Derwin Suyatno – Denver, Colorado … Adventist Indonesian youth and young adults from across Colorado came together in Denver, Colorado, to participate in Global Youth Day (GYD), a worldwide initiative from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, March 21. The annual event calls young people to serve their communities, proclaim the everlasting gospel, and prepare hearts for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Approximately 100 youth and young adults representing seven Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist congregations participated: Colorado Indonesian-American, Rocky Mountain Indonesian-American, Indonesian, First Denver Indonesian, Lifehouse International, Mile High Indonesian, and Maranatha Indonesian-American.
Following a time of inspiration and prayer, participants dispersed into four service projects: a drive-thru pantry, nursing home visits, media evangelism, and a blood drive.
With donations and support from local church members, the drive-thru pantry served individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the Denver community. Volunteers distributed a variety of groceries through a convenient drive-up format, while also offering prayer and sharing literature with each family.
At one point, a line of 10 vehicles formed as community members waited to receive assistance. Many expressed deep gratitude and inquired about future pantry events. One volunteer engaged in a meaningful conversation with a Muslim visitor who showed interest in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, leaving the volunteer hopeful for a future church visit.
Another group visited MorningStar Memory Care in Denver, where they encouraged residents through personal interaction and thoughtful activities. Residents contributed to a memory board by sharing life advice, enjoyed singing together, and received small gifts. The shared fellowship and connection uplifted both residents and participants alike.
The media evangelism project challenged participants to plan, film, edit, and publish creative short films based on themes from the Early Church in the book of Acts. After receiving training in storytelling, production roles, and planning tools such as storyboards and shot lists, teams of six had two hours to complete their projects.
Some groups portrayed Saul’s transformation into Paul, while others explored modern-day temptations through a biblical lens. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the creative process and were eager to share their work online. The videos are available on the @AIYYASCO Instagram page.
In partnership with Vitalant,* a blood drive helped to support patients in need. For many participants, this was their first time donating blood. Donors contributed approximately 14 units of blood and expressed both excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to a lifesaving cause.
The day concluded with the opening night of Youth Week of Prayer, where participants gathered for worship, prayer, and a message emphasizing the importance of personal witnessing and a relationship with God. It served as a fitting close to a day centered on service and mission.
“Throughout the day, Adventist Indonesian young people truly lived out their calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the Denver community,” remarked Derwin Suyatno, Colorado Indonesian-American Adventist Church Youth and Young Adult Ministry director. “Many shared how meaningful and fulfilling it was to serve together and expressed a desire to continue these collaborative efforts. Leaders pray that this spirit of unity and service will continue to grow as they look ahead to the Adventist Indonesian Youth and Young Adult Ministries Convention (AIYMCON), to be held in Riverside, California, July 8-11 of this year.”
* Vitalant is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
—Derwin Suyatno is the Colorado Indonesian-American Adventist Church Youth and Young Adult Ministry director. Photos by Janelle Anggormas, Putra Luturmas, Francis Pinontoan, and Eurelia Zachawerus.
