“We’re Up Next!” Youth Day 2025 at Forest Hill Church

FOREST HILL, TEX. – This past August, Forest Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated Youth Day 2025 under the inspiring theme “We’re Up Next!” From start to finish, the service was youth-led and represented multiple churches. The youth guided the congregation in prayer, scripture reading, singing, praise dance and preaching through short but powerful sermonettes.

Five youth speakers, ages 13 to 17, delivered dynamic messages: Gabriel Saintus III (The Dallas Project), Isaac Murray (Forest Hill), Alexia Hannah (Grace Temple), Toddryck Smith-Lewis (Forest Hill) and Debra Mokua (Metro Community). Each message was rooted in the day’s scripture, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord … to give you hope and a future.” The congregation was also blessed by music from Metro’s Tumepagawa, All Nations Faith Temple’s Sounds of Selah, Forest Hill’s Youth Choir and Mansfield’s Eden’s Praise. 

The theme “We’re Up Next!” was chosen to underscore that God’s purpose for young people is not just to be the future of the church—He calls them to be leaders today. The youth were encouraged to embrace their unique gifts, seek His guidance through prayer and make a positive impact right where they are. 

The youth also performed a creative skit titled “Jesus Is Waiting,” written by Aribelle Tsatalbasidis, former Fort Worth Adventist Junior Academy teacher. It replaced the traditional children’s story and reminded us that neglecting time with Christ can keep us from the very purpose He created us for. The skit showed how easily distractions—friends, social media, sports or everyday busyness—can push Jesus aside. Yet, as the appeal song, “The Savior Is Waiting,” reminded the congregation that Christ patiently waits for our attention. 

As youth director, my charge to our young people was simple: embrace who God made you to be, seek Him daily and step boldly into your calling. Don’t wait until tomorrow to live with purpose. You are talented, you are chosen and your “up next” starts now. 

Friends, God has already placed a purpose in our youth’s lives. Allow them to live it today. Please encourage them and include them. They are capable of doing far more in our churches than you think.

By Linda Murray