The Lesotho Conference (LC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is preparing to host its first-ever youth congress from 23–26 July 2026, more than two decades after the territory was officially organised as a conference in 1999.

Scheduled under the theme "Such a Time as This!", the congress comes at what youth leaders describe as a critical moment for young Adventists facing social, economic, educational, and spiritual pressures.

Pastor Bulelani Bomela, Adventist Youth Ministries Director at the Southern Africa Union Conference (SAU), said the gathering was long overdue. He described youth congresses as spaces where young people are challenged spiritually, physically, and mentally.

"I expect Lesotho youth to be grounded in biblical truth, prepared to engage in mission, and able to face life's challenges as they journey through life," Bomela said. "Congresses must fulfil the SAU objective of 'Communion with God,' where young people encounter God. A relationship with Jesus is a key factor in a successful Christian journey."

Bomela said the initiative aligns with SAU's strategic approach and would also offer an opportunity to share the love of God with surrounding communities.

Lesotho Conference Senior Youth Director Pastor Nako Mekeleli said the programme responds to the need for spiritual revival, leadership development, and mission engagement across the conference. He explained that the theme draws on Esther 4:14 and speaks directly to the pressures facing young people today.

"We are at risk of death through addiction, leadership crises, spiritual lukewarmness, isolation, and vulnerability," Mekeleli said. "The theme emphasises the belief that this generation of youth has been placed in this moment of history for a divine purpose. The congress will challenge our young people to recognise that their faith, leadership, and service are needed now more than ever in both the church and society."

The congress will feature two local speakers, Pastor Ntholeng Molefi and Pastor Lehlohonolo Linakane, alongside international speaker Pastor Tefo Manyane, Senior Youth Ministries Director of the Trans-Orange Conference (TOC) in South Africa. Mekeleli said the speakers were selected for their pastoral experience and connection with young people, noting that both local speakers serve as functional chaplains and one is a former LC Youth Director.

Youth members from the conference's three districts — Central, North, and South — are sharing expectations ahead of the event.

Refiloe Mojaki hopes the congress will go beyond spiritual themes to address practical challenges facing young people.

"I hope this congress goes beyond motivation and actually equips youth with practical skills, exposure, and knowledge they can use in real life," she said. "Young people need conversations around entrepreneurship, career readiness, leadership, networking, and skills development."

Pearl Nkhethoa said many young people struggle with career direction and a sense of purpose, and called for a more personal connection with God as the foundation for overcoming these challenges.

"We should be introduced to God on a very personal level so that we learn to trust Him with our careers," she said. "That is what is helping me."

The Lesotho Conference forms part of the Southern Africa Union Conference, under the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.