8 August 2026 | Valencia, Spain [David Neal]
The sunshine was the same, but the temperature couldn’t have been more different. Eighteen months after meeting on the snowy slopes of Trysil, Norway, tedNEWS caught up once again with Naomi Costa and Maja Hauvre—this time in the sweltering August heat of Valencia, Spain. Joined by David Preberina from Zagreb, Croatia, they shared their reflections on the Adventist Youth Congress.
David Neal (DN)
We’re here in Valencia, Spain, at the 2026 Adventist Youth Congress (AYC), where almost 3,500 young people from across the Trans-European (TED) and the Inter-European (EUD) Divisions have come together. What makes Youth Congress special for you?
Maja Hauvre
For me, it’s so special because so many people come together around God, worshipping together, building connections to help each other, and seeing who Jesus is in many different ways.
Naomi Costa
The most special thing about this Congress is the diversity of people. It’s so beautiful to see how different people are when they are worshipping God. There is no right or wrong way to worship; it’s what comes from your heart that really counts. It’s also very special and beautiful to see how people dress, how they talk, and the way they lead Bible studies.
David Preberina
I love the diversity too, because it is the perfect example of God’s existence and presence, which I find quite funny, because everyone has his or her own way of seeing God, or of seeing others, and that’s where diversity came from originally. AYC gives me a new perspective on life, through meeting with the Lord and being together with others.
DN
What’s the one experience from this Congress you’ll remember most?
Maja
I think, for me, it is the conversations I had and the relationships I made with people from so many different places, and who have their own unique faith journey with Jesus. It inspires me to see how God is working in their life and why this community and the Church of Jesus is so important. Every person at this congress is needed in this church, each with our unique personality and gifts, so that we can work together to build His Kingdom.
David
I’m sure this will sound strange, but for me, the most outstanding experience is waiting in line for the meals. And why is that? Because that’s where you meet so many new people, all waiting to get to the finish line like you. And spiritually it reminds me of the same. We are not just waiting for a meal, but on life’s journey together, connecting, helping and supporting each other.
Naomi
The most outstanding thing for me right now is to see people give their lives to Jesus. It was so beautiful to see. It isn’t only youth here giving their lives to Jesus; it’s older people too. I love to see how God is moving through every generation.
DN
When you see someone else give his or her life to Jesus, how does it make you feel?
Naomi
It touches my heart every time; I cry every time!
DN
Why?
Naomi
It’s because it’s, like, I’m just looking at them, and I’m like, Oh God, these are your children, and they’re coming home to you, and it’s just so beautiful to see someone choose God. I don’t know how to explain it. I just get filled with joy.
Maja
I think it’s very hard to put into words, and I start crying too, because to me, it’s such a powerful and big thing to do, and the best thing ever. It’s so heart-warming to see people meeting Jesus and saying yes to him, and walking towards Him. And choosing Him again, and again, and again. That’s called being committed to Him.
DN
What advice would you give to AYC young adults on their new spiritual journey?
David
You don’t need to have everything figured out, because this is just the beginning. But the stand you’ve taken may well be the most important decision of your life so far. It means that everything which follows is now set in the context of God, surrounded by people who are walking the same journey with you. So, togetherness, simply being present in God’s presence, is what matters most.
DN
Can you share a little with me about your local church life? What do you appreciate most about it? What are some of the struggles, and what would you wish was better?
David
What I appreciate most about my church life is Sabbath, and it arrives just when I need it most. For example, I work all week, and if I didn’t have that pause, that something that pushes us forward, everything would just be the same. And so Sabbath, attending church, meeting together, maybe new people, or being in the community, is the main thing that pushes us forward. Sabbath fellowship gives me that critical spiritual injection. Sabbath fellowship gives that spiritual injection.
Maja & Naomi
Absolutely!
