For three days, from 7 to 9 August 2026, Libiki Bamboo Resort, Bau became a gathering place for 50 youth leaders and volunteers from across Sarawak with one common purpose: to strengthen their ministry to the younger generation. The SAK Youth Leader Advisory & Empowerment 2026 brought together the Youth Director, SAK Youth Ministries Coordinators, EXCO Kelab Pathfinder Sarawak, Youth Ministries Zone Leaders, volunteers, and the media team. The program was also part of the Sarawak Youth Ministries planning for 2026 to 2030. MG Timothy Suwai served as the Program Coordinator, with MG Heronny Castilo and MG Sherilyn Aida as emcees, and MG Andy Pangau as the time keeper. More than just a leadership gathering, the program provided a space for leaders to learn together, build friendships, and seek God’s guidance for youth ministry in the years ahead.
On the first afternoon, participants began arriving and registering before sharing dinner together. The evening continued with praise and worship, an opening prayer, and a welcoming speech by Pr. Chan Tin Loi. One of the main sessions that highlighted the purpose of youth ministry was presented by Eld. Farrel Gara, Youth Director of the Seventh day Adventist Mission of Sarawak, through the L.I.F.E. session. He reminded the leaders that relationships with young people need to be built through understanding and genuine friendship. “The important thing is for us to understand and be friends with young people. This is crucial in bringing them to Jesus,” said Eld. Farrel Gara. He also emphasized that a leadership position should not be the main focus, but rather how each person uses the talents God has given them to serve. “When you are appointed as leaders, don’t look at the position. Use your talents to bring young people to Christ and train others to lead like you,” he added. After the session, participants took part in a group huddle and ice breaking activity in four groups before bringing the first day to a close.
The second day was filled with spiritual growth, ministry planning, and leadership training. Participants began the morning with personal devotion before continuing with praise and worship, the theme song, prayer, special songs, and sharing sessions. Eld. Farrel Gara shared about ERRANDS, Friendship Camp, and campuses, while Pr. Chan Tin Loi guided the participants through the AYMs with OneVoice planning for 2026 to 2030, including the Special Day Package Plan. The theme “Grounded in The Bible, Focus on the Mission” was also emphasized during the morning session, together with pastoral prayer, offering, a special song, a sermon by Eld. Farrel Gara, and a closing prayer by Pr. Brian Scott. After lunch, participants attended sessions on the roles of Youth Ministries Coordinators, Zone Leaders, EXCO Kelab Pathfinder Sarawak, volunteers, and trainers, as well as the structure of Adventist Youth Ministries. A question and answer session with Eld. Farrel Gara and Pr. Chan Tin Loi gave participants an opportunity to ask questions and share challenges they face in youth ministry.
In the afternoon, the newly appointed leaders were officially appointed as SAK Youth Ministries Coordinators, EXCO Kelab Pathfinder Sarawak, and SAK Youth Ministries Zone Leaders. During the Commitment Service and Charge, Eld. Farrel Gara encouraged the leaders to accept their responsibilities with commitment and a willing heart to serve. Pr. Chan Tin Loi also emphasized the importance of planning and involving young people in the church. “Plan ahead to bring and involve all of our young people in the church,” he said. He also reminded the leaders that they do not have to wait until they are perfect before God can use them. “We are not perfect, but God wants to use each of us to be His tool to bring young people close to Him,” said Pr. Chan Tin Loi. His message reminded the participants that youth ministry is not about being a perfect leader, but about being willing to be used by God to bring the younger generation closer to Him. The day ended with dinner and a barbeque, giving participants time to relax, talk, and strengthen their relationships with one another.
On the final morning, the program continued with a morning worship led by the participants. Group 3 led the praise and worship, Group 4 led the opening prayer, followed by the devotional message and closing prayer as part of the worship service. After breakfast, participants joined group activities led by MG Albert Maon, MG Timothy Suwai, and MG Wilson Somulu before preparing for check out and sharing lunch together. As they left Libiki Bamboo Resort, the participants carried home more than just memories from three days together. They carried a responsibility to continue the work in their respective areas: to know young people, build friendships with them, train new leaders, and lead them to Jesus. With a ministry vision for 2026 to 2030 and a renewed commitment, the leaders returned to serve with the hope that every effort, no matter how small, can be used by God to shape a younger generation that is closer to Him. The program may have ended, but the calling to serve the next generation continues.
Youth Ministry Department
