August 20, 2021 | St. John’s Antigua | Vernon Frederick
The Adventist Youth Ministries (AY) is committed to encouraging, edifying and empowering youth to build a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. This ministry engages youth on different levels to experience the love of God for themselves.
On Sunday, July 11, 2021, the senior youth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Antigua and Barbuda launched out under the theme, "I Will Go... No Matter The Challenge Before Me". The event was held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. John's and ministered to a blended audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the opening night, remarks from various leaders within the South Leeward Conference (SLC) were made; namely, Pastor Cindie Lee (Antigua island coordinator), who also declared Senior Youth Week open, Dr. Carson Greene (SLC president), Pastor Carl Hastings (SLC Youth Ministries director) and Vernon Frederick (Antigua & Barbuda AY island coordinator). The remarks were followed by a soul-stirring devotional by Pastor Laurenge Challenger, who called the youth and others to continue to live for Jesus and to commit to His cause.
Monday through Thursday featured presentations from various individuals. These included: "I Want To Know What Love Is" –– a discussion on the definition of love –– facilitated by Ms. Sigournie Corbin; "I Feel I Can Fly" –– a presentation on substance abuse –– by Dr. Alphanso Jerry Simon; "Forbidden Love" –– an interactive session on relationships –– by Dr. Mark L. Braithwaite (SLC Family Ministries director); and a panel discussion from the newly-formed AY Small Business Alliance –– a network that promotes young Adventist entrepreneurs.
On Friday evening, the energetic and Spirit-filled, Elder Janice Michael presented on the topic, "What Do You Have In Your Hand?" Then, on Sabbath morning, Pastor Sherwin A. E. White preached an equally impacting word on the topic, "My Neighbour’s Keeper".
The week climaxed on Sabbath afternoon with an AY session, captioned, "My Trials For Your Glory". At that session, the youth shared inspirational testimonies, highlighting God's leading and victory in their lives.
With such an exhilarating and spiritually-charged week, the youth of the South Leeward Conference are definitely positioned to go no matter the challenge before them.