In a show of commitment to their church students from Columbia Union College presented “seven moments that changed the course of Adventism.” Reflecting President Jan Paulsen’s wish to encourage and establish young people as leaders within the church, the presentation, entitled ‘Youth on Parade,, highlighted the contribution of young people to the face of Adventism today.

Presented in dramatic style attendees were reminded of the creation of the first Adventist youth society in 1879, the first youth convention in 1907, through to the creation of the Pathfinder movement in 1928. The presentation heralded 1954 as the year when “the Seventh-day Adventist Church launched the voice of the youth.”

“You cannot tell a Seventh-day Adventist young person that it cannot be done,” said Mark Finley during the conclusion of the presentation, “because they will tell you that through God all things are possible.”

Also speaking during the presentation Paulsen reiterated his commitment to the youth of the church. “We need new ideas, new energies, new creativity.  We need youth,” he said.

He appealed to the older generations to “think three times before criticizing the young people.” He did however acknowledge that the relationship between the young and the old was a two-way street. “Listen to the older people,” Paulsen said. “They have gained experience that will help you.”

During the hour-long presentation, a summary of the actions of the community service ‘Impact St. Louis’ team was also presented. With projects that included a puppet ministry, kids clubs and a street art team, the “Impact” project was heralded an overwhelming success.

One such success story stems from the street art team. Through their unique form of ministry, which involved the creation of spiritually-themed graffiti murals, at least one life was changed. The ministry of those involved with the Impact team challenged Jay, a local graffiti artist. Impressed by the spiritual work being created, Jay expressed a desire to be involved with Bible studies.

“We want you to know we are on the job,” one young person stated in this afternoon’s presentation. It is a reality that has this year, more than any, been recognized at the world church’s meetings. Through President Paulsen’s ‘Lets talk’ series and the associated Web site, www.letstalk.adventist.org, the youth of the church are increasingly given a voice and opportunity to be involved in the church.