March 19, 2016 was set by the Seventh-day-Adventist General Conference for all Seventh day Adventist youth groups to be involved in what is called, “Global Youth Day, whose theme highlights action over words: “Be the Sermon”.
Global Youth Day is when Seventh day Adventist youth groups from all over the world engage in outreach activities and programs that are geared toward helping those in need, as well as community service. Even in our small territory of American Samoa, church youth groups were willing to be the “sermon” and be active participants of the Global Youth Day.
The small church youth group in the village of Alofau decided that since March was designated as the month to celebrate individuals with disabilities in American Samoa, they would organize an outreach for those with disabilities and special needs on Global Youth Day. The plan was to prepare gifts for them, pray for them, sing with them and spend some time with them. Ten individuals with disabilities from the Villages of Nuuuli, Masefau, Fagaitua, Pagai, Amouli, Tula and Onenoa were visited and presented with gifts.
One of the ten individuals with disabilities, “Maylene” was visited by the Alofau Seventh Day Adventist Youth group as part of their outreach to the community during Global Youth Day, Mar. 19, 2016. The theme for the special day was “Be the Sermon”, which the youth took to heart, putting love into action. [courtesy photo]
This ministry was a rewarding experience for the Alofau SDA church youth, and those who received the gifts were so grateful, uttering words of thanks, while some would just smile and nod their heads as a gesture of gratitude.
The individuals with disabilities were reminded that they are precious in the eyes of Jesus and that the church youth groups will continue to pray for them. While some of these individuals were very quiet, some were also very inter-active and brought so much joy to the hearts of the Alofau SDA Youth.
One of these individuals was Mr. Dennis Vaiga of the village of Alao. Dennis is a proud representative of the Special Olympics team, who was anxiously waiting the entire day for the visitors to arrive. Despite his challenges, he reminded the church youth group to “always go to church” and that Jesus loves all the churches despite the various church beliefs.
Dennis Vaiga of the village of Alao was one of the individuals with disabilities visited by the Alofau Seventh Day Adventist youth group as part of their outreach to the community for Global Youth Day, Mar. 19, 2016. A proud member of the Special Olympics team, Dennis looked forward to the visit, and reminded them that Jesus loves all people, regardless of religion. The theme for the special day was “Be the Sermon”. [courtesy photo]
All the individuals with disabilities and their families were so honored to have a group of people visit them, sing with them and pray with them. At the end of the day, there was a general consensus that visiting and spending time with folks who are faced with challenges due to their special needs positively impacted the Alofau SDA Youth, reminding everyone that we must be grateful for the good health we have, and everything else for that matter.
People with disabilities don’t need our pity, they need our support and understanding to help them be as independent as they can be. To help them reach their potential and be a contributing member to society, they need us to see beyond the disability and focus solely on their abilities, whatever they may be.
We should take time to recognize, empathize and put ourselves in “their shoes”, remembering that there are those who cannot walk, cannot talk and/or are bedridden – but long for social engagement, a friend to sing and pray with, or simply just someone to sit with.”
The youth were once again reminded that these are the folks that hold a special place in Jesus’ heart, and we were called to continue God’s work on this earth by serving such individuals as these. If anything, March shouldn’t be the only month that we celebrate these beautiful individuals. They should be appreciated, loved and celebrated every single day.