At the end of 2004, Diane Neves, head deaconess at the Antelope Hills church, felt impressed to have Bible studies in her home to prepare the youth of her church for baptism. Four boys and four girls, ages 13 to 16, studied with her every Sabbath afternoon. The Bible studies resulted with three of the youth being baptized, and the whole study group bonded together as a team. "Being a part of this group has given me so many things, such as irreplaceable friendships, the joy of seeing others smile and knowing I was part of the reason behind the smile, and being able to share my love for Him," said Vianca Natividad, one of the teenagers involved in the study group.

The original motive of keeping the youth together in spiritual unity soon blossomed into something that made the Bible study group evolve into something bigger. The group began a ministry of preaching the gospel. Nobody expected that what began as baptismal classes would blossom into a full ministry of training youth for the ministry. "What glorious blessings and surprises God has for us when we are willing to follow His leading," said Lynn Watson, church member. "The baptismal class blossomed into a beautiful garden! Our head deaconess sowed, the Holy Spirit watered. Praise God!"

This former Bible study group has become the first team of youth in the history of the Antelope Hills church to pioneer the ministry outreach of preparing, writing and preaching their own sermons. The youth have not only preached their sermons for the church service, but have fulfilled two other speaking engagements, and have other invitations as well. There have also been requests for them to teach other churches how to do the same with their youth. "The youth at Antelope Hills church have received a blessing from God," said Neves. "I believe their choice to involve themselves in this way with God's work was intended for them not only to fulfill their desire to participate in our own weekly worship, but to take the gospel to wherever the Lord leads them."

Besides presenting the sermon, the youth provide the special music and children's story. Another result of the Bible studies is that the youth have formed their own band, which includes piano, classical guitar, saxophone and vocals. They have named their band The Young Prophets. "By reaching out to people and preaching God's Word, our group has been able to help others become closer to God," said Natividad. "I not only get the chance to express my faith and love for Him, but I'm also learning new things as I write these sermons."

The church hopes and prays that this story will inspire others to follow. "They have a passion for God and they are happy and joyous being Christian youth," said Mike Kontes, Antelope Hills pastor. "With a passion for Jesus and their church, God is nurturing our children to add new territory for His kingdom."