The idea of having a youth evangelistic series of seminars began last fall in Michigan when Chad Bernard, Greater Lansing Adventist School principal, and Quentin Purvis, Lansing Church pastor, shared a vision for the youth-led meetings. They knew it would be a wonderful way for youth and adult members to learn to lead people to Christ. They were convinced that youth who are given the opportunity to serve are more likely to stay in the church. When the concept was shared with the students in the school and with church leadership, it was met with great support, and the "Signs You Can't Ignore" seminars began to take shape.

In the months that followed, leaders from the school and church united to prepare for the seminars. Church members attended a revival series on Bible prophecy led by the pastor on Sabbath afternoons and Wednesday evenings. Many who attended were asked to serve as table leaders and assistants for the upcoming series. They began to earnestly pray for the school, the speakers, and the community. The Sabbath prior to the meetings, more than 90 volunteers distributed more than 7,000 invitations to the seminars.

On Sabbath afternoon, April 8, 2006, the meetings began. Guests were warmly greeted and escorted to one of 20 staffed tables in the school's gymnasium. Andrew Blosser, a 16-year-old member of the Lansing Church, gave the first presentation. Leaders at the tables then led the attendees through an interactive Bible lesson. The other youth speakers included Max Coon, age 18; Sara Hall, age 16; and Charissa Thomas, age 16.

On the opening weekend, a man attended who was raised an Adventist but had not been to church in years. He was so moved by hearing these youth speak of their Lord that the very next Sabbath he visited the Adventist church in his hometown. He called his father to tell him he was coming back to church for good.

Max Coon and Sara Hall invited their chiropractor to attend the seminars. Though he agreed to come in support of his patients, he was eager to continue when he began to learn so many new things about the Bible.

Seeing the impact the meetings have made in the church and school, the principal said, “My hope is that we will continue to be a soul winning school. We want to give Bible studies. We want to constantly ask, ‘Who can we bring to the Lord?’ There is no education more pertinent than learning how to win souls for the kingdom.”

The faces of those participating in these meetings gave evidence that there is no greater joy than seeing God use you to lead someone to Him.

Staci Osterman is the Bible worker coordinator for the Michigan Conference.