From October 22–25, 2025, the Chile Adventist University (UNACH) in Chillán hosted the 7th International “I Will Go” Youth Congress, convening a truly global gathering. Over 4,200 Adventist youth (mainly university students and young adults) from 26 countries filled the campus for worship, training, and fellowship[1]. The event’s theme was “Light Up” – calling participants to leave their comfort zones and embrace cross-cultural mission service[2]. Attendees joined inspiring plenary worship and testimonies (including amazing music and personal mission stories), along with practical workshops and group prayer times. Many said the weekend was deeply uplifting and motivating, noting especially the heartfelt testimonies of volunteers serving in remote regions. As one young Brazilian participant observed, the event “opens our minds and shows that there are no borders for serving as missionaries”[2].
Key highlights:
- Global scope: More than 4,200 youth gathered at UNACH, drawn from 26 countries across the Americas (e.g. Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and others)[3][1]. Roughly 2,000 came from Chile and 2,000 from other South American nations (nine countries in the South American Division alone[3]). This made it one of the largest Adventist volunteer conventions to date in the region.
- Theme & vision: Under the banner “Light Up!”, leaders urged young people to “light up” the world with service. Panelists and breakout sessions focused on missionary life beyond comfort zones. Elder Stanley Arco (South American Division president) reminded participants of the pioneering spirit of past missionaries, while Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS) leaders emphasized sending volunteers to places where Christianity is a minority[4].
- Program & training: The four-day agenda mixed worship with training. In addition to several plenary speakers, there were 18 training workshops and roughly 30 “mission fair” booths showcasing volunteer opportunities[5]. Exhibitors included ADRA mission projects, international volunteer agencies, and mission schools. South American AVS director Dieter Bruns explained that the goal was to “multiply the concept of mission beyond borders,” equipping young adults for service worldwide[5].
- Impact: The congress concluded with hundreds of youth committing to serve. Organizers noted that since 1996, around 40,000 Adventist youth have participated in the Adventist Volunteer Service system, serving in different parts of the world for periods of one to two years. [6]. The South American Division reports that many attendees are already preparing for 1–2 year volunteer projects after graduation. Plans are now underway for the next I Will Go congress, scheduled to take place at FAAMA (Faculdade Adventista da Amazonia) in Brazil in 2028.
Middle East University Participation
Middle East University was well represented by sending three delegates: Sara Cacchi, a volunteer from Brazil serving as Assistant Coordinator of the Advanced School of Volunteer Service (ASVS); Darious Laflouf, a Lebanese biology student at MEU, and Diói Cruz, MEU’s ASVS Coordinator and Dean of Theology. Together, they hosted an informational booth (see booth highlights) showcasing MEU’s academic programs and the opportunities offered through the Advanced School of Volunteer Service, highlighting how education and mission work unite in preparing young people for service around the world.
Over the four days, the MEU team reported distributing more than 4000 brochures and many branded giveaways (pens, keychains, pins) – plus T-shirts given away in daily raffle draws. At least 500 young people stopped by the MEU booth, eager to learn about study and mission opportunities in the Middle East. Roughly 12 students signed up on the spot for ASVS, and dozens more indicated interest in applying through their local churches and universities. These figures reflect the strong interest among young people in cross-cultural service.
MEU has long been a leader in cross-cultural training. Through its Language Institute, the university offers English immersion and intercultural preparation that “light up” new mission opportunities and equip volunteers to serve effectively across the 10/40 Window. The MEU team left Chillán, encouraged by the interest they saw. In the words of the ASVS coordinator, “the testimonies and mission stories we heard were truly moving and confirm that our young people are eager to serve.” The congress was overall a highly spiritual and inspiring experience – and MEU looks forward to following up with these energized students in the months ahead.
Sources:
[1] Convención de voluntarios prepara a más de 4,000 para misión intercultural – Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día – División Interamericana
[2] [4] [5] [6] Congreso de voluntariado prepara a más de 4 mil jóvenes para la misión transcultural – Noticias – Adventistas
[3] [7] 350 Jóvenes del sur de Chile se unen en “I Will Go Chile 2025” – Noticias – Adventistas
[8] Mission Fair Connects Volunteers with Local Opportunities – Adventist Review – Adventist Review
