July 23, 2021 | St. John’s, Antigua | Lindale Daniel
The Youth Ministries department of the South Leeward Conference (SLC) is on the move as it officially launched its electronic magazine, the “Antigua & Barbuda Adventurers on the Move” quarterly magazine. The virtual event which took place on July 10, 2021, was carried on the Adventurers’ YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Antigua & Barbuda Adventurers on the Move is a ministry that was developed because it was felt that the Church’s youth were not being catered for and that there are not enough programs planned for them in mind. The ministry hopes to cauterize the leak in the retention statistics through initiatives like the magazine.
Leaders in the Adventurers’ ministry officiated in the launch. Counselor, Lindale Daniel, welcomed the listening and viewing audience and highlighted, in the opening remarks, the aim of the magazine. Assistant island coordinator, Maribane Romeo, asked God's blessings and guidance on every child, parent, counselor, director, area coordinator, island coordinator, youth director and anyone remotely connected to the Adventurer's youth ministry.
Island coordinator, Kerneice Galloway, gave a brief overview of the idea behind the magazine and what is to be expected in the initial and future editions. Following this, the listening and viewing audience celebrated a violin rendition of the hymn "This is My Father's World", skillfully performed by Audella Mae James, of the Orion Club.
Youth Ministries director, Carl Hastings, outlined the Adventurer program and curriculum. He noted that, “it is significant to know that Christ admonishes us to suffer the little children. If we are to groom them for the Kingdom of heaven, we are to help them commit their lives to Jesus, live a Christ-centered life, to gain positive attitudes so that they can live in this crazy world, and to acquire good sportsmanship qualities”.
Communications director of the Conference, Dr. Wayne Knowles, gave a comprehensive presentation that provided timely and expert advice on using evangelism and technology to minister to children. Some of the tips shared include:
• The importance of selecting your audience
• Knowing and understanding the needs of your audience
• How to effectively use the digital platform
• Using storytelling (an effective method used by Jesus)
• Encourage children to dramatize and narrate Bible stories with their friends
• Organize a YouTube channel where children can upload their Bible stories
• Consult the General Conference’s Children’s Ministries website for tips and tools to enhance the quality of the programs the Department produces
Another item of special music was music was done by the Seaglans Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. Following this, Sean Joseph, graphic designer of the magazine, gave a page-by-page review to the viewing audience. He encouraged the parents to download the activity pages which are loaded with fun activities for the boys and girls.
After Mr. Joseph’s presentation, Dr. Carson Greene, president of the Conference, hinted that there was a tinge of envy that this was not an adult magazine. Dr. Greene later consecrated the magazine asking God to let it be a blessing to boys and girls everywhere. Finally, island coordinator, Loy Weste, ended the launch by thanking the chief contributors and again asking the Lord to continue to keep His guiding hand on the magazine.