Youth leaders ignited for mission in Southern Asia

The Nirjhari Conference Centre in Bengaluru, India, felt the presence of the Holy Spirit as more than 100 youth directors, leaders, and delegates from every union and field across the Southern Asia Division (SUD) gathered for the Youth Department Advisory from June 3-6. Under the theme “Empowering the Youth for Mission”, EQUIP • EMPOWER • ENGAGE • EXPRESS, participants were called, equipped, and sent to lead the next generation in proclaiming the everlasting gospel to the unreached youth of the SUD territory.

The three-day gathering was designed to be far more than meetings and workshops. From the opening welcome to the closing commitment, every session pointed to Jesus Christ, His love, His soon return, and His commission to make disciples of all nations.

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). These words from the apostle Paul echoed through the hall as letters of greeting were read from General Conference Youth & Public Campus Ministry director Busi Khumalo; North American Division Youth director, Dr. Tracy Wood; South American Division Youth director, Dr. Carlos Campitelli; and Trans-European Division leaders Dr. Marcel Ghioalda and Dr. Kevin Johns. Each message carried the same burden: young people are searching for hope, purpose, and belonging. God has called leaders to guide them to Jesus and prepare them for service in His mission.

Dr. Edison Samraj, Youth Director, Southern Asia Division, preaching in Youth Advisory.

Southern Asia Division

Dr. Edison Samraj, SUD Youth director, opened the advisory with a keynote presentation. Drawing on Ellen G. White’s counsel that “Youth is the sowing time, and the words and deeds of the earthly life are like seeds that will germinate and produce a harvest after their kind,” he reminded delegates that the work done with young people has eternal consequences. The heaven-appointed purpose, giving the gospel to the world in this generation, remains the noblest aim any human being can pursue.

Innovative pathways to reach the hearts of youth

A major focus of the advisory was equipping leaders with fresh, culturally relevant, and biblically faithful ways to share the Three Angels’ messages, and the urgent invitation to come out and stand with Jesus, with young people who are often digitally native, relationally hungry, and sometimes spiritually adrift or backslidden.

One of the most captivating presentations came from Gaurav Joseph Zachariah and his team, who demonstrated an AI-driven movie adaptation of The Great Controversy theme. Building on the SUD Youth Ministries’ pioneering AI-animated feature film project “The Great Controversy: Awakened,” this approach harnesses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to create powerful, emotionally resonant music and visuals that bring the cosmic story of redemption, from the fall of Lucifer to Christ’s ultimate victory, alive for a new generation. In a region where high-quality media production has historically been cost-prohibitive, AI tools are democratizing excellence. Young people can now encounter the foundational truths behind the Three Angels’ messages through professional-grade content that competes with secular entertainment yet directs hearts to Scripture, the judgment hour, and the blessed hope of Jesus’ return. What was once distant theology becomes a living, shareable story that speaks to identity, purpose, and destiny.

Other presentations included Sports Ministries, led by Calvin Joshua and team, a relational bridge in a cricket- and football-loving nation; theatre and music dynamics, explored by Vivek and team, harnessing the power of story and performance; and creating digital content for evangelism, presented by Laban Rao, Peter Madhavan, and Anbu Durai, trained leaders to equip youth to become content creators.

Dr. Kevin Johns, Associate Youth Director, Trans European Division, preaching in Youth Advisory, SUD

The Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE), introduced by Dr. Kevin Johns, offers deep roots in God’s Word. Teams of Pathfinders immerse themselves in assigned Scripture through memorization, meditation, and team-based testing. Far more than competition, PBE cultivates a living relationship with Jesus and prepares young people to discern truth and share the Three Angels’ messages with clarity and confidence. Grounded youth become bold witnesses.

A bold vision was cast for planting 52 youth-led churches presented by Samraj. Youth-led house groups, campus ministries, and new congregations are being raised across linguistic and cultural barriers. This initiative embodies the apostolic spirit, young people not merely attending church but planting and leading new expressions of the body of Christ.

A presentation on reclaiming God’s space and seeking His justice, presented by Vinod Kiran, resonated deeply with justice-oriented youth. Leaders are guiding young people to apply their faith to issues of poverty, injustice, and moral decay while anchoring everything in the ultimate justice and restoration that will come when Jesus returns.

Cross-cultural mission training through the JN Andrews Missionary School Exchange Program is preparing young adults for service in unreached areas, fostering a global mission mindset and practical skills for pioneer work.

Union reports glorified God and inspired faith

Throughout the advisory, union leaders and youth directors presented reports. From the South East India Union to the North East India Union, from Western India to South Central India, leaders shared stories of youth leading evangelistic series that resulted in baptisms, Pathfinders reaching remote tribal areas with the gospel, digital initiatives bearing unexpected fruit, and young people standing faithful amid persecution or intense secular pressure. Many unions reported new groups formed, backsliding youth restored, and a fresh wave of missionary zeal. Delegates left inspired and determined to replicate and contextualize these victories in their own fields.

Workshops, Sabbath, and call to consecration

Practical workshops addressed the real issues youth face, purpose and calling, mental health and identity in Christ, challenges of the digital age, and Sabbath holiness. The Blueprint – Food for the Soul: 3:16 sessions and purpose workshops helped leaders guide young people to discover God-given destiny. Sabbath preparation emphasized that true rest and identity are found only in Jesus.

The Sabbath featured a powerful divine service by Dr. Kevin Johns on “Discipling for Service,” reports on planting 52 churches and strengthening Pathfinders, drama models for mission, and a consecration service. Delegates signed the “My Commitment” pledge, to serve God as Creator and Father, to love without judging, to live in purity and self-sacrifice, and to remain ready to welcome their Master with open arms.

Group photo of all the attendees of Youth Advisory, SUD

The original article was provided by the Southern Asia Division.