Monrovia – James S. Davis, II, regional director for Young Life West Africa, has been appointed as vice president for Young Life’s West Africa Division.
Young Life is a religious organization that is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The organization was started in Dallas, Texas in 1941 by Presbyterian minister Jim Rayburn. Young Life operates globally as several different organizations with different focuses.
Davis, who has been with the organization for over 16 years, was appointed alongside two other including Alexis Kwamy, vice president for southern Africa and Martin Walmawa, vice president for eastern Africa.
“I couldn’t be more excited for this new role especially being the first African to serve as Vice President in the entire mission of Young Life,” said James in a statement.
“I am grateful to God, to my family and to all the volunteer leaders and staff across West Africa who have encouraged and inspired me by their courage and passion in helping young people in West Africa to develop the skills and attitudes they need to reach their God-given potential and continue to the development of their countries.”
According to the letter of appointment from the president of the African division of Young Life, Steve Larmey, Davis’ appointment is “the first-ever non-American in Young Life to be named to this position or higher from countries connected to the U.S. based missions.
Davis’ portfolio covers “current work in Sierra-Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Senegal and Liberia” and the rest of West Africa.
“In this role, James will supervise the established geography and provide more hands-on supervision and leadership development of staff. He will cast vision and work to develop ministry in new areas and countries.”
There are over 100 Young Life ministries throughout Liberia. “I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use me in this new role to impact more young people in West Africa.”