From May 15 to 18, 2025, the city of Bucha in the Kyiv region hosted the youth congress Voice, bringing together over 500 participants for a weekend of learning, evangelism, sports, and charitable initiatives.
The theme, “Your Voice Will Be Heard,” sought to highlight the region's vision to empower young people for active service in their communities and the spread of the Gospel.
A total of 410 participants officially registered, joined by students from the Ukrainian Institute of Arts and Science and the Ukrainian Adventist Theological Institute (UATI), on whose shared campus the event took place. On Saturday (Sabbath), with visiting guests, attendance exceeded 600.
Morning and evening worship featured messages from pastors Volodymyr Velechuk, Nazar Yarovyi, Volodymyr Borovyi, Leonid Rutkovskyi, and Ivan Romaniuk. During the day, participants attended sessions and activities designed to equip them with spiritual insights and practical tools for mission.
Each morning began with a 6 a.m. prayer walk followed by worship, and each evening concluded with small group discussions centered around the daily theme.
Ivan Romaniuk, leader of Adventist Youth Ministries in Ukraine, highlighted the distinct mission of the event.
“Our previous youth congress, ‘Light in the Darkness’, took place less than a year ago, in June 2024. Voice has a more focused message, mission, and public service. The title alludes to John the Baptist, who said he was just a voice — not the hero, but the messenger. We believe young people today are called to be that voice, heralding God’s message before Christ’s return,” Romaniuk said.
Romaniuk further explained how the congress theme was structured.
“We asked the speakers to explore the idea of mission using the metaphor of a harvest — preparation, sowing, nurturing, reaping, and preserving. The workshops followed this missional cycle.”
On Sabbath afternoon, urban evangelism took place in Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, where 125 young people in 25 teams set up public outreach locations. Despite cold weather and rain, many reported meaningful conversations and spiritual impact.
“Some street activities were interrupted by weather, but the real outcome was the experience of connection,” shared Vlad Mikula, the initiative’s coordinator. “One young man we talked with during the day even came to the congress that evening.”
The Sabbath concluded with a baptismal ceremony, where five young people gave their lives to Christ. Velechuk addressed the newly baptized.
“Bear the name of the Lord with honor. The path ahead isn’t easy, but it is noble. Keep growing in Him.”
On Sunday, May 18, a charity run organized in partnership with the Clan fitness club gathered 29 youth participants. The aim: raise funds for the Hospitallers volunteer medical battalion, whose base in Pavlohrad was destroyed in a missile strike on April 25, 2025.
The congress food court donated its proceeds that day to the cause. In total, 30,000 UAH (approx. $700 USD) was raised. The top finishers in the male and female categories were awarded prizes. Donations remain open via Monobank’s charitable platform.
As the event concluded, Romaniuk reflected on its deeper meaning.
“In everything we do, what matters most isn’t the format or the event itself — it’s the people. Young people who need salvation.”
Youth events like Voice are held both within the church and in the wider world for them and to help them begin their journey toward knowing God.
The original article was provided by the Ukrainian Union Conference. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
