“Fake self, fake life” Trend Identified as a Major Challenge in Africa’s Contemporary Church

She said, “When the early missionaries came to the continent (of Africa), they found many challenges which, with the help of God, they surmounted and the faith spread.”

“We are the product of the early missionaries. Every believer must play his/her part in the current evangelization mission of the Church. I play my part too,” said the SMK member, who other than meeting the young adults and youth at DU on a daily basis, finds time to interact with children.

“I needed to find an avenue to meet and interact with the children, that’s why I go to Sunday School at the Flora Hostel Chapel, in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi to pray with the little ones but also to teach them about God, faith and life values,” she said.

For Sr. Lando, if the people of God get to learn their faith, know God and acquire good moral values at their tender age, “we’ll have responsible youth, young adults…and hence the ripple effect.”

In the December 15 interview with ACI Africa,  she emphasized the inherent worth and intentional design of every individual, cautioning the young people in Africa of the growing temptation of superficial success and distorted realities.

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She said, “Please do not allow yourself to be disgraced by the allure of fast-paced fame, technology, media, resources, miscommunication, discommunication, fakelife…and relationships. Rather, strive to be and remain your authentic self, unique as God created you  (Psalm 139:14).”

“This is clearly articulated by Lapid Leaders Africa in their official release: “the future is not announced. It is designed, built, and stewarded,” the SMK member said during the December 15 interview alluding to the wording of the organization’s official announcement for its 2025 Top Purpose-Driven Leaders.

The Kenya-based non-governmental organization seeks to nurture leaders who champion justice and create lasting social impact, ensuring every individual can thrive with dignity.

Nicholas Waigwa is a Kenyan multimedia journalist and broadcast technician with a professional background in creating engaging news stories and broadcasting content across multiple media platforms. He is passionate about the media apostolate and Catholic Church communication.