She approached the podium, knees shaking, heat rushing to her face. She had been bombarded with questions and challenges, as she attempted to defend herself amid what felt like overwhelming opposition.
Kainat Chaudhary, a young 16-year-old Christ follower, had experienced the pressure of standing alone. Thankfully, her experience was in a safe environment, and the crowd that “opposed” her was actually preparing her for real world experiences. She was immersed in the intensive training of Delaware Leadership Congress.
Having the opportunity to practice in a safe environment is far from the life threatening realities experienced by Kainat’s family in Pakistan. Imagine having to flee, within 24 hours, the comfort and familiarity of the only home you’ve ever known, because of religious persecution. Kainat’s father was an attorney, known for his effectiveness in acquitting those falsely accused of apostasy. Hers was a three year journey as a young girl from Pakistan to Sussex County Delaware, of all places, where she met DFPC’s President Nicole Theis.
Kainat is now a proud US Citizen in her first year of law school at Regent University, and a five year alum of Delaware Leadership Congress (DLC), the annual training we provide in partnership with Patriot Academy.
“DE Leadership Congress will provide you with tools and resources for effectively communicating the truth, thinking through ideas critically, and defending your ideas for the purpose of changing hearts and minds – essentially, everything you need to develop your God-given talents and help you confidently walk the path God is preparing for you.”
-DLC 2023 Governor Kainat Chaudhary
DLC is one solution to a seismic problem, identified by George Barna studies. One study found that only 17% of young people ages 18-22 call themselves committed Christians. Our collective focus, more than anything else, must be on reaching and discipling the rising generation.
This is why we brought DLC to Delaware a decade ago. Through this Academy and ongoing mentorship, students learn how to filter ideas through biblical worldview principles, ask the right questions, communicate with clarity and compassion, and lead with integrity. Our continuous efforts show young adults that they need each other, and are not alone.
In the 2023 DLC class, Kainat once again found herself behind the same podium that made her tremble a decade earlier. But this time she stood there no longer as a student, but as the Governor of Delaware Leadership Congress, mentoring a new generation of students.
After years of cultivation, our DLC alumni are entering or enrolled in law school, getting married, becoming parents, studying to become pastors, operating and growing small businesses, leading in the pro-life movement, and even running for office and winning.
Cultivating the right foundation that leads to courage, especially in young people, doesn’t just happen. It takes early, intentional, “biblical worldview formation,” which is core to our mission.