“Youth is the time to lay up knowledge in those lines that can be put into daily practice throughout the life. Youth is the time to establish good habits, to correct wrong ones, to gain and hold the power of self-control, to accustom oneself to ordering all the acts of life with reference to the will of God and the welfare of one’s fellow creatures. Youth is the sowing time that determines the harvest of this life and the life beyond the grave. The habits formed in childhood and youth, the tastes acquired, the self-control gained, are almost certain to determine the future of the man or woman” (Ellen G. White, My Life Today, 1952, p. 79).

“Working with young people can be one of the richest and most rewarding experiences in ministry. To face up to the challenge of finding meaningful answers to their questions can prove to be deeply satisfying and fulfilling. On the other hand, trying to understand their needs and satisfying their demands as they search for meaning and purpose in life can be extremely frustrating. However, the greatest achievement in ministry comes when a youth leader sees young people resolve their search for identity and belonging by making a commitment to enter into a life-long relationship with God; by inviting Jesus Christ to be Lord of their lives.” (General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Youth Ministries Department, Youth Ministry Handbook, 2005, p. xiii).

Northern Zambia Union Conference Youth Ministries Leaders are dedicated to see “young people resolve their search for identity and belonging by making a commitment to enter into a life long relationship with God; by inviting Jesus Christ to be Lord of their lives” (Ibid). This can be testified by high baptisms being experienced every year at the end of Annual Youth Week of Prayer in March and Annual Pathfinder Week of Prayer in September. Thousands of young people get baptized during these events. We praise God for 13,000 people who were baptized this year at the end of March Week of Prayer. We look forward to September, when Pathfinders will actively be involved.

The leaders in the union, in all our entities, at all levels of our Church keep on calling upon all young people in the union to make evangelism their life-style. We need to see the fruits of the theme, “Be the Sermon!” Young people, it is your time to shine for the Master, Jesus Christ.

“Don’t let people look down on you because you are young; see that they look up to you because you are an example to them in your speech and behavior, in your love and faith and sincerity” (1 Timothy 4:12; Phillips).

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said I, Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Together, we are preparing for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the theme, I Will Go, we are taking the advent message to the whole world! Maranatha!