Youth Preaching Seminar at Discover Life SDA Church in Sonora Inspires Hope and Faith

Sonora, Calif. — From October 17–24, 2025, sixteen young preachers from the Discover Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sonora led an inspiring eight-night evangelistic series titled The ONE: Meeting Jesus in the Book of Revelation.

Each evening, these students—ranging from eighth to eleventh grade with most attending Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy (MLAJA) and Central Valley Christian Academy’s Sonora Campus (CVCA/Sonora)—shared messages of hope, love, and redemption from the final book of the Bible. Guided by Youth Pastor Tyson Kahler, along with Pastors Jim Berglund and Jonathan Derma and Principal Delmar Wolfkill, the youth spent months preparing and praying over their topics.

Their goal was simple yet profound: to help listeners encounter “The ONE who loves you, gives you hope, meets your needs, ensures victory, controls all things, dries your tears, forgives you, and will come again.”

“The ONE series was a fantastic community-building event led primarily by our youth,” said Pastor Kahler. “I am so proud of the sixteen youth speakers who committed themselves to studying, growing, and sharing their faith. The Book of Revelation can be a daunting subject, but each of our youth pressed onward with courage and grace.”

Attendance averaged nearly 200 people each night, including in-person and online viewers. Many attendees filled out connect cards requesting Bible studies, baptism, or prayer. The church family also rallied behind the young preachers, volunteering to pray, serve, and support in countless ways.

For some parents, the experience was deeply moving. One mother shared her surprise and gratitude after watching her typically reserved daughter volunteer to preach:

“What I thought was impossible became a testimony of God’s power,” she said. “I watched my daughter diligently study the Scriptures and then preach with confidence and grace.”

Pastor Jonathan Derma reflected on the spiritual impact of the event:

“Something beautiful happens when God’s people gather to be the church together,” he said. “This series reminded us that God is moving not only in the pulpit, but in every heart that shows up hungry to know Him more.”

From the youngest speakers’ bold messages to the heartfelt prayers of those in attendance, The ONE series became a powerful testament to what happens when youth step forward in faith and the church community surrounds them with mentorship and love.

Those who missed the event can still experience the messages online. The full series is available on the Discover Life SDA Church’s YouTube channel.

By Deloris Trujillo