Called to Lead: CARU's Youngest Delegate Urges Youth to Take Their Rightful Place
Heavy footsteps, a commanding presence, and a voice that carries confidence beyond his years; he stands among church leaders with quiet determination at the 18th Caribbean Union (CARU) Session. However, what makes him remarkable is not his stature alone, but his age. As the youngest delegate in attendance, Pastor Timothy Leito...
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Heavy footsteps, a commanding presence, and a voice that carries confidence beyond his years; he stands among church leaders with quiet determination at the 18th Caribbean Union (CARU) Session. However, what makes him remarkable is not his stature alone, but his age. As the youngest delegate in attendance, Pastor Timothy Leito is proving that leadership is not measured by years, but by faith, conviction, and a willingness to serve. In a gathering where experience fills the room, his presence is a powerful reminder that the future of the Church is already taking its place at the table.
Although his presence commands attention, Pastor Leito himself was surprised to learn that he was the youngest delegate at the session.
"I really didn't know that I was the youngest delegate here," he admitted. "But it's a blessing to know that young people can be a part of the biggest decisions in the Church."
For him, being a participant at the CARU Session is not just an occasion to hold the title. It is a chance for young people to have a say in important decisions and how the Church's mission is performed in the Caribbean. This year’s session marked the first Caribbean Union Session for him, which made the experience even more remarkable. No doubt, the departmental reports were among the main attractions during the event as they enabled him to comprehend the large-scale work done in each part of the Union.
In addition to the reports, he valued the chance to interact with other followers from the Caribbean and understand how the Church works. Being a member of the organizing committee also gave him a different viewpoint on the amount of work done to arrange such a significant event.
"It was a huge privilege to see how the Church functions," he reflected. "Being exposed to the intricacies of those things was a blessing."
When asked what message he would share with young people across the Caribbean Union, he spoke passionately about the need for greater youth involvement in Church leadership.
"We need to take our rightful place," he said. "There should be many more young people here. There are brilliant minds and leaders in the making all across the Caribbean. We need to be active in the operations of the Church and active in its leadership."
He encouraged young Adventists with leadership aspirations to embrace the opportunities before them.
"Anybody who has gifts and talents—and everybody has them—should take on the challenge to lead with integrity and be a part of the Church that is yours."
Throughout the session, Leito drew inspiration from leaders whose service has left a lasting impact on the Church. He spoke highly of former Caribbean Union President Pastor Kern Tobias, describing him as an example of faithful leadership.
"To lead the Union for fifteen years is not an easy feat," Leito explained. "He did it with class, grace, dignity, and stability. That's something I deeply admire."
Additionally, he expressed gratitude towards Pastor Royston Phillbert, the Communications Director, who has influenced him through both service and being a role model.
One important factor of the session that left a mark on him was the unique arrangements of the function.
"I was impressed by the efficiency of how the session runs," he said. "From the support staff to everyone working behind the scenes, it takes a lot to make everything happen. Seeing all those gears moving together was truly impressive."
Perhaps his strongest appeal came when discussing how the Church can encourage more young people to become leaders. He believes the first change must happen in the way people think.
"Sometimes we value experience over wisdom," he observed. "We look more at the number of years someone has served instead of their God-given ability and calling."
He also challenged the common assumption that youth automatically means inexperience or inability.
"We often tell young people they're too young to do something," he said. "I think it's about time that we stop saying that."
The message conveyed by his words reflects an increasing belief that it is possible to be an influential leader at any age and that everyone who is called and empowered by God can lead successfully.
The unique story of Timothy Leito, being the youngest delegate at the 18th CARU Session, is not just about his youthfulness. It signifies the readiness of his generation to take the challenge and start leading. His presence imparts a very powerful message to the youth of the Caribbean: the Church is preparing leaders of the future.