Youth-led Evangelism Series Leads to Baptisms

SILOAM SPRINGS, ARK. – Preaching at the “We Are One” weekend in Gentry, Ark., former Arkansas-Louisiana Media Director Ben Orian felt God calling him to make an appeal. Students in fifth through eighth grades from across the conference—along with academy students, parents and community members—were in attendance. Although Orian was initially hesitant to make an appeal, the quiet, firm prompting of the Holy Spirit was undeniable. He invited attendees to come forward if they were willing to be used by the Holy Spirit to make a difference for God. Several students and adults responded.

Among them was Graham Cox. This eighth grader from Ozark Adventist School had been considering becoming an evangelist. He approached Orian to ask what that might look like. Another young person who responded was Orian’s own daughter, Siena Orian, a seventh grader who also wanted to make a difference for Jesus. Together, the three decided to pursue co-preaching a series of evangelistic meetings.

After discussing the idea with then-Arkansas-Louisiana Conference President Rick Dye and Evangelism Coordinator Leonardo Melendez, the plan received approval and a budget. The Compass Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church in Siloam Springs agreed to host the series. With Orian coaching, Graham and Siena began preparing their sermons.

On opening night, in front of an audience of about 65, Graham and Siena co-preached their first sermon about finding identity in Jesus. The series lasted five nights, with an average nightly attendance of 60. By the end of the meetings, four individuals made first-time decisions for Jesus and were baptized. Two of the decisions were young people inspired by hearing their peers share their faith.

Although speaking in front of an audience was both exciting and terrifying for Graham and Siena, the most thrilling part for them was being in the baptistry alongside the pastor during the baptisms. The experience left them eager to preach again.

Never underestimate what God can accomplish through someone—regardless of their age—who is willing to say yes.

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