Perspective by Elder Leo Ranzolin
During my ministry as Youth Director of the General Conference, it was my privilege to visit many countries and participate in youth oriented events. On June 8, 1983 I visited the Old Peoples Home in Fridensau, Germany. I met 9 Brothers and Sisters who, as young people had participated in the First Youth Congress in Adventism, in the city of Chemnitz, Germany, from July 17-22, 1928. An 86 year old lady had the booklet! I wish I could have it, but she was holding dearly to it! What a thrilling experience as I heard their stories and how 3,000 young people attended the meeting! I have their autographs in my Bible.
Later, as a Vice President, on Nov. 12 1999, traveling with Pastor Ivan Ostrowski of the Belarus Conference, along with the local pastor in the city of Brest, Belarus, near the border of Poland, I visited sister Ahavj Timosuk, 95 years old, who lived alone in a very small house in the outskirts of the city. Her husband, who died in 1994 had in his heart a desire to make the books of the Spirit Prophecy available to our people during the days of Communism. Brother Timosuk, copied by hand Prophets and Kings, Patriarchs and Prophets, Desire of Ages. She gave me 3 books which I shared with the E.G. White Estate, South America and one copy that I treasure dearly.
This is why, Terry Dodge, our President of Adventist Youth Ministries Museum and Arnold and Dixie Plata have worked faithfully and diligently to preserve anything which will inspire the new generation to see how God has led. As I read books, articles, memorabilia of the History of our church and especially how young people have had a major role I cannot help but think how we need to have a place to display, store and preserve the artifacts, books, movies, and pictures, for the next generation! We don’t know when Jesus is going to come. We hope, very soon. However, we cannot stop! We must preserve the Heritage of this great movement and help the new generation to be inspired by the past as they work in the present.
As we meet with family during the holidays we have so much to thank the Lord for, all that He has done to this great movement, led by young people. We need your help, we need your donations to make this project a reality! Our past will inspire the present and will motivate us to spread this message as the pioneers did in the past! Their lives share their story! In the book Light Bearers, Floyd Greenleaf and Richard W. Schwarz shared this: “The youth program proved to be a boom to the church. Its spread around the world was rapid and enthusiastic…the youth activities became a means to educate children and youth in DENOMINATIONAL TRADITIONS AND TO HELP THEM IDENTIFY WITH THE CHURCH.” P.321
The AYM Museum will be a place these stories will be shared through memorabilia and displays. Join us in supporting this project through the www.aymmuseum.org web site or by sending your donation to AYM Museum, PO Box 60, Battle Creek, MI 49016.
Maranatha!
