Jul 19, 2023, 10:20 AMCaleb & Esther AkinolaCornwall
Spiritual Rejuvenation and Reconnection at Area 1 Family Camp
SEC Area 1 Family Camp 2023
It was a time of spiritual and physical refreshment for members in Area 1 as more than 80 adult members and many children across the churches came together on the the 7th-9th of July, 2023 (except for Plymouth church which had their camp a weekend before). As the first in-person family camp since 2019, the participants delighted in the beautiful surroundings of Chapel Porth. The location brought to mind the words of Jesus to his disciples, ‘…come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’’ Mark 6:31. The camp was themed, ‘’Who Am I?’’
The guest speaker for the year was Pastor Augustus Lawrence, the SEC Family Ministries Director who opened the camp on Friday night with a powerful message from the book of Isaiah 49:1-3 where he answered the question, ‘Who am I?’ and stressed how important each of us is before God, regardless of the circumstances around our conception. Before we were born the Lord called us by name.
Sabbath worship was the peak. The Sabbath school and divine service was smoothly complimented by worship in songs by the Exeter Church Romanian Group, Pr Steven Hulbert’s family and the Hatton family. The Sabbath school lesson study was coordinated by Pr Florin Orasanu and there was a program for the teens and children which allowed both age groups to benefit from the Sabbath school. Elder Caleb Akinola, Pr Jeremy Tremeer and Pr Augustus Lawrence officiated during the Divine Service.
The guest speaker, Pr Augustus, came prepared and delivered a message that made the families present pay close attention to the soul-inspiring message entitled, ’The Father Effect’. The texts Lamentation 2:11, and Nehemiah 4:14 were the focus. The speaker was passionate about this topic and emphasised the need for every parent to be there for their children and family. That parental absence is like creating a hole in the heart of a child.
The Sabbath afternoon pot-luck was the best of its kind. Families present all brought food on the table for sharing. The food brought was more than enough and many left over baskets were gathered. Nothing was left to be wasted. After Sabbath lunch, we went hiking to Chapel Porth Beach. This was another memorable part of the camp. Both children and adults shared some tracts on their way to the beach, they enjoyed this beautiful moment and were reluctant to leave the seaside.
The attendees had another Sabbath session, with Pr Daniel Amakye on the topic, ‘Rebuilding The Family Altar. Teaching Our Children To Worship and Love God.’ This session was opened for questions and answers. This was very helpful to some members in attendance as they asked many important questions about family. It was professionally moderated by Pr Daniel.
A Sabbath evening concert, bible games and a bonfire was pleasurable tinged with sadness as campers felt the camp was too short and wished it could have been extended. During the bonfire, different groups sang, and both children and adults enjoyed marshmallow.
The camp came to an end Sunday morning with an inspiring devotional from the guest speaker. The attendees came to the conclusion that indeed God is with us and we have our identities in Christ. It was believed that God tabernacles with his people throughout. We witnessed this through all the various presentations and uplifting songs.
TESTIMONIES
‘’My marriage was broken and we got divorced. We came to camp as separate individuals but we are about the leave the camp as a couple again. Reconciliation took place as we both listened to all the presentations and the Holy Spirit of God ministered to us. We found peace and love restored.’’ Anonymous
‘’Yesterday’s Sabbath at Chapel Porth camp, we had a blessed day with the church family. What lovely time together! So happy and thankful for being a part of the SDA faith. This is a family of God looking forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ.’’ Cynthia Hatton
‘’The organisation of this year’s camp was excellent. We highly appreciate it. Looking forward to another one in 2024, by God’s grace’’ Simeon
‘’…congratulations on a great camp and a wonderful Sabbath. Graham was impressed in how well everyone cleaned up the site on Sunday. People seem keen for next year too…’’ Steve.
The theme song, This Is My Father’s World, SDAH 098 captured our desire for the kingdom of God as a group of people. This year’s camp might have ended physically but it remains very fresh spiritually as we are getting ready for the soon coming of our saviour. To God be the Glory.
I am deeply grateful to our pastors (Jeremy, Florin, Daniel & Steve) and members for their support.
