The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific region has launched a youth program that organizers hope will mark a new era of youth involvement in the mission of the church.

“‘The Underground’ youth program is an exciting initiative that encourages Adventist young people to reach out to their friends in an effort to awaken an interest in spiritual things,” explains Pastor Leo Ranzolin, a vice president of the Adventist world church, and guest speaker at a youth rally November 7 in Sydney, Australia.

“I was impressed by the sheer enthusiasm and dedication of these young people,” says Ranzolin. “Their excitement was infectious—electrifying!”

“The Underground signals the beginning of a new kind of ministry for Adventist youth,” writes regional youth director Gilbert Cangy in a brochure introducing the concept. The program encourages young people to meet regularly with an Underground small group, to concentrate on personal spiritual growth, and to speak out about their faith.  An Underground Web site provides resources, news updates, and a way for participants across regions to keep in touch.

The initial phase of the program will concentrate on building interest in a 10-day satellite series to be held in August 2002.  The so-called “REZ10” series will be produced especially for young people and will be broadcast live around the world on the church’s global satellite network.

For more information about The Underground, go to

http://youth.adventist.org.au