Youth across the Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists marked Global Youth Day 2026 with community service projects in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac before joining for an afternoon thanksgiving gathering in Bodden Town and Scotts Dock.
Each church was assigned to lead a morning outreach project in their local community. Activities included door-to-door distribution of care packages prepared by youth, prayer visits in homes, food distribution, and the sharing of 1,054 books such as Steps to Christ, Words of Hope, The Great Controversy and Bible-based coloring books for children.
Other churches hosted health screenings in public spaces including the farmers market, Airport Park, Spot Bay Park and Kirkconnell Supermarket. Prayer booths were set up, nursing homes were visited, and some congregations organized special projects tailored to their communities.
Among the unique activities, Maranatha Church distributed handwritten notes with uplifting messages such as, “You are loved more than you know” and “God will make a way.” Savannah and Newlands churches held a communion service on the beach. Youth also presented a donation to the Bodden Town clinic, distributed bottled water with custom labels linking to online Bible studies, and operated a “God’s Boutique” station where community members could select clothing items at no cost.
The evening segment began with a road march from Bodden Town Public Beach to the Haig Bodden Play Field, led by the CIC Pathfinder Drum Corps and joined by a large group of young people. The closing program was a thanksgiving service hosted by visiting evangelist Mical Forsythe, who also served as speaker for Youth Week of Prayer and Youth Homecoming. The afternoon program also included a mural dedication and fingerprint activity centered on a map of the Cayman Islands. Pastors and elders were invited first to place painted fingerprints on the mural, followed by Adventist Youth leaders and other members, symbolizing unity across the church. Oakwood University also participated with an education promotion booth where students could sign up on the spot.
Participants said the day highlighted the value of practical service and personal connection. “I was able to impact based on what I do for a living. I was at a health station. I was able to give back to people based on advice about their health and do some screening. It felt more meaningful than other times since I was able to assist based on my career,” Brianna said.
Another participant, Xeno, said, “Today I realized that the people we went to, our company matters to them. What we are doing and the time we spend with them matters.”
Diondre reflected on one encounter that stood out during the outreach. “A lady ended up ministering to us while we ministered to her, and it goes to show how receptive people are to youth sharing the gospel,” he said.
Youth Ministries Director, Merle Watkins, said, “This is all about living out our faith. It is when we take Jesus’ love and teachings and demonstrate how we treat others, serve our community and share the good news of salvation.”
We truly appreciate all the Pastors, parents, young people, and children who came out to support us during this year’s Global Youth Day. May God bless the youth as we continue to “Be the Sermon”, not only on GYD but every day of the year until Jesus comes.
Cayman Islands | Written by: Devarro Whittaker, Editor: Devarro Whittaker | Photo Credit: Devarro Whittaker, Kevin Roberts
