“The etymology of the word Christian means little pieces of Christ. If we are Christians, we need to imitate them! And we are not just little pieces of Christ in church, we also must be at work, at college, in sports, in everything we do or are involved in", comments pastor Jakson Lima, leader of Youth Ministries in southern Bahia, Brazil.

On March 16, 2024, the region became the scene of good deeds when young Adventists celebrated Global Youth Day.

The day was marked by numerous community service projects across communities in the region. Themed "Show Up in the Cities", more than 7,000 young people from the Bahia Sul region, participated in initiatives such as blood donation, dengue awareness, visits to hospitals, distribution of books, and flash mobs at traffic lights and inside buses, throughout the day.

Lima explains that "this movement brings young people closer to the needs of others and that this is the real meaning of being Christian. The actions that young people carried out were the true demonstration that we are Christians.”

According to Robson Santos, responsible for organizing a blood donation project, the perception of the young people's involvement was moving, as they responded to the call. “Seeing the joy and involvement of our young people in the eyes of the Blood Bank professionals moved me. Around 60 bags of blood were donated, that is, 60 lives benefited. Our mission did not end there with the donation, we left just a drop of blood and I am sure we can do greater things”, he highlighted.

At the São Lucas Hospital, in Itabuna, Brazil, a group visited the sick admitted to the health unit. The young people prayed and sang songs with the patients. For Itamar Freitas, an event participant, the initiative reveals how much can still be done to announce the return of Jesus. “It was very good and comforting, not only for those who participated, but because we had the privilege of seeing the joy on the faces of the people who received us, both the health professionals and those who were on the bed in pain. You need to take the time to be involved in the mission of preaching the gospel, as there is nothing better than bringing a song, a message of hope to someone who is in need,” he added.

In Itabuna and Ilhéus, cities in Brazil, young people also gathered in a public square, with lots of music, and inspiring messages as they celebrated the special day.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.