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San Miguel District successfully held its First "Power of One – Care Camp (P1 Care Camp) 2025" from June 8–14, 2025, at HFL Resort in Manggahan, Brgy. Libtong, San Miguel, Leyte.

With the theme "Love, Care, and Serve," the event was made possible through the leadership of Pastor Bartman Barrientos, youth director of the East Visayan Conference, and the support of Pastor Roland Rodriguez, the district pastor, and Master Guide Marco Sapasip, the camp director.

The primary objectives of the Power of One Camp were to train participants in youth evangelism, deepen their understanding of the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, strengthen their personal spiritual growth, and demonstrate the "Power of One"—showing that one individual can make a meaningful difference.

Another objective includes empowering youth for the mission, promoting compassionate service, building community engagement, and developing leadership and responsibility.

The key goals highlight the importance of individual responsibility and Christian service. By allowing themselves to be inspired by the life and example of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, each camper was encouraged to become a catalyst for change.

Over 170 campers gathered at HFL Resort for a week of spiritual devotion, dynamic camp activities, and team-building experiences.

The campers learned critical camping skills and gained spiritual insights from meaningful morning and evening devotionals. Some highlights included an exciting obstacle course, earning Master Guide honors, and hands-on outdoor training.

A fun memory was the outdoor cooking adventure, where campers learned how to boil, fry, and even make eggs cooked in the mud!

They cooked rice, toasted bread over a fire, and practiced plating. This activity also taught them to be resourceful, work as a team, and make a great meal from simple ingredients in the outdoors.

These practical and spiritual training are essential for preparing youth for life. They nurture compassion, foster simplicity, and, most importantly, strengthen their faithfulness to God.

During the Divine Worship service, the congregation was inspired by a touching message from Pastor Eliezer "Joer" Barlizo Jr., the Central Philippine Union Conference president.

A key part of his sermon emphasized the phrase "Be careful with my heart," encouraging the youth to be thoughtful and purposeful in their actions. He urged them to serve God sincerely, live fulfilling lives, and stay faithful while waiting for Christ's return.

He quoted Bible verses from James 4:7-8: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

The most joyful part of the camp was witnessing the baptism of 34 new believers.

"Every sleepless night and exhausting moment was worth it as heaven rejoiced. It was a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the transforming power of the Gospel," one of the facilitators exclaimed.

Zyrelle King D. Bonducan, the youth president of the San Miguel-AlangAlang District, expressed her excitement about her camping experience.

"Personally, camping is one of the main reasons I stay active in the church. Who would have thought that someone who started as just a camper would one day become a staff member and program master of the recently concluded P1 Care Camp 2025?"

She mentioned that the camp was an incredible and transformative experience, not only for her but for all of us campers from the San Miguel-AlangAlang District.

"This camp reminded us that when we love sincerely, care deeply, and serve selflessly, we can make a meaningful difference in others' lives—and in our own."

Verna Gozo, one of the campers, also shared her reflection. "I'm not just attending an event—we're stepping up to make 'Love, Care & Serve' a living reality. Let's unite, serve passionately, and be a light of care in the world. I am ready to bring one for Jesus, embracing the Power of One to make a difference."

Marra C. Rodriguez / East Visayan Conference