Elder & Mrs Caleb Akinola
Area 1 Family Life Sponsor & Organising Chairman
It was a time of spiritual and physical refreshment for members in Area 1 as more than 80 adult members and many children across the churches came together on the the 7th-9th of July, 2023 (except for Plymouth church which had their camp a weekend before). As the first in-person family camp since 2019, the participants delighted in the beautiful surroundings of Chapel Porth. The location brought to mind the words of Jesus to his disciples, ‘…come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’’ Mark 6:31. The camp was themed, ‘’Who Am I?’’
The guest speaker for the year was Pastor Augustus Lawrence, the SEC Family Ministries Director who opened the camp on Friday night with a powerful message from the book of Isaiah 49:1-3 where he answered the question, ‘Who am I?’ and stressed how important each of us is before God, regardless of the circumstances around our conception. Before we were born the Lord called us by name.
Sabbath worship was the peak. The Sabbath school and divine service was smoothly complimented by worship in songs by the Exeter Church Romanian Group, Pr Steven Hulbert’s family and the Hatton family. The Sabbath school lesson study was coordinated by Pr Florin Orasanu and there was a program for the teens and children which allowed both age groups to benefit from the Sabbath school. Elder Caleb Akinola, Pr Jeremy Tremeer and Pr Augustus Lawrence officiated during the Divine Service.
The guest speaker, Pr Augustus, came prepared and delivered a message that made the families present pay close attention to the soul-inspiring message entitled, ’The Father Effect’. The texts Lamentation 2:11, and Nehemiah 4:14 were the focus. The speaker was passionate about this topic and emphasised the need for every parent to be there for their children and family. That parental absence is like creating a hole in the heart of a child.
The Sabbath afternoon pot-luck was the best of its kind. Families present all brought food on the table for sharing. The food brought was more than enough and many left over baskets were gathered. Nothing was left to be wasted. After Sabbath lunch, we went hiking to Chapel Porth Beach. This was another memorable part of the camp. Both children and adults shared some tracts on their way to the beach, they enjoyed this beautiful moment and were reluctant to leave the seaside.
The attendees had another Sabbath session, with Pr Daniel Amakye on the topic, ‘Rebuilding The Family Altar. Teaching Our Children To Worship and Love God.’ This session was opened for questions and answers. This was very helpful to some members in attendance as they asked many important questions about family. It was professionally moderated by Pr Daniel.
A Sabbath evening concert, bible games and a bonfire was pleasurable tinged with sadness as campers felt the camp was too short and wished it could have been extended. During the bonfire, different groups sang, and both children and adults enjoyed marshmallow.
The camp came to an end Sunday morning with an inspiring devotional from the guest speaker. The attendees came to the conclusion that indeed God is with us and we have our identities in Christ. It was believed that God tabernacles with his people throughout. We witnessed this through all the various presentations and uplifting songs.
TESTIMONIES
‘’My marriage was broken and we got divorced. We came to camp as separate individuals but we are about the leave the camp as a couple again. Reconciliation took place as we both listened to all the presentations and the Holy Spirit of God ministered to us. We found peace and love restored.’’ Anonymous
‘’Yesterday’s Sabbath at Chapel Porth camp, we had a blessed day with the church family. What lovely time together! So happy and thankful for being a part of the SDA faith. This is a family of God looking forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ.’’ Cynthia Hatton
‘’The organisation of this year’s camp was excellent. We highly appreciate it. Looking forward to another one in 2024, by God’s grace’’ Simeon
‘’…congratulations on a great camp and a wonderful Sabbath. Graham was impressed in how well everyone cleaned up the site on Sunday. People seem keen for next year too…’’ Steve.
The theme song, This Is My Father’s World, SDAH 098 captured our desire for the kingdom of God as a group of people. This year’s camp might have ended physically but it remains very fresh spiritually as we are getting ready for the soon coming of our saviour. To God be the Glory.
I am deeply grateful to our pastors (Jeremy, Florin, Daniel & Steve) and members for their support.
Elder & Mrs Caleb Akinola
Area 1 Family Life Sponsor & Organising Chairman