Career Mentoring Brunch at Red Deer Seventh-day Adventist Church

CHURCH NEWS

The Red Deer Church is committed to helping young people grow in their faith, their health, and their futures. One sunny Sunday in February, nearly 20 Adventist professionals from Red Deer area gathered together to inspire and inform the youth of the church. The Career Mentoring Brunch was first envisioned by Barbara Afram, a psychology student in the last year of her program at Burman University. Her connection to the youth as a Sabbath School teacher led her to see the need for young people to understand the many varied ways in which they can serve God through their careers.

Barbara Afram (2023 Burman University graduate) opens the Career Mentoring Brunch with prayer and by highlighting research about the importance of connecting young people with professionals.

The morning began with a short devotional from Jeremiah 29:11 and the encouragement that while God knows the plans He has for us, He places people in our lives to help us uncover that purpose. Entrepreneurs, health care workers, RCMP representatives and first responders alongside project managers, pastors, and skilled trades apprentices joined recruiters from both Burman University and Red Deer Polytechnic to enjoy delicious food and start conversations about what work looks like and what education or experience is needed to do the job. Youth from as young as 8 to those ready to graduate high school in 2023 enjoyed making connections and expanding their circle of support.

Red Deer Youth learn about the role of Emergency Medical Services personnel over brunch.

— Submitted by Katelyn Ruiz, Red Deer Member