Nazarene Youth International in the Java Bali District held a Leaders’ Camp after its long hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Around 80 youths serving as local presidents, board members, and emerging leaders from different Nazarene churches in the Java-Bali District gathered at the Indonesia Nazarene Bible College Campus on 29 June – 1 July, for a time of spiritual strengthening, reconnecting, and equipping.
The theme of this year’s camp is “Splasher” which was taken from Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” This theme is a challenge to the participants to be reminded and empowered once again about their calling as a leader and to initiate the movement among the youth. It is a call to become role models to the youths that they lead.
Some of the activities include workshops about Calling and Commitment, Public Speaking, Seven Characters of a Leader, and a panel discussion about “great leadership.” There were also fun activities such as games and a bonfire.
One of the interesting highlights of the camp was a surprise activity. At midnight all the campers were woken up and were assigned a task/mission within the campus. Most of the campers were surprised, some were mad and shocked because they do not have any idea what is happening. But in the end, after the activity was over, the camp coordinators explained that leaders need to be prepared mentally and emotionally in times of conflicts, problems, and sudden tasks. These are difficult times, but that is part of the leader’s responsibility to be ready in all situations.
Rahel, a youth leader from Alfa Omega Church of the Nazarene, shared that he was really blessed with the message that he heard from the speakers. He learned, “A good Leader needs to be a good follower, which means if we want to be good leaders, we need to become good followers first, humble our hearts, and solve the problems and trust each other with that humble heart.” He hopes that young leaders will be good leaders and become blessings in their local churches.
Grace, one of the camp coordinators was also blessed with the outcome of the camp. She said that organizing a camp is not easy. Their group experienced a lot of challenges, from change of venue, participants not being able to attend, to bad weather. But in the end, she gives all the glory to God for a successful camp.
The district youth leaders pray that the fire that was ignited again during this camp will spur a movement across the Java Bali district and that the local churches will continue to ignite and grow.
