About 2,800 non-Adventist campers participated in Friendship Camps held across various regions of Southwestern Mindanao during the first and second weeks of July 2024.
Friendship Camp, a program launched by the SwPUC Youth Department over the past decade, has become an avenue for Adventist teens, ages 13-18, to connect with their non-Adventist friends in the said region. The camp offers a warm space and an engaging environment for creating friendships and introducing the Adventist faith.  

During the one-week event, young campers improved their physical, social, and spiritual well-being through a variety of activities designed to prepare and nurture them as catalysts of change in their churches and communities. 

Among the participants was Maria De La Cruz (not her real name), a teenager from the Northeastern Mindanao Mission (NEMM), who was invited by her Adventist friends to attend a Friendship Camp hosted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. NEMM saw the largest turnout, with 1,684 non-Adventist participants. 

Though initially hesitant and facing strong opposition from her mother, Maria eventually convinced her to allow her to attend. At the camp, Maria was moved by the teachings, especially those about the Sabbath and the one true God, which starkly contrasted with the polytheistic beliefs she had known. Maria joined the 1,744 others who made the life-changing decision to be baptized and become members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

Unfortunately, Maria's decision led to verbal and physical abuse by her mother who tried to prevent the former from attending church. Despite this, Maria has remained resolute and now asked for prayers for strength to endure such a trial. She hopes that one day her family will be touched by her faith and join her in Christ.

Pr. Junifer Colegado, who heads the The SwPUC Youth Department, sees benefits of friendships camps to young people. "Friendship camps help them discover their potential. It helps them grow and develop, especially in their role in spreading His Word. And there will always be young people who will rise to the occasion, because they have Christ in their hearts.

By Quin Salarda
SwPUC ComDept.