Members of a united choir formed by the Bermuda Conference of Seventh-day Adventists were invited to lift their voices during the Sabbath Service of the United Youth Congress event.

This conference, held last month in Orlando, Florida, also featured the Fearless Concert, sponsored by the Black Adventist Youth Directors Association, whose line-up included gospel artists Kim Burrell, Jonathan McReynolds, and others. The choir ministered in song to over 5,000 attendees on the international stage.

Dana Lightbourne, the leader of the group, said about the origins of the group: “Almost two years ago, the Bermuda Conference of Seventh-day Adventists brought together young adults from across the island to form a united choir.

“The vision was to create an island-wide ministry that gave people a platform to use their musical gifts for God while also building fellowship and community.”

Not fully grasping the gravity of the experience to come, the choir faithfully prepared their two songs.

Describing how they prepared for the Bayda event and the experience of stepping on that international stage, Mrs Lightbourne said: “For six weeks leading up to the event, we dedicated ourselves to rehearsals every Sunday evening. Each rehearsal was not just about learning notes; it was about preparing our hearts, and seeking God’s blessing over the ministry He was calling us to do.”

“It was surreal,” Mrs Lightbourne added. “The Orange County Convention Centre is massive, and walking onto that stage was overwhelming for some of us.  Once we started to sing, however, God gave us peace and the boldness we needed to minister with confidence.”

Bayda’s event was created to engage and inspire young people, with a group of Bermuda Institute students also in attendance.

Mrs Lightbourne added: “Bayda was actually catered to youth and young adults, and the atmosphere reflected that.  While none of us singing at the event were technically young adults, we were deeply involved in other ways, such as serving as chaperones and volunteering.  Our experience was a bit different from the youth and young adult participants, but just as meaningful.

“What stood out the most was the camaraderie among us as singers. We’re not just choir members, we’re also friends. Spending that time together, both on and off stage, deepened our bonds. There were lots of laughs.”

Discussing what role music plays in sharing the Adventist message with others and what it meant to Mrs Lightbourne personally, and as a group, to carry Bermuda’s voice to an international Adventist platform, she said: “At first, we didn’t even realise the weight of it. Even being asked to do this interview was quite unexpected.

“After we sang, though, we were approached by some individuals who had never even heard of Bermuda. That’s when we realised that we were representing not just ourselves and our families, but also the island.  Additionally, we sang a song written by a Bermudian, Stephen Manders.  It meant so much to be able to represent Bermuda while lifting the name of Jesus.”

She added: “Music is one of the most powerful tools for ministry. People often say a song can be a sermon, and we’ve experienced that first hand. Music can soften hearts, open doors, and deliver truth in a way that lingers long after the music stops.”

Reflecting on the power of music, Mrs Lightbourne shares what the choir hopes audiences in Bermuda and beyond will take from their ministry, and how faith continues to shape both their music and their message.

“Our faith undergirds everything we do. We don’t sing just to sound good or entertain; we sing to glorify God and to point people to Him,” said Mrs Lightbourne.

“Our greatest hope is that people walk away knowing that there is power in the name of Jesus. When you call on Him, things happen.  The lyrics of both of our songs focused on that.”

Being encouraged by the “heart-warming responses” from those who supported the group throughout this experience, Mrs Lightbourne also shared encouragement with young Bermudians about using their gifts for God.

“If God has given you a gift, use it,” she said. “Don’t bury it.  Even if your gift seems small, put it in God’s hands and watch Him grow it. He can use you in ways you never imagined, but it starts with your willingness to say ‘yes’.”