In an inspiring turn of events following the highly successful Division-wide Congress, the Youth Department of the Adventist Church in the Southeastern Philippines (SePUM) launched F-CAMP (Friendship) 2024, their largest Friendship Camporee to date. This transformative event brought together both Adventist and non-Adventist youth, offering a week of spiritual growth and community activities across 80 camp locations.
The Adventist Youth Department organized F-CAMP 2024, which included a variety of interesting activities like devotionals, challenges, games, skills training, plenaries, breakout sessions, Bible studies, and potluck meals. A cornerstone of the camp was its integration of the Pathfinder program, a well-organized and consistent scouting initiative practiced by the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide. In a testament to the camp's impact, 420 campers were baptized, embracing their faith with newfound fervor.
The Adventist Churches in the Southeastern Philippines organized 80 campsites, involving 230 districts from five missions across various provinces in the region.
With the theme “PINILI” or “Chosen,” the camp emphasized the belief that "the Lord has appointed the youth to be his helping hand" (Testimonies for the Church 7:64). The inspirational messages from Spirit-driven writer Mrs. Ellen G. White served as a guiding force throughout the event, urging young campers to strengthen their Christian character and contribute to the global Advent movement.
A momentous highlight occurred when SePUM Youth Director Pastor Nell Sera, Jr., along with other mission leaders, conducted the first baptism for 32 individuals at a historic campsite near the scenic lake and cave of Pisan, Kabacan, Cotabato. Following this, there were 420 new baptisms across various locations: 200 from the Adventist Church in Southern Mindanao (SMM), 35 from the Adventist Church in Davao (DM), 80 from the Adventist Church in Northern Davao (NDM), and 73 from the Adventist Church in Southeastern Caraga (SeCM). The newly baptized youth, now affectionately referred to as "Pinili," are celebrated for their acceptance of God’s love and their dedication to their newfound faith. Organizers anticipate even more baptisms, as additional ceremonies are scheduled during the Sabbath culmination to accommodate campers who have recently decided to embrace their faith.
As the camp concludes on June 29, 2024, prayers are lifted for the campers, their families, and all those involved in making F-CAMP 2024 happen simultaneously in various locations across the region. This event not only aims to strengthen the participants' faith but also intends to leave a lasting impact on the communities involved, highlighting the power of spiritual fellowship and collective growth.
Rhoen Catolico, Southeastern Philippine Union Mission Communication Director
The original article was published on the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission website.