On March 22, 2020, Atlantic Union Adventist Youth Ministries (AYM) began “Operation PUSH” (Pray Until Something Happens) to pray for those affected by COVID-19 and for issues faced by Youth Ministries leaders as they sought to minister during the pandemic. Some 200 people—representing the Atlantic Union territory, various U.S. states, and other countries—participated in the prayer video conference line when it first began. Three years later, this vital ministry continues to thrive and flourish. Youth, young adults, church leaders, and the “young at heart” continue to join in the early-morning prayer sessions seven days a week, with more than 600 devices linking together each day at 6:30 a.m. to begin their morning in united prayer.
To celebrate the third anniversary, David McKenzie, AYM director, welcomed Mark Finley, assistant to the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for evangelism, who presented a special devotional message on March 22, 2023. More than 940 participants watched on the Zoom platform as Finley reminded them about the power of intercessory prayer. “Intercessory prayer is part of God’s plan to move the forces of heaven into a position where they can beat back the forces of hell,” said Finley. “There is no question in my own mind that a prayer line like this is making a dramatic difference throughout the Atlantic Union.” Other participants closing out the week included Armando Miranda, Jr., North American Division Youth Ministries associate director, and Ted A. Huskins, Atlantic Union Conference executive secretary.
On the following Sabbath, McKenzie welcomed more than 740 viewers to a special anointing service to culminate the anniversary celebration. “God has been good to us! We have never missed a single morning during these three years,” exclaimed McKenzie. Pierre E. Omeler, Atlantic Union Conference president, was the guest speaker for the morning and expressed appreciation to the AYM prayer team for their dedication and commitment to this ministry. “Indeed, we can say that God is a specialist in making the best out of the worst situation possible,” said Omeler. He presented a powerful message of hope and encouragement based on Romans 12:1 and reminded viewers to be willing, living sacrifices for the honor and glory of Jesus each day. He emphasized being “dedicated and devoted to the purpose of service for which God has called us” and serving God “with integrity and loyalty because He is renewing His goodness to us.”
After the message, McKenzie invited those who were sick among hundreds of Zoom participants to dip their fingers in oil and touch their foreheads as Omeler prayed for God’s healing. It was a fitting end to a week of praise and celebration. As McKenzie reflects on their three-year journey, he says, “[AYM] sees the need to continue to enrich the daily spiritual journey of our youth, young adults, and young-at-heart. By God’s grace, we will continue doing this impactful ministry to support and sustain them as they sojourn through this life.”
