Global Youth Day Edmonton 2023

DEPARTMENT NEWS

Alberta Conference Global Youth Day 2023 was a weekend to remember. The theme for the weekend was “Love is a Verb.” The weekend took place at Sherwood Park on Friday evening and Sabbath morning. In the basement of the Sherwood Park church, Pastor Roberson Dorelus and his team decorated the room in such a way that it was inviting and welcoming for youth and young adults. There were tasty food and snacks as young people shared their testimony of how God was working in their lives.

Saturday afternoon and evening took place at Edmonton Central. And Social/Gym night took place at Coralwood Adventist Academy. Our guest speaker was Jorge Torres. He has a powerful testimony that can be found in his book, “Danger To Society.”

“The Crown attorney spoke first. She read my long list of charges and convictions … She concluded by arguing that I had shown no remorse for my actions. Her final statement was one I will never forget: “He is a danger to society,” she said, “and he should not be let out.”

“Jorge Torres and his family moved from war-torn El Salvador to what they presumed would be a safe and simple life in Winnipeg, Manitoba. But as a firstgeneration immigrant living in poverty, Jorge quickly began to feel that what he had – and who he was – didn’t seem to be enough. Battling against cultural differences and emotional abuse, he compensated by creating a criminal persona that earned him power, admiration and respect. Caught up in a lifestyle of drug dealing, he found himself addicted to the hustle and willing to risk everything – including the lives of his own family. But as the consequences of his actions escalated, so did his desire to change. Told through the eyes of a gangster gone good, Danger to Society is a journey through darkness, a search for identity and a message of hope. Most of all, it is a testament to the transformational power of God’s endless grace.”

Over the course of the weekend Jorge shared how mistake after mistake with the law, God was there to help him pick up the pieces. He got caught up in selling drugs, went to jail numerous times, but through it all God was continuing to call Jorge to Him.

Eventually he stopped running from God and gave his heart to Jesus and went to study ministry. His main message was, no matter how far you have gone or strayed from the Lord, God is always there for you and is willing to accept you into His loving arms!

What was also powerful was the outreach aspect. The theme was love is a verb, and there were three activities that allowed young people to go out and show God’s love practically.

Some went to the mall to give out flowers and do random acts of kindness. Another option was nursing home visits, to spread love and hope. And the last option was handing out food, clothing and sharing Jesus with those on the streets.

It was amazing to see over 150 youth and young adults with “Love Shirts and Hoodies” out and about around Edmonton, sharing and spreading the Love of God with those who they came in contact with. They were being the hands and feet of Jesus.

The event ended with a social night at Coralwood. It was powerful to see so many young people out for games lead by Pastors Mark Bulahan, Jacques Alexandre, Derek Richter, and Ian Bramble. The youth had fun socializing and connecting with each other. The energy and laughter of the youth was electrifying that night.

Successful youth ministry comprises of helping youth find three main things:

1. Finding their Identity, who they are in Christ.

2. Helping them to build and foster community,

3. Helping them to find their God given purpose in life.

During the weekend young people got to wrestle with these three questions.

All who attended the weekend experienced Love as a Verb.

—Submitted by Lyle Notice, Youth Ministries Director