By Dalitso Kampira
Seventh Day Adventist youth have been challenged to remain vigilant in making right decisions for spiritual growth.
Lead Pastor for Nankwenya District, Paul Chisoni Banda, made the remarks during the closing of the Seventh Day Adventist Global Week of Prayer held over the weekend at Thyolo Main Church.
The youth gathered at Thyolo Main Church to learn various lessons related to their faith and spiritual growth.
“Global Youth Week of Prayer provides a platform for youths, particularly those in the SDA Church, to come together and engage in sessions led by pastors on issues affecting their lives,” he said.
The gathering also discussed issues focusing on relationships and marriage.
According to Banda, the discussions were meant to guide the youths on choosing the right partner within the church and making informed decisions on when to marry.
He described the youth as both present and future leaders who require mentorship to remain stable in their daily lives.“These sessions also equipped the youths with leadership skills, enabling them to serve in the church and beyond, whether in schools or workplaces. We expect them to be faithful leaders who will take the gospel wherever they go,” Banda said.
One of the participants, Greyson Banda from Kachere SDA Church, described the gathering as timely and ideal saying it equipped them with knowledge to make better life decisions.
He said the week long prayers also built capacity in the youths to enable them spread the gospel to fellow youths and the wider community.
“As Adventist youths, we are supposed to spread the message to the world. The meeting equipped me with guidance on important issues such as marriage and personal growth,” Banda added.
Part Master Guide, Alinafe Michael from Thyolo Main SDA Church, described the sessions as informative, aligning with the Seventh Day Adventist theme; I Will Go.
“The meeting has been helpful; I have learnt more about my role in serving the church apart from strengthening my relationship with God. The meeting also inspired me to encourage others to do His will,” she said.
Lichenya SDA Church Youth Evangelism Director, Chimwemwe John, expressed concern over early marriages among the youths, describing it as a major challenge affecting youth development in modern days.
“Youths are getting into relationships, and they marry before reaching appropriate age. This is worrying to both the church and society. We learn through youth meetings that it is important for youths to serve God first, as He will provide what we need in life,” he said.
John advised parents and youths that shun church activities to value importance of attending church services for spiritual growth.
This year’s theme; Communion in Action, focused on fostering deep personal connection with God that translates into practical service and unity within communities.
Thyolo Main Zone, which comprises Lichenya, Gotha, Kachere, and Thyolo Main SDA churches, hosted the event from Sunday to Saturday, bringing together youths from all the congregations within the zone.
The Global Youth Week of Prayer is an annual event observed by the SDA Church worldwide.
