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Empowering Lives Through Practical Skills
In a significant gathering that saw over 3,000 members from 45 local churches, the inaugural East District Retention Camp Meeting was held at the Bautama campgrounds in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from June 15 to 20. This remarkable event focused on providing attendees with essential life skills aimed at bettering their personal and professional lives.
The initiative was not just about church attendance; it served a much larger purpose. It provided training in various trades – from electrical work to plumbing – helping participants learn useful skills that they could translate into income-generating activities. As the guest speaker, Pastor George Paki of the Central Papua Conference (CPC) emphasized during the morning and evening devotions, the church has a responsibility to equip its members for sustainable living.
Fostering Resilience within the Community
The importance of such training cannot be understated, especially in a country where many new converts may struggle to affiliate their past jobs with the principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The members who transition to this new lifestyle often need to learn alternative trades to provide for their families. Many church members face economic difficulties due to their commitment to church values, such as observing the Sabbath. Events like this camp meeting focus not just on retention but also on fostering resilience among church members.
John Olo, a senior elder and IT expert, took a week off work to participate and support his community. This highlights the dedication amongst church leaders, showcasing their willingness to prioritize the well-being of their members. “It was a rewarding experience to see everyone engaged and committed to learning,” said Olo.
Building a Connected and Supportive Network
Training sessions were conducted by experts including electricians, plumbers, and mechanics, which fostered an atmosphere of learning and community engagement. By bringing together skilled professionals, the camp not only provided knowledge but also created a supportive network for attendees. Participants left empowered, ready to take on new challenges while having made valuable connections that could help them in the future.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Future Events
The East District's camp meeting marked a pivotal moment in its journey as a newly established zone within the CPC. East District director Pastor Ismael Teine expressed optimism about the turnout, stating, “Our church membership for the Port Moresby East District is more than 16,000, and based on the success of this camp, we plan to hold this as an annual event.” The camp meeting aims to evolve into a cornerstone event, providing ongoing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
Reshaping the Future of Camp Meetings
Notably, the culmination of this life-changing event was the baptism of 140 candidates, a testament to the spiritual rejuvenation and commitment among attendees. The baptism signifies not just a turning point in their spiritual lives but also a collective commitment to furthering their skills and livelihoods post-event.
This new approach to camp meetings, blending spiritual growth with practical skills training, positions the SDA community in Papua New Guinea as a transformative force in both the church and the wider community. As church leaders and members continue to collaborate on this journey, they embark on a mission to uplift each other and enhance their everyday lives.
Take Action: Join the Movement
If you are part of the SDA faith community, consider how you can support similar initiatives in your area. Engage with your local church leadership and explore ways to incorporate training programs that benefit your members. The more we invest in each other’s growth, the stronger our community will become.
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