Wed | Feb 4, 2026

Adventist youth surprise taxi drivers with car care packages

Published:Sunday | March 23, 2025 | 9:52 PM
Pause
Seventh-day Adventist youth Kechia Bailey (left) and Abigail Gabbidon stop a taxi driver on the job in Spalding, Clarendon, to give him a car care package. The kind gesture was part of Global Youth Day 2025 activities, celebrated on Saturday, March 15.
Contributed
Seventh-day Adventist youth Kechia Bailey (left) and Abigail Gabbidon stop a taxi driver on the job in Spalding, Clarendon, to give him a car care package. The kind gesture was part of Global Youth Day 2025 activities, celebrated on Saturday, March 15.
Chelesea Reid from the Seventh-day Adventist Church hands a car care package to a taxi driver in Spalding, Clarendon, as part of Global Youth Day 2025 activities.
Contributed
Chelesea Reid from the Seventh-day Adventist Church hands a car care package to a taxi driver in Spalding, Clarendon, as part of Global Youth Day 2025 activities.
1
2

More than 100 taxi drivers serving Spalding and surrounding communities in Clarendon received an unexpected gesture of kindness from the youth of the Spalding and White Shop District Seventh-day Adventist churches.

The initiative was part of the Global Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Global Youth Day (GYD) on Saturday, March 15, under the theme ACT – A Community Transformed. This annual event encourages young people to put their faith into action by serving others and being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Joining more than 740 congregations across Jamaica, the young people of Spalding and White Shop set out to honour the vital role taxi drivers play in the community’s transportation network. With smiles and words of encouragement, they distributed car care packages, religious tracts, and heartfelt appreciation.

“I’ve been driving this route for years, and I can’t remember the last time someone stopped just to say thank you,” shared one taxi driver. “This made my day, and I appreciate the kindness.”

Many other drivers echoed their gratitude, acknowledging how rare it is to be recognised for their daily service.

A LASTING IMPACT

“Global Youth Day is more than just an event – it’s a lifestyle of service,” said Pastor Harrone Guthrie, who oversees both congregations.

“Today, our young people showcased Christ’s love in a tangible way, and I am confident their impact will last beyond today.”

For the youth involved, the experience was just as meaningful.

J-Que Williams from White Shop SDA shared, “It felt amazing to give back to those who keep our community moving every day. Many were surprised by our gesture, but their smiles showed how much it meant to them.”

Abigail Gabbidon from Spalding SDA added, “Sometimes we overlook their daily sacrifices. This experience reminded me that even simple acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day.”

A NATIONWIDE MOVEMENT

Across Jamaica, thousands of Adventist youth engaged in similar initiatives, offering health services, financial advice, mentorship for children and youth in underserved communities, literature distribution, and praise and prayer sessions.

“It was an impactful day as young people stepped outside the walls of the church to meet the needs of their communities,” said Pastor Dane Fletcher, Youth Director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica.

“We will continue to make a difference because transformation is not just an event – it’s a process.”

The day’s activities concluded with an open-air session in the town square featuring music, prayer, and an uplifting message. Passersby paused to listen, as the message of hope resonated throughout the community.

Global Youth Day 2025 served as a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change.