Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.
It is with great joy and gratitude to God that, on behalf of the church leadership and the entire congregation, I warmly welcome each one of you to this year’s Church Camp Meeting.
First and foremost, let us thank God for giving us the opportunity to come together in His presence. Many things may have happened since our last gathering. Some of us have experienced victories, while others have faced challenges, disappointments, sickness, loss, or uncertainty. Yet here we are today—not by our own strength, but because of the grace and faithfulness of God.
The Bible tells us in Mark 6:31 that Jesus said to His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” This camp meeting provides us with exactly such an opportunity—to step away from the demands and distractions of everyday life and draw closer to God.
A Time to Reconnect with God
This is more than a programme on our church calendar. It is an opportunity for spiritual renewal. I encourage each one of us to come with an open heart. Let us give God permission to speak to us through His Word, through prayer, through fellowship, and through the ministry of one another.
Perhaps someone has come seeking direction. Someone else may need healing. Another may be looking for renewed strength or a fresh sense of purpose. Whatever your need may be, God knows you, God sees you, and God cares for you.
Let us therefore make this camp meeting a place where we encounter Christ afresh.
A Time for Fellowship
One of the great blessings of a camp meeting is the opportunity to fellowship with one another. Let us therefore take time to know one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, and support one another. Let us put aside differences and remember that we are one family in Christ.
As Paul reminds us in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
May our fellowship during this camp strengthen the bonds of unity and love within our church.
A Time for Transformation
My prayer is that none of us will leave this camp exactly as we came.
May the Word of God challenge us, correct us, encourage us, and transform us. May we return to our homes with renewed faith, renewed commitment, and renewed determination to serve God and His people.
To our pastors, elders, departmental leaders, speakers, musicians, youth, children, and every person who has worked behind the scenes to make this camp possible—we thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.
To those visiting us for the first time, you are most welcome. We are delighted to have you with us, and we pray that you will feel at home among us.
To our young people and children, this camp is also yours. Participate fully, ask questions, make friends, and most importantly, allow God to speak to your heart.
Let Us Make This Camp Special
As Head Elder, I would like to encourage everyone to observe the spirit of this camp. Let us be punctual. Let us participate actively. Let us respect one another. Let us care for our environment and facilities. Above all, let us maintain an atmosphere of prayer, worship, love, and Christian fellowship.
Let us not simply attend the meetings; let us encounter God.
Let us not simply listen to sermons; let us respond to God’s Word.
Let us not simply enjoy fellowship; let us build lasting relationships.
And when this camp comes to an end, may we be able to say, like Jacob in Genesis 28:16, “Surely the Lord is in this place.”
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, on behalf of the church leadership, I once again welcome you all to this camp meeting.
May God bless our speakers, musicians, facilitators, cooks, organizers, and every person who will contribute to the success of this gathering.
May the Holy Spirit guide every session.
May Christ be at the centre of everything we do.
May there be healing where there is brokenness, restoration where there is discouragement, reconciliation where there is division, and renewed faith where there is doubt.
And may we all return home spiritually refreshed, physically renewed, and more committed to the mission of Christ.
Welcome to camp meeting. Welcome to fellowship. Welcome to renewal. Welcome into the presence of God.
May God richly bless you all, and may He bless this camp meeting.
Thank you, and God bless you.
Omondi OyooHead Elder