29 Jun 2023, 10:12Grace Nkeshimana
NEC Camp Meeting 2023
"Forward We Go!" was the North England Conference Camp Meeting theme from 29th May to 4th June. As the first in-person Camp Meeting since 2019, attendees delighted in the scenic surroundings of Hay's Wood Retreat, with one individual noting that the intimate nature of this year's event gave it a "family feel."
The Communications & Media team worked tirelessly to facilitate a hybrid experience through 13 hours of live streaming daily. This meant those tuning in worldwide were immersed in the action. Streaming included behind-the-scenes coverage, speaker interviews, and throwbacks to camp meetings from previous years. Viewers were invited to engage with the host, Jemima Nambo, as their 'eyes and ears' by sending questions and comments via YouTube and social media. Whether in-person or at home, all could partake in the blessings of Camp Meeting.
The guest speakers for this year were Dr Blessing Nyahuma (midday manna), Dr Eldeen King (evening), and Elder Paul Lee (singing evangelist). The energy of the NEC Drill & Drum team ensured the event started on a lively note. In his opening message, Dr King spoke powerfully on the 'absolutes' of God: absolute ability and absolute authority. He stressed that "it is pointless, irresponsible, unproductive, and meaningless to go forward if your life is not in the hands of God."
Throughout the week, both guest speakers did not disappoint in delivering challenging and sobering messages, which provided much food for thought. For example, on Thursday, referencing Aeschylus (Greek playwright), Dr Nyahuma encouraged us to think about the paradoxical nature of grace; amazing grace and awful grace as two sides of the same coin that perhaps few have appreciated.
The spoken word was beautifully complemented by the ministry in song of Elder Lee, the Praise team, and musicians. The joy of singing was so infectious that it sparked a new tradition! It became obligatory for the person introducing the youth workshop to lead the congregation in singing a chorus.
A single venue for all adult and youth programming allowed both age groups to benefit from the wisdom of the workshop speakers. Local speakers provided practical advice on a range of topics. Audience interaction (online and in-person) also meant attendees could learn from one another. Moreover, the speaker interviews with Jemima allowed online viewers an exclusive opportunity to delve deeper into each presentation.
Youth workshops focused on "moving forward with" various topics: mental health (Pr Sergio De Sousa - Tuesday), unity (Chilaka Iheoma - Wednesday), forgiveness (Ikechi Iheoma - Thursday), and my place in church and community (Jemaule Gardner - Friday). These young men took care to deconstruct the issue succinctly. They also weaved in personal experiences to bring the subject matter to life.
Adult workshops focused on physical health (Tuesday), mental health (Wednesday), family finance (Thursday), and relationships (Friday). Workshops were led by Dr Beatrice Kastrati (NEC Health, Possibilities & Community Services Director) and Pr John Francis (NEC Family Life & Stewardship Director) alongside his wife, Delivon Francis. From the link between the brain, gut, and heart to "money personalities" and sex, each speaker imparted their expertise on these pertinent issues.
How many 5-year-olds know about the Three Angels' Messages? Pr Patricia Douglas noted that this subject has often been "off limits" for children. However, this year, she and her team sought to make it accessible to children between 0 and 15. The key message was to understand the importance of choices and that our decisions have consequences. In her behind-the-scenes tour, Jemima also caught up with the children. They gave a resounding "yes" when asked if they wanted to return next year! Their enthusiasm and engagement are a testament to the hard work of the Children's Ministries team.
Sabbath marked a bittersweet end to an invigorating week, which many felt had ended too soon. The vibrant Sabbath School, inspiring final messages, and creative children's showcase were an excellent way to end the week.
Reflecting on the week, Pastor and President George Kumi, writes, "The purpose of the Forward We Go! Camp Meeting was to elevate the spiritual life of our people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God indeed visited His people through the powerful preaching of His last warning messages, the various dynamic presentations, and the engagement in prayer. The praise and worship was out of this world and created a spiritual atmosphere for all who attended or watched online. I am deeply grateful to our pastors and members for their prayerful support. We look forward to a venue large enough to accommodate our physical presence. We declare to our God be the Glory."
Camp Meeting may be over, but your journey forward has only just begun. The theme song captured our collective yearning for heaven. May this yearning motivate you to move forward so that you can "look upon the One who bled to save me and walk with Him for all eternity."
