Nelson Silva
Nelson Silva
Eight Southern Union Conferences participated in hosting a “Plugged In” event focusing on ministering to Seventh-day Adventist students on public high school campuses on September 19, 2025. More than 15 years ago, the concept of creating a network of ministry for Adventist college students on public campuses was created.
Since then, multiple resources, seminars, and ministry efforts have been created to support what is now called Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF). Throughout the North American Division, you can find ACF chapters in almost every conference. Though there is still a lot of work to do in this area, it has been an incredible blessing to see how the Lord has moved in this effort to reach and connect college students on public campuses.
With the support and leadership of Vandeon Griffin, associate youth director for the North American Division, a brand new initiative has been created entitled Adventist Public High School Network (APHSN). Similar to ACF, this new ministry has been created to serve Adventist high school students on public campuses. In addition to serving the students on public high school campuses, APHSN also uplifts Adventist educators working in public schools, colleges, and universities — serving as beacons of light on secular campuses. One of the highlights of this new ministry effort is the Friday evening gathering created to connect, empower, and rejuvenate public high school students. It has often been shared that Friday nights are the most diffcult nights for Seventh-day Adventist students attending public schools because that is when multiple social events and gatherings happen for public schools. With this in mind, the Plugged In event was created to connect and provide opportunities for spiritual growth for the students.
Although this is a new ministry initiative just getting on the ground, the youth directors of the Southern Union were excited to collaborate and apply this ministry in their local conferences. The Plugged In events on September 19 took place in Apopka, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Memphis, Tennessee; and Parkton, North Carolina. The evening consisted of music, prayer, preaching, and spiritual connection. In two locations, the sermons were given by high school students. Many were blessed by the powerful messages.
In Memphis, four conferences combined in collaboration for the Plugged In event. The youth directors from Gulf States, Kentucky-Tennessee, and South Central conferences invited Arkansas-Louisiana Conference to join as well, realizing that Memphis was a convenient location as it is geographically close to all four conferences. More than 250 students, Pathfinders, leaders, and church members gathered at the Word of Life Church in Memphis — a South Central Conference congregation led by Deon Johnson, pastor — for a powerful weekend experience.
We praise the Lord for the success and emphasis of the gathering, and we are excited to see where God leads us in the APHSN ministry. Currently, resources are being developed to help local churches create APHSN chapters in which they can support their students on public high school campuses. To learn more about APHSN, join the Facebook group, access the “How-To Guide,” or visit https://adventistpublicschoolnetwork.com.
Southern Union | December 2025
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