As the South Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) continues to mobilize and empower young people, Friendship Camp was launched under the theme “Keeping and Acting the Faith by Bringing Others Transformed in Christ” (KAB-OT). In English, the acronym means “reach out” or “to reach.” Camps were staged across five mission fields, with Pastor Nelo Seda, Jr., SePUM Youth Director, supervising the joyful throngs.
Hundreds of registered youth delegates from districts across Southern Mindanao Mission gathered for this historic event. The camp sought to deepen participants’ relationship with Christ while equipping them to actively share their faith and bring others to Him.
Leaders introduced practical and spiritual skills including arts and crafts, CPR and emergency response, rope techniques, marching and drilling, basic mountaineering, storytelling and preaching, bandaging and basic carries, as well as photography and videography.
The Friendship Camp became a holistic training ground, nurturing the mental, physical, emotional, and most importantly, spiritual well-being of participants. Activities included team-building games, devotional and plenary talks, prayer bands, breakout sessions, fellowship, testimonies, and mission-focused outreach.
Northern Davao Mission (NDM) launched 12 campsites between April 19–30, gathering 1,999 campers and 514 invitees, resulting in the baptism of 133 precious souls. Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM) held 26 simultaneous camps April 19–25, with 3,109 Adventists and 3,214 invitees. Of these, 2,543 accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM) launched three campsites, two held May 19–26 in Sultan Kudarat. They gathered 447 campers, including 157 invitees, and concluded with 63 baptisms. The third camp is expected to yield unique results and lasting impact. Davao Mission will hold cluster-based camps May 24–30. Clusters across Davao City, Samal, Arakan, Digos, and Davao Occidental will gather in schools, academies, and sports complexes, uniting thousands of youth in fellowship and training.
This year, FCAMP was integrated with Voice of Youth: ARISE, where Spirit-led sermons planted seeds of faith, touched hearts, and transformed lives.
AYM Isulan District reflected: “Sleep becomes a luxury there, a rare jewel in the night. Group chants rise and echo, shaping your new identity. Strangers will turn into best friends, though last week you never knew their names. Prayer life ascends, reaching heights you never imagined, and you will hear God whisper: ‘Your purpose is greater than your comfort zone.’”
Carromata District SCM shared: “Some seasons are not about who stayed the same, but about who God is strengthening to continue. What changes in number does not change His direction. The ones who remain are being prepared for a deeper walk, a stronger faith, and a clearer purpose. God never wastes what looks like loss; He builds through it.”
Sis Lyka Atienza of HOPE Channel Southern Mindanao documented: “At the heart of FCAMP 2026 was a clear and intentional mission: that every friend brought into the camp would come to know Jesus Christ personally, accepting Him as Friend, Brother, Father, and Savior. More than an event, the camp became a place of transformation where faith was strengthened, lives were surrendered, and young people were empowered to continue the work of bringing others to Christ.”
Adventist Media – Santo Tomas Central explained the Yoke of Obedience and Camp Cookery: “A symbol of commitment. A moment of surrender. A decision to follow where God leads. From rain to sunshine, God made a way. Through teamwork and creativity, campers prepared simple meals, learning that even in the simplest tasks, faith can be lived out through cooperation, patience, and gratitude.”
Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy affirm the vision of FCAMP. “Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
The Spirit of Prophecy magnifies its meaning: “The warmth of true friendship, the love that binds heart to heart, is a foretaste of the joys of heaven” (Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 360). And The Review and Herald reminds: “The children and youth, with their fresh talent, energy, and courage, are loved of God, and He desires to bring them into harmony with divine agencies” (May 16, 1912).
FCamp 2026 stands as a living testimony that when youth are empowered, trained, and united in Christ, they become unstoppable messengers of hope. From every church in the district and mission field, their voices now rