In the Luwu Tana Toraja region of East Indonesia, the Adventist Church recently mobilized young people for a week-long initiative under the Voice of Youth (VOY) program. From June 17 to 22, 2024, simultaneous evangelism campaigns took place in five locations within the province. The Youth Department organized this extensive effort, known as "The Living Hope" (Pengharapan Yang Hidup), which reached the cities of Tikala, Kallan, Bambalu, Bungadidi, Mangkutana, Palopo, Tanete, Malili, Soroaku, Salulimbong, and Sabbang.
The meeting was open to the public, attracting a diverse audience from various denominations. Each night, over 70 attendees gathered at each site, ranging from teenagers to adults. They came with the anticipation of hearing inspiring messages on health and the theme of living hope.
This initiative actively engages young members of the Adventist Church, not only empowering those unfamiliar with the scriptures but also enabling the youth to participate in sharing God’s word within their local communities.
Interesting topics centered on hope and faith were discussed, focusing on the second coming of Christ, Jesus' unconditional love for His children, health principles, the authenticity of the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath.
The Adventist Church calls many young people to join care groups. The Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) has enabled the church in its territory to facilitate these care groups with clear purpose and direction. The Adventist Church in East Indonesia (EIUC), especially the Luwu Tana Toraja regional headquarters (LTTM), has responded enthusiastically. Since 2019, Pastor Douglas Marshall Paral, the Youth Director of LTTM, has provided strong support, ensuring disciplined execution within the youth department.
This program has produced significant results in the Luwu Tana Toraja area. The church has established 45 care groups across Adventist congregations. These groups meet weekly, invite friends from non-Adventist backgrounds, provide meals, and encourage participation in crusade meetings. Consequently, some attendees have been baptized, while others are at the verge making crucial life decisions.
In 2024, the program is divided into two phases: March to June and August to December. The first phase has concluded with 16 baptisms through the VOY Care Groups. The church continues to pray for even more conversions in the second phase.
"I was entrusted to be the coordinator of VOY in the Luwu Tana Toraja Mission area for 5 years. I cried a lot to see the power of God happening in the lives of young people who are very actively involved in this VOY activity. And it is good to see our church leaders being very supportive of this program,” said Dicky Mapandin, VOY Coordinator in the Luwu Tana Toraja area.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Deparrtment