More Than Just a Hashtag: What Global Youth Day means for you?

In a world where “likes” and “shares” dominate social interactions, and where the digital space often replaces face-to-face conversations, one might wonder: Do Adventist young people still need Global Youth Day (GYD)?

Answer? A resounding YES!

Global Youth Day, led by the Youth Department of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists, is not just another annual event—it’s a movement. It’s an opportunity for young people to step out from behind their screens, break away from their daily routines, and engage in something bigger than themselves. While technology has given this generation powerful tools for evangelism, connection, and creativity, it has also, in some ways, replaced deep, meaningful relationships with surface-level interactions.

So, why is Global Youth Day still valuable today?

Reclaiming Real Connections in a Digital World

In today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world, it’s easy to mistake online engagement for genuine relationships. Young people spend hours scrolling through feeds, reacting to posts, and sending messages, yet many still feel lonely and disconnected. Global Youth Day challenges this norm.

It’s a call to action—to step away from anything digital and step into the lives of real people, to be engaged in the community. Whether through visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, or simply listening to someone else’s story, young people are reminded that the gospel is not just a message to be preached but a life to be lived.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of personal relationships and service. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Global Youth Day provides that space where young people don’t just interact through comments and emojis but through acts of kindness, compassion, and love. It creates a space where friendships are formed, faith is deepened, and Jesus is made real—not through a screen but through shared experiences.

The Generation That Needs a Stronger Core

While technology is an incredible tool for spreading the gospel, young people still need a core—a safe space where they can be vulnerable, ask difficult questions, and grow in faith. Today’s generation is constantly bombarded with information, much of it conflicting and misleading. Who do they turn to? Where do they find the truth?

Ellen G. White reminds us of the importance of seeking God personally: “It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example.” (Great Controversy, p. 598.2)

Young people need to rebuild the altar—to return to the Word of God, to read and study the Bible for themselves instead of relying on technology for their spiritual nourishment. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) reminds us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Global Youth Day isn’t just about doing good; it’s about reconnecting with the Source of all goodness—Jesus Christ. It encourages young people to worship, to pray, and to engage with the Word—not just through a devotional app but in real, deep, personal study.

One Mission Post? Is it enough?

Global Youth Day teaches that mission is more than just a trending hashtag. It’s a lifestyle.

While digital evangelism plays a vital role in today’s world, mission is still best done side by side with others. Jesus Himself did ministry in person. He met people where they were, spoke to them, ate with them, healed them, and loved them. His ministry wasn’t just about delivering a message; it was about building relationships.

Young people today need real-life experiences of serving others. They need to experience the joy of seeing someone smile because of their kindness, the satisfaction of giving without expecting anything in return, and the power of praying together as a community.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) emphasizes the importance of togetherness: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Global Youth Day is a reminder that we can’t do this mission alone. We need people who will walk with us, pray with us, and serve with us. We need to laugh together, cry together, and grow together in faith.

An Invitation to Experience Jesus Together

If you’re a young person reading this, GYD is for you. Not just to participate in a one-day event but to experience a mission-driven life.

Take time to rebuild the altar—open your Bible, pray, sing, and worship. Find a community that will walk with you in faith. Go out and serve. Not just on Global Youth Day, but every day.

Because at the end of the day, technology may connect us, but it’s the relationships we build in Christ that sustain us.

by Edward Rodriguez | March 11, 2025

The original article was published on the Southern-Asia Pacific website.