Young People Gather for “Connected to Jesus” Youth Retreat

Approximately 600 young people from across the Northeastern Zone of the Carolina Conference gathered September 4-6 in Warrenton, N.C., for the fourth annual “Connected to Jesus” youth retreat.

Organized by the Federation of Adventist Youth Society (FESJA) of the Northeastern Hispanic Zone, the weekend brought together young people from 17 churches in the Durham, Raleigh, St. Pauls, Fayetteville, Greenville, and New Bern districts. Participants from High Point and South Charlotte in the Northern Zone also attended, along with a youth group from Boiling Springs Church that traveled four hours to participate.

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The retreat focused on worship, Bible study, fellowship, recreation, and spiritual growth. Its theme, “Connected to Jesus,” emphasized maintaining a personal relationship with Christ through prayer, Bible study, and service.

Ramón Adolfo Ruiz Salazar and Saritza Arlene Dyck Gómez of Montemorelos, Mexico, presented spiritual messages throughout the weekend, encouraging young people to examine their relationship with God and remain firm in their faith. Dominican singer Wander Bello also contributed through music, worship, and personal testimony.

Bible study played a central role in the retreat. Under the direction of Patria Soriano, FESJA vice president, participants competed in Bible knowledge challenges. Raeford Church placed first in the study of Mark for participants ages 15-18, followed by Fuquay-Varina Church. Among participants ages 19-36, Mt. Olivet Church placed first in the study of Proverbs, followed by St. Pauls Church. High Point Church won the Bible verse search competition.

Church groups also participated in a campsite entrance competition designed to combine creativity, teamwork, and spiritual messages. Albertson Church earned first place.

Saturday evening included games and fellowship, while the retreat concluded Sunday with soccer and volleyball competitions.

The gathering marked the fourth year FESJA has organized the retreat for young people in the region. Youth leaders, elders, pastors, counselors, and volunteers from participating churches helped coordinate the weekend.

Hector Gonzalez, Youth Ministries director, and John Newlove, Young Adult Ministries director for the Carolina Conference, also supported the event and its emphasis on strengthening ministry to young people and young adults.

FESJA leaders included Eliazar Hernandez, president; Patria Soriano, vice president; Jovani Morales, chaplain; Natalie Gonzalez, clerk; Nancy Roblero, treasurer; Erenia Rivera, social media and communication director; Julio De La Cruz, sports coordinator; Abraham Castellanos, games coordinator; Christian Gonzalez, devotional coordinator; and Mervin Sanchez, youth evangelism coordinator.

More than a weekend gathering, “Connected to Jesus” offered young people an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God, build friendships, and grow together in faith. Organizers said the retreat’s continuing goal is to develop a generation committed to Christ, united in faith, and actively engaged in His mission.

The next youth retreat is scheduled for September 3-5, 2027.

—by Erenia Rivera, Federation Social Media Director, & John Newlove, Carolina Conference Young Adult Director