Expressing Care for Students Focus of Second Quarter

YG CHURCH SHARES CARE AND LOVE WITH COLLEGIANS

With college and university students all across the nation and throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church makes efforts each school year to let their young adults know they are cared for by sending “care packages” to them on campus. Collaborating with Burton Adventist Academy elementary students, these boxes are filled with colorful letters of encouragement, sweet treats, popcorn, snacks, and inspirational SWAG intended to remind them their church is thinking and praying for them.

Coordinated by Younger Generation Church [YG], the vibrant young adult ministry of the Arlington congregation, the boxes were assembled by church board members, YG Elders, academy students, and Elders in Training, filling the boxes with goodies with the intent of the “care package” being delivered around the time of exams when such treats can be especially supportive.

“Receiving one of the care packages from YG was such a meaningful surprise,” expressed Isa DeMoraes, an Andrews University student studying Social Work. “It reminded me that my church continues to support and care about me even while I’m away in another state.”

Southwestern Adventist University [SWAU] Pastoral Interns, Maxwell Gucake and Ruben Najera, shipped packages across the country. They also helped distribute dozens of “care packages” on campus bringing joy to SWAU collegians.

“It is always inspiring to see a local church take care of our students,” applauded SWAU Chaplain, Kent Rufo. “Care becomes really tangible when our students open a package filled with love in the form of food <G> and letters.”

Although we often think of young adult local church attendance as a measure of success, it’s important to remember, during the 20-something years, life is filled with transitions and new challenges. New jobs, trade school, college or university life adds new dimensions of independence for young adults, who are beginning their adult imprint on the world. The student “care packages” are just a simple reminder that their local church supports them as they start this new and important phase of life.

“Receiving the care packages was so nice because it feels like my church cares for the students at every campus,” affirmed Adrian Tufino, a senior at University of Texas Arlington [UTA] who also served this year as the Adventist Christian Fellowship President at UTA. “Our church reaching out to love on our campus at UTA means the world to me.”

Although there is no way to completely anticipate when the “care packages” arrive to each student —given the various collegiate calendars, exam schedules, and the speed of the United States Postal Service <G>— members of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church pray that the encouragement arrives just on time.

“Seeing the Arlington Church return label on the box instantly brought a big smile to my face,” beamed Isa, “I’m truly grateful for the thoughtfulness and kindness from my church community.”

GRADUATE REGISTRY HELPS YG CONGRATULATE SENIORS

Each year we are so very proud of our graduates who commence at ceremonies all across the nation. From High School seniors, to Collegians, to Trade School and Univeristy graduates, this season marks a tremendous milestone in each of their lives. The YG Graduate Registry allows us connect with them asking how we might pray for them and their future.

Here are just a few of their prayer requests:

  • Pray for guidance on the next steps.

  • Pray for me to follow God’s path. And trust in His ways.

  • Pray for my well being as I transition into college.

  • I pray that our Christian club on campus continues to be a blessing to other students, and that YG can continue to be a part of that.

  • Pray for strength and confidence going into this new field of work, so I can be the best teacher to support her students!

  • Keep my family in prayer!

  • Please pray for peace :) thank you!You can support me through lots of prayers to continue pushing, and guidance as I step into this next chapter after graduation.

  • Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare to be away at school.

  • Pray that God continues to give me strength, courage, wisdom, and peace through every challenge.

  • Pray that I stay focused, avoid distractions, and continue putting God first in everything I do no matter what happens. Thank you! Go YG🤍

  • Prayers to make right choices.

  • To have a wonderful, successful experience in College.