SOARYN Hosts its 9th Annual Youth Summit

SOARYN Youth Summit attendees pose for a group picture at the end of the evening AY Program.

The Really Living Centre in Hamilton pulsed with faith and fire on August 8-9, 2025, as the SOARYN Youth Summit, now in its ninth year, ignited hearts under the theme “Grace Fuels the Journey.” Young people from across the region poured in, ready for a weekend of worship, connection, and transformation.

Friday night kicked off with a raw, revealing Bible study on Manasseh’s story, breakdown to breakthrough. Stories spilled out, knitting attendees closer as they shared struggles and triumphs, their voices echoing in the candlelit room. It wasn’t just a discussion; it was communion.

Akehil Johnson preaching his sermon during the divine service of the SOARYN Youth Summit.

Sabbath morning erupted in worship. A praise session centred on belief set the tone, followed by a stirring ADRA Canada presentation. Young talents from the region dazzled, showcasing art and music that conveyed a sense of faith. Akehil Johnson, past SOARYN president, delivered a sermon that hit like a thunderbolt: “Grace is greater than our sin, more abundant than we expect, and too wonderful for words, so live in grace because you are saved by grace.” The words didn’t just land... they took root.

Lunch, crafted by Associate Youth Director Pastor In Pyo Hong and his wife, was a feast of fellowship, flavours mingling as laughter filled the air. The afternoon brought two workshops: Dr. Shereen McFarlane’s mental health session armed attendees with tools for maintaining balance, while Mufaro Mberenga, a Hamilton Mountain Church youth leader, unpacked how to lead a dynamic Sabbath School with passion and purpose using the BibleLab.

The summit closed with a Saturday evening devotional, a quiet charge: “God desires a deep personal relationship with you.” Then, the energy surged again—games night. Laughter rang out over board games and group challenges, forging friendships and networks that will outlast the weekend.

For nine years, SOARYN has rallied youth across churches like Kitchener-Waterloo, St. Catharines, Hamilton East, and Guelph SDAs. This summit wasn’t just an event; it was a spark—igniting young hearts to live boldly in grace, connected and called to change the world.