In the heart of the Maluti District, a young pastor is making waves by connecting with the next generation of believers. Pastor Carl Adams, a native of Gqeberha and shepherd at the Maluti District of the Cape Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, has dedicated his ministry to inspiring young people to embrace their faith journey.
Adams, who completed his theological studies at the prestigious Helderberg College in Cape Town, discovered his calling during his teenage years in Gqeberha. “Even as a young man, I knew that working for the Lord was my purpose,” he reflected, his eyes bright with the same passion that first drew him to the ministry.
What distinguishes Pastor Adams’ approach is his genuine connection with youth and his ability to make spiritual concepts relevant to their everyday lives. Recently, his efforts culminated in a moving baptism ceremony for 14 young members of his congregation.
“There is an unexplainable joy to know that the hope of Salvation will make these children good citizens of this world and the world to come,” Adams shared after the ceremony, visibly moved by the commitment of his young congregants.
The pastor emphasised the importance of Christian values in character development. “High moral Christian values based on putting Christ first in their lives. To be servants of God and friends to men,” he explained, outlining his vision for the youth under his guidance.
Among those who chose baptism was Bandezi Mathembanke, who said, “I want deliverance and I’m at a stage in life that has made me realise God’s grace, power, and love. I want to embrace his divine presence in my life,” Mathembanke stated, adding that their family fully supported this spiritual milestone.
Another baptismal candidate, Bunesongo Zaze-zamnandi Ludziya, described the decision as fulfilling a long-held dream.
“One would call it a vision, I think it must have been a dream that was supposed to become true years ago. I always dreamt of being baptised, so the second the proposal of getting baptised came to life, it wasn’t a doubt. It didn’t even take a split second to think about it, I jumped to it,” Ludziya shared enthusiastically.
Ludziya also credited Pastor Adams’s influence in this life-changing decision, “Pastor Adams made me realise the need to give my life to Jesus. He encouraged, supported and gave us his time – to me, that is everything, everything I needed. He was a blessing in disguise.”
For Adams, these testimonies represent the fulfilment of his ministry’s purpose. “My biggest hope is for them to hold tightly the Christian teachings given to them, and through all life challenges, conquer, and their names be written in the Book of Life,” he said.
Elder and Executive Director at Advent Comprehensive High School, Mandisi Mbobo, extended a heartfelt appeal to the broader community surrounding these young believers.
“I beseech their families, teachers, friends, relatives, and colleagues to provide a fertile environment for them by praying for them, supporting them spiritually, and correcting them when they are wrong,” he emphasised, underlining the crucial role of community in nurturing faith.
Mbobo also expressed support for Pastor Adams’s youth-focused ministry, noting the positive impact it has had on students at the school.
Reflecting on the baptism ceremony, Adams shared the profound impact it had on him personally: “I feel a deep sense of gratitude and holy reverence. To witness young people willingly surrender their lives to God stirred something sacred within me. It wasn’t just joy – it was a sense of awe at the power of the Holy Spirit moving among them. I felt hope for this generation, knowing that the same God who called us is still calling hearts today. There was also a quiet humility, realising that heaven rejoices over every soul that turns to the Lord. In that moment, I was reminded again why we do what we do – it’s about the Mission,” he concluded.
