Thousands of Seventh-day Adventist young people across the Inter-American Division (IAD) territory took to their cities and communities to serve and share hope during this year’s Global Youth Day (GYD) on March 21, 2026.

The annual initiative, led by the General Conference Youth Ministries Department, encourages young people to step out of their comfort zones and “Be the Sermon.”

From large urban centers to small communities, youth engaged in acts of service that church leaders described as “Communion in Action”—this year’s theme, inspired by Acts 4:31, where early believers prayed together, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and boldly shared God’s message. The theme highlights the power of collective prayer and action as young people unite to serve others and share hope in their communities.

As part of GYD, more than 6 million copies of Words of Hope by Adventist co-founder Ellen G. White were distributed across the territory, complemented by hundreds of community service initiatives, health outreach activities, and personal witnessing efforts.

“We have experienced an extraordinary day,” said Daniel Torreblanca, youth ministries director of the IAD. “From early morning, young people went out into the streets to share the love of Jesus. They have been the hands and feet of Jesus, and many people have been touched by that love filled with hope.”

Reports from across the territory highlighted medical brigades, literature distribution, and hundreds of outreach initiatives aimed at meeting both physical and spiritual needs.

Guadalajara hosts major public witness event

Among the many locations, one of the most visible gatherings took place in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, where more than 800 young people marched through 15 city blocks in the historic center, carrying banners promoting healthy living and hope.

The march culminated at Plaza de la Liberación, where youth set up stations highlighting healthy habits during an event that engaged onlookers and visitors, while missionary books were distributed, drawing the attention of community members and local authorities.

“We welcome you to Guadalajara with open arms,” said María Luisa Vallejo, a government official from the Ministry of the Secretary, who helped facilitate the event. “We commend this noble work of serving the community. Society needs this kind of effort—continue moving forward with strength.”

“We praise God for the millions of books distributed today, and here in Guadalajara—an emblematic place for Mexico—thousands of copies were shared in an area where reaching people with the gospel can be challenging,” said Isaías Espinoza, Publishing Ministries director for the IAD. “We are here in this plaza thanking God because many people have come forward to receive the book.

But above all, we are grateful to see church members fully involved, excited to be part of this special day.”

Echoing that sentiment, Héctor Hernández, president of the West Mexican Conference headquartered in Guadalajara, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative.

“This is a powerful testimony of what happens when young people step out in faith to serve their communities and share hope,” Hernández said. “Their commitment today shows that the church is alive and active in the heart of the city.”

Personal encounters highlight lasting impact

Beyond the large-scale activities, the day was marked by personal encounters and acts of kindness that left a lasting impression on both participants and community members.
In Colinas de Tonalá, a residential area of approximately 6,000 homes, groups of young people went door-to-door early in the morning, offering prayer, sharing literature, and inviting residents to study the Bible.

Claudia Viñoles, a local youth leader, recalled one visit that stood out.

“I told her I knew a story in the Bible about a woman who also suffered for many years because she could not have children,” Viñoles said. “I promised her I would return to study the Bible with her and pray together. She was very grateful and open to continue learning.”

In another part of the city, youth leader Sergio Ramírez and a group of about 20 young people carried out outreach activities, including cleaning a park, distributing food baskets, and supporting individuals in vulnerable situations.

“We were praying for God to allow us to be part of the ‘changing lives’ challenge,” Ramírez said. “That same day, a man experiencing homelessness came to my home … God did the rest.”

Young participants also highlighted how the experience strengthened their personal connection with God.

“This theme about communion with God really impacted me,” said Melanie Martínez, 18. “It reminded me that in order to bring others to God, we must first stay connected to Him ourselves.”

Youth-led initiatives expand across Mexico and beyond

Across Mexico, youth-led initiatives reflected both creativity and compassion in action.

In Chiapas, more than 520 young people and leaders mobilized under the theme “Donating Lives,” organizing a large-scale blood donation campaign that directly supported the state’s health system. At the “Dr. Domingo Chanona” Blood Bank in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, dozens of youth volunteered as donors.

“We want to thank the Adventist Church for this remarkable effort,” said Dr. Jaime Rafael Laparra, director of the blood bank. “The units collected today will help save the lives of children, youth, adults, and the elderly across Chiapas.”

For many participants, the experience was deeply personal.

