During Global Youth Day (GYD) on March 15, 2025, thousands of young people worldwide mobilized to serve their local communities, inspired by the theme "A Community Transformed."
In the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), young people participated in various service projects including, food and literature distribution.
According to the 2024 Statistical Report published by the Office of Adventist Archives, Research, and Statistics, the SSD is home to over 1.5 million Adventists. In 2023, nearly 50% of the division's Adventist population was under the age of 35.
Bali, West Indonesia
To support GYD, the Adventist Church in Hang Tuah in Bali organized a free takjil distribution on March 15, 2025, with the spirit of Total Member Involvement.
The event took place in front of the church building on Drupadi Street, Denpasar, where youth, children, and senior church members came together to serve. A total of 150 takjil packages were distributed to passing motorcyclists, spreading joy and warmth to the community.
Takjil, a term commonly used in Indonesia, refers to light snacks or sweet refreshments typically consumed to break the fast during Ramadan. By sharing these small meals, the Hang Tuah congregation expressed goodwill and strengthened connections with the local community.
With the active participation of 30 young people, 12 children, and nine senior church members, this initiative became even more meaningful, participants say. Through this simple act, the Hang Tuah congregation not only shared food but also extended care, love, and a spirit of togetherness, in line with GYD's mission.
North Sulawesi, East Indonesia
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Mongondow, Modoinding, and Gorontalo Mission Districts celebrated GYD. The event organizes the distribution of books, fruits, and other gifts in Pinasungkulan, Modoinding
As the young people participated, they prayed that the books they shared would become a blessing to those who received them, planting seeds of faith and hope.
Samar, Central Philippines
The Adventist Youth of Catbalogan District participated in GYD by participating in acts of service in Zone 5 and Zone 6 of Paranas, Samar.
Demonstrating the spirit of compassion and mission, the youth actively prayed with families sang songs, and distributed essential goods to those in need. They also organized a free clothing giveaway, a feeding program for children and families, and the distribution of fresh fruits, and inspirational books to uplift the community.
The day was not just about service but about connecting with people, sharing kindness, and witnessing the joy of giving.
Bukidnon, Southwestern Philippines
After several nights of evangelistic meetings conducted by Tree of Life Ministry in Kulasihan, Lantapan, Bukidnon, the series culminated in a Sabbath worship.
The group also engaged in service and outreach for GYD. SSD Youth Director, Ron Genebago, also attended the event along with mission directors, district pastors, and Lantapan District members.
Laguna, Philippines
The Adventist Church in San Pedro, Laguna, participated in GYD at the Dela Paz community.
As part of the initiative, volunteers engaged with the community, distributed materials, and conducted outreach activities. The event aimed to extend support and share biblical messages in a highly urbanized area.
Church leaders and members requested prayers for the community, expressing their commitment to continuing outreach efforts and engaging in acts of service to promote faith-based connections.
Pangasinan, Philippines
After participating in the division-wide Pathfinder Camporee at Mountain View College, Pathfinders from Mapandan Adventist Church put their learning into action by engaging in Global Youth Day activities. As part of their outreach, they visited homes within their communities, distributing gifts and literature to the residents. Through this initiative, they shared messages of hope and service, reinforcing the values they embraced during the camporee.
Davao, Philippines
For the fourth year, the Adventist youth of Magsaysay in Davao participated in a community outreach initiative by distributing five kilograms of rice per family, benefitting 111 families.
The effort was carried out through the involvement of Adventurers, Pathfinders, Ambassadors, Young Adults, Master Guides in Training, Master Guides, and Senior Youth Leaders, alongside church members from across the district.
By engaging youth in acts of service, the initiative aims to equip them with leadership skills and a commitment to community support. Organizers emphasize the importance of service-driven leadership in both church and society, underscoring the broader mission of preparing for Christ’s return.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Adventist youth in Ho Chi Minh City actively participated in GYD, engaging in community outreach by distributing food and literature. Their efforts reflect the global mission of serving others and sharing kindness. Through simple acts of service, they are making a meaningful impact in their local community.
Seremban and Sabah, Malaysia
Young people from Seremban, Malaysia, joined the global initiative by encouraging their young people to go out in the streets and send out invitations for free health screening.
In Sabah, young people, along with their church friends and leaders, went out to the streets to collect garbage. A simple gesture of being a good member of their society and a sign of compassion extended to the community.
Singapore, Singapore
This year, Adventist youth in Singapore launched a reclamation initiative, focused on reconnecting with young people who have drifted away from the church. This effort, a collaboration between youth leaders and church members, seeks to rebuild relationships, offer support, and remind former members that they are valued and missed. By reaching out with care and intentionality, the initiative fosters a sense of belonging and spiritual family, reassuring these young individuals that they are always welcome in the church community.
The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.
