Grab your copy of the Sabbath Bible Lesson for the second quarter of 2026 themed, "Essentials of Prophecy".
Jinja City, Uganda— A youth retreat took place at Campsite Buwenda on May 10-17, under the theme “The real Deal on Faith, Love & Life.” The retreat brought together forty-five young adults from across the East and Southern African regions, representing Uganda, South Africa, Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya. The international composition of the group enriched cross-cultural interaction and strengthened bonds of unity within the Reform Movement family.
The retreat was significantly enriched by the participation of guest speakers from South Africa and Kenya. Each speaker brought a wealth of experience to their respective sessions.
The eight-day retreat featured a carefully structured and comprehensive programme designed to address a wide range of topics pertinent to the spiritual, relational, and practical lives of young people today. Participants slept in tents throughout the week and observed a deliberate limitation on personal phone usage, fostering an environment of focused engagement, communal living, and spiritual concentration.
The thematic content of the retreat’s instructional sessions included:
Each day, small group discussions were convened around a variety of contemporary and relevant topics. These sessions encouraged open, honest, and guided dialogue among peers, allowing participants to process key themes in a safe and spiritually supervised environment. The discussions were warmly embraced and proved to be one of the most impactful elements of the programme. In keeping with the holistic objectives of the retreat, a range of recreational activities were
incorporated to promote healthy fellowship, teambuilding, and physical well-being. These included:
These activities fostered camaraderie, cooperation, and wholesome recreation in a natural setting, and were enthusiastically participated in by the attendees.
The weekend of the retreat was marked by several spiritually significant events. On Friday, a baptismal service was conducted by the Mission President and the local church Elder, during which three souls publicly surrendered their lives to Christ and were baptized. This was a joyous occasion of great spiritual significance for the entire company.
On Sabbath afternoon, the youth participated in a musical concert that ministered powerfully to the hearts of all present. As the Sabbath drew to a close, participants gathered around a camp fire for an evening of heartfelt testimony-sharing. Several young people bore witness to the personal cost and conviction that led them to embrace the Reform Movement, resulting in approximately ten participants committing to be baptized at the upcoming youth retreat scheduled for December 2026, to be held at the same location.
We render all praise and glory to our Almighty God for His faithful protection, gracious provision, and abiding guidance throughout the eight days of the retreat. His hand was evident in every aspect of the programme, and we are deeply humbled by His goodness.
We extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all facilitators, retreat personnel, logistical coordinators, and supporting brethren whose faithful and dedicated service made this retreat possible. The selfless commitment of every member of the retreat team is greatly appreciated. May God richly reward each one.
Mangochi, Malawi—Every year, Malawi Mission Field Youth Department organises an annual youth seminar aiming to bring together youth from various regions to be trained for God’s service. This is an exciting activity for the youths in Malawi because they get to unite with the fellow young people from other districts. They learn both spiritual and practical lessons, practical skills, and explore nature. Usually, the event runs for a week.
2026 Youth Event Experience
In the past, the Youth seminar was conducted in two separate locations, in order to minimize transport expenses which could have been incurred if the youths were to converge in one location. The event was usually staged in December, during the Christmas period when almost all the youths in Malawi are on holidays. The event was set then to divert the minds of the youth from the worldly cerebration during this period to an event of eternal interest.
A similar event was meant to be held in 2025, only it was to be a national youth event that brought together all the youth in one location. Unfortunately, the event did not take place during its proposed date due to financial limitation. After a few more months working to secure the finances necessary, by the Grace of God, the national youth event took place in early 2026.
On April 5-12, 2026, the Reform Movement Malawi youth participated in a memorable national youth event. The theme for this event was: “Healing Hearts and Managing Resources. The theme hymn was Hymn 271, “Tho’ Your Sins Be As Scarlet”. The event took place in Mangochi, at the shore of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is one of the tourist resorts because of its fresh waters, beauty, and unique aquatic species. The choice of this venue was for the youth to appreciate God’s nature.
The event was attended by approximately sixty youth from seven districts. The speakers present were the Mission Field’s President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
During this youth event, youths were trained on practical skills such as sewing, computer, cooking and baking, and mobile phone repairing. There were also workshops on marriage and relationships, leadership and presentation skills, with opportunities for practice. Youth were given a platform to practice how to teach, preach, and take up leading roles in leading the Sabbath School, sermon preparations, etc. Other youths were assigned supervisory roles for the camp’s welfare such roles included time keepers, program coordinators, camp hygiene supervisor, and more.
During nature visits when the youth went out to swim in the Lake Malawi, they also had time to share the Gospel with the surrounding community through songs.
While our recent event was a great success, we know there is much more to do. Our churches in Malawi have over 200 youths, but we were only able to bring about 60 to this seminar. Our goal is to gather all of them for our next event and invite visitors from other countries to join us. “… How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalms 133:1. However, we face a regular challenge with our budget.
Hitherto, we have relied on the kindness of one family in Malawi, along with support from our department’s contributions and the Mission Field’s support. Even with this help, the costs for travel, healthy meals, housing, and training tools are very high. We often do not have enough money to cover everything needed to train such a large group.
We are looking for more partners to join us in this important work. By supporting these seminars, you are helping to provide a strong foundation for our youth to build a better future. We invite you to help us make these life-changing lessons available to every young person in our church so they can be useful in the world and faithful in God’s service.
With gratitude and hope, your brethren in the Malawi mission.
Făgăraș, Romania— On May 9, 2026, the SDARM Romania Făgăraș Media Studios celebrated reaching 10,000 subscribers, marking the occasion with a live broadcast that lasted over 12 hours.
The special occasion brought viewers an inspiring lineup of programs, messages, and exclusive content designed to reflect the growth and dedication of its community. It was also an occasion to thank the Lord for His blessings and the opportunity to create the content for the channel, despite the small media department and its limitations.
The celebratory program included:
We praise the Lord once again for His sustaining grace, and we invite you to visit the channel and enjoy its contents. It is our wish and prayer that these productions continue inspiring hearts and elevating minds to the Lord.
