2 Apr 2025, 15:47Deandra PryceMaidstone, Kent, England, United Kingdom
Maidstone Youth Bring Hope on Global Youth Day
Maidstone, UK – 8 March 2024 – Young members of the Maidstone Seventh-day Adventist Church took to the streets on Global Youth Day, determined to make a difference in their local community. Guided by the theme “A Community Transformed” and inspired by 2 Peter 3:9, they organised and distributed essential food and toiletry hampers to individuals and families in need.
Preparing to Serve
The initiative began on Friday evening, 7 March, when a team of four youths and five adults, including the Sponsor Elder for Youth Ministry, Job Madembo, formed an assembly line. We were later joined by additional volunteers, who worked tirelessly to assemble the hampers. The scene resembled a well-organised relay, with participants carefully packing bags, tying bows, and ensuring each hamper was thoughtfully prepared.
By the end of the evening, the team had successfully put together:
Food hampers: 46
Toiletry hampers: 24
Nappy hampers: 3
Total hampers: 73
A Mission of Kindness
On the afternoon of 8 March, the volunteers gathered at Maidstone SDA Church before splitting into groups, each assigned to a car to aid in the distribution process. With a spirit of compassion, they visited households, knocking on doors and offering much-needed supplies.
For many, the experience was eye-opening. “It was wonderful to give food and essentials to people in need and see the joy on their faces,” said Siyanda, one of the youth volunteers. “For the first time, I felt truly connected to the community around our church,” said Will.
Carolyn, another youth, reported that it was a lovely opportunity to bless the local community—not just by providing food, but by taking time to consider their needs and showing that we care.
A Community’s Response
Adults who joined the outreach echoed similar sentiments. “Knocking on doors was a humbling experience,” shared our church First Elder, Patrick Mashiri. “Some people were deeply grateful, while others were reserved, but overall, it was rewarding to see the young people gain confidence and grow in their outreach,” he said.
Sis Joyce noted how the initiative opened doors for conversations: “Many who declined the hampers redirected us to neighbours they believed needed help more. In some cases, it led to discussions about who we are and where our church is located.”
“At first, I was a bit unsure of how the persons in the communities would behave towards our gesture, but they were very receptive and thankful for the packages. Some even asked for future help, and others were delighted at the invitation to visit us in worship. I’m glad I was a part of that noble act of kindness, and I am so proud of the youths of our church and thank the Lord for using them in such a remarkable way to bless the lives of others and hopefully win souls for His kingdom,” Sis Tainia said enthusiastically.
A Leader’s Perspective
The project was a labour of love for the Youth Leader and Project Planner, Sis Hughlette Codnor. “Planning this initiative with the youth was an incredible experience,” she shared. “From selecting non-perishable food items to making sure the hampers were beautifully presented, every detail mattered. The real reward was seeing the smiles of gratitude from the recipients. One woman, in particular, shared how much she was struggling and how meaningful our gesture was to her.”
“The greatest sermons we preach are off the pulpit. Indeed, God was at work. I saw little Adventurers who had joined us elated and illuminated with joy and smiles. They might not have an in-depth understanding of what this was, but in God’s kingdom they have won a star on their crowns,” Elder Job said.
He pointed to the words of Ellen G. White:
“We should ever be ready to give assistance to those in need. It may be that by a look of sympathy, a word of kindness, a tender, thoughtful act, we may give comfort and strength to someone.”
(Ministry of Healing, p. 353)
A Lasting Impact
Inspired by our faith and a commitment to service, the youth of Maidstone SDA Church demonstrated that small acts of kindness can lead to meaningful transformation. “Global Youth Day is not just about a single event; it’s about building relationships and making a lasting impact on our community,” said Delmarie, one of the volunteer drivers. “We hope this is just the beginning of more outreach opportunities.”
As the volunteers reflected on their experience, one message was clear: transformation begins with a willing heart and a helping hand.
Maidstone, UK – 8 March 2024 – Young members of the Maidstone Seventh-day Adventist Church took to the streets on Global Youth Day, determined to make a difference in their local community. Guided by the theme “A Community Transformed” and inspired by 2 Peter 3:9, they organised and distributed essential food and toiletry hampers to individuals and families in need.
Preparing to Serve
The initiative began on Friday evening, 7 March, when a team of four youths and five adults, including the Sponsor Elder for Youth Ministry, Job Madembo, formed an assembly line. We were later joined by additional volunteers, who worked tirelessly to assemble the hampers. The scene resembled a well-organised relay, with participants carefully packing bags, tying bows, and ensuring each hamper was thoughtfully prepared.
By the end of the evening, the team had successfully put together:
Food hampers: 46
Toiletry hampers: 24
Nappy hampers: 3
Total hampers: 73
A Mission of Kindness
On the afternoon of 8 March, the volunteers gathered at Maidstone SDA Church before splitting into groups, each assigned to a car to aid in the distribution process. With a spirit of compassion, they visited households, knocking on doors and offering much-needed supplies.
For many, the experience was eye-opening. “It was wonderful to give food and essentials to people in need and see the joy on their faces,” said Siyanda, one of the youth volunteers. “For the first time, I felt truly connected to the community around our church,” said Will.
Carolyn, another youth, reported that it was a lovely opportunity to bless the local community—not just by providing food, but by taking time to consider their needs and showing that we care.
A Community’s Response
Adults who joined the outreach echoed similar sentiments. “Knocking on doors was a humbling experience,” shared our church First Elder, Patrick Mashiri. “Some people were deeply grateful, while others were reserved, but overall, it was rewarding to see the young people gain confidence and grow in their outreach,” he said.
Sis Joyce noted how the initiative opened doors for conversations: “Many who declined the hampers redirected us to neighbours they believed needed help more. In some cases, it led to discussions about who we are and where our church is located.”
“At first, I was a bit unsure of how the persons in the communities would behave towards our gesture, but they were very receptive and thankful for the packages. Some even asked for future help, and others were delighted at the invitation to visit us in worship. I’m glad I was a part of that noble act of kindness, and I am so proud of the youths of our church and thank the Lord for using them in such a remarkable way to bless the lives of others and hopefully win souls for His kingdom,” Sis Tainia said enthusiastically.
A Leader’s Perspective
The project was a labour of love for the Youth Leader and Project Planner, Sis Hughlette Codnor. “Planning this initiative with the youth was an incredible experience,” she shared. “From selecting non-perishable food items to making sure the hampers were beautifully presented, every detail mattered. The real reward was seeing the smiles of gratitude from the recipients. One woman, in particular, shared how much she was struggling and how meaningful our gesture was to her.”
“The greatest sermons we preach are off the pulpit. Indeed, God was at work. I saw little Adventurers who had joined us elated and illuminated with joy and smiles. They might not have an in-depth understanding of what this was, but in God’s kingdom they have won a star on their crowns,” Elder Job said.
He pointed to the words of Ellen G. White:
“We should ever be ready to give assistance to those in need. It may be that by a look of sympathy, a word of kindness, a tender, thoughtful act, we may give comfort and strength to someone.”
(Ministry of Healing, p. 353)
A Lasting Impact
Inspired by our faith and a commitment to service, the youth of Maidstone SDA Church demonstrated that small acts of kindness can lead to meaningful transformation. “Global Youth Day is not just about a single event; it’s about building relationships and making a lasting impact on our community,” said Delmarie, one of the volunteer drivers. “We hope this is just the beginning of more outreach opportunities.”
As the volunteers reflected on their experience, one message was clear: transformation begins with a willing heart and a helping hand.
