For three days--Sept. 3 to 5--500 Seventh-day Adventist young people carried out a different kind of outreach: they concentrated on projects involving social, health and spiritual needs of people in the Romanian capital.
For three days—Sept. 3 to 5—500 Seventh-day Adventist young people carried out a different kind of outreach: they concentrated on projects involving social, health and spiritual needs of people in the Romanian capital. A major portion of the event, which was called “Impact 2003 Bucharest—Because We Care,” included an anti-drug campaign.
A long wall, previously covered with graffiti, now displays messages encouraging teenagers to take control of their lives by refusing to use illicit drugs. Thousands of pamphlets calling young people to say “No” to drugs were distributed. A young man, dressed as a beggar, spoke to passers-by about the destructive effects of alcohol and drugs.
Another aspect was health—more than 50 people donated blood—and young people visited children’s hospitals and nursing homes giving posters with messages of hope, love and support. A CPR class was given, while other volunteers cleaned a public park.
Volunteers also advertised the church’s Bible correspondence school and youth activities in Romania.
“A big ‘thank you’ for the outstanding event you put on in the city of Bucharest during your week of ‘Because We Care,’” said Baraka Muganda, world church youth leader, who participated. “The projects were well planned and the objectives were met. Youth not only touch the lives of people with the love of God—they too in turn are blessed by such deeds and they become more involved in the church and community.”
The event culminated Sept. 5 with a Youth Congress in Bucharest. Some 6,000 attended Sabbath, or Saturday, services Sept. 6, and delegates from the neighboring Republic of Moldova and several Asiatic church regions contributed to the meetings. Following Sabbath worship, participants attended the unveiling of a monument in the memory of the 62 million who died between 1950 and 2000 from smoking-related causes. In a written message to the participants, presented by his advisor on religious and cultural affairs, Romanian president Ion Iliescu said: “It is sad to know that many youth begin to smoke while in school. But it gives us much hope to see youth like you taking an initiative that will lead, one day, to complete victory in our battle with tobacco.”
Several national and regional newspapers and television and radio stations featured the youth projects.
