Jul 17, 2024, 11:03 AMSteven Hulbert
Area 1 Family Camp: A Weekend of Fellowship and Inspiration
It was the wettest day! On 5th July at 10 am, I (Pator Steven Hulbert) was lugging gas bottles up and down the South Engalnd Conference's (SEC) very own Chapel Porth Adventist Campsite, wondering what the weekend ahead would be like if the weather carried on like this. Soaked through, I opened up caravans for those arriving, set up the sound system for the worships, and prayed that God would give us some sun over the next couple of days.
Friday evening came, half the camp had arrived, and our speaker for the weekend, Pastor Sam Ouadjo, the BUC Ministerial Director, accompanied by Joyce, his wife, began sharing—as he would for the whole weekend—sage advice on family wellbeing, entitled “The Incredible Family”. Bruce from Torquay Church, when asked what he appreciated about the camp, said, “Well, the importance of having a family in Christ, of course. But I also learned how beneficial it is to stay in Church, otherwise the ways of the world will just confuse us all.”
After the Family Camp weekend, Pastor Sam messaged saying, “It was indeed enjoyable, and I really love the place and the people. I was really pleased to see the Pastors working together, well done.” Pastor Caleb Akinola (Area 1 Families Director and Pastor of St. Austell, Bodmin, & Redruth) organised the programme layout for the whole weekend. Pastor Florin Orasanu (Area 1 Coordinator and Pastor of Torquay & Exeter) ensured Pastor Sam and Joyce Ouadjo had their transport catered for, led the walk on Sabbath afternoon, and played the keyboard in the worships to make sure we sang all the hymns in tune. Pastor Daniel (Pastor of Plymouth & Liskeard) drove down to join us on Sabbath afternoon to show support for the camp. I, Pastor Steven Hulbert (Area 1 Youth Sponsor, Pastor for LIVE St. Austell, St. Austell, Bodmin, & Redruth), dealt with camp logistics, bonfire building, “there’s no hot water” phone calls, as well as leading the camp in some worship between the Sabbath School and Divine Service, along with my wife, Jena.
On that very damp Friday evening, as I shared all the housekeeping instructions with the camp, I made a promise in faith to the campers that God was going to bless us with sunshine. If there was ever a mustard seed story come to life, this weekend was it! Sabbath morning came, and God blessed us. Many came to join us from across the area on Sabbath, and after a wonderful Sabbath School, Divine Service, and fellowship lunch, we headed out for a walk. While we could see the rain passing us by in the distance, the sunshine remained on us. Despite a minute-long heavy shower in the evening, we were able to get a bonfire going and fellowship together over marshmallows and 1980s contemporary worship songs. Pastor Florin commented, “God blessed us this year with good weather, great fellowship, and a very important theme moderated in a very simple, practical, and yet profound way by Pastor Ouadjo. I heard very good feedback from the participating families, and I personally know a family who told me that this weekend was an answer and a blessing for their struggling marriage.”
The SEC campsite at Chapel Porth has been a place that has created space for many joyous, God-filled memories ever since it was purchased in 1983. I’ve been camping at Chapel Porth ever since I was a child with Junior Camps, Teen Camps, Family Camps, Youth Camps, and then taking up leadership roles within the SEC once hitting my 20s, even running camps myself over the last 15 years. It gives me great joy to see others coming to Chapel Porth and making life-long memories like I have. Chapel Porth is special; there’s no place like it. Claudia Brown from Bodmin Church stated, “The family camp at Chapel Porth has become a highlight in the calendar for our family. Surrounded by God’s beautiful creation, church family, singing, and spiritual food, what’s not to love?! Our only complaint: it’s always over too soon!”
I can confidently say that the families of Area 1 were blessed that weekend, and we look forward to 2025 and coming together like this again on the grounds that are sacred with memory, The Chapel Porth Adventist Campsite.
It was the wettest day! On 5th July at 10 am, I (Pator Steven Hulbert) was lugging gas bottles up and down the South Engalnd Conference's (SEC) very own Chapel Porth Adventist Campsite, wondering what the weekend ahead would be like if the weather carried on like this. Soaked through, I opened up caravans for those arriving, set up the sound system for the worships, and prayed that God would give us some sun over the next couple of days.
Friday evening came, half the camp had arrived, and our speaker for the weekend, Pastor Sam Ouadjo, the BUC Ministerial Director, accompanied by Joyce, his wife, began sharing—as he would for the whole weekend—sage advice on family wellbeing, entitled “The Incredible Family”. Bruce from Torquay Church, when asked what he appreciated about the camp, said, “Well, the importance of having a family in Christ, of course. But I also learned how beneficial it is to stay in Church, otherwise the ways of the world will just confuse us all.”
After the Family Camp weekend, Pastor Sam messaged saying, “It was indeed enjoyable, and I really love the place and the people. I was really pleased to see the Pastors working together, well done.” Pastor Caleb Akinola (Area 1 Families Director and Pastor of St. Austell, Bodmin, & Redruth) organised the programme layout for the whole weekend. Pastor Florin Orasanu (Area 1 Coordinator and Pastor of Torquay & Exeter) ensured Pastor Sam and Joyce Ouadjo had their transport catered for, led the walk on Sabbath afternoon, and played the keyboard in the worships to make sure we sang all the hymns in tune. Pastor Daniel (Pastor of Plymouth & Liskeard) drove down to join us on Sabbath afternoon to show support for the camp. I, Pastor Steven Hulbert (Area 1 Youth Sponsor, Pastor for LIVE St. Austell, St. Austell, Bodmin, & Redruth), dealt with camp logistics, bonfire building, “there’s no hot water” phone calls, as well as leading the camp in some worship between the Sabbath School and Divine Service, along with my wife, Jena.
On that very damp Friday evening, as I shared all the housekeeping instructions with the camp, I made a promise in faith to the campers that God was going to bless us with sunshine. If there was ever a mustard seed story come to life, this weekend was it! Sabbath morning came, and God blessed us. Many came to join us from across the area on Sabbath, and after a wonderful Sabbath School, Divine Service, and fellowship lunch, we headed out for a walk. While we could see the rain passing us by in the distance, the sunshine remained on us. Despite a minute-long heavy shower in the evening, we were able to get a bonfire going and fellowship together over marshmallows and 1980s contemporary worship songs. Pastor Florin commented, “God blessed us this year with good weather, great fellowship, and a very important theme moderated in a very simple, practical, and yet profound way by Pastor Ouadjo. I heard very good feedback from the participating families, and I personally know a family who told me that this weekend was an answer and a blessing for their struggling marriage.”
The SEC campsite at Chapel Porth has been a place that has created space for many joyous, God-filled memories ever since it was purchased in 1983. I’ve been camping at Chapel Porth ever since I was a child with Junior Camps, Teen Camps, Family Camps, Youth Camps, and then taking up leadership roles within the SEC once hitting my 20s, even running camps myself over the last 15 years. It gives me great joy to see others coming to Chapel Porth and making life-long memories like I have. Chapel Porth is special; there’s no place like it. Claudia Brown from Bodmin Church stated, “The family camp at Chapel Porth has become a highlight in the calendar for our family. Surrounded by God’s beautiful creation, church family, singing, and spiritual food, what’s not to love?! Our only complaint: it’s always over too soon!”
I can confidently say that the families of Area 1 were blessed that weekend, and we look forward to 2025 and coming together like this again on the grounds that are sacred with memory, The Chapel Porth Adventist Campsite.
