More than 2,000 young people across the Florida Conference territory participated in Global Youth Day, a worldwide initiative that mobilizes Adventist youth for community service. Under the theme “Communion in Action,” youth, young adults, Pathfinders, and Adventurers moved beyond church walls to demonstrate Christ’s love through acts of service, compassion, and personal ministry.
A central livestream, hosted by Andrew Nugent, Florida associate director for youth and young adults, and Yanely Jimenez, Florida associate director for family ministries, connected churches across the state as reports and testimonies were shared from the field.
Across Florida, churches engaged in a wide variety of outreach initiatives. In Tampa, youth presented live dramas and shared the Gospel along the Riverwalk. In Fort Lauderdale, members served food, water, and care packages to individuals experiencing homelessness. Clearwater youth visited nursing homes and led worship services, and groups such as Cooper City brought encouragement and fellowship to residents in Broward County. Gainesville Pathfinders painted a wall with a message of Jesus’ love.
In central Florida, youth from Spring Meadows visited nursing homes and hospitals, while Forest Lake Church prepared hygiene and snack packs with SALT Outreach for people experiencing homelessness. In north Florida, groups from Jacksonville Southpoint and Myanmar churches prepared and distributed care packages, including food and handwritten notes. In southwest Florida, Naples Spanish Church provided breakfast, haircuts, live music, and prayer at a community park, and youth in Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral volunteered at a regional food bank.
One of the largest coordinated efforts took place in Miami, where approximately 400 youth from 21 churches gathered for outreach, wearing orange shirts that read “Visible: Love in Action.” After a Friday night worship experience at Miami Temple, young people divided into groups on Sabbath and went to local parks. They carried signs such as “Can I pray for you?”, “Love is a verb,” and “We are here to listen.” As they went around the park, they prayed with strangers, distributed water bottles with Bible verses, and engaged in spiritual conversations.
Among many interactions, one testimony stood out. Randy, a young man from Lake Worth Spanish Church, felt impressed to share with a stranger he met in the park how Jesus changed his life. As a result, the stranger opened up about his struggles. Randy listened, encouraged him, and prayed with him. This moment captured the spirit of the day, which concluded with a time of worship and celebration back at Miami Temple.
Juan Rodriguez, Florida youth and young adult director, who participated in Miami, reflected on the experience, “I was proud of the young people because they really showed the love of Jesus.” Pedro Perez, Florida Pathfinder and Adventurer director, was engaged with youth in central Florida.
When interviewed, a young Pathfinder said, “I had fun.” Behind that simple statement is a deeper meaning that encapsulates the spirit of the day: young people discovering the joy of sharing Jesus.
Florida | May 2026
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