AY Is Back

This past Saturday, David Sael; Lulu Alba; Caleb Evans; and myself all facilitated the first AY program the Clarksville Seventh-Day Adventist has held in a long time. And traditionally it was held an hour before sunset. We started maybe seven minutes late due to Pathfinders and Adventurers, but better late then never.

The four of us were all still nervous before we began, so we decided to have a short prayer with just us. After bowing our heads, and asking God to calm our nerves and strengthen us, we got into work.

Though the sanctuary was not full or semi full like it is during a Sabbath morning, we still had a good numbered group in attendance. Some of which were our Pathfinders and Adventurers who had just finished their club meetings.

Each of us on the AY committee(team) had a role to play during the program. David kicked off the program with a word of prayer for all those in attendance. From then on, the four of us all led out in song service to show our unity as a group, singing from the traditional Adventist Youth song books. As we sang, David strummed along on his guitar, filling the room with music. Either I need to get my eyes check or perhaps I was a little bit anxious, but I ended up singing one music stanza too early. With a laugh, I corrected myself and just kept on going.

The activity was the board game The Life of Paul. Months ago, I bought this game, thinking it would be sweet for an Adventist Youth program, had I decided to get involved with the program then. Of course here I am now. I tossed the idea to the group a couple of weeks ago, and they gave their approval on doing it for our first program.

The objective of the game was to get from start(Tarsus) to finish(Rome). Along the long journey one must answer questions pertaining to the apostle Paul. Land on a green special card space you get a good or bad result. Land on a purple spot, you either advance or return spaces.

Although I have been told and do believe that my speech has greatly improved, I asked for assistance on the game questions for the sake of time. Caleb graciously took the initiative of reading off some questions while I too read some to both teams. The methods that helped me in speaking in front of a crowd were prayer, practicing speaking before the event, taking my time as I spoke, speaking in my natural tone, breathing, and giving eye contact.

It was the blue team who triumphed over the yellow team, after landing on a purple spot, which advanced them all the way to Rome, the finish. The overall objective was to test the participants about their knowledge of Paul and to gain more insight about the infamous missionary/apostle, so everyone won.

Next was a devotion, presented by Lulu. The topic was about Jonah, the man who was give instructions by God to travel to a not so pleasant environment, and instead tried to run away from God. Lulu explained that we must follow what our Heavenly father wants of us, ask forgiveness whenever we mess up, and that God is with us in whatever we face.

Our closing song was one of my favorites, and in my opinion should be a church favorite period, Side by Side. The chorus goes:

“Meet Me in Heaven/ We’ll join hands together./ Meet me by the Savior’s Side./ I’ll meet you in Heaven/ We’ll sing songs together/ Brothers and sisters I’ll be there.”

As we sung, I almost felt like I was a little kid again, back in the old, small church on Second Street in downtown Clarkville. Singing this song with the church completely full during AY. Everyone hand in hand in a circle(oval), raising their joined hands when they uttered the lyrics “Join hands together”.

Next week, David is in charge of the AY activity. He decided to go with an idea he told me about a little while ago. During our recent AY committee meeting, he insisted the four of us give it a test run. I can’t say what he has up his sleeve, but everyone is in store for a treat/blessing. Also, at this recent meeting, I agreed to be the AY Director, and Lulu agreed to be the Assistant Director. Positions or no positions, all four of us will still be running programs as a team, and lending a hand whenever one needs it. I pray God will give us the wisdom, strength, motivation, creativity, and initiative to be witnesses to the church and its community.

(Left to right: David Sael, Caleb Evans, Lulu Alba, David Harris

(Us with Jose Alba, the Clarkville SDA Church Pathfinder Club Director)

We the AY committee encourage everyone of all ages to come out for AY in the upcoming days. It is an opportunity to fellowship with others and to grow more in Christ.

Thank you for reading and God Bless.