Dear Reform Movement Youth,
As we are about to begin a new year with new opportunities, I would like to share with you messages from the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy to help guide us into a fruitful and productive life in the upcoming 365 days.
“The new year has commenced, and with the commencement of this new year, you should dedicate yourselves to God. Now give yourself to him, soul, body, and spirit, to do his will. Let all selfishness, your disobedience to your parents, all your faults, and besetting sins die with the old year. Begin this new year to the glory of God. Pray to him, morning, noon, and night, to give you a meek and humble spirit, a mild temper, an affectionate disposition. Live as you never lived before. Begin this new year with new feelings, fresh desires, and a strong determination to glorify God.” YI January 1, 1856, par. 2
I thank the Lord for the wonderful opportunity I have had to visit and connect with many of you around the world in this past year. These visits and the activities have been a great blessing to me, and I hope these meetings have been a blessing to you as well.
While sermons and spiritual messages are important, my favorite part has always been the missionary activities, when we reach out to people as Jesus did. Do you know why it is so important that we all, and especially the youth, engage in these missionary activities?
Let’s read a quote from sister White about it:
“This year can be the happiest year of your life; you can do more good to others than you have ever yet done. You can be a comfort to your parents, and a blessing to all around you.” YI January 1, 1856, par. 3
The Bible says in Acts 20:35 “[…] Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Many times, when we are thinking about what makes us happy, what makes us feel good, we come to the conclusion that fulfillment comes from doing things for ourselves. However, the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy tell us otherwise. They state that we gain true happiness from helping others.
As we step into 2026, let us remember to “seek ye first the kingdom of heaven ” and be like Jesus. Not only in prayer and in studying of the Word, but also in deed and action!
“Jesus of Nazareth […] who went about doing good, and healing all, […] for God was with him.” Acts 10:38
I look forward to meeting many of you in 2026, and most of all, I’m excited to work together to share God’s love with others.
God bless you all abundantly!
Daniel Balbach
GC Youth Department Director
