The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Adventist Youth Ministries (AYM) launched its SSD AYM 100 Days in Scriptures on August 26, 2023, and will culminate on December 3, 2023, during the SSD’s Bible Readers’ Convention. This initiative was done in English, Bahasa, Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, and other languages under the SSD.
This initiative serves as a dedicated response to enhance the spiritual growth component within the framework of the I Will Go Initiative. The primary key performance indicator is centered around observing a notable increase in the engagement of young individuals reading the Bible in its entirety, from Genesis to Revelation. The initiative encompasses the following tangible and measurable indicators:
1. Implemented 100 Days in Scriptures Online SSD and Union-Wide Events
2. Quantifiable Rise in the Number of Young Bible Readers
3. Recognition through Certificates and Pins
4. Formation of a Bible Readers Community
5. Organized a Bible Reading Project Convention
6. Documentation of Bible Reading Achievements
7. Daily Video Uploads on Facebook Pages
Junior Youth (Adventurers, Pathfinders, and Master Guides), Senior Youth (Ambassadors, Public Campus Ministry Students, AMICUS Students, Young Adults, Young Professionals, and Youth Mentors), Administrators, and Directors read the Scriptures daily at 5:00 am in the morning. A united prayer preceded each Bible reading to prepare the minds of the readers and the hearers.
Some of the young people have expressed the blessings of joining this initiative. Sarah L. Homiggop from the North Philippines shares, “It draws me closer to God. Making me realize how lovingly He is guiding us every step of the way. It amazes me how He answered a sincere prayer like how He answered the servant of Abraham's prayer.”
Quinnie Chua from the South Philippines testifies, “The blessing of the ongoing 100 days of Scriptures to me is that I am able to immerse myself in God's word early in the morning to reconnect with Him daily. To read every beautiful chapter that reminds us of who He is and what He has done in our lives. It is where we know Him more deeply and how we can be a blessing to other people as well. It is indeed a blessing for me to trust in Him by His words and let His will be done in my life.”
Karen P. Monje from the Central Philippines answers, “I am blessed to refresh my memory about the Bible. I am amazed at how God is ever patient with His stubborn children. God is to be praised and worshipped now and forever!”
Billy Selintung from the Singapore Adventist Conference states, “Reading the Bible again reminds me of the promises given me. It also tells of the curse and danger of violating God's law. Most of all, the reading humbles me and shows how weak I am. I need to pray more. I need to surrender more and follow God's teachings. Thank you for the Bible reading session given to me and my ministry.”
Heldha Pandeirot from the East Indonesia Union Conference shares, “Joining the 100 Days in Scriptures for me is so amazing. I am so blessed, not only for me but for my junior high school students as well. Moreover, even non-adventist students were influenced by this great event, and they are willing to experience it as Scripture readers as well. I have shared this blessing with my students since the Adventist Youth News Network of EIUC invited me to take part as one of the readers. Praise the Lord!”
Vicki Kim from the Southeastern Union Mission testifies, “Praise the Lord. This program helps to strengthen my faith a lot." Mo Go from the same Union shares, “I enjoy the fellowship while reading the Bible together.”
Saw Larry James from Myanmar Union Mission (MYUM) briefly share the blessing of the 100 Days in Scripture. He writes, “peace.” Lian Sian Huai from MYUM also writes, “This program is such a blessing for me in a way that reading the scripture with other young people opens my eyes to the truths that I had never seen before. I feel so happy also seeing many young people, some I know and some I don't know, reading the word of God in one mind every day and sharing insights. I believe God would be well pleased to see His children doing this. Thank you, Pastor Ron, for making this happen. To God be the glory.”
SSD AYM embraces Jesus’s saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” The Bible reading project is part of the AYM 2020 Vision: “Healthy Young People who are enjoying a saving relationship with CHRIST, loving the Scriptures as their standard of living to reflect a Christ-like CHARACTER, passionately serving the CHURCH and COMMUNITIES (CAMPUSES) using their God-given spiritual gifts, and vigorously fulfilling the gospel COMMISSION in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Pastor Ron Genebago, SSD Adventist Youth Department