Ground Zero: Building a Christ-Centered Young Adult Community

After finishing college, Isaac Fernandez returned to his home church and noticed a glaring void—few young adults were present. Determined to address this and guided by the Spirit, Isaac and a friend decided to create a community specifically for young adults. What began as a small Sabbath School class with just six attendees gradually blossomed into something extraordinary.

The group grew steadily, first reaching 10, then 20 members, and eventually surpassing 50, necessitating a division into smaller groups. Word spread quickly, and through personal referrals, young adults from several churches joined the initiative. Within two to three years, the group swelled to 140 members and adopted the name Ground Zero, representing their mission to build from the ground up with Christ as the foundation.

A Thriving Network of Faith and Connection

As the community expanded, so did its organization. Leaders and members from different churches established a large WhatsApp group to communicate and plan activities. Ground Zero offered a variety of events and interest groups, including Friday Bible studies, discussions on the books of Daniel and Revelation, Sabbath hikes, social gatherings, and even ski trips. The group also embraced outreach initiatives like prison ministry and mission projects. Ground Zero was intentionally inclusive, welcoming individuals who were not affiliated with the church to participate in both social activities and Bible studies. This open-door policy facilitated social connections and provided an entry point for those exploring faith. The community emphasized a family-like atmosphere, focused on mutual care and encouragement.

For Caleb McIver, Ground Zero was a game-changer. “It’s a breath of fresh air for Friday nights,” he said. “I was surprised and excited to find so many young adults who share similar moral beliefs and values.” Many newcomers to the area found not only friends but also meaningful spiritual connections through the group.

Stories of Transformation

Ground Zero became a beacon of hope and faith for its members, offering a safe space for growth and healing. For some, the journey was deeply personal and challenging. Samar Ojha, raised in a Hindu family, shared his testimony of transitioning to Christianity—a decision that led to being disowned by his family. Despite these challenges, Samar emphasized the power of Christ-like actions in reaching others, particularly those who may not be open to verbal messages. “Actions speak louder than words,” he shared, highlighting the importance of living out one’s faith.

Isaac Fernandez reflected on the group’s mission to “be a light and missionaries within their communities.” This mission inspired the group to transition from knowledge to action, spurring members to ask, “What can we do?” The result was a deeper commitment to service and outreach.

IT’S A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

From Growth to Mission

Ground Zero is now preparing for its first mission trip to the Dominican Republic, a tangible expression of the group’s spiritual transformation. This mission is the culmination of years of growth, reflection, and action, as members seek to embody the principles they have studied and discussed. Isaac Fernandez’s vision of a Christ-centered young adult community has become a reality. Ground Zero stands as a testament to the power of intentional community, spiritual connection, and the willingness to serve—a foundation firmly grounded in Christ.

—Clarissa Rosario