Source:  General Conference YOuth Department Newsletter, September 2015

The Youth and Young Adult department of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of the North American Division saw a need to promote inter-generational ministry. In a round table brainstorming session one young adult suggested a Family Game Day at an Atlanta Braves Baseball game. They invited all members in the conference to create an environment where all ages would spend time together. Conference employees discovered that there is a pre-game show that features a parade anyone can join—even Pathfinder Clubs. Youth Director Rob Lang met with an Atlanta Braves Vice President and when he came back, not only did the conference have decent ticket prices, but the Braves decided to return $5 per ticket as a fundraiser, which allowed people to choose what cause the money they spent on their tickets was appropriated for: Pathfinders, the Campership fund for Cohutta Springs Youth Camp or Young Adult Ministries. A Pathfinder color guard led the parade, other Pathfinders (and anyone that wanted to) walked in the parade, and Conference President Ed Wright beat the enormous Atlanta Braves Drum as they did the Tomahawk cheer. 450 tickets were sold this first year, with a goal to sell 1,000 next year. Special thanks to Associate Director Don Keele, Jr. for contributing this story. Photos here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

The North American Division is proud to announce that two new associate directors will be joining Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

Pastor Armando Miranda, Jr. joins the team having recently served as the Associate Youth Ministries Director for Texas. Armando will serve as Director for Junior Youth Ministries which includes, club ministries such as Little Lambs, Eager Beavers, Adventurers, Pathfinders, Ambassadors, Master Guides and assist with Senior Youth.

Pastor Tracy Wood, joins the team from the Oregon Conference where he recently served as the Youth & Young Adult Ministries Director. Tracy will serve as Director for Young Adults and Adventist Christian Fellowship (the ministry for Adventist Students on Public Campuses).
 

Pastor James Black, Sr., Director for Youth & Young Adult Ministries will now focus on serving Senior Youth – which includes Camps, High School, AYS, Federations, Convention Planning, Resource Development, and Department Chair.

The extended team of independent contractors, volunteer ministry coordinators, focus group leaders, etc., will remain in place as we all welcome the new department alignment structure and leadership.

"It is a great day for Youth & Young Adult Ministries in the North American Division. With the addition of a second associate, we are extremely excited about future possibilities," said Pastor Black. "We have a great team in Armando and Tracey. Their unique gifts and talents will benefit the entire network of leaders and their young people. Our best days are now!"

Please pray that the Lord will continue to guide our youth and young adults ministries as we prepare for a finished work.

Blessings

Pastor JB
North American Division
Youth & Young Adult Ministries Director