French Antilles-Guiana Union | Inter-American Division
Source: The Health Connection Newsletter | 3rd Quarter 2022
Adventist leaders from the French Antilles-Guiana Union (FAGU) hosted the first Youth Alive Training and Conference in the territory of the Inter-American Division. Martinique was the chosen city to host the nearly 200 youth and young adults, health professionals, youth leaders, and pastors who came from Guadalupe, French-Guiana, St Martin, and locally to experience the long-awaited program at the campus of the Adventist academy near Port de France. Pr. Esaie Auguste and Marival Dany, Youth and Health directors for FAGU Union, respectively, organized the event in collaboration with the GC health ministries. Local psychiatrists, psychologists, and doctors led the presentations on relevant health topics that emphasized the youth’s mental health needs. Nearly 80 leaders completed the youth alive facilitator training presented by Dr. Katia Reinert, Dr. Andres Peralta, Dr. Willie and Elaine Oliver, and Dr. Lisa Beardsley-Harding. These GC ministry leaders collaborate as part of the GC Youth Alive team, teaching seminars and providing relevant resources for youth. The training was followed by a conference with youth and young adults who participated in small friendship group meetings, games, learning, worship, and service opportunities. On Sabbath morning, dozens of youths shared their personal testimony of God’s intervention in their life. Many answered the appeal by Pr. Peralta to sign the youth alive pledge, committing to abstain from addictions or other risky behaviors.
