Youth

Irmgart Mitchell,
Moorpark, CA

Ever since I've been involved in earliteen and youth ministry, I have had a passion for young people who really want to know Jesus and who desire to base their life decisions on their relationship with Him. One area that I feel young people need to apply this to is sexual purity. A year ago, Vonnie Wamack, wife of the Week-of-Prayer speaker at Newbury Park Adventist Academy (NPAA), spoke to some of us of a purity banquet put on by the Kettering (Ohio) Adventist Church youth department. I immediately sensed God's call to pursue plans for a similar event in our Ventura County, California area.

Throughout Scripture, marriage is used in varying aspects to symbolize the relationship God wishes to have with each of us and the church. It is used to demonstrate the boundless love. He has, even to the point of offering His only Son just so He could be in a oneness relationship with us. Sex, being the beautiful gift God gave for the expression of love and unity between a husband and wife, is naturally attacked by Satan. His goal is to destroy this incredible symbol of God's love so individuals and the world end up with a distorted (impure) picture of Him. And Satan begins his attack on young people.

In the Fall, at a Family Life Getaway, special prayer and encouragement were offered by a number of individuals that God would lead my husband and me to the ministry He wanted us to perform. I again felt a strong urge to move forward with a purity banquet, and scheduled a date. Because girls tend to see their identity more in externals of appearance (i.e. clothes, make-up and weight) rather than how God sees them, Pure Value was the name selected for the event.

On April 12, 2002, fifty-six young ladies from Newbury Park Academy (including some from public schools and other denominations), met at the NPAA cafeteria, decorated to resemble a wedding reception. Though this was a banquet, the young ladies were asked to wear church clothes they already had, so less attention would be placed on what they wore. Round tables covered in white linen were adorned with exquisitely wrapped "wedding gift" centerpieces, surrounded by ivy and candles. Amidst relaxing piano music, a tasty sit-down dinner was served by a number of moms and other women who so willingly offered to help. The whole atmosphere was designed to give the girls a sense of their value and specialness.

After dinner, a program centered around Jesus illustrated the ultimate price He paid to make each one His princess. Emphasis was put on the fact that their value is found in Him. Youth participated in the program by performing skits and songs that spoke the message of purity and God's forgiveness. Testimonies were tenderly shared by several adult women.

The outcome was truly amazing! Without question God is using this simple approach to draw our youth (young ladies and men) into a deeper relationship with Him. Read more about what happened, and is still happening at: http://www.plusline.org/resources/article.php?id=3050

© 2002 NAD Adventist Youth Ministries