The Adventist Church in Sabah successfully conducted a vibrant and spiritually enriching four-day Youth Alive SADFree program from 31 March to 3 April 2025, at Sabah Adventist Secondary School (SASS) also known as Sekolah Menengah Advent Tamparuli (SMAT). Exclusively designed for SASS students aged 13 to 17, the program carried the empowering theme: “Be Strong. Be Free. Be You.”
A unique blend of the global Youth Alive program and the SADFree Movement, the event aimed to equip young people with the tools to make positive, Christ-centred life choices. Through workshops, fellowship, and fun-filled activities, the program fostered personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual strength.
Preparing the Ground: Facilitators’ Training
Before the event kicked off, a facilitators’ training session was held from 30 to 31 March at the Sabah Mission Hall. This preparatory training helped equip facilitators with counseling skills, empathy, and a strong understanding of the activities ahead. Among the trainees was Pr. Elver Doasa, who chose to serve as a facilitator. Reflecting on the experience, he said the training showed him how the Gospel can be shared through simple games and intentional conversations. “It helps us realize that every young person’s life is precious,” he shared.
Day 1: Opening Hearts and Minds
The programme launched with great energy on Monday, March 31, with Pr. Alexander Maxon, the SADFree Movement Coordinator for Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM), introduced the Youth Alive Chant and Pledge.
The Alamesra Youth Care Centre (AYCC) praise team led in worship, highlighting the theme song “He’ll See You Through,” a powerful anthem of encouragement written by Pr. Elwin Motibih, inspired by Joshua 1:9.
Dr. Jane Botabara Yap, MAUM Health Ministries Director, then introduced the overall program and unveiled the Friendship Groups (FGs), through which participants would journey together over the coming days.
Day 2: Choosing Strength Tuesday focused on the theme “Be Strong.” Plenary speaker Pr. Rayner Dino Baninus encouraged students to find courage in Christ, using the life of Joshua as a biblical anchor.
Throughout the day, participants attended engaging workshops, each led by experienced and passionate speakers:
1. “Are You SAD? Then Be Free!” – Dr. Jane Botabara Yap
2. “Career Opportunities” – Mr. Allan Yap
3. “How to Media-Proof Your Life” – Ms. Anchu Ann Tan
4. “Navigating Relationships & Courtship” – Pr. Kozani Malim
5. “Proper Grooming & Communication” – Dr. Stanley Tulis Missun
FG activities further strengthened bonds and encouraged personal reflection.
Day 3: Experiencing Freedom
On Wednesday, Pr. Rayner’s plenary on “Be Free” focused on the transformative story of Mary Magdalene—highlighting the freedom Christ brings, regardless of one’s past.
A highlight of the day was the immersive “Heaven or Hell” activity. Participants, blindfolded and led through an obstacle course, had to discern between voices representing good and evil—an impactful metaphor for the importance of making wise, spiritually guided choices.
The day concluded with Presentation Night, where participants performed moving skits based on the program’s theme. Facilitator Jexther Jamesron noted how the students’ dramatizations conveyed a heartfelt call for surrender and trust in God.
Day 4: Unity in Christ
The final day, Thursday, opened with fun-filled unity games led by Pr. Juji Lamam, Sabah Mission Youth Director. These games tested the FGs’ teamwork and camaraderie built over the past few days.
The closing ceremony was both energetic and emotional. Participants recited the Youth Alive Chant with pride but were soon moved by a skit performed by facilitators. It portrayed a young girl, burdened by the weight of life’s struggles, seeking solace in unhealthy habits—until she finds her way back into Jesus’ loving embrace.
Daphne Sheryl, who played the lead role, shared how the skit mirrored her personal experiences, saying, “No matter how far we fall, God is waiting for us.”
As a testament to the program’s spiritual impact, 12 of the 101 participants responded to the closing appeal, making decisions for baptism, Bible study, counselling, or committing to serve God as medical missionaries.
Behind the Scenes
While the program seemed smooth on the surface, the planning process came with its own set of challenges. Madam Doreen Lim, Health Director of the Adventist Church in Sabah, also one of the key coordinators, credited the success entirely to God. “There was no secret—just prayer,” she said. God answered her earnest prayers by providing supportive leadership from MAUM, a committed committee, and an assistant who lightened her load tremendously.
Putri Kasih Anatasya Kalit of FG2 shared how the program changed her in various ways. “I got to explore my creativity when preparing the script for our group’s presentation. This helped me to build up my self-confidence. Finally, the YA program helped me grow closer to Jesus, who knows us better than humans. Only He knows the difficulties we faced. All we need to do is to allow Him handle His part, which is to take care of us.”
A Spirit-Led Success
The Youth Alive SADFree program lived up to its theme “Be Strong. Be Free. Be You,” offering participants not just information but transformation. Through group activities, relatable sessions, and sincere mentorship, many youths left the program encouraged, uplifted, and ready to make godly choices in their lives.
We thank God for His leading and the passionate individuals who made this event possible. May this be the first of many more powerful movements among the youth in Sabah!
Reported by Julie Laung, Health Department, Sabah Mission
9, April 2025, Wednesday.