On Oct. 25th in the Newbold Auditorium, the Andrews University Student Association (AUSA) relaunched Adventist Youth (AY) centered around the theme “Unchanging.” The event invited students to reflect on God’s steadfast nature amid a world that is constantly shifting. Through worship, skits, games, a prayer activity, and a thoughtful message, students were reminded to focus their hearts on God throughout the changes of the world.
After some words by hosts Christian Barrera (graduate student, seminary) and Jhoana Mortera (senior, digital communication/media production), the freshman class officers kicked things off with an icebreaker activity. The game, modeled after the popular TV show Family Feud, brought a fun and energetic start to the evening. There were two teams, each made of representatives from the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes, facing off in a friendly competition that tested their knowledge of the Bible. Laughter, excitement, and cheering filled the room as participants quickly buzzed in to answer different questions like, “Name a book of the Bible that starts with the letter E” and “Name the 10 plagues of Egypt.” The audience cheered enthusiastically for their classmates, adding to the lively atmosphere. Although both teams showed impressive skill and quick thinking, Team Two made a comeback and secured the win. The game not only helped break the ice but also brought energy to the atmosphere.
Next, the praise team led a time of worship, transitioning to a spirit of reverence and reflection. Voices echoed in the Newbold Auditorium as the team led songs, reflecting the evening’s theme of God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. The praise team guided the students through a meaningful setlist that included both modern and older, more sentimental pieces, such as “Oceans” by Hillsong United. Each lyric and chorus reinforced the central theme that God is unchanging and constant. The segment concluded with a sense of unity and reverence as the students prepared for the rest of the program.
After the worship, Ekklesia led a prayer activity. The activity invited students to pray with and for each other. At the end of each row, there was a different colored sticky note, each color representing something the students could pray for, such as dark purple symbolizing praying about something that they were thankful for, whereas yellow was used to pray over someone. This allowed students to think about their prayer requests, things they were thankful for, allow themselves to be vulnerable, and pray with and for their peers.
After Ekklesia was a funny and powerful skit by the Makarios team. Together, they were able to come up with a rendition of the famous parable “The Seed and the Sower.” The skit illustrated how people receive God’s Word in different ways, depending on the condition of their hearts. Through humor and relatable scenarios for students, the team depicted many different scenarios in the parable, from those who were easily distracted by things of the world to those who wholeheartedly accepted God and his message. The performance balanced lighthearted moments but also deep spiritual reflection, and it showed how genuine growth comes from a heart that remains open and humble before God.
The skit served as a bridge to the evening’s main sermon, given by AUSA’s vice president of religion, Pau Khual (sophomore, theology). “Having AY here at Andrews University was very special for me,” he said. “To have the program led by students created a space for students to feel engaged. Many people shared how happy they were to experience AY again.”
He went on to explain that his message focused on the importance of inner transformation and building a sincere relationship with God instead of appearing spiritual. His goal was to encourage unity by reminding students that everyone faces struggles and needs Jesus to guide their hearts and teach them to love others genuinely and authentically. He also included how AUSA will plan to do more AY programs in the future, and they are thinking of different ideas for future events.
Juliette Ishimwe (freshman, psychology) said, “I had an amazing time at the event, enjoying the various presentations and activities. Pau's words of wisdom stuck with me, highlighting the importance of focusing on my inner self with God rather than external appearances.”
Afterwards, students enjoyed refreshments provided by the sophomore and freshman classes. The sophomores provided a chocolate fountain, with many different treats such as strawberries and cake pops for the students to enjoy, while the freshman class provided hot chocolate to warm the students up in the cold weather.
The AY program not only marked a powerful end to the Sabbath, but it also brought students together to remind them of God’s constant presence and to turn their hearts towards him amid life’s many challenges.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.