Ile Perseverance Seventh Day Adventist Group launches Adventist Youth Ministries |02 February 2022

Some members of the AYM with their leader Avilla Meriza after the launch ceremony

The Ile Perseverance Seventh Day Adventist Group on Saturday launched the Adventist Youth Ministries (AYM) in the district.

This was during a ceremony held at the PAM'S catering building at Ile Perseverance.

The Adventist’s mission leader, who is also the Pastor for the Ile Perseverance Seventh Day Adventist Group, Abel Ntep, launched the Adventist Youth Ministries which comprise Adventurer – young children aged four to 10; Pathfinder - 10 to 15; Ambassador – 16 to 21 and Young Adult – 22 and above.

Pastor Ntep took the opportunity to congratulate the group of young people and wished them success in their mission to do the work of God and to reach out to other youth and make a difference in their lives with God and encourage them to join the AYM.

He also had words of encouragement for all the adults in the group who have given their time and have devoted themselves to work with the youth.

Avilla Meriza, a teacher by profession, is the AYM leader.

The mission of the AYM is the salvation of youth through Jesus Christ.

“We understand youth ministry to be that work of the church that is conducted for, with, and by young people. To save them from sin and guide them into service,” said Ms Meriza.

She further noted that to obtain the salvation of the youth it is necessary to give them every possible opportunity to participate in all youth activities. By keeping youth actively prepared for more efficient service, they are protected from evil (from bad influences). It is necessary to place them in some activity as soon as they are ready so the enemy will not prevail against youth who are actively engaged in the work of God.

Ms Meriza stressed that the ministry is organised not only for the young people from the Adventist Church but also for all the young people from the Ile Perseverance community.

The 70 young people in the AYM have been trained in the service of the Adventist mission by the Adventist Group since it was formed at Ile Perseverance a few years ago and now they have received sufficient experience to take their responsibility and work on their own to bring the necessary transformation in their community.

Ms Meriza said their district is no different from others where the young people need a lot of help and support to improve their situation and bring some comfort and meaning to their lives and that of their families.

“With the launch of the ministries we are confident that we can make a difference in the lives of others with the grace of God. We have realised that many children and young people do have the opportunity to rejoice and live a happy life surrounded by love and harmony without the influence of drugs, alcohol, where they are neglected and where there is violence which brings instability in families. We are convinced that with perseverance, prayers and God’s grace we will succeed in bringing some comfort and in making a difference in the lives of many,” Ms Meriza highlighted.  

For their part the group of determined and confident young people have vowed aloud that

they are ready to go and save their brothers and sisters in the name of Jesus.

Compiled by Marie-Anne Lepathy

Photos contributed