This June at Washington Adventist Camp Meeting, attendees of all ages found inspiration to "Go Take Jesus to the World" through daily presentations, afternoon workshops and evening sermons.
"The most important message for the Adventist Church is the value and importance of evangelism," says Terry Johnsson, radio chaplain and former White House Honor Guard, who shared his life story during the evening meetings. "The message we need to share is: God does care."
Living the Gospel
Beyond the walls of Rainier Auditorium, the young adult, youth and children's divisions focused on faith sharing as well.
Young adults, ages 17–29, learned about "Living the Gospel" from an in-depth study of the book of John.
"We talked about how our role as followers of Jesus is to point others to Him," says Katie Steenberg, a young adult from Federal Way, Wash. "Every night we read a chapter together and discussed how Jesus lived the Gospel."
The youth program, for high school students, discussed how to "Light Up the Darkness" through personal involvement at church and in the community (including participating in two hands-on service projects during camp meeting).
Church leaders John Freedman, Washington Conference president, and José Rojas, North American Division volunteer ministries director, sat down one morning to dialogue with youth about the future of the church.
"It was insightful to sit down with these young people and see their interest and passion for ministry," says Freedman. "They want the church to offer more hands-on activities, leadership opportunities and social interaction between people of all ages in addition to being open to different worship styles. It was a productive conversation."
Taking Jesus to the World
Evangelism is a key focus for Washington Adventist Camp Meeting, from people sharing how God is leading in their lives to celebrating baptisms, hearing reports about evangelism activities and more. This year, people pledged or donated $297,046.36 for the evangelism offering fund.
"People ask us if these pledges are honored," says Bruce Koch, conference evangelism coordinator. "The short answer: Yes, and then some. God always provides above and beyond what people pledge. Our members, no matter their age, are invested in helping to take Jesus to the world."
Young adults at Washington Adventist Camp Meeting have a GODencounter where presenter Matthew Gamble challenges them with messages about "Living the Gospel." (Heidi Martella)
John Freedman, Washington Conference president, thanks the Washington Adventist Camp Meeting audience for their commitment to supporting evangelism through their financial gifts and gifts of time. Nearly $300,000 was raised for evangelism at camp meeting. (Heidi Martella)
Young adults at Washington Adventist Camp Meeting are fully engaged in the GODencounters program where presenter Matthew Gamble illustrates "Living the Gospel" through a study of Jesus' mission. (Heidi Martella)
Youth at Washington Adventist Camp Meeting learn how to "Light up the Darkness" by getting involved in their community and in their church. (Heidi Martella)
Washington Adventist Camp Meeting completes a three-year evangelism-focused camp meeting cycle about stopping to seek Jesus, yielding to pray for the Holy Spirit and going to take Jesus to the world. (Heidi Martella)
John Freedman, Washington Conference president, and José Rojas, North American Division volunteer ministries director, join a panel discussion with youth at Washington Adventist Camp Meeting. (Heidi Martella)
Attendees at Washington Adventist Camp Meeting explored, learned and receivedthe biblical context for evangelism with Ron Clouzet, NAD ministerial secretary. (Heidi Martella)
