YM in virtual ministry created a groundswell of virtual events by our local assembly and other organisations in Guyana. The expertise of our youth have been called upon several times and saw our influence on Facebook and YouTube extend massively. This was evidence of the investment needed in youths and the way in which they can contribute to our fellowship and nation, opined Reverend Assanah.
Influential People Made a Difference
While many consider him a mentee in their lives, several influential persons played a significant role in Reverend Assanah’s journey as National YM Director from his point of view. He acknowledged he could not fulfil his responsibilities without the enduring support of numerous persons who selflessly cared for him. Foremost on this list is Bishop Dr Murtland Raphael Massiah, his spiritual father, who has been by his side through good and difficult times. His wife, Deaconess Karen Assanah and his parents played no small part in his development.
The list extends to the late Dr Myles Munroe, who recognised him as his spiritual grandson, and the current General Bishop AOG, Guyana, Dr John Smith, who has been a source of wisdom and regularly features at youth events. Bishop Michael Perriera, Rev. Bhola and wife, his predecessor and friend Apostle Medroy Brandt, Rev. Selwyn Sills, Rev. Dr Ravindra Shiwnandan, Rev. Shawn Wilson, Rev. Michael Singh, Pas. Victor Grimmond and mentor – Bishop Balram Jadubal- are also a significant part of his support system.
As he reflected on the teamwork required to execute youth activities nationally and with quality, he has seen the entire AOG Presbytery, hardworking National YM Executives and several influential youths stand alongside him each year. He remains heartened as a stronger cadre of next-generation leaders have been developed who are better equipped in the heart of worship and have a deeper understanding of responsibility and accountability. As a mentor, counsellor, and ardent supporter of the development of others, Reverend Assanah’s advice to young people who view him as a role model is to see him as only the facilitator and God as the source.
Family and Faith
In addition to being the National Youth Ministries Director for the past twelve years, Reverend Assanah shares a twenty-four-year marriage union with Karen Assanah, a banker of 30 years and Deaconess at FAOGW. Together, they work collaboratively to influence the work of the local church and youth ministry, spending many of their anniversaries at youth camp due to the timing in the calendar of events.
When asked about how he balances family and ministry, Reverend Assanah shared that he has learned the value of scheduling, effective time management, and delegation. Outside of ministry, he enjoys family time, watching movies, caring for his aquarium fishes and Sampson, his dog.
Vision for the Future
…hopes young leaders will be from a cadre raised up by God and mentored in youth ministries to lead Guyana.”
Reverend Winston Assanah
Given the potential for Guyana’s rapid economic growth and the influx of investment and persons, Reverend Assanah hopes young leaders will be from a cadre raised up by God and mentored in youth ministries to lead Guyana.
He envisions Guyana becoming a global stage for hosting international conferences that develop world leaders and where people travel to connect with powerful ministering of the Word of God, youth-led throughout Guyana. Such a reality would be a blessing to God, the realisation of dreams for this dynamic youth mentor and is grounded in the mission statement of our local church, FAOGW.
