From the bus park to hospitals, the police station, infirmary, and homes for children and the elderly, youth and adults from the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church spread hope and compassion throughout Jamaica’s old capital on March 21, 2026, in commemoration of Global Youth Day under the theme, "Communion in Action."
Organised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s global youth ministries department, the initiative was marked in Jamaica as Global Youth and Children’s Day 2026. At Spanish Town Adventist Church, the Sabbath School period, 9:20 to 10:45 a.m., was used to visit 12 outreach points across town. Leaving the pews behind, youth, children, and adults stepped into public institutions and care facilities, where they worshipped, shared Christian literature, Priority magazines, warm meals, care packages, and clothing.
For Senior Pastor Robert Williams of the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, the second-oldest Adventist church in Jamaica, known for evangelistic outreach, the day's impact echoed its historic mission, touching both citizens and congregants.
"It’s been an awesome privilege to see young people, and the elderly come together and impact Spanish Town, its citizens will never be the same again," Williams said. "Testimonies from the youth, Pathfinders, and Master Guides, who went out in full gear, reflect their excitement, with many asking, 'When can we do this again?' Global Youth Day has been a tremendous blessing, not only strengthening the church's witness but also positively affecting the community across 12 different areas in Spanish Town."
Among the many stops on the outreach route, one particularly meaningful moment occurred at the Spanish Town Infirmary. Here, Elder Albert Smith of the Monk Street Adventist Company was pleasantly surprised when members of the Dover Seventh-day Adventist Church joined his team.
Spanish Town, Monk Street, and Dover Seventh-day Adventist youth and church members sing for residents at the Spanish Town Infirmary during the Global Youth Day initiative on March 21, 2026 :: Photo credit: Communication Team, Seventh-day Adventist Church Spanish Town
“Though coincidental, this was divinely orchestrated by God,” said Czedale Smallwood, pastor of the Kitson Town District of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches, of which the Dover Adventist Church is a part.
Adding to the atmosphere of musical worship at the infirmary, the Dover Adventist youth also brought and distributed hot meals, care packages, and clothing.
“Our mission is to remind people: we are the helping hands of God,” Smallwood said. “This Global Youth Day reinforced that message. Though these persons are infirmed, they are confirmed for the kingdom of God. We are extending God’s hands in the community with Communion in Action.”
At the Spanish Town bus park, about 30 youths and adults approached commuters with Christian literature and Priority Magazines.
“Can I share with you a magazine?” one shy Pathfinder asked.
As literature began changing hands and curious readers started turning pages on the spot, the young distributors grew bolder.
Jonathan Bailey, Pegasus Pathfinder leader at the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Nathaniel Phillips share a moment of prayer with Veronica Jones at the Spanish Town Bus Park during Global Youth Day on March 21, 2026 :: Photo credit: Communication Team, Seventh-day Adventist Church Spanish Town
Veronica Jones, after praying with Pegasus Pathfinder Club leader Johnathan Bailey, found the experience deeply meaningful.
“I am grateful, and I’m very much proud to see the young people out doing this. As scripture says, ‘young men, I call upon you because you’re strong.’ This is the best time for them to give their lives to the Lord and let the Lord have His way with them,” Jones said.
“It is so painful when you look and see youths getting involved in negative situations, and here you have them, yes, the Lord has them, doing His work. God bless you. Thank you so much,” Jones added.
Andrew Jones accepts a Priority magazine from Azelia Beckford, as her mother, Tannesha Isaac Beckford, smiles :: Photo credit: Communication Team, Seventh-day Adventist Church Spanish Town
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the bus park, Pathfinder Azelia Beckford handed a Priority magazine titled "The Psychology of Happiness" to Andrew Jones.
After opening the magazine, Andrew asked, “Where did sin begin?”
Tannesha Isaac Beckford listened intently as her daughter, Azelia, began explaining the fall of Adam and Eve. The exchange then widened into an approximately 10-minute dialogue with Andrew about the origin of sin. Before leaving, Tannesha invited Andrew to church.
“I will come to your church because I want to hear more about this topic,” he said before riding away on his bike.
Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church youth and youth leaders prepare to take their outreach efforts into the community during the Global Youth Day initiative on Sabbath, March 21, 2026 :: Photo credit: Communication Team, Seventh-day Adventist Church Spanish Town
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the bus park, Pathfinder Azelia Beckford handed a Priority magazine titled "The Psychology of Happiness" to Andrew Jones.
After opening the magazine, Andrew asked, “Where did sin begin?”
Tannesha Isaac Beckford listened intently as her daughter, Azelia, began explaining the fall of Adam and Eve. The exchange then widened into an approximately 10-minute dialogue with Andrew about the origin of sin. Before leaving, Tannesha invited Andrew to church.
“I will come to your church because I want to hear more about this topic,” he said before riding away on his bike.
Elder Milton Oliver, Ivanhoe Henry, and members of the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church pray with police personnel at the Spanish Town Police Station during Global Youth Day on March 21, 2026 :: Photo credit: Communication Team, Seventh-day Adventist Church Spanish Town
Youth and adults from the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church visit residents at the Golden Eve Nursing Home during Global Youth Day on March 21, 2026 :: Photo credit: Communication Team, Seventh-day Adventist Church Spanish Town