Global Youth Day 2025 Recap
On March 15, 2025, the young people of the Ontario Conference joined the worldwide movement of Global Youth Day (GYD) under the theme ACT: A Community Transformed. As the culmination of the Youth Week of Prayer, which took place in each of the 11 regions across Ontario, GYD25 was a day of service, outreach, and living out the gospel in tangible ways.
From urban centers to rural communities, young people stepped out of their churches and into their neighbourhoods to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In Toronto, groups distributed care packages to individuals experiencing homelessness, while in Peel Region, youth hosted a free community breakfast, offering warm meals and spiritual encouragement. Meanwhile, in Southwestern Ontario, volunteers visited senior homes, sharing music, prayer, and companionship with residents.
In Eastern Ontario, youth conducted outreach activities in both English and French, ensuring that language was no barrier to spreading love and support. They visited shelters, provided food assistance to families in need, and engaged in community beautification projects, demonstrating Christ's love in action across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
One of the highlights of GYD25 was the impact on those receiving support. A community member in Hamilton shared, “I didn’t know young people still cared this much. They didn’t just bring food; they sat with us, listened, and made us feel seen.” Testimonies like this echoed throughout the province, reinforcing the power of small acts of kindness.
Throughout the day, youth leaders shared updates on their activities in a conference-wide livestream, anchored by Samantha Delisser and Akehil Johnson. This digital connection allowed young people to witness the collective impact of their efforts and celebrate the movement happening across Ontario in real time. “Seeing young people across Ontario serve with so much energy and love was inspiring,” one teenager commented. “It showed me that when we come together, we can truly make a difference.”
Two young ladies host the final evening of their region’s Youth Week of Prayer.
As the sun set on an inspiring day of service, youth gathered in their respective regions for a time of worship and reflection. They shared testimonies of how their perspectives on service had changed, and many committed to making outreach a lifestyle rather than a one-day event. A youth leader in Durham shared, “Today taught me that service isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are called to be!" A young adult from Ottawa expressed, “I never knew how much joy could come from simply helping someone else.”
In her closing remarks, Samantha Delisser reflected on the power of unity and action, stating, “Today wasn’t just about what we did—it was about who we became. When we step out in faith to serve others, we allow God to transform not just our communities but in our own hearts as well.”
Global Youth Day 2025 in the Ontario Conference was more than just an event; it was a movement—young people rising up, stepping out, and transforming their communities through action. With faith as their fuel and service as their mission, they answered the call to ACT, proving that the most powerful message isn’t just spoken—it’s lived. And in every act of kindness, every moment of compassion, and every life touched, they did exactly what they were called to do… Be The Sermon."