Adventist Youth Ignite Joy in Jamaica’s Old Capital on Global Youth Day

From the bus park to the hospital, the police station, infirmary, and homes for children and the elderly, youth and adults from the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church spread hope and compassion throughout Jamaica’s old capital on March 21, 2026, in commemoration of Global Youth Day observed under the theme, "Communion in Action."

 

Organised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s global youth ministries department, the initiative was marked in Jamaica as Global Youth and Children’s Day 2026. At Spanish Town Adventist Church, the Sabbath School period was used to visit 12 outreach points across the town. Leaving the pews behind, youth, children, and adults stepped into public institutions and care facilities, where they worshipped, shared Christian literature, Priority magazines, warm meals, care packages, and clothing.

 

For Senior Pastor Robert Williams of the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, the second-oldest Adventist church in Jamaica, known for evangelistic outreach, the day's impact echoed its historic mission, touching both citizens and congregants.

 

"It’s been an awesome privilege to see young people, and the elderly come together and impact Spanish Town, its citizens will never be the same again," Pastor Williams said.

 

"Testimonies from the youth, Pathfinders, and Master Guides, who went out in full gear, reflected their excitement, with many asking, 'When can we do this again?' Global Youth Day has been a tremendous blessing, not only strengthening the church's witness but also positively affecting the community across 12 different areas in Spanish Town."

 

Among the many stops on the outreach route, one particularly meaningful moment occurred at the Spanish Town Infirmary. Elder Albert Smith of the Monk Street Adventist Company was pleasantly surprised when members of the Dover Seventh-day Adventist Church joined his team.

 

“Though coincidental, this was divinely orchestrated by God,” said Czedale Smallwood, pastor of the Kitson Town District of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches, of which the Dover Adventist Church is a part.

 

Adding to the atmosphere of musical worship at the infirmary, the Dover Adventist youth also brought and distributed hot meals, care packages, and clothing.

 

“Our mission is to remind people: we are the helping hands of God,” Pastor Smallwood said. “This Global Youth Day reinforced that message. Though these persons are infirmed, they are confirmed for the kingdom of God. We are extending God’s hands in the community with Communion in Action.”

 

At the Spanish Town bus park, about 30 youths and adults distributed Christian literature and Priority Magazines to commuters.

 

“Can I share with you a magazine?” one shy Pathfinder asked.

 

As literature began changing hands and curious readers started turning pages on the spot, the young people grew bolder.

 

Veronica Jones, after praying with Pegasus Pathfinder Club leader Johnathan Bailey, found the experience deeply meaningful.

 

“I am grateful, and I’m very much proud to see the young people out doing this. As scripture says, ‘young men, I call upon you because you’re strong.’ This is the best time for them to give their lives to the Lord and let the Lord have His way with them,” Jones said.

 

“It is so painful when you look and see youths getting involved in negative situations, and here you have them, yes, the Lord has them, doing His work. God bless you. Thank you so much,” Jones added.

 

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the bus park, Azelia Beckford, a Pathfinder, handed a Priority magazine titled "The Psychology of Happiness" to Andrew Jones.

 

After opening the magazine, Jones asked, “Where did sin begin?”

 

Tannesha Isaac Beckford listened intently as her daughter, Azelia, began explaining the fall of Adam and Eve. The exchange then widened into an approximately 10-minute dialogue with Andrew about the origin of sin.  Before leaving, Tannesha invited Jones to church.

 

“I will come to your church because I want to hear more about this topic,” he said before riding away on his bike.

 

"For several of the youth, the greatest surprise was not the act of giving. Instead, they were amazed by the kindness with which they were received," related Claudeen Linton, Cornerstone Connect Class teacher for youth ages 15 to 18 years, at the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church. She witnessed her students' enthusiasm as they took to the streets with confidence.

 

Ryann Smith said the outing left him encouraged.

 

“We went to the Spanish Town bus park, and we delivered some pamphlets to people. We spoke about the Word of God, and it was honestly a really good time. The people were very receptive, and I felt good. It was nice,” he said.

 

Jasmine Oliver shared a similar reaction.

 

“It was a really nice experience. I honestly thought that the people were going to be a bit rude about it, but most of them were very receptive, and that was nice, and I had a good time,” she shared.

 

For others, like Deandra Robinson, the day exceeded expectations and further reinforced her faith.

 

“My experience was honestly better than I expected. The people were very kind and very responsive to what we had to say. Even if we didn’t know what to say, we were honestly just guided by the Holy Spirit. So, I was glad for that,” she said.

 

Amanda Reid admitted that outreach did not come naturally at first.

 

“At first, I was shy because I’m not a very outgoing person. But as the day went on, I got more involved, and it was a very nice experience. I would have expected people in Spanish Town to be very rude, but they weren't. It was a good opportunity to share God’s love.”

 

Alyssa Holness also began the day with hesitation but ended it with joy.

 

“My experience with the outreach was very positive. At first, like Amanda, I was also shy. But I spoke to some youth in my age group. They were very receptive to the message. It made me happy to know I made an impact on their day. I was able to share God’s Word with them, brighten their day, and put a smile on their face,” she said.

 

According to Karach Wolfe, Adventist Youth leader of the Spanish Town Adventist Church, the day was a humbling experience.

 

“It was a humbling experience to watch the youth share the Word of God and see people openly ask for prayer,” said Wolfe.

 

She added, “For the few hours, I was deeply moved by how far compassion could go. Seeing empty pews reminded me that faith was not staying inside the church. It had gone out into the streets offering magazines, prayers, and kind invitations.”

 

Jonathan Bailey added, “For each Pathfinder who took part in the outreach, the day became more than just another event on the church calendar. It became a reminder that a sermon is not only preached from a pulpit. Sometimes it is shared at a bus park, spoken quietly on the sidewalk, or carried in the courage of a young person simply asking, ‘Can I share a magazine with you?’”