Chris's Journey: From Loneliness to Global Ministry

From college anxiety to building a community of 250+ young adults globally, Chriss Mogaka shares raw lessons on purpose, trials, and standing for truth.

In a candid feature, Chriss Mogaka shares his life trajectory, spiritual awakening, and the practical challenges of running a growing global young adult ministry. This guide maps out the key takeaways, milestones, and lessons from his journey.

1. Chris’s Background and Spiritual Awakening

The Religion vs. Relationship Realization

Growing up in a Seventh-day Adventist home provided Chris with biblical knowledge, but it was not until college that he developed a personal relationship with Christ. He realized he had been practicing “performance-based religion” without understanding God’s character of grace and love.

The Georgia State University Freshman Experience

Entering college brought immense loneliness and the pressure of campus distractions. To survive spiritually, Chris committed to a rigorous daily prayer life and personal Bible study. This intentional time in the Word formed the anchor that kept him grounded through his freshman year and beyond.

The Practical Transformation

This relationship led to a slow, conscious transformation in his everyday life:

• Speech & Tone: Shifting away from crude language and campus-style jokes.
• Relationships: Redeeming his perspective on women, shifting toward purity and respect.
• Ambition: Pivoting from a self-serving pursuit of personal wealth to asking what God wanted to accomplish through him.

2. The Search for Purpose and Preparation Through Trials

Exploring Spiritual Gifts

While Chris loved preaching and sharing the Gospel, he realized he wasn’t called to traditional, institutional pastoral ministry. He began searching for how to use his gifts outside standard church structures to reach young adults who had checked out of church.

Preparation Through Rejection

In 2018, Chris faced the devastating rejection of a high-paying, resume-boosting chemistry internship. Looking back, this was a divine redirection. It led him to join Team America Corps (2018–2020), where he worked on the ground with inner-city youth.

The Training Ground

His years with Team America Corps served as a critical crucible. Working with at-risk youth taught him:

• Humility: Letting go of academic pride to meet youth where they are.
• Leadership & Emotional Control: Learning to manage difficult situations and guide others with patience.
• This experience was the direct training ground he needed to later shepherd a diverse young adult ministry.

3. The Birth and Evolution of Mogaka Events Ministries & AYCBS

Mogaka Events Ministries (MEM)

In 2019, Chris began hosting informal backyard cookouts and a COVID-era basketball tournament. Seeing the deep hunger for wholesome connection, he officially launched Mogaka Events Ministries (MEM) in 2021, eventually hosting over 100 events designed to transition young adults from isolated spaces into godly fellowship.

Atlanta Young Adult Community Bible Study (AYCBS)

After attending MEET (Missionary Education Evangelistic Training) school in 2022, Chris felt a growing burden for local youth in Atlanta who desired deep biblical teaching rather than motivational speeches. This burden birthed AYCBS.

Scaling Globally

What started as a local gathering launched on Zoom in August 2024. Today, the virtual-first community has scaled to over 250 active members internationally, connecting young adults from Atlanta, Jamaica, the UK, Kenya, Guyana, and beyond.

4. Ministry Realities: Purifying Motives and Facing Trials

The Danger of Self-Exaltation

With the growth of the ministry came the temptation of self-glory and seeking social media numbers. Chris emphasizes the constant need to surrender one’s ego, ensure Christ remains at the center, and keep motives pure.

Experiencing Ministry Trials

Ministry has not been without pain. Chris openly discusses:

• The heartbreak of losing close friends who walked away from the work.
• The silence of being ignored or left “on read” when trying to encourage others.
• The discouragement of low turnout at events that took weeks of preparation.

The True Benefits

Despite the trials, the spiritual rewards have been life-altering:

• A clear sense of purpose and identity in Christ.
• A genuine, godly community that supports one another.
• Improved health by embracing the Adventist health message.
• The ultimate joy of seeing young adults surrender their lives to Jesus and choose baptism.

5. Practical Guide to Starting a Community and Managing Balance

Time Management & Prioritization

To prevent burnout, Chris keeps a strict hierarchy: God first, family second, ministry third. He leverages tools like Google/Apple Calendars and digital notebooks (OneNote) to structure his days while preserving non-negotiable times for morning and evening devotionals.

The Power of Delegation

Evangelists must avoid an independent spirit. Reflecting on early Adventist pioneer James White—who overworked himself to an early grave—Chris stresses the vital importance of delegating responsibility, empowering others, and sharing the weight of leadership.