MONTEGO BAY, ST. JAMES–
More than 2,000 young people from the five conferences of the Jamaica Union gathered at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre in Montego Bay for the annual Jamaica Union Youth Congress on Sabbath, September 26, 2026.
Held under the theme “GLOW: Go Light Our World,” the congress brought together youth from the West, North, Central, East and North-East Jamaica Conferences Throughout the day, participants were exposed to presentations addressing areas such as youth mentorship, digital evangelism, leadership and mental health, with presenters challenging them to consider how their gifts, influence and opportunities can be used to make a difference in their churches and communities.
A section of the congregation during the 2026 JAMU Youth Congress at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre in Montego Bay, St. James. :: Photo credit: JonMarc Myrie
The spiritual focus of the congress came through a message from Pastor Marvyn Smith, Associate Youth Director of the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, who repeatedly returned to one declaration: “You cannot be hidden.”
“God’s church cannot be hidden. The gates of hell cannot withstand the pressure that this church will bring on the kingdom of darkness. In Christ, you cannot be hidden.”
He continued the appeal by encouraging the youth to give careful attention to the things receiving their time and energy, particularly when those things have little connection to their God-given purpose.
Pastor Marvyn Smith, Associate Youth Director of the Inter-American Division, delivers the main message during the 2026 JAMU Youth Congress. :: Photo credit: JonMarc Myrie
“The worst thing you can do is to strike a light and put it under a bushel. When God’s light comes to you, don't allow anything to cover it. Don’t allow drugs, crime, social media or relationships to cover your light.”
He continued, “The worst thing you can do is give a lot of time to something that has nothing to do with your purpose”
Pastor Dwayne Scott, Youth Ministries Director of the Jamaica Union Conference, speaks during the 2026 JAMU Youth Congress in Montego Bay. :: Photo credit: JonMarc Myrie
Pastor Dwayne Scott, Youth Ministries Director of the Jamaica Union Conference, also pointed to the role young people have historically played in advancing the gospel.
“Young people play a critical role in the advancing of the kingdom of God. When Jesus was calling disciples, He was calling young people. When Ellen White and the other pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church accepted the message, they moved forward as young people.”
That responsibility to share the gospel, Scott emphasized, extends into the everyday spaces where young people live, study, work and interact with others.
Pastor Jonathan Myrie, Communication Director of the Jamaica Union Conference, also underscored the opportunity young Adventists have to influence others for Christ, particularly at a time when communication platforms allow them to reach people far beyond their local congregations.
Pastor Jonathan Myrie, Communication Director of the Jamaica Union Conference, shares a message with the youth during the congress. :: Photo credit: JonMarc Myrie
“We believe that this is an important time for our youth in our church, in the Jamaica Union and across the world, to participate in leading somebody to Jesus Christ, leading someone to experience a new life in Christ.”
For Shnya Connell, Master Guide and youth mentor, one of the strongest takeaways from the day was the visible involvement of young people in the mission of the Church.
“What stood out to me most was seeing so many young people willing to be used in the mission of Jesus while seeking revival and spiritual empowerment. You could see young people using their gifts for Christ in so many different ways.”
The programme also included the official launch of the Jamaica Union Conference Counseling Centre, which will provide counseling and emotional wellness support. Additionally, the Pathfinders and Master Guides took part in a drill and march demonstration.
Master Guides perform a drill and march demonstration, showcasing precision, and teamwork. :: Photo credit: JonMarc Myrie
The presentation showcased discipline, coordination and teamwork while giving the youth ministries an opportunity to display some of the skills developed through the Pathfinder Club.
The congress later turned its attention to individuals who have invested years of service in youth ministry. During the Youth Leadership Awards Ceremony, 16 Adventist youth leaders were recognized for their contribution to mentoring, training and supporting young people across the Jamaica Union. Those recognized were: Shaquille Johnson, Amory Smith-Billings, Shelia Brown Mae Lewis, George Brown, Jodane Thomas, Kevin Beale, Harlow Johnson, Joneshia Bryan-Thomas, Nakiesha Hamilton, Kymone Griffith-Murray, Andre Campbell, Latiya Hedman Thomas, Christine Mundle, Dane Fletcher, and Marvyn Smith.
The congress concluded with the call for young Adventists to “Go Light Our World” by using their gifts and influence to share their faith in their churches, communities and everyday spaces.