Young Delegate Sees Future for Young People

At 23 years of age, Wanda Copaceanu was one of the youngest delegates to the 13th South Pacific Division (SPD) Session, held in Melbourne from August 30 to September 3.

"It certainly is an honour and a privilege to be selected as a delegate," says the final year Psychology student from the University of Western Sydney. "It came as a surprise to learn that I was a delegate, but I think it is great to be chosen to represent my local church and the union."

Ms Copaceanu, who attends the Auburn Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sydney, believes that more young people need to be involved in the business of the church in the South Pacific.

"If more young people are able to have a say in what happens in the church, they will feel that their opinions are valued and appreciated," she says. "With that, we may actually increase the retention rate of the youth."

Being involved starts with participating in the business of the local church, Ms Copaceanu believes. "Young people need to start showing that they want to be part of the church and not just talk about things they are unhappy with," she says. "It all begins from attending business meetings of their local church."
Attending the SPD Session has helped Ms Copaceanu gain confidence in her work in her church.

"It is informative to find out how other churches throughout the South Pacific work," she says. "It is also encouraging to know that other churches face challenges like us, and are able to overcome them."
One of the highlights for Ms Copaceanu during the session has been the opportunity to attend the devotional by Pastor Jan Paulsen, worldwide president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. "After all, most church members don’t get to see the president in person," she says.