The Bloomington church Friday night care group brings young adults and community mmebers together for Bible study and food.
In 2024 alone, the Lake Union awarded more than 200k to youth led evangelism projects, and across the region the impact can be seen in the stories of students and young professionals who are leading initiatives that are reshaping their churches and communities.
At the Bloomington Seventh day Adventist Church in Indiana, several ministry ideas from their young adult group were funded, receiving a total of $13,000 through the Youth Evangelism Congress. Many of these initiatives were led by Nicholas Agyekum, who has become one of the primary leaders guiding evangelism in his congregation.
One of the funded efforts, Lunch Buddies, sends volunteers out every Sabbath with prepared meals and prayer for individuals experiencing homelessness. In colder seasons, the outreach shifts to the community kitchen, where volunteers pray with guests, sing and offer encouragement. Some individuals have later visited the Bloomington church, including one who is now preparing for baptism.
Another funded ministry, the church’s Friday night care group, brings young adults and community members together for Bible study and food. “By God’s grace, we had two baptisms this year,” Nicholas said. “Our church has been impacted. Fifty percent of our members are students, and now they are involved in leadership, evangelism and outreach. Even I am now an elder of my church.”
Nicholas emphasized the role of the congress in helping these ministries take shape. “If it wasn’t for the congress, these ideas probably would’ve never developed,” he said. “But it has a ripple effect. We come with an idea, the church sees the commitment of the conference and Union, and in return it snowballs into a supportive effort to see these ideas through.”
Another project funded through the congress, titled “Build Computers Build Relationships,” was led by Russell Murnighan, an Andrews University’s IT department employee. Over two summers, he hosted a four-session workshop at his church that guided participants through understanding why to build a computer, how to choose the parts, and then assembling the machine through two hands-on sessions. Participants received either the computers they built, or refurbished units Russell upgraded with equipment he received from Andrews. One family who attended later visited their church evangelistic series and even had the opportunity to meet the evangelist. Russell called the connection “a demonstration of the friendship bridge,” showing how practical learning can open the door to deeper relationships.
These stories reflect the purpose of the Lake Union Youth Evangelism Congress, which empowers senior youth and young adults to create ministries that respond to local needs. Every two years, the Congress convenes participants and their pastors or mentors for a weekend of training and guided planning.
In 2024, the Lake Union awarded $212,200 to youth-led evangelism initiatives. Since the congress began in 2013, more than half a million dollars have been distributed to over 100 projects. Organizers note that the Lake Union remains the only Union in the North American Division, and possibly worldwide, that invests in youth evangelism at this level.
The next Youth Evangelism Congress will take place February 13–15, 2026, in Northbrook, Illinois, under the theme “Limitless.” Churches and youth leaders who would like information about how their youth and young adults can participate are encouraged to visit youth.lakeunion.org for details and conference level contact information.
Felicia Tonga is a freelance writer.
