Northern Asia-Pacific Division Celebrates Global Youth Day

On March 16, the Northern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (NSD) celebrated Global Youth Day (GYD), an initiative of the world church to get every young member involved in outreach and mission to serve other people. Across the NSD, many churches participated in this special Saturday (Sabbath), both within its territory and abroad.

Every year since 2013, the annual GYD follows a theme, which in 2024 was “Show Up in the Cities.” It invited young Adventist church members to skip church for a day and be the hands and feet of Jesus in their neighborhoods, cities, and beyond.

In South Korea, the Southwest Korean Conference participated in GYD through the Academy Missionary Movement. Students visited Davao, Philippines, operated evangelistic meetings, led Bible studies, did face painting, taught Korean culture handcrafts, and made Korean food, among other activities. After the service, four individuals decided to be baptized and become children of Jesus.

The Southeast Korean Conference, with 18 participants, went to Turkey. Participants visited elementary schools and taught students Korean and arts and crafts. They also distributed supplies such as food, water, and bedding to those who lost their houses in the most recent earthquake.

At the West-Central Korean Conference, young Paju International Adventist church members participated in GYD through food distribution, something they have consistently done for more than a decade. The Adventist youth group provided food and support to those in need in the area. Instead of delivering food on-site this time, they prepared and distributed pre-packed food in the community.

In the Middlewest Korean Conference, New Cheonan Adventist church students visited Sammin Adventist church in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Members began their mission service activities with a prayer meeting. They then performed traditional Korean games, organized mini Olympic Games, conducted handicraft sessions, offered Korean food experiences, and showcased Hanbok, a traditional clothing of the Korean people.

In Mongolia, the Tusgal School and youth department of the Mongolia Mission helped families in need. They visited cities where people needed help and food supplies. One Mongolian participant shared her experience. “We did good deeds and helped many people. It was freezing, but it was inspiring that the people were friendly and kind,” she said.

With the support of the General Conference (GC) administration of the Adventist Church, the 13 major church regions’ youth directors, the MENA Union Mission, and the Israel field launched “Global Youth Day” (GYD) on March 13, 2013. The vision of GYD is to recapture the reality of Adventist youth as a global movement mobilized for service, contributing to the proclamation of the everlasting gospel and ushering in the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The original version of this story was posted on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division news site.