A Story of Active Ministry
Meet Kingsley Akrasi, our AYP chapter coordinator based in London, United Kingdom. A second-generation Ghanaian Adventist who was baptized in the church founded by his late uncle, Kingsley has found himself in multiple avenues of ministry. An accountant by trade, he is also a lay preacher and senior youth leader for the South England Conference youth department and future co-youth leader at his local church.
Beginnings of a Passion for Ministry
For Kingsley, a moment where he felt God’s guidance in his life was when his original church pastor’s son became the youth leader. Kingsley recalls things he learned from his church pastor’s son back in January 2008: “He taught me how to sing bass, helped me to understand the fundamentals of our church, why our diet is important, and to really understand how our church works.”
Kingsley states that by God working through his church pastor’s son’s efforts, they were able to start a youth choir, organize some singing groups, and sing in some choirs in other countries across Europe, leading to around 20 young people being baptized later that year in July 2008. They had also made several departments within the youth, focusing on health and fitness, outreach, the spirit of prophecy, and social interactions. Kingsley remembers this year as a significant year in his life: “Since 2008, I have been very heavily involved in things in my local church, local conference youth, and teens’, men’s, prison, and student ministry departments.”
Getting Involved with AYP
Kingsley had first registered his interest to volunteer back in September 2023 with another friend, Christina. Based on his experience of mentoring students from his previous university, Kingsley was brought on to bring mentoring to London. Kingsley was officially announced as AYP’s first-ever chapter coordinator outside of the United States in January 2024.
Kingsley’s experience with AYP has given him valuable experiences as he continues to live his life of service. It has also provided a sense of community among fellow young Adventists. He states, “Being part of AYP has allowed me to really understand how the church works from a missionary standpoint and has allowed me to join a community that is both refreshing and enriching.” Kingsley especially looks forward to being a breakout speaker for the AYP convention next year in Austin, Texas.
AYP London’s Projects
The AYP London chapter is active in bringing young adult professional Adventists together as a community. Current projects include their men’s book club as well as virtual challenges including “75 Hard” and 40 Days of Prayer with AYP’s New York chapter. Future projects include run club, women’s book club, podcasts, mission trips, quarterly leadership showcases, and quarterly business showcases.
Future Plans
Kingsley feels God’s calling in many aspects of his life spiritually, professionally, and personally. His journey as a public speaker is something he is excited to talk about, stating that he has been blessed with multiple resources to start this journey. He has been able to meet multiple influential public speakers in the UK and has speaking opportunities for his university, secondary school, and a TEDx speech. Kingsley hopes to speak on a national and international stage as a public speaker and is currently preparing for this with his speaking coach and business coach. Professionally, Kingsley hopes to become a qualified accountant and eventually specialize in taxation and have his own practice and school. Personally, he seeks to help his children as well as his extended and immediate family.
Kingsley’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5–6 which says to “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Kingsley has quoted this verse in a book he co-authored and published in May 2024, Waiting in the Pit. If you would like to read his chapter, it is called “When Purpose Meets Connection.”
Want to experience the kind of community Kingsley found through AYP? Serve on local AYP chapter near you. Ready to support the mission? Your generosity helps us keep creating spaces for young adults to grow in Christ.
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