Youth Evangelistic Initiative Closes 2024 with More than 19,000 Baptisms

In 2024, the Youth Ministries department of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) empowered 1,744 Voice of Youth (VOY) teams, mobilizing 50,616 young people to share Jesus with their communities through the VOY Victory initiative.

God richly blessed this initiative, resulting in 19,240 individuals sealing their commitment to Christ through baptism across the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Thailand. Launched regionally in 2021, this movement of passionate young people has continued to grow, achieving unprecedented development and spiritual impact in 2024.

VOY is a witnessing program designed to empower young people to share the biblically based three angels’ messages within their local communities. This initiative provides youth with opportunities, training, and resources to effectively proclaim the gospel in relevant ways, advancing the mission of making disciples for Jesus. The program not only transforms the lives of those who hear the gospel but also profoundly impacts the young people leading the initiative.

Jadesheen Apordo, from the Adventist Church in Western Mindanao (WMC) in southwestern Philippines and a participant in VOY 2024, reflected on the personal blessings he experienced. “Joining Voice of Youth Victory 2024 has truly been a blessing. It gave me the chance to grow spiritually, step out of my comfort zone, and witness God’s amazing power working through ordinary people like me,” Apordo said. “One of the greatest blessings was how it brought me closer to God. Preparing sermons, praying with my team, and sharing His message taught me to rely on Him completely. God really equips those He calls.”

He added, “What touched me the most was seeing lives transformed by the gospel. It showed me that even small efforts can have eternal results when surrendered to God. VOY also gave me a community of young people who share the same passion for ministry. We encouraged each other, prayed together, and celebrated the victories God gave us. Being part of Voice of Youth 2024 wasn’t just a blessing — it was a calling that deepened my faith and strengthened my walk with God.”

Apordo’s testimony encapsulates the essence of VOY: a life-changing journey for both the participants and the communities they serve, fueled by a shared passion for ministry and reliance on God’s guidance.

Over the past four years, the VOY initiative has resulted in 72,924 baptisms, achieved through the dedicated efforts of 135,865 young people organized into 7,026 VOY teams. This milestone reflects the commitment of Adventist youth to the gospel mission and stands as a testament to God’s leading and provision.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.