On December 12th 2009, Dr. Ella Simmons, Vice President of the General Conference World Church, was the guest speaker at our Youth Day Celebration at Brooklyn Faith. She is the first African American and also the first Woman to be elected to this influential position. In spite of being the chairperson for Adventist World Church International Board of Education, Adventist Ministry to College and University Students Committee (AMICUS), Griggs University and Griggs International Academy Board of Trustees, Institute for the Prevention of Addictions Board and being a member of the General Conference Executive Committee, Board of Trustees at Oakwood College, Board of Trustees at Loma Linda Adventist Health Sciences Center and many others, Dr. Simmons still found time to be with us. Her visit was a welcomed one for Pastor Michael and his congregation.

Having a representative from the General Conference speak for Youth Days is now becoming a regular occasion for Brooklyn Faith. In the past we have had Mike Ryan (GC Vice President), Baraka Muganda (GC World Youth Director) and Daisy Orion (GC Assistant Treasurer). However, having Dr. Simmons made this Youth Day a little bit more special than the others. Because of the history behind her appointment to the General Conference, many young people from around the Brooklyn/Staten Island area came to be a part of this experience.

Those who came were truly blessed. Dr. Simmons spoke on the Brooklyn Faith AYS theme for 2009 “Run For Your Life!” (Gen. 19:17) She spoke about how the current world atmosphere points to the imminent return of our Lord and how we aught to make sure that we are ready to go with Him. She encouraged the young people to strive for excellence and to make sure that Jesus is the center of what they do. She told then not to allow the enticements of this world to distract them from what God has called them to do. “You are light of the world, the salt of the earth…” she reminded them in making the point that our existence here on earth is to make a difference.

Despite the fact that she had just arrived from California the day before with her husband Nord, Dr. Simmons was full of energy. So much so that while giving an illustration in her sermon, she ran up and down the aisle of the church! She was in inspiration.  

After Divine Hour, she had lunch with the young people followed by a “Let’s Talk” Session in the afternoon. This gave our young people and those visiting had the opportunity to ask her questions on any issue relating to the church.

When asked about what she thought about the speaker, Tonianne Williams, who serves as an Assistant AYS Leader said, “Dr. Simmons was very good. She was very lively and what she had to say was relevant for the occasion. Very good I would say.”