“As Christians we hear many sermons,” said Veronica Chicas, member at Falls Church Spanish church (Va.), “but it’s when we practice what we preach that we become true disciples of God. It reminds us to not just think of ourselves, but the needs of others.”
Over 20 Potomac churches, like Falls Church Spanish, participated in Global Youth Day, a single day designed to recapture the reality of Adventist youth as a global movement in service, participating in acts of kindness and proclaiming the Good News. Some church members dedicated this day as a launch pad for continued acts of service and ministries throughout the year.
“This was an eye opening day for us,” says Katie Cardenas, member of the Alexandra Spanish church (Va.). “Through this experience, our youth have woken up! We visited a nearby nursing home. While there, we were not only able to reach out to those we visited, but we were touched and humbled by them. As a result, we plan on carrying out visitations on a monthly basis. Praise the Lord!”
Members in churches say that these acts of kindness — like offering free hugs to people on the streets, praying for and with strangers, feeding the homeless, cleaning parks, painting houses and passing out literature — instilled a new heart in them and increased their awareness of the needs around them.
Like members of the Alexandra Spanish Church, Chicas and other Falls Church Spanish members are creating a plan that will allow them to continue ministering within their community throughout the year and spreading God’s love.