Maja
For me, the church is like home; it’s a second family. But I’d love to see a stronger culture of healthy discipleship and mentoring, where one generation intentionally passes on its wisdom and experience to the next. That way, younger leaders don’t have to start from scratch, but can build on those who have gone before them. We also need healthy leaders who spend time at Jesus’ feet, are spiritually renewed, and then pass that renewed faith and leadership on to the next generation.
DN
I’m going to suggest something perhaps rather strange here. My generation didn’t talk about the Spirit as this generation seems to. Why didn’t we? And what can we learn from you?
Naomi
You don’t have to be afraid of the Spirit. The Spirit of God is peaceful, loving and embraces you. So, seek the Spirit more, and see how He works in you. See what He does in you, and pray about it. The Holy Spirit is a good Spirit!
David
Sometimes we focus on things that are not important. And we watch and talk about people who do not live up to our standards. It could be about the clothes they wear, or perhaps the cigarettes they smoke. This is not the way to accept someone. Because even though someone’s smoking, maybe even in front of a church building, it is a great thing to invite them inside, give them a hug, and be with them. That’s a Spirit-led action: first be friends, and then share the word of God.
DN
As a result of this Congress, how has your relationship with Jesus been strengthened?
David
I think the real answer to this question is just about listening to the stories of others. Every single person has his or her own story and their own God-made path. And yet maybe we don’t get it. But what we can do is try to understand someone, try to listen to someone first, and then if we can help, we should do so. I want to stress again the importance of listening to someone when they talk with us. It is essential for our relationships with others. That’s also important for building ourselves up, as well as others around us.
DN
Since we were last here in Valencia in 2017, far too many of the young people who were here then have said, ‘Forget church.’ What could we do differently to help your generation stay rooted in faith and feel that they belong?
Maja
I think it’s so important that we create a culture where we talk about the importance of asking questions, and that doubt isn’t something that’s meant to ruin you or your faith. I believe it can actually strengthen your faith, because you get to build on something real. So, we should not be afraid of questions. We should be able to ask genuine, searching questions openly and honestly, without having to act up and only ask the right questions. Church is home for all of us. And that’s where the Spirit will transform us. So let’s create a culture that’s welcoming, where we can share our thoughts and be our real selves with Jesus.
DN
Will you still be in church life in 10 years’ time?
David/Maja/Naomi
Hopefully!
Maja
And yes, we also need to be better at protecting the enthusiastic people, the people who are actually putting in the work. We see so much burnout and have at times experienced it ourselves. We’re incredibly grateful that, by God’s grace, we’re still here, still serving, and still passionate about the mission. That’s why we want to help build a healthier culture where people can serve with joy and for the long term.
DN
And you didn’t leave because?
Naomi
Because we cared too much for the church and for the people. But, yes, I also want to build a system that embraces and supports volunteers, who can be mentored and then mentor new volunteers. And build a system so that people don’t burn out, because it’s so sad to see pastors, leaders, and volunteers burn out.
David
What we have to remember is that all of us are the church. That’s the first thing we need to understand. Sometimes we see people leaving the church as entirely negative, and of course it’s painful. But it isn’t always that simple. Someone who has burned out may simply need time to heal. What matters most is that they remain in relationship with God. Think about the people you love; you share every emotion with them. When you’re angry, you’re honest. When you’re sad, you’re honest. When you’re happy, you celebrate together. Our relationship with God should be the same. If we’re angry, let’s tell Him. If we’re happy, let’s thank Him. It’s that kind of honest relationship with God that we need to build, and I believe it’s that relationship which, in time, can help people find their way back.
DN
Is there anything else you feel you want to say on a matter I haven’t raised?
Maja/Naomi/David
In sermons, can we have more authenticity and honesty? Yes, we want to see more of that.
DN
Noted!
Thank you, David, Maja and Naomi, for talking with tedNEWS.
Featured image: David Neal (enhanced)
Photos: Vanesa Pizzuto (enhanced and Simão de Abreu)
