Washington Ghanaian Youth Share Hugs, Love and Gifts

The youth at Potomac Conference’s Washington Ghanaian church in Burtonsville, Md., were pleasantly surprised when they hugged a stranger and, in return, he gave them an offering. When they explained that the hugs were free, the stranger insisted he gave the offering because he was very touched by their gesture.

Story by Margaret Attey

The youth came up with the idea to give away hugs during their time at the Global Youth Week of Prayer this spring at Spencerville Adventist Academy in Spencerville, Md. They were just one of 14 groups of more than 200 youth who attended. Earlier during the morning, youth preacher Reginald Osardu challenged the youth to “Be the Sermon.” He told them that living in a way that honors God is worth more than any words they could speak. He encouraged them to let the Holy Spirit lead them to be fruitful in preparing people for Jesus’ return.

Youth from the three metropolitan Ghanaian churches of Maryland—Washington Ghanaian, Woodbridge Ghanaian in Woodbrige, Va.; and First NOVA Ghanaian in Alexandria, Va.—attended the Global Youth Week of Prayer. They then spread out in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., to share their love through hugs and singing, and by distributing hygiene kits, food and pillows. Their visits included nursing homes, homeless shelters, and healthcare and hospice facilities