The Swansea Seventh-day Adventist church youth have had a spiritually vibrant season, journeying through themes that challenge and inspire. October was dedicated to exploring the Book of James, with youth encouraged to read and reflect on its practical messages of faith in action. The month concluded powerfully on Sabbath, 25 October, with Pastor Jovan’s sermon titled ‘Faith That Works – Living the Book of James’. His message emphasised the importance of living out one’s beliefs through tangible acts of love and service.
Following the sermon, the youth engaged in a creative group activity where each team summarised a chapter of James and presented its key themes. Presentations ranged from artistic drawings to detailed mind maps, showcasing the youth’s thoughtful engagement with scripture. The programme wrapped up with a lively Kahoot quiz that tested their knowledge and reinforced their learning in a fun, interactive way.
Building on this momentum, November’s theme is Kindness, encouraging youth to embody Christ-like compassion. The month began with a Friday evening vespers on 7 November, focusing on Generosity, followed by a Sabbath programme on 8 November titled ‘Kindness Like Christ’. These sessions aimed to deepen understanding of how Jesus modelled Kindness in everyday life.
On 22 November, the youth will participate in ‘Youth-in-Action’, a hands-on Sabbath programme that brings Kindness to life through role-play, testimonies, and service planning. The month concludes with a practical act of Kindness, as the youth come together to spread some kindness in the community, demonstrating care for their community and spiritual space.
In a beautiful example of Kindness in action, the youth also rallied together to support one of their peers who was unwell. When a fellow youth member, usually active in the kitchen ministry, was unable to serve, others joyfully stepped in to cover the duties. Their teamwork and willingness to serve not only ensured the programme ran smoothly but also reflected the spirit of compassion and mutual care that the Book of James encourages.
The Youth director, Hilton Cranfield, indicates that “these programmes reflect a journey from understanding faith to living it out through kindness – empowering the Swansea Adventist church youth to be active, compassionate disciples in their world.”