More than 500 Samoans from across New South Wales came together over the Easter weekend as part of a vision to continue to bring the Samoan Adventist community together.
Held at the Cataract Scouts campground in Appin, six churches participated in the camp weekend: Mt Druitt, Punchbowl, Liverpool, Minto, Newcastle and the newly formed St Mary’s Group, who attended for the first time. These churches led out in various worship services geared around the theme, “The Kingdom of Heaven”.
A highlight of the camp was the grand opening on Friday night, which was officiated by Adventist Church in Greater Sydney president Pastor Terry Johnson. His opening address affirmed and commended the work undertaken by the churches in using all generations, from young to old, serving and involved.
Another highlight of the camp was the celebration and the witnessing of two young people committing their lives to Jesus through baptism. A youth series program, conducted in Newcastle by Pastor Ray Moaga, concluded with the baptisms taking place at camp. Pastor Moaga, along with his colleagues Pastor Talai Mohr and Dr Erika Puni, was present to conduct the baptism for the two young people.
While this is the third camp since 2013, after the success of this weekend the churches have agreed to meet twice a year in the hope to continue to grow God’s people for the Kingdom. Pastor Asofitu Leatuavao, president of the Samoan Executive Committee, attributed the need for ongoing camps in order to nurture, disciple and unite the Samoan community.
