Online Adventist Youth Society Event Encourages Commitment and Service

May 19, 2020 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division

The Youth Ministries department in Inter-America launched its first online Adventist Youth Society program in three languages as part of an ongoing initiative to encourage the youth across the territory to engage in youth leadership and community service.

The online program included spiritual reflections from world youth leaders, visits to cities and countries in Inter-America and initiatives and activities in which young people can involve themselves.

Pastor Elie Henry, president for the church in Inter-America, talked about the challenges he faced as a pastor’s kid growing up in Haiti. He encouraged young people to cling to the Word of God and look at the life of Jeremiah and the purpose God had in his life.

“You may be wondering in the midst of this uncertainty what your purpose is,” said Pastor Henry. “God has a vision that is bigger than any of us. His vision is redemptive and you are here to help people and make a difference globally.”  Pastor Henry urged young people to study the bible, pray daily and seek out God’s will in their life. “Catch the vision like Jeremiah and help others understand Who God is.”

“It is important for young people to see how God has called people to be great men of faith,” said Pastor Al Powell, youth ministries director for the church in Inter-America and main organizer of the event. Powell interviewed several former Adventist World Church youth leaders during the online program to encourage young people to lean on God and not be discouraged during the difficult times.

Former Adventist world church youth leaders shared their experiences growing up in the church and had some advice for young people.

“If God has called you and you recognized the call from God, know that you can do it. He sees your future,” said Dick Barron, former youth ministries director for the Adventist World Church.

“God is calling you, there is joy when you serve the Lord,” said Baraka Muganda, former youth ministries director for the Adventist world church. Muganda encouraged church leaders to continue challenging the Youth to go for God. “Sometines young people don’t see those talents [in themselves] so they need someone to push them.”

“Don’t be afraid of disorientation because in those moments God gives us guidance,” said Gilbert Cangy, former youth ministries director for the Adventist world church. Cangy challenged young people to find out what God has placed in their hearts for them to do.

The online program showcased what young people are doing to serve in their communities throughout the territory and how to get more involved in the mission of the church through the I Will Go Inter-America initiative.

Inter-America’s youth ministries department will continue to transmit online Adventist Youth Society programs every second Saturday of each quarter for 2021.  The next AYS programs are scheduled for July 18, and October 17, 2020.

“We want young people to identify and embrace their call and take the baton and be a light for Jesus to the world that needs hope in these challenging times,” Powell said.

To view the online Adventist Youth Society ‘Heroes of Faith’ program of May 16, 2020,

Click HERE for English

Click HERE for Spanish

Click HERE for French