From MYJA to a Movement: The Journey Toward I AM BLACK (IAB)
While “I AM BLACK” Ministry (IAB) was formally established in 2024, its spiritual and communal DNA can be traced back to the founding of the Messianic Young Jews Association (MYJA) in 2010—a bold, youth-led initiative that emerged from the heart of Nathan Adu-Gyamfi during his time at Theocracy Senior High School in Shalom (Homedakrom), a village near Pokuasi, Accra, Ghana.
What began as a small gathering of 5 young men and 8 young women quickly grew into a dynamic force of over a hundred active youth within two years. Later renamed the Society of Young Messianic Jews (MYJAINS), the movement focused on holistic ministry: spiritual growth, practical service, and community empowerment.
MYJA served its community in tangible ways—organizing clean-up campaigns, fetching water for the elderly and sick, and holding regular Bible studies on Thursday evenings. Their vision expanded into social enterprise: maize farms were cultivated to feed orphans in boarding schools, and mini-businesses were created around batik making, liquid soap production, and maize processing to raise funds for ministry projects.
Their evangelism efforts reached surrounding communities like Achimota, Dzorwulu, Amasaman, and Ashalaja, and included preaching at schools like Sarfoa Memorial School in Ofankor. They even partnered with Kefawans Media Production in Kumasi to produce evangelistic videos, extending their reach through media.
Despite its remarkable growth, the ministry faced internal challenges. On September 13, 2014, after several years of activity and Nathan’s transition into full-time theological education at Ghana Christian University College, MYJAINS was formally disbanded. Its closure marked the end of a chapter—but not the end of the story.
A Reawakening: Reformed MYJAINS to I AM BLACK
In September 2022, while studying in the United States, Nathan felt a renewed sense of call. Burdened by the memory of MYJA and its impact, and moved by the spiritual and political needs of Black and African communities both at home and abroad, he began reconnecting with former members to form a Reformed MYJAINS Ministry.
However, as the vision matured, it became clear that this wasn’t just a revival—it was a reformation.
By January 2024, in the wake of deep theological reflection, Pan-African solidarity, and cross-cultural ministry experiences, Nathan and his team discerned a broader mission. No longer centered solely on youth outreach or church-based evangelism, the new ministry sought to liberate and steward Black and African identity, history, and faith through education, advocacy, cultural exchange, and spiritual formation.
Thus, I AM BLACK Ministry (IAB) was born—building on the legacy of MYJA but carrying a new, Spirit-filled mandate: to reconnect, reconcile, and resource Africans and the African diaspora, reclaiming dignity, truth, and belonging in Christ.
