Unchristian: Transformation in Truth – Youth Camp Review

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” – Galatians 2:20

The events that occurred over Labour day weekend in Pearce Williams Christian Centre left me utterly speechless at how amazing God truly is. There are so many things that go through my mind when I think about the Unchristian camp – how fun it was, how good the food was, how each session left me mind blown.

But before camp even started, I was left in charge of creating a prayer calendar for every minor detail leading towards camp itself and one thing I prayed for the most is that our surroundings and distractions in our lives decreased, so in that, God’s presence could increase in the lives of each and every youth camper — and God did that and so much more. He reminded us who He is, in every praise and worship session, teaching, and discussion, and just why we should follow Him.

Youth camp reminded us how important it is to put Christ back in Christianity by revealing to us different views, such as cultural, traditional, personal, and biblical. To conclude, Pastor Jong taught us the true meaning of being a Christian and that if you take Christ out of Christian, you are left with -ian, which ultimately stands for I am nothing. -insert amen here-.

This camp experience was unlike any other because God has blessed the youth ministry so much this year. He gave us more volunteers, more kitchen staff, more sessions, even a coach bus, and even the experimental things like the Q&A sessions worked out so well. But one thing that stood out among all of them was prayer worship. At one point, the pastors and mentors went around praying for each youth but eventually, every single person just went around praying for one another. Even until now, I can hear the voices and shouts of praise from everyone in that room, just reminding me how amazing God truly is. Between each cry of pain, brokenness, and worry, I could see how the Holy Spirit broke through each heart as we all cried out to God. All I could think about in that moment was how God was there, but then, in the midst of shaky voices and teary eyes, He reminded me that He’s always been there.

I am not a camper. I am not a leader. But the youth camp really put me out of my comfort zone by forcing me into both of these roles. I always looked up to people such as ate LA and kuya Ryle as leaders and it felt like such a challenge for me to even be half the leader they are. But from what I learned over the weekend, in an area where Rogers gives me zero reception, is that it’s not about filling the shoes or roles of my ates and kuyas or about being someone that the youth can look up to as a strong and courageous person. Because everything goes back to God and I am merely His vessel.

God moved in my life and in so many others during youth camp. He moved in ways that we had never expected Him too and this just makes me so happy to be a child of His. I truly believe that there was a transformation and reformation of hearts and perspectives for many, if not all the youth and my hope for them is that they continue to seek God through the school year and through their daily lives – that their desire to be with Jesus isn’t just a four day event.

This year’s youth camp really serves as a testimony of just how immense the power of God truly is. From prayer worship, to every preaching, to even the food we ate, the games and icebreakers we played, God was in the midst of every moment. My prayer for the youth is that the fire will just keep growing in the youth and that this experience won’t serve as the peak of their passion for the Lord, but just the beginning.

— Margaret Cali Mendoza

For photos of the wonderful event, visit our Facebook page!