Adventist Church President Challenges Young People to Impact Their Society

God is calling young people to become ambassadors for Christ, said Ted N. C. Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, during his keynote message at an Ambassador Ministry Convention in Jamaica on April 12. “Embrace your divine calling, because you are not merely the church of tomorrow, but vital participants in its current mission,” he said, addressing a diverse gathering of more than 3,500 youth and leaders.

Wilson celebrated the strong Adventist footprint in Jamaica, where it is estimated that about 1 out of every 12 people are Seventh-day Adventists; and he expressed joy at the church’s influence, naming Jamaica an “absolutely vital” part of God’s global mission. “Every single one of you, as ambassadors for Christ in Jamaica, is a vital part of this world movement. You are essential, you are important, and you are foundational to God’s great plan to proclaim the three angels’ messages,” he said, referencing three special messages for the end times the Bible details in Revelation 14. He further encouraged the ambassadors to ground themselves in the Word of God and commit to living out their faith, which includes sharing Jesus’ message with others.

Making a Difference Where You Are

During his message to ambassadors, participants in a church program that caters specifically to 16- to 21-year-olds, Wilson highlighted the global nature of the church’s mission and urged unity in outreach efforts. He invited all members—especially young people—to participate in evangelism.

Wilson also highlighted the need for young Adventists to maintain strong connections with Jesus. Each ambassador, he said, possesses the power to make a difference in their communities, using their unique strengths and talents for God’s glory. “Young people in Jamaica are some of the finest young people. . . I want to challenge all of you . . . to maintain that beautiful standard. Do not let God or your church be disappointed in you; stand firm in connection with Jesus daily, with His Word,” he said.

A High Priority

Dane Fletcher, Youth Ministries director of the Jamaica Union Conference (JUC), reported that more than 900 individuals have already expressed interest in training as ambassador leaders across the union. He noted that this overwhelming response and the support from world church leaders are powerful catalysts for advancing the program. “Pastor Ted Wilson’s visit, along with the support of [Inter-American Division president] Pastor Elie Henry and [Inter-American Division Youth Ministries director] Pastor Al Powell, underscores the global significance of this ministry,” Fletcher said. “Pastor Wilson’s presence today signals that this is a high priority for the Adventist Church—not just in Jamaica but around the world.”

Everett Brown, JUC president, also encouraged attendees and gave words of affirmation to the youth present. He reminded them that “the sky is the limit” when a life is fully committed to Christ and called them to stand out. “Wear your uniform proudly, but most importantly, wear your Christianity proudly. May your life impact others as we prepare people for the second advent of Jesus Christ,” Brown said.

A Program for a Special Age

Long before the launch of the Ambassador Ministry program, the Adventist Church had laid a firm foundation for youth involvement through three key stages: the Adventurer Club, nurturing children ages 4 to 9; the Pathfinder Club, guiding preteens and early teens ages 10 to 15; and the Senior Youth/Young Adult ministries, engaging those 16 to 30 and beyond. However, a growing awareness emerged that something was missing. The transition from adolescence to young adulthood, particularly between the ages of 16 and 21, required more than just a passive bridge. It demanded an intentional space that provided structure and a more profound sense of belonging, church leaders said.

In response, the Ambassador Ministry program was born—not as a replacement but as a bridge designed to specifically engage youth in that pivotal 16-to-21 age range. According to church leaders, the ministry seeks to discover a dynamic niche within the Youth Ministries department. “It aims to provide a focused program that champions leadership development, spiritual maturity, and active mission involvement for those on the threshold of adulthood,” they said.

Positive Feedback

Jadeon Clarke, a 19-year-old attendee and participant from the North Jamaica Conference, expressed excitement and optimism about the ambassador ministry. “I’m looking forward to developing my leadership skills, public speaking, planning, and community engagement,” she said. “But more than that, I want to strengthen my relationship with God and live out my faith in a more intentional way.”

Other ambassadors echoed her sentiments, seeing the ministry as a crucial next step in their spiritual and personal growth.

“I think the ambassador program is a really good initiative to bridge the gap between Pathfindering and Senior Youth,” said Kezia Hewit, an 18-year-old from the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC). “I’m excited to meet new people who are also part of the program, and I look forward to building on what I’ve learned in the Pathfinder Club and growing even more.”

“This is a good program,” agreed Jeavaunie Nembhard, an 18-year-old from CJC. “It will allow the youth between the ages of 16 to 21 to learn how to properly witness to those among their age group.”

Upholding Religious Liberty

During his visit, Wilson expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Jamaica for upholding the principle of religious liberty. “I want to thank the country and the government of Jamaica for religious liberty in this country. . . . I want to thank the prime minister [Andrew Holness], the Parliament, and all of those who are in government for protecting and sustaining religious liberty, as it is a foundation of prosperity for this country,” Wilson said, before he offered a special prayer for national leaders.

The JUC has more than 348,000 baptized members worshipping in 740 congregations, with 4,280 Adventurers in 239 clubs, 8,412 Pathfinders in 245 clubs, and 238 ambassadors in 21 clubs.

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.