Inter-America: Virtual youth event campaign connects directly with young people

Inter-America’s Youth Ministries Director Benjamin Carballo (left) speaks about youth initiatives with program presenters Christel Medina (center) and Luis Garcia (right) during the conclusion of the church’s virtual youth campaign at the Inter-American Division Headquarters in Miami, Florida, April 27, 2013. The online event drew hundreds of young people from throughout Inter-America’s region of the first evangelistic youth campaign online. Image by Abel Marquez/IAD.

May 2, 2013 – Miami, Florida, United States…Libna Stevens/IAD

Connecting with hundreds of young people online and assuring them that they can be winners with Jesus made youth ministries leaders happy during an online event held last week at the Inter-American Division (IAD) headquarter office in Miami, Florida.

Themed “Win With Jesus,” the live event was one in series of activities during the year to challenge and encourage the more than 2 million young people across Inter-America to become a powerful generation that prays, studies the Bible and shares God’s love victoriously every day, according to Pastor Benjamin Carballo, youth ministries director for the church in Inter-America.

“Young people, you have kingly lineage in you,” said Carballo during the webcast. “God calls you to get to the court and train to win by seeking him every morning, to rest in His guidance and become the most valuable players for His Kingdom.”

Pastor Benjamin Carballo, youth ministries director for the church in Inter-America, challenges young people to pray, read the Bible and witness for Jesus every day wherever they are. Image by Libna Stevens/IAD

This was the core message Carballo wanted young people to absorb during first ever territory-wide virtual campaign for the Adventist youth. “God declares that you are valuable powerful generation, pushing ahead with the mission the church has.”

The 45-minute segments each evening featured a spiritual message based on Bible stories of Mephibosheth, Samson, the Samaritan woman and Gideon and how they dealt with their own struggles and overcame their challenges. Viewers enjoyed music, were reminded of youth territory-wide initiatives and were also able to submit questions, concerns and prayer requests during the segment.

“Through their comments and questions, young people from Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the French Antilles and the rest of our territory lets us know that they like to communicate the challenges they are facing and need our support and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to overcome,” explained Carballo. More than 300 young people gathered in south Mexico to view the campaign others gathered in churches, homes and connected through their mobile devices.

Questions submitted during the segments ranged from overcoming addictions, seeking out peers who left the church, dating non-believers, how to gain more acceptance and support from church leaders, and how to connect with other believers across university campuses.

Carballo said he is happy with the first attempt at connecting through a virtual campaign. Plans are underway for a second virtual campaign next year.

To view video recording of Inter-America’s youth virtual campaign in Spanish, CLICK HERE