Be Regular in Prayer: Lessons from a Teen Missionary

October 23, 2025 OLAOLUWA AYOMIDE

Be Regular: American Teen Inspiring African Youths Through the Rosary

When 18-year-old Asher Kaufman from the Archdiocese of Hartford set foot in Africa, his mission was simple yet profound, to remind young Catholics of the power of prayer, especially through the Holy Rosary. With a passion that belies his age, Asher is traveling across several African nations to promote the Children’s Rosary Movement, a global initiative that encourages children to pray together for peace and the Church.

In an interview with ACI Africa on October 17, Asher shared insights from his faith journey and reflections on prayer, particularly the Rosary, which he describes as a “lifeline” to Jesus through Mary. His words and actions echo a deep conviction: that true friendship with God is built not on emotion, but on daily faithfulness.

A Journey of Faith and Discernment

Asher’s visit to the continent is not merely a missionary trip, it’s part of his discernment process as he prepares to enter the seminary in September 2026. His African journey began in Uganda on September 15 and has since taken him to Rwanda and Tanzania, with plans to visit Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, and Cameroon before returning home in July next year.

Through this pilgrimage, Asher hopes to share the message of prayerful perseverance with young believers, encouraging them to find joy in consistent communion with God. “The Rosary has transformed my relationship with Jesus,” he said. “It’s not just about reciting words, it’s about learning to love through repetition, through focus, and through Mary’s gentle guidance.”

The Power of Habit: “Be Regular”

Asher’s first piece of advice to anyone struggling with prayer is simple but powerful: be regular.

“Make it a habit. That’s the most powerful way to really develop a relationship with God,” he said. “Have a habit of reciting the Rosary daily. That’s how it becomes part of your life.”

Like any relationship, prayer thrives on consistency. Whether one feels inspired or dry, Asher emphasizes that regular prayer shapes the soul and strengthens spiritual resilience. By praying the Rosary daily, believers train their hearts to remain open to grace, even when emotions fluctuate or life becomes busy.

United in Prayer: The Grace of Praying Together

Asher also encourages Catholics, especially children, to pray the Rosary in groups. Citing St. Louis de Montfort’s teachings, he highlighted the added graces that come from collective prayer.

“When we pray together, heaven rejoices,” Asher explained. “We support one another, and our prayers become stronger when offered in unity.”

In an age where technology often isolates, the Children’s Rosary Movement provides a sense of belonging and shared devotion. Across Africa, small groups of children gather weekly to pray for families, peace, and vocations, living proof that community prayer still has the power to heal and transform.

Distracted? Don’t Be Discouraged

Asher admits that distractions in prayer are universal, but he urges believers not to give in to frustration.

“Do not be discouraged if you’re distracted when praying the Rosary,” he said. “The devil wants you to feel unworthy or to stop. But even when your mind wanders, keep going. God sees your effort and your love.”

He reminds Christians that prayer is less about perfect concentration and more about faithful persistence. Each time a person picks up the Rosary, even amid fatigue or distraction, it’s an act of love that pleases God.

A Call to Persevering Faith

Asher’s youthful zeal is infectious. His journey across Africa mirrors Mary’s own journey of faith, quiet, steady, and full of trust in God’s plan. For the young missionary, prayer is not an occasional act but a rhythm of life, a conversation that grows deeper with each repetition of the Hail Mary.

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As he continues his African mission, Asher’s message to the world remains clear:

“Be regular. Stay faithful. Don’t give up on prayer, even when it feels dry. God listens to every word spoken with love.”

In a time when many young people struggle to stay rooted in faith, Asher Kaufman’s example stands as a gentle reminder that holiness begins with small, consistent acts of devotion, and that a decade of the Rosary prayed from the heart can change the world, one bead at a time.