Sabbath, 18th January, 2020 was the Youth Department’s Consecration Service under the theme, “Youth Alive – Called to Serve”, organized by Pastor Carlon Nyack, youth ministries director for the Cayman Islands Conference and Assistant Youth Ministries Director, Mrs. Merle Watkins.
The Kings Adventist Church was packed, with both young and old, who came to be inspired, consecrated for service and to be reminded that we are all called to salvation and service.
All branches of the Youth Department were present and represented in the afternoon’s programme. Uplifting praise and worship by ‘Arise’, a youth group from the Bodden Town Adventist Church, an Adventurer, Garnicia Edgar, announced the opening hymn and KC Gordon, a Pathfinder led the Adventist Youth Ideals. AY Sponsor/Master Guide, Mr. Mark Hamilton, extended a warm welcome to all. Special items of music by Natalia McCoy and Vashti Hurlston from Filadelfia Adventist Church and Kasey Reid, Director for Saltlight KY. Mr. Deandro Dracket and Ms. Denisha Dracket – Sports and Amplified Directors, respectively, led a Bible game ‘Swords and Spaces’ a unique twist to the Bible game ‘Swords in Hands’. ‘Bible Connection’ coordinator, Mrs. Chamayrene Williams was also in attendance.
The congregation watched a powerful video, from a YouTube series entitled ‘Lineage’, on the history of the Adventist Youth Department from its initial beginnings. There was also a presentation of the first video from the devotional series, “The Munches”, which is in its initial stages, being produced locally by Pastors Andrew Campbell, Obed Babb, Carlon Nyack and the conference’s Associate Television Producer, Mr. Devarro Whittaker.
The youth department was prayed up by former youth directors, Pastor Vaughn Henry and Dr. Ivor Harry. Conference President, Pastor Reinaldo Dracket, also a former youth director, brought greetings and reiterated a famous statement from Ellen White’s writings that we have an army of youth, ready to be trained to finish the work of God.
The youth department leaders and congregation participated in a special ‘Litany of Consecration’ led by Assistant Youth Director, Merle Watkins. A powerful, spirit-led, inspirational message from the Word of God was presented by guest speaker, Pastor Norman Williams, who reminded us that, it is important to not just remember what God said, referencing Abraham and Isaac’s story in Genesis 22, but to try and listen to what God is actually saying in the moment; because if we don’t we could be operating on expired instructions.
Pastor Nyack gave an overview of the year’s activities and also highlighted the fact that it is crucial, in keeping in line with the General Conference’s Youth Department’s vision, to #PassItOn and #Reconcile.
Pastor Nyack stressed the importance of the older members and leaders to pass on their knowledge, expertise, experience and leadership to the younger generation by mentoring a younger person! He also encouraged young and old to reconcile with each other and show genuine love towards one another. He challenged everyone to search for and find those young people who have left the church and encourage them to restart and reconcile their relationship with Jesus to be ready for His soon return.
The youth department’s slogan is ‘2020 vision in 2020’. The Holy Spirit moved and God showed up to bless and inspire youth to move forward in 2020 with a #2020Vision! Attendees left inspired to have a closer walk with God and to listen more carefully when He speaks.
It is our prayer that the youth will come alive and on be on fire for Jesus in 2020. God is calling on the youth, for such a time as this, to finish the preaching of His Gospel, not only in the Cayman Islands; but, the entire world!
Written by Pastor Carlon Nyack l Edited by Nelda Dracket l Photos: Devarro Whittaker and Andrew McKogg
