Adventist Youth Across Inter-America to Serve Communities and Share Hope on Global Youth Day
Thousands expected to participate in community outreach and book distribution on March 21.
March 11, 2026 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News
Thousands of young people across the Inter-American Division are preparing to serve their communities during Global Youth Day, a worldwide initiative encouraging young Adventists to demonstrate the love of Christ through acts of service.
The 2026 theme, “Communion in Action,” draws inspiration from Acts 4:31, where early believers prayed together, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and boldly shared God’s message. The theme emphasizes the power of collective prayer and action as young people unite to serve others and share hope in their communities.
“This month of March, millions of Adventist young people around the world are doing something extraordinary,” said Daniel Torreblanca, youth ministries director of the Inter-American Division. “They are not only inside the church—they are in the streets, hospitals, parks, and communities serving others.”
A Call to Engage in Acts of Kindness
Global Youth Day calls young people to move beyond the walls of the church and engage directly with their communities through practical acts of kindness.
“Global Youth Day is a day when young people specifically show the love of Jesus through acts of kindness,” Torreblanca said.
Throughout the day, youth groups across the territory will participate in various outreach activities including donating blood, visiting hospitals, cleaning public spaces, distributing food, and praying with individuals in need of encouragement.
“For some people these actions may seem small, but for someone in need they can mean everything. A hug or a smile can change a person’s life,” he said.
Torreblanca said the initiative reminds young believers that Christian faith must be lived through action.
“Faith is not only something we hear about—it is something we live,” he said, referencing Luke 10:37. “Jesus said, ‘Go and do likewise.’”
He challenged young people across the division to embrace the call to serve.
“This March 21, don’t just listen to a sermon—be the sermon,” Torreblanca said. “Jesus is calling you to be His hands, His feet, and His voice.”
Sharing Hope Through Literature
Alongside the service initiatives, churches across the territory will also participate in the annual missionary book distribution coordinated by the division’s publishing ministries department.
According to Isaias Espinoza, publishing ministries director of the IAD, the missionary book massive distribution will take place on the same day as Global Youth Day.
“The missionary book will be distributed together with Global Youth Day, giving everyone the opportunity to share the message of hope,” Espinoza said.
This year churches across the division will distribute the book Words of Hope by Ellen G. White—co-founder of the Adventist Church– reaching communities throughout the territory.
“Children, youth, adults, and seniors will all take part in sharing the book Words of Hope,” Espinoza said. “Across the Inter-American Division we expect to distribute about five million copies.”
Espinoza encouraged church members to share the literature thoughtfully and intentionally.
“The best way to share the book is not simply to give it away, but to give it with intention,” he said. “When you share the book, start a conversation and learn about the person’s needs so the message in the book can speak to their situation.”
He added that literature can serve as a powerful tool for sharing the gospel, even for those who may feel hesitant about preaching or leading Bible studies.
“You may not know how to preach or give Bible studies, but the book can speak for you,” Espinoza said. “Share a book, because the book carries the message.”
Opportunity To Share Compassion
Leaders across the Inter-American Division say the combined initiatives of service and literature distribution provide an opportunity for church members of all ages to actively share hope and demonstrate Christ’s love in their communities.
Through acts of kindness, prayer, and meaningful conversations, young people across the territory are expected to help create a ripple effect of compassion and faith that reflects the spirit of the early church, Torreblanca said.
Launched in 2013, Global Youth Day’s vision is to reaffirm Adventist youth as a global movement mobilized for service, contributing to the proclamation of the everlasting gospel and preparing the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
To find out this year’s GYD as well as the Youth Week of Prayer Resources in English, Spanish and French, click HERE
GYD webpage: HERE
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