Lives transformed at Adventist summer camp
AFTER BEING away from the comfort of their daily routines for one week, young people at their annual Seventh-day Adventist-organised camp are now left with memories of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit in their lives and added joy as a result of the formation of new relationships.
Dubbed WESCONYOUCA 2018, the event took place at Camp Braham in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeths between July 24 and 31.
Several of the more than 500 youth who attended, confessed that they did not expect the camp to impact them in the way it did. Among them was a young man from the community who testified to its affect on his life.
“I’m actually a first-time camper,” he said. “My experience has been fulfilling and spiritually beneficial. I am actually a former gang member and I have decided to change my life, not only for myself, but also for my little brother who emulates me. I don’t want him to do things that I have done.”
According to Youth Ministries Director Christopher Harvey, it was by deliberate design that the leadership cohort saw it fit to structure the week-long activities to be spiritually impacting.
“The programmes are designed for mentoring and we just want to celebrate what God is doing through West Jamaica Conference,” he said.
“It has been a breathtaking experience to identify with the strong army of young people in this great conference. We have seen the moving of the Holy Spirit. Lives are being changed. People are learning and improving. It goes to show that the heritage of the church is still rich, and camp has been of great benefit,” Harvey added.
OVERWHELMING BLESSINGS
Esther Graham, also a first-time camper and a member of the Hampton Seventh-day Adventist Church in St James, said: “I have met so many individuals and have received overwhelming spiritual blessings. My life has been enriched. I have learned so much, so I give God all the praise for allowing me to be here.”
Apart from the spiritual activities offered at this year’s camp, individuals had the opportunity to participate in several activities, ranging from the opening jamboree and spectacular Jamaica night to their evening of excellence and sports day.
Many also made use of the opportunity to participate in various honours classes, an activity campers look forward to as they learn beneficial life skills.
According to 10-year-old Doneilia Wint from the Mount Salem Seventhday Adventist Church in St James, WESCONYOUCA 2018 has added tremendous value to her life.
“I have been enjoying Camp Braham. It has been so much fun. The food has been excellent and I love the inspirational assembly. I love everything about it. It gets interesting to hear about God’s word from our chaplain. I also love the fact that we get to participate in honours classes and craft.”
At the end of the camp, two youth got baptised.