“This is my second time donating,” said Jaqueline Mendoza, a young participant. “It’s something I learned at home, and I want to encourage more young people to join. It’s a way to help—even those who don’t yet know about Jesus.”

Youth in Tapachula, Chiapas,  also contributed in unique ways, including donating 75 locks of hair to support the creation of wigs for cancer patients—an initiative that community leaders described as bringing dignity, hope, and encouragement to those undergoing treatment.

In the Inter-Oceanic Mexican Union territory, more than 15,000 young people from over 600 Pathfinder, Adventurer, and youth clubs mobilized across hundreds of districts and churches, carrying out initiatives that supported both community well-being and spiritual outreach.

Efforts included cleaning and rehabilitating public spaces, painting community areas, assisting families in need, and leading health brigades, fairs, walks, and runs promoting healthy lifestyles.

At the same time, youth distributed thousands of copies of Words of Hope in homes, hospitals, and public spaces, while participating in prayer programs, evangelistic campaigns, and other initiatives that strengthened their faith and engagement in mission.

In Mexico City, youth partnered with community organizations to promote mental health awareness during a public run held in Chapultepec Park, and elsewhere across the Central Mexican Union with more than 50,000 copies of the missionary book distributed. The initiative opened spaces for conversations on emotional well-being while offering practical resources and spiritual encouragement.

In Southeast Mexico, young people from El Crisol Church in Nacajuca, Tabasco, met with Alcoholics Anonymous members during Global Youth Day to share Bible studies on the faith of Jesus.

In northern Colombia, more than 6,000 young people participated in outreach efforts across urban communities such as Medellín. Health brigades, environmental projects, and artistic initiatives served as bridges to connect with residents in vulnerable areas.

“Serving is a real way of preaching,” said María Muñoz, a young volunteer who assisted in a health brigade. “Seeing people’s gratitude helped me understand that even small acts can make a big difference.”

“Art can be a tool to heal and bring hope,” added Isaac Martínez, who helped paint a community mural alongside local children. “It became a light in the midst of darkness.”

In El Salvador, approximately 3,000 young people mobilized nationwide, carrying out initiatives such as hospital visits, environmental cleanups, blood donation campaigns, and outreach to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those in need. Leaders noted that the day not only impacted communities but also strengthened the spiritual commitment of the youth involved.

In Honduras, youth engaged in a wide range of activities, including prayer initiatives in public spaces, visits to the sick and elderly, food distribution, and health campaigns such as blood drives and preventive health fairs—demonstrating a holistic approach to serving communities.

In Panama, nearly 5,000 young people participated in coordinated outreach efforts across multiple locations nationwide, engaging in community service initiatives such as health fairs, food distribution, public prayer, and support for hospital patients.

“These activities show that our youth are not only promoting values, but living them through concrete actions,” said a local organizer. “They are committed to serving and sharing hope in their communities.”

In the Dominican Republic, young people in Santo Domingo Este carried out a community outreach initiative that included the distribution of thousands of copies of Words of Hope, a march through local neighborhoods, and a community concert aimed at promoting values and offering guidance to youth facing social challenges. Leaders emphasized the importance of fostering purpose-driven youth committed to positive change in society.

Caribbean youth step beyond church walls

In the Atlantic Caribbean Union, youth across The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands served their communities through health fairs, outreach activities, home visits, and care package distribution.

In The Bahamas, hundreds of young people provided health screenings, prayer, and support to residents.

“We are hoping this opens the door for people to continue connecting with the church,” said youth leader Teoria Murray.

Similar efforts across Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands included community cleanups, prayer initiatives, and literature distribution.

A generation living faith through action

Across the IAD, reports echoed a common theme—young people actively living out their faith through service, said Daniel Torreblanca.

“From health outreach and environmental projects to literature distribution and personal ministry, youth connected with their communities in meaningful and lasting ways,” he said. “While activities varied by region, the purpose remained the same—to reflect Christ’s love through action.”

Launched in 2013, GYD’s purpose is to recapture the reality of Adventist youth as a global movement mobilized for service, contributing to the proclamation of the everlasting gospel, and ushering in the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Uriel Castellanos, Edgardo Clemente, Gaby Chagolla, Victor Martínez, Cristin Serrano, Fabricio Rivera, Johana Garcia, Gustavo Menéndez, John Garcia, Henry Moncur, Michelle Greene, Bernardo Medina, and Otoniel Rodriguez contributed information for this report.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.