New Zealand Youth for Christ Conference Focuses on Core Adventist Belief

A diverse group of young adults from across New Zealand gathered near the capital city of Wellington from April 2-5, 2026, for the fourth New Zealand Youth Conference (NZYC). Attendees arrived by ferry, plane, and car from both the North and South Islands, with some joining from Australia and the United States.

NZYC, a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is organized by young adult lay members who share a burden to encourage their peers to love Christ, commit to His mission, and understand their unique Adventist identity and purpose.

At this year’s conference, themed “Thy Way,” more than 150 attendees gathered to worship and explore the fundamental belief of the sanctuary—its purpose, meaning, and prophetic implications for believers today. The main speakers, Sam Kitevski, Jonathan Walter, and Gem Castor, delivered presentations on the theme and shared testimonies of answered prayer.

Two attendees door knocking during outreach | [Photo: Jordan Studios CL]

Adam Weal teaching a workshop on outreach methods. | [Photo: Adventist Review]

Joshua Fawcett teaches a workshop on the sanctuary. | [Photo: Adventist Review]

Jonathan Walter preaching on the sanctuary. | [Photo: Jordan Studios CL]

Gem Castor presenting on prayer. | [Photo: Adventist Review]

The NZYC Choir | [Photo: Adventist Review]

United Prayer at NZYC | [Photo: Adventist Review]

Silverstream Retreat Center, location of the 2026 NZYC. | [Photo: Adventist Review]

In Walter’s plenary session, he explored the sanctuary from a relational angle, highlighting its goal of bringing together God and humanity through the way provided in Christ as one’s personal Savior and High Priest. The focus was on the wholistic and unique perspective of Adventist soteriology rooted in the sanctuary and its deep connections to prophecy. Emphasis was on the importance of living a “sanctuary lifestyle” built on Christ’s righteousness, as exemplified by Daniel’s faithfulness through a daily surrender to God.

Seminars covered both theme-related topics and other relevant issues for young adults, such as mental health and practical mission. Daily early-morning prayer sessions, led by Gem Castor, encouraged attendees to adopt a mindset of devotion to Christ in all things.

Putting into practice the appeals to engage in a lifestyle of evangelism, Sabbath afternoon was spent reaching out to the community with spiritual literature, prayers, door knocking, and offers for Bible studies.

NZYC was restarted in 2023 by John Garcia, a young adult lay member and recent convert to Adventism. Garcia served as president of NZYC until 2026. He passed on the baton to Rowan Hopkins at this year’s conference.

The next NZYC will take place in Auckland, New Zealand, June 24-27, 2027.