‘West Adventist Youth’ pave the way for a new youth initiative
Zion Meleisea
Published
The weekend of August 29-30 saw the western suburbs of Melbourne welcome in a new chapter for youth ministry. For two days, more than 300 people gathered in the gym of Gilson College; first to attend the inaugural vespers of the ‘West Adventist Youth’ initiative held on Friday night, they then returned on Saturday morning for a Sabbath full of the Word, worship, connection, and community.
Speaking at the event was the North Australian Conference President, Pr Simon Gigliotti; his message infused with an encouraging call to action, “Young people, you're on the brink of eternity. Let us be the people who live for Jesus Christ.”
Zion Meleisea, Youth Pastoral Worker at Gilson College Community Church, had this to say, “The WAY initiative (West Adventist Youth) is a movement by our young people for our young people. What started as a small idea at a café has grown into a movement that builds on something that began years ago. WAY is now led by youth leaders from over 10 different churches and continues to expand, with the support of our West pastors and the backing of VicYouth. “
“Our churches united in a powerful expression of community. What I remember most from Pr Simon’s messages across both days was his simple yet powerful appeal: ‘Choose Jesus’. As we look ahead, WAY will continue running vespers and events for our community in the western suburbs, always remembering that while we are 'WAY', Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
