In fall 2025, the Andrews University Student Association (AUSA) hosted its first Adventist Youth (AY) program, with the goal of providing school-wide worship services on Sabbath afternoons or evenings.
To add to the many spiritually enriching programs hosted on campus throughout the week, the AUSA vice president of religion, Pau Khual, proposed an AUSA AY series. These programs typically take place on Sabbath and are a chance for youth to come together and praise God through music, games, skits and spoken word.
Khual says, “Upon hearing the name ‘Adventist Youth,’ some might assume that the program is only meant for Adventists when, in actuality, it is meant to be a space for all students, regardless of religion or belief, to experience worship and community.” He believes that AY serves as “an opportunity to win souls for Christ” and provides a space inclusive to all young people.
AUSA’s first AY program, themed “Unchanging,” launched on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. The program involved collaborations with several Andrews clubs and organizations. Freshman class officers led Bible Family Feud to start off the gathering, inviting volunteers from the audience to participate.
Lindzy Marquez, director of Ekklesia, a student organization focused on spiritual guidance and leadership, led out in a prayer moment during the program. She instructed students to pray in groups over topics she had written on sticky notes and placed on each chair before the program began. The topics focused on gratitude, people in need and personal prayer requests.
“God is calling us not to perform but to worship.”
Makarios, a Hispanic ministry club that highlights God’s steadfastness, performed a skit depicting the contrast between those distracted by worldly pleasures and those whose hearts are focused on Christ.
AUSA officers participated throughout the program, including with planning and set-up, photography, greeting attendees, leading the praise team, and opening and closing the evening. Khual shared a message highlighting Jesus’ never-changing love for each person, encouraging students to set their hearts on Christ and love others as Christ first loved them.
At the close of the program, refreshments were available for the attendees: the freshman class provided hot chocolate and the sophomore class provided cake pops.
AUSA was thrilled to hear many students say how much they had been blessed by the program. Several community members also attended and expressed their gratitude. A survey was taken after the event to collect student responses, which were filled with positive feedback. Karla Rosette said, “It was great. The music, the skits, interactive prayer and the word. So much reminded me of home and felt cozy and welcoming.” Abel Pelletier shared, “It went very well. I can’t wait for the next one!”
AUSA hosted more AY programs in the spring 2026 semester as a way to continue their mission of witnessing for Christ. On Jan. 31, 2026, they collaborated with Belong Ministries, an organization from Pioneer Memorial Church that seeks to provide a place of support and acceptance for Andrews students and the community. As Khual spoke about in his October message, “God is calling us not to perform but to worship.”
