During the 2006 Nevada-Utah Conference Constituency session, members voiced their concerns for the youth and young people of the conference. Leaders heard these concerns and gave top priority to assessing the needs of the youth. What they found was the need for the formation of a separate youth department within the conference.

Next was the challenge of finding a director — someone with a passion for youth, focused vision and the drive to implement goals that met the needs of the conference young people. After much prayer and searching, David Solomon Hall, Sr., was called and accepted the challenge.

Hall marvels at God's leading and His direct way of answering prayers. Hall and his family wanted God to "prove to us that he still wanted us in youth ministry," so on May 14, they prayed a specific prayer: "Lord, if it's Your will, someone will call tomorrow sending us where You want us to go." The very next day, a family friend called to inform the Halls of the opening at Nevada-Utah. On May 16, Nevada-Utah Conference President Bradford Newton called the Halls — and they answered.

Family Inspiration

At the tender age of four, Hall experienced the heart-wrenching drama of "not being wanted by anyone." Thankfully, his great-grandmother, Lillian Hall, took him in and gave him the kind of love that every 4-year-old deserves. Theirs was not a wealthy home, some may even call it poverty, but Lillian made it her life's mission to direct her great-grandson in the right path. He continues to remember her sacrifices and lives in accordance with the values she taught him.

In response to this great kindness Hall felt he would never be able to repay, he made the decision early to dedicate his life to working with young people. "I had a difficult life growing up, but God sent me kind and loving people who supported and nurtured me emotionally and financially," Hall explains. "So I have made it my life's goal to be the same kind of role model. I want to express my thankfulness to God and my mentors by showing the same support and love to other young people."

An Early Start

Hall has been employed in youth ministry for 13 years, but he began working with young people as a student at Oakwood College. While at Oakwood, he was a "de facto counselor," mentoring his peers while serving as a resident assistant and then later as a student dean. Hall graduated from Oakwood and moved to Pine Forge Academy as the assistant dean and Bible instructor.

Hall obtained his Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from the seminary at Andrews University and was called to be the chaplain and Bible teacher at Andrews Academy. He also taught a class on preaching to youth and young adults at the seminary. He has traveled across the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia training youth leaders and speaking to youth and young adults.

Team Ministry

Hall shares his ministry with his wife of 14 years, Connie, and their son David Solomon Hall, Jr. "After the Lord, Connie is my best friend, and I thank God for sending me Connie and David to share in the joys and difficulties of ministry," he says.

Connie is an educator and works with at-risk young girls. The Hall team shares a passion for young people, and their ultimate goal is to help them find the Lord. The Halls conduct many workshops together and team-up as often as their schedules will allow.

There are many plans in the works for Nevada-Utah Conference youth. "I believe the Lord wants us to help these young people grow spiritually, and then we are to empower them to do peer evangelism bringing others to Christ," Hall explains.

Hall wants to meet with all the young people of the conference and have them voice their wants and needs. After these meetings, he envisions training, seminars, camps and other events that will foster spiritual growth.