GC Session Broadens Mission Focus for IAD Youth Delegates

Young Adventists share their experience and renewed commitment to the church’s global outreach.

July 24, 2025 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

As thousands of Seventh-day Adventists gathered in St. Louis for the 62nd General Conference (GC) Session, four young delegates from the Inter-American Division (IAD) stood out—not for their age, but for their deep faith, meaningful engagement, and passion for mission.

Representing Venezuela, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Cuba, these youth were part of a broader, intentional effort across the IAD’s 25 unions to include young people in church governance and mission conversations.

“We were deliberate in requesting young people be considered,” said Pastor Leonard Johnson, executive secretary of the IAD at the start of the GC Session. “The church is largely composed of young people, and we need to hear from them. They should be involved in the decision-making processes that shape our agenda going forward.”

Among the 453 official delegates from the IAD, 19 were youth delegates representing 25 unions, with two additional delegates sent from the territory by the Division. IAD church leaders said the youth brought energy, new perspectives, and a reaffirmation of God’s leading in the global church.

A Church Bigger Than Ever Imagined

Adrianyli Paola Cavallo, 25, from the East Venezuela Union, said attending the GC Session for the first time was life changing.

“I was impressed by the number of people here—and this is just a small part of the worldwide church! It made me imagine what heaven will be like,” she said.

“Before this, I only knew the church up to the Union level. Now I see how well organized it is globally. It’s not just about my local congregation. We are truly a worldwide family.”

Growing up in the church and being baptized at 12 laid the foundation for Adrianyli’s commitment to service. She now serves as director of both the Adventurer and Pathfinder Clubs at her local congregation, La Floresta Adventist Church in Bolívar State. Her involvement extends to music ministry—playing the flute during worship—and leading as Sabbath School director, a role that has deepened her passion for sharing the gospel.

A petroleum engineering graduate, Adrianyli’s experience as a delegate further strengthened her desire to reach others for Christ. “It’s been an honor to be part of something so well organized,” she said.

Throughout the session, she connected with young Adventists from various countries—including the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Chile—which broadened her sense of global community.

Adrianyli returns home with renewed purpose.

“I want to take Sabbath School outside the church walls—into parks, plazas, anywhere we can serve,” she said. “We’re here for a purpose, and I want to bring that mission focus back home.”

From Scripture to Missional Perspective

For 22-year-old Ruben Maltez of El Salvador, attending the GC Session was more than an honor—it was the culmination of a journey rooted in Scripture and service. His deeper involvement in the church began at age 14 when he joined the Pathfinder Club, an experience that helped shape his spiritual life and inspired him to serve actively in his local congregation.

That path led him study the Bible and compete in his church, district, conference and union where he won the Inter-American Division’s Bible Connection in 2020, a division-wide Bible competition. The victory earned him a place among five finalists who later competed for the quinquennial 2020–2024 title period in May. Ruben emerged as the Bible Connection Quinquennial Winner, securing his spot as a youth delegate to the 62nd GC Session.

The win in 2020 opened the door to a four-year scholarship at Antillean Adventist University in Puerto Rico, where he’s currently completing a degree in Accounting and Business Administration, set to graduate in 2026.

“I never imagined leaving El Salvador to study at an Adventist university, but God opened doors,” he shared.

His path—from a local Bible competition to international experience—has given Ruben a unique perspective on how the Adventist Church operates globally.

“I’ve been able to see how God opens doors and opportunities everywhere around the world for His good,” he said.

What began with studying Scripture for a competition has now become a daily spiritual practice. Bible Connection sparked in him a commitment to read the Word consistently.

“I’ve learned that even reading just one verse a day can keep us connected to God,” he said.

Now, after participating in the world church’s highest business session, Ruben is more inspired than ever.

“I see how committed we are, globally, to the mission,” he said. “We each have a part to play.”

Unity in Diversity, Purpose in Mission

For Jordanne Brown, a 26-year-old youth leader from the Jamaica Union, attending the GC Session brought into sharp focus the beauty of the church’s global unity.

“In spite of all the different cultures, we are here with one mission—to share the gospel,” she said. “It’s beautiful to see.”

A trained architect and active music minister, Jordanne was deeply inspired by the level of organization and transparency she witnessed throughout the church’s decision-making processes.

“I’ve loved seeing how organized the church is, and how each delegate—no matter where they’re from—has a voice,” she noted. “Discussions about data protection laws and membership transfer issues showed how much thought is given to every context. It gave me confidence in the leadership structure of the global church.”

Jordanne’s own church journey began at a young age, growing up in the Bendon Adventist Church in central Jamaica, where she became actively involved in various ministries. Today, she is a certified Senior Youth Leader, serves as an Assistant AY Leader, and sits on both the music and building committees of her local church. She also holds the role of vice president of the St. Catherine Youth Federation.

Her GC Session experience reinforced her belief that young people must recognize and embrace their vital role in the church—not in the future, but now.

“We can’t wait for tomorrow—we are the church today,” Jordanne said. “Our creativity and energy matter, and God can use us to impact lives right now.”

Faith, Sacrifice, and Miracles

For Bryan E. Rodríguez of Cuba, 20, the road to the GC Session was paved with faith, sacrifice, and undeniable miracles. In 2024, he made the bold decision to pause his university studies for an entire year to dedicate himself fully to studying the Bible. That decision led him to win the 2024 Bible Connection, the IAD’s premier Bible knowledge competition.

“Being here is the result of miracle after miracle,” Bryan said. “From winning Bible Connection to enrolling at Montemorelos University—it’s all God’s work.”

Attending the GC Session as a youth delegate has been a powerful affirmation of his faith.

“What’s impressed me the most is seeing how, despite the presence of different divisions and people from so many nationalities, we are all one in Christ Jesus. We have one mission, one goal, one purpose that unites us.”

But the journey didn’t come without criticism or struggle.

“Many people doubted my decision, including family and friends,” he recalled. “But I held on to God’s promise in Psalm 119:105: ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’”

That promise sustained him through difficult moments and reaffirmed his commitment to trust God with his future.

“Nothing is impossible for God,” he added. “I’ve learned that when you put your dreams in His hands, He makes a way.”

In August, Bryan plans to begin studies in dental technology. He hopes to use his talents to serve others—combining faith, purpose, and profession in his ongoing journey of mission.

A Church That Listens, a Generation That Leads

Each of the youth delegates witnessed the power of a church that not only celebrates its heritage but also includes its emerging leaders.

Delegates engaged in voting on key issues, observed amendments to the Church Manual debated with respect, and rejoiced in moments of powerful multicultural worship.

“This generation isn’t on the sidelines,” said Johnson. “We need their insights. We need them shaping the church’s future—because it is their church too.”

At the close of the GC Session, youth delegates expressed a renewed commitment to mission and leadership within their local churches.

“We’re all part of one mission,” Jordanne said. “And when young people say yes to God, there’s no telling what He can do through us.”