Verino, Zambia

It has been another wonderful experience of youth camp at Verino this year. Campers and staff worked together in the different activities as we learn God’s way of life. 

This year’s theme “Living God’s way today” was well-connected in the many activities that were put in place. In a world where the law of God and His commandments are not regarded anymore, it can be a challenge to live God’s way. This special time, however, reminds us of what God expects of us, and encourages our youths that it is possible to live a godly way of life. 

With Compass Check classes every morning and Christian living classes every evening our youths were able to learn and even participate in sharing how we can best live God’s way today. The different activities we had also helped promote the kind of life God expects to see in us. There were activities which helped build teamwork and togetherness, such as choir practice, basketball, volleyball and speedway. 

Some activities helped youths utilize talents and appreciate how we can use our talents to make a difference as children of God, such as tie-dye, health and hygiene class and arts and crafts. We also had dancing lessons, which reminded the youth of the importance of having respect for the other person. This also taught how following rules is always important, just like the rules we have to follow in living God’s way of life. These are just a few of the activities that took place. The camp was successful and very fruitful, but with sad faces we had to say our goodbyes on the Aug. 25, because the time had flown quickly and it was time to go back home.

Muhau Nawa Talama

 

Mufulira, Copperbelt, Zambia

This year, youth got to know each other and build relationships with their brethren, learn how to conduct Sabbath services, how to pray, the correct mode of dress for sermonettes/sermons, time-keeping and respecting each other. 

At our church property in Mufulira, we had 38 people in attendance from five different areas. It was the first time Camp was held at the church’s property. The facilities were well organized and the sleeping arrangements were awesome—we all had our own mattress. There were no water shortages and the dining hall was large enough to cater for all. And due to a kitchen conducive to cleanliness, there was no sickness. Our camp was held at the same time as the Seventh Day Adventist’s (SDA) camp. Whenever our young people went for a road run at 4:30 a.m., the SDA youth came and joined us. It was a fun-filled zone with new games and activities, Bible puzzles and a Bible Race. Speakers focused on Christian Living, life skills, financial discipline and career planning. Subjects included “Was it always this way?” (Galatians 1:3), “Learn to Discern” (Ezekiel 44:23), “God’s Way Works!” (John 10:10), “Transform, Do Not Conform” (Romans 12:2) and “Be a Light” (Matthew 5:14-16). The lessons were well-presented, with each one matching the level of the campers, who responded well to the lectures. 

On the Sabbath, the Mufulira congregation joined camp and our young people gave a sermonette and split sermon. The day was full of special music, memory verses and a poem about this year’s theme. That evening we had an awards ceremony together with a fun show and dance.  It was encouraging to see that most of our young people were interested in learning the Word of God. There was baking (which provided breakfast), arts and crafts, health and hygiene and a lecture on laundry. Recreation included darts, football, volleyball, tag of peace, a needle race and a bottle race. One day we went to a boating club nearby where we enjoyed soccer, swimming and a boat cruise for about four hours near one of the largest manmade dams in the area. 

All camp objectives were achieved. We want to thank all those concerned for your support, be it financially or spiritually. We really appreciate this great privilege you give us. In the future we plan to shine even more. We are grateful to our Father in Heaven for blessing us with a wonderful, safe camp as we meditate on His Word by “Living God’s Way Today” so that one day we can be sons and daughters in God’s family.

Rodrick Epomba and Derrick Pringle