Many young adults are falling away from their faith and never getting the chance to experience a personal relationship with Christ.

That’s the word from Craig and Samone Outerbridge, the leaders of New Life Series, an evangelistic programme organised by Pembroke, Devonshire and Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist churches that starts today.

It is a chance for young adults to find inspiration and support as they navigate through life’s challenging circumstances, said Mr Outerbridge.

“We decided to host this event considering the current climate of our society. Young adults are, in some cases out of work, and there is a lot of violence going on concerning this demographic, so we wanted to re-engage them in a positive way.

“We went out and knocked on doors in the community and asked people what they really needed and wanted and from that started offering Bible studies.

“Through this series we are trying to give back to our community by giving them hope and encouragement, which is something a lot of young adults have lost here in Bermuda. They feel ostracised with what is going on and don’t feel a part of anything. They are also misleading each other into the wrong things and we are hoping through this they can come out with a new understanding and firm grasp on their faith.”

He said he’s seen many young people turn away from God in recent years.

“They are tired of their grandparents’ church. What they are really looking for is a relationship with God and we are hoping to re-establish that and reacquaint them with Bible studies and really meet the needs of our community. We want to get back to the grass roots of why the church was created in the first place — to help build the community and address the needs of our brothers and sisters.”

At one point, the 42-year-old was a “wayward young adult” who had lost his way. He was drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and at risk of losing his house, car and job because of his behaviour.

“I just needed something in my life to help and guide me and, in that low point, I was encouraged to go to church,” he said. “At first I wasn’t really into it, but eventually I realised how God was ministering to me in my life and I opened up and gave myself to Christ about four years ago.

“After that different things started happening for me. A lot of things got better and even things that didn’t get better, I became better equipped to handle [them when they] came my way.

“I was able to re-establish my credit with my mortgage company and turn around my bank payments with my car loan. And then one year I got about three or four raises at my job working for Bermuda Installation because my attitude had changed. I was following Christ and wanted to be like Him. The more I sought Him and the good things He represented, and turned away from alcohol and drugs, then the more positive things started happening in my life.”

His wife has always been active in her faith. She grew up in the church and attended Christian schools — Bermuda Institute and Oakwood University.

“I always knew God was real and my faith has always been a big part of my life,” she said. “I have always had a relationship with God and from young knew that He loved me.

“At various points in my life I’ve suffered with self-confidence and self-esteem issues, but even then God has helped me to realise my identity was in Him and that I don’t need anyone else to validate who I am.”

The 29-year-old is hoping other young adults will walk away from the New Life Series with the realisation that if they rely on God, their life will change for the better.

“One of the topics for the series is called The Fight of Your Life and as young adults we are in this fight every day and deal with lots of pressures like trying to be successful and have money and look like we have it all together,” she said.

“We often mask the insecurities and flaws we have, but this life is literally a fight and we have to have the basic tools and traits found in the Bible to fight this war. We can’t do it aimlessly. We have to know what we are living for and what we believe and live righteously — which can be a fight in and of itself.”

The programme opens tonight from 7pm until 8.15pm at Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church. It will continue every night until October 29. Guest speaker is US preacher John Coaxum with worship music by such local artists as Last Call and Rickeesha Binns.