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December 2, 2022 || St. Croix, US Virgin Islands | NCC Staff ||


The Children Declared: I WILL GO!


On Sabbath, November 12, 2022, the children of the City Seventh-day Adventist Church boldly declared: I WILL GO!

Training the next generation for church service and leadership has been a long-standing goal of the youth ministry leaders that serve the children of the City Seventh-day Adventist Church, in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the plans to reach those goals suffered many setbacks. The restrictions, though in the best interest of health and safety, meant no in-person Children’s Day and no children’s choir.

Now that the COVID-19 protocols have been diminished, the Adventurer Director, Pathfinder Director and staff were thrust into action and on Sabbath, November 12, 2022, six 12-year-old male Pathfinders, took the stage at City to lead the Divine Service. Accompanied by Elder Paul Walwyn, three young men: Ayden Prentice, Da’Jari Hicks and Ramsez Skelton from the Explorer Class stood and delivered dynamic messages to their peers. It was emphatically declared that Jesus will help children to be his disciples. The gentlemen were also joined by other Pathfinders and Adventurers, who rendered items of special music and presented scripture readings, as part of the annual Week of Prayer. The children were excited and eager to be involved in service once more. The opportunity has helped them to recognize that the church values them and most importantly, God has a work for them to complete.
 
Some of the children, who are known for their active and energetic personalities, warmed the hearts of the members and visitors as they stood with confidence and bravery to do their part in the service for our Lord. Despite the general decrease in church attendance since the pandemic, the church house was packed on that Sabbath. “Church was excellent today. Our youth did an awesome job!”, said one member, as attendees ushered into the parking lot at the end of service. “They certainly did! I was beaming with every presentation,” continued another. Even online worshippers commented on how impactful the service was, and how it warmed their hearts to see the children ministering. This program also served as an outreach activity, as non-Adventist family and friends visited the church or tuned in virtually to support the children.
 
Moreover, Pastor Glendon Cross, the Shepherd of the congregation was present and sat like a proud parent in one of the front pews. He was seen full of smiles and snapping pictures to capture the special occasion. Members recall that he (Pastor Cross) has always been a supporter of the children and young people and has always tried to include them in the service. 
According to Sister Linda Ambrose, North Caribbean Conference Children’s Ministries Director: "Ayden, Da'Jari and Ramsey did a fantastic job! They articulated the Word of God in such a way that everyone around them could be proud, but beyond that, these young people obeyed the command of God to 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel.' What an army of youth rightly trained; and hats off to the leaders in City SDA Church for taking the time to mentor and prepare our youth! I am overjoyed with your ministry!"
 
Being a servant of God, as many pledge weekly during club, not only means showing up weekly to club meetings or taking part in Pathfinder and Adventurer activities. It also means taking an active part in God’s work, being a disciple for him, and spreading God’s message to everyone, everywhere. 

  North Caribbean Conference | 3407786589 | lwebster@northcarib.org | Website