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAH1e5
"Forward We Go!" was the North England Conference Camp Meeting theme from 29th May to 4th June. As the first in-person Camp Meeting since 2019, attendees delighted in the scenic surroundings of Hay's Wood Retreat, with one individual noting that the intimate nature of this year's event gave it a "family feel."
The Communications & Media team worked tirelessly to facilitate a hybrid experience through 13 hours of live streaming daily. This meant those tuning in worldwide were immersed in the action. Streaming included behind-the-scenes coverage, speaker interviews, and throwbacks to camp meetings from previous years. Viewers were invited to engage with the host, Jemima Nambo, as their 'eyes and ears' by sending questions and comments via YouTube and social media. Whether in-person or at home, all could partake in the blessings of Camp Meeting.
The guest speakers for this year were Dr Blessing Nyahuma (midday manna), Dr Eldeen King (evening), and Elder Paul Lee (singing evangelist). The energy of the NEC Drill & Drum team ensured the event started on a lively note. In his opening message, Dr King spoke powerfully on the 'absolutes' of God: absolute ability and absolute authority. He stressed that "it is pointless, irresponsible, unproductive, and meaningless to go forward if your life is not in the hands of God."
Throughout the week, both guest speakers did not disappoint in delivering challenging and sobering messages, which provided much food for thought. For example, on Thursday, referencing Aeschylus (Greek playwright), Dr Nyahuma encouraged us to think about the paradoxical nature of grace; amazing grace and awful grace as two sides of the same coin that perhaps few have appreciated.
The spoken word was beautifully complemented by the ministry in song of Elder Lee, the Praise team, and musicians. The joy of singing was so infectious that it sparked a new tradition! It became obligatory for the person introducing the youth workshop to lead the congregation in singing a chorus.
A single venue for all adult and youth programming allowed both age groups to benefit from the wisdom of the workshop speakers. Local speakers provided practical advice on a range of topics. Audience interaction (online and in-person) also meant attendees could learn from one another. Moreover, the speaker interviews with Jemima allowed online viewers an exclusive opportunity to delve deeper into each presentation.
Youth workshops focused on "moving forward with" various topics: mental health (Pr Sergio De Sousa - Tuesday), unity (Chilaka Iheoma - Wednesday), forgiveness (Ikechi Iheoma - Thursday), and my place in church and community (Jemaule Gardner - Friday). These young men took care to deconstruct the issue succinctly. They also weaved in personal experiences to bring the subject matter to life.
Adult workshops focused on physical health (Tuesday), mental health (Wednesday), family finance (Thursday), and relationships (Friday). Workshops were led by Dr Beatrice Kastrati (NEC Health, Possibilities & Community Services Director) and Pr John Francis (NEC Family Life & Stewardship Director) alongside his wife, Delivon Francis. From the link between the brain, gut, and heart to "money personalities" and sex, each speaker imparted their expertise on these pertinent issues.
How many 5-year-olds know about the Three Angels' Messages? Pr Patricia Douglas noted that this subject has often been "off limits" for children. However, this year, she and her team sought to make it accessible to children between 0 and 15. The key message was to understand the importance of choices and that our decisions have consequences. In her behind-the-scenes tour, Jemima also caught up with the children. They gave a resounding "yes" when asked if they wanted to return next year! Their enthusiasm and engagement are a testament to the hard work of the Children's Ministries team.
Sabbath marked a bittersweet end to an invigorating week, which many felt had ended too soon. The vibrant Sabbath School, inspiring final messages, and creative children's showcase were an excellent way to end the week.
Reflecting on the week, Pastor and President George Kumi, writes, "The purpose of the Forward We Go! Camp Meeting was to elevate the spiritual life of our people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God indeed visited His people through the powerful preaching of His last warning messages, the various dynamic presentations, and the engagement in prayer. The praise and worship was out of this world and created a spiritual atmosphere for all who attended or watched online. I am deeply grateful to our pastors and members for their prayerful support. We look forward to a venue large enough to accommodate our physical presence. We declare to our God be the Glory."
Camp Meeting may be over, but your journey forward has only just begun. The theme song captured our collective yearning for heaven. May this yearning motivate you to move forward so that you can "look upon the One who bled to save me and walk with Him for all eternity."
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAH1e5
