TILING, Cuayan, Negros Occidental — Hundreds of young people gathered in the seaside of Tiling for the Southern Negros Adventist Youth Federation’s evangelistic camp from Dec. 22-29. With the theme “Jesus Camps With You,” the event sought to inspire the youth, develop leadership skills, and create memorable learning experiences.
Guest speaker Pastor Joenie Samillano, Negros Occidental Conference health and family ministries director, said, “I was blessed and happy because of the experience during the evangelistic camp. The young people are very active in participating in the FLIES program.”
“FLIES” means “Footsteps of Christ Love Illuminates Every Soul.” This program originated from the youth of Metro Cagayan Adventist Youth Society at a summer camp in Bukidnon in May 1994 and was adopted by the Southern Negros Youth Organization in 1999.
Pastor Samillano also stated that he can assure the youth that they will apply this training in their churches as they continue to grow in faith and accomplish God’s great commission. “The young people were so receptive and looking forward to inviting more youth who will participate in the youth ministry.”
With more than 500 young people participating from the 10 districts of Southern Negros, this evangelistic camp has fostered social-emotional skills through team-building activities,” interpersonal skills in every small group task, and learning resiliency.
Friday night was focused on the “Master Guide Induction Ceremony and Investiture Service,” headed by Master Guide Pastor John Chavez, NOC youth director; Master Guide Louie de Asis, NOC area coordinator; and Master Guide Pastor Samillano, with support from the district pastors.
Johnrey Guimbal, SNAYF president, thanked everyone who supported this e-camp. In his message, he emphasized that this year’s e-camp is based on the FLIES program. He also added that the youth will develop self-confidence, communication skills, and compassion in this way.
“The 16 souls were our great reward for the evangelistic camp this year,” Pastor Samillano concluded.
The camp culminated with 16 people being baptized at a beach within the campgrounds. Pastor Samillano and Pastor Alfredo Sumagang, district pastor of Cauayan, officiated the baptisms.
By Stephanie Loriezo, Head Writer, Negros Occidental Conference
The original version of this article is posted on the official Facebook page of the Negros Occidental Conference.