South Pacific Division

Youth Congress Challenges Young People to Find Their True Identity in Christ

January 16, 2023

Australia

Neru Nuuialii, Juliana Muniz

Fulton Adventist University College principal Dr Ronald Stone was one of the guest speakers. [Credit: Adventist Record]

Young people from across Samoa-Tokelau Mission (STM) gathered at the church headquarters in Lalovaea for a youth congress held on December 14–18, 2022.

Themed “Your True Identity,” the event had a lineup of speakers who challenged attendees to find their true identity in God. Guest speakers included Dr. Ronald Stone, Fulton Adventist University College principal; Pastor Uili Tinomeneta, Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) youth director; and Pastor Maveni Kaufononga, TPUM president.

The event also featured workshops and lectures on relevant topics presented by the Ministry of Health and Samoa Family Health Association. Topics included physical and emotional health, finding a stable future, and friendship and relationship advice for young people.

“It is a blessing for me to be part of this youth congress—to know and understand my true identity in Christ,” said attendee Iosefina S Te’o.

One of the highlights of the event was the ordination service for Pastor Atileo Faalelei and Pastor Peniamin Ufi. According to Pastor Neru Nuuialii, STM secretary, “It was very special for the STM youth to see two ministers who answered the call to ministry and were publicly recognized as ordained pastors.”

Nuuialii added, “For them [the young people], experiencing such a sacred service reinforces the high calling from above to be faithful in the ministry of God.”

The event ended on a high note, challenging those present to reflect and show the true identity of Christ through their lives in their communities.

[Credit: Adventist Record]