I was first introduced to the Navigators in 1998 during my Junior Secondary School (JSS) days by my uncle, Felix Tetteh, through neighborhood Bible studies. At that time, I was quite young, so my role, along with a few others, was to help tidy the meeting place, arrange chairs, and assist in any way we could. My uncle and his colleagues were university students who had been exposed to the Navigators’ campus ministry at Achimota Secondary School, and I presume they brought it home to continue the impact.

For some of us, attending Bible studies felt mandatory because it was a way of training us in the faith. Whenever the Navigators had larger gatherings, I, along with a few others, would accompany my uncle and his friends. They generously covered any financial costs involved, allowing us to attend Navigators conferences at a young age. Despite being surrounded by much older people, they always made the effort to engage us on our level, creating a welcoming and impactful experience. Those moments remain fond memories of my early encounters with the Navigators.

Although I was born into a Christian home, my journey to personal faith took time. My grandmother was a staunch Methodist, while my grandfather attended a charismatic church at Osu Ako-Adjei. I grew up attending church with my grandparents and sometimes with my uncle Felix. However, for many years, I was simply following family tradition rather than having a personal relationship with Christ. The turning point came at age 16 during my confirmation in the Methodist Church. Confirmation involves a series of lessons about who God is, what sin is, and how to live a righteous and victorious life. It was during this period that I truly gave my life to Christ and embraced my faith with conviction. The Navigators played a significant role in shaping my spiritual journey, and I can sum up their impact in three key areas: missions work, youth camps, and the culture of Scripture memorization.

One of my most memorable experiences with the Navigators was pioneering missionary work in Swedru from 2009 to 2012. It was my first exposure to missions, and it taught me valuable lessons on selflessness and compassion. This experience provided a platform to put our biblical studies into practice. We weren’t just learning Scripture; we were living it and sharing the Word of God with local communities. Despite living among the indigenes, eating their food, and drinking the same water, we were constantly mindful of our purpose. This mission’s life, instilled by the Navigators, shaped my perspective on service and evangelism.

Youth camps were another key aspect of my Navigators journey. These gatherings exposed us to both peers and older mentors who shared their wisdom and experiences with us. Though we were young, we were given the opportunity to interact with and learn from those ahead of us in the faith. One of the most impactful aspects of youth camps was the practice of time alone with God. At first, this was unfamiliar to many of us, but over time, through consistency, it became a transformative spiritual discipline. The camps provided an avenue for growth, mentorship, and deepening our relationship with God.

One of the hallmarks of the Navigators is their emphasis on Scripture memorization. It was not just about committing Bible verses to memory but about living by them. As Paul wrote in his epistles, our lives are to be read by others as living letters, and that principle shaped my understanding of Scripture. This foundation in memorizing Scripture has greatly influenced my life, especially in my role as a lay preacher in the Methodist Church. Many times, when I recite Scripture effortlessly during sermons, people wonder how I do it, but I realize it all traces back to my early training with the Navigators. More than that, the Navigators instilled in me a commitment to discipleship, aligning with 2 Timothy 2:1-2, which encourages passing on what we have learned to faithful people who will teach others.

One of the things I deeply admire about the Navigators is their commitment to raising leaders. All it takes is a willing heart, and they will invest in you. I never imagined myself leading a group, but through the Navigators, I was given the exposure and training to step into leadership. Today, I serve as the leader of the same neighborhood Bible study where my journey with the Navigators began. Although the group became dormant for some time due to challenges, we have revived it. Despite being geographically distant from one another, we now hold virtual Bible study and prayer meetings once a month to maintain our fellowship.

Currently, we are engaged in a character study of biblical figures such as Abraham, Adam, and David, learning from their lives and applying their lessons to our journeys. Our goal is to stay connected and committed to spiritual growth, no matter the distance.

Looking back, I am grateful for the impact the Navigators have had on my life. From missions work and youth camps to Scripture memorization and leadership training, they have played an instrumental role in shaping me into the person I am today. The values and principles I learned continue to guide my journey, and I am committed to passing on this legacy to others. The Navigators didn’t just teach me about faith, they equipped me to live it out and share it with others.