This past Sunday was no ordinary service at The Gathering—it was White Sunday, a beloved Samoan tradition that honors youth and the future of the church. With Pastor Miriama’s Samoan heritage at the heart of the celebration, our young people took center stage, and what unfolded was nothing short of powerful.
From the moment the service opened, there was a spirit of expectation and joy in the room. Dressed in white, the youth led worship, prayer, and preaching. Barbara Gomez, one of our youth leaders, stepped up boldly to deliver a message that was part testimony, part teaching, and all Holy Spirit.
“If God Did It for Me, He Can Do It for You” — Barbara Gomez
Barbara opened with honesty and vulnerability, sharing how Isaiah 41:10 is a promise she clings to whenever fear or doubt tries to take over:
“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
She reminded us that God’s miracles are never-ending and always available to those who believe—even when we don’t feel qualified, ready, or “spiritual enough.”
Using the stories of the prodigal son, Saul becoming Paul, and Moses’ call despite his insecurities, Barbara showed how God specializes in transforming weakness into strength and shame into purpose.
She shared how her own journey—from shy spectator to youth leader and worship singer—was filled with resistance and fear, but God gently (and sometimes hilariously) pushed her into each new role.
“I told God I’d never sing on stage. Then I showed up at worship practice just to watch, and the next thing I knew—there was a mic in my hand!”
Barbara’s breakthrough moment came when someone asked her:
“Do you really believe worship isn’t for you? Or is that what the enemy wants you to believe?”
That question opened her eyes—and her heart. She chose obedience over fear, and that decision continues to shape her life and her ministry.
The Power of Testimony: “I Was Lost, But Now I’m Found”
What followed Barbara’s message was even more profound: a lineup of brave, beautiful youth testimonies, each sharing how Jesus met them in the middle of pain, abandonment, addiction, depression, or fear—and gave them hope, identity, and healing.
Lucas’ Story: From Orphaned and Broken to Beloved Son
Lucas shared how he lost both parents by the time he was nine years old. His childhood was marked by pain, confusion, and deep loneliness. But Psalm 34:18 became real in his life:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Through The Gathering and his spiritual mentors, Lucas found healing, purpose, and identity.
“I was broken, but now I’m being made whole. I was lost, but now I’m found.”
Elijah’s Story: From Violence and Depression to Victory
Elijah opened up about a violent home situation that left him homeless and hopeless.
“I cried in the bathroom, saying I wanted to kill myself.”
But God wasn’t done with Elijah. A move to his father’s house, new opportunities, and the encouragement of Scripture—especially 2 Timothy 1:7—helped him walk out of fear and into purpose.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Gloriah’s Story: Letting Go of the Wrong Crowd
Gloriah described her journey from putting friends first to realizing she had lost herself—and her connection to God—in the process. God used The Gathering, new friendships, and her own family to draw her back.
“Now, I stay close to God every day. My testimony isn’t finished yet—but I know He’s not done with me.”
A Call to Surrender
As the service drew to a close, an altar call was given—not just for salvation, but for anyone in need of prayer. Pastor Hector reminded us:
“The church is a hospital. Jesus came for the broken, not the perfect.”
He encouraged everyone to come to God just as they are, and not to wait until their lives are “cleaned up.”
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead—you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9–10)
White Sunday, Eternal Impact
This White Sunday wasn’t just a beautiful cultural celebration—it was a Holy Spirit encounter. It was youth rising up in faith. It was stories of heartbreak turned into healing. It was proof that God still changes lives, calls the unqualified, and uses testimonies as prophecy.
As one youth said:
“If He did it for me, He can do it for you.”
And we believe He will.