Adventists promote family, health, and drug abstinence in the Dominican Republic

Seventh-day Adventists promote health to drivers and onlookers in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Aug. 13, 2016. Images by Rene Gomez.

August 17, 2016 | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | Gerardo Bautista/Rene Gomez/IAD Staff

Young people distribute literature on family, health and drug abstinence during the day’s youth outreach.

More than 3,000 young Seventh-day Adventists from 250 churches marched through the main streets of Santo Domingo on August 13, 2016, to promote abstinence from drugs and to choose Jesus. They held banners promoting the Bible, health, and family unity, and distributed literature and prayed for onlookers and drivers during the four-hour activity.

“We wanted to call the attention of our dear youth to stay away from vices and every type of drug out there and allow Christ to enter into their lives,” said pastor Robert Peña, youth ministries director of the church in the Central Dominican region and organizer of the event.

The activity sought to involve the youth in sharing the gospel, praying for those in need of a Savior, and celebrating the gifts and talents they possess to be partners in fulfilling the mission of the church.

Peña said that the youth are involved in visiting homes with church leaders and praying for families in the community in efforts to improve the core of society.

Thousands of Adventist young people gathered at the Pabellon de Karate Center for a praise and worship program after the outreach activity during the day.

With the increase of violence and drug abuse in the nation, church leaders want to continue empowering the youth with the moral values they need to be strong witnesses in their cities and communities.

With the words “Powerful Youth, Committed to Christ” printed on their shirts, Adventist youth distributed thousands of literature to drivers and onlookers, held banners and signs pointing to God as Creator, the study of the Bible and the daily need of prayer.

After the city-wide outreach, a praise and worship program took place in the Pabellon de Karate where speakers and Adventist musical singers performed for the thousands gathered.

For more on the “Powerful Youth, Committed to Christ” activity, visit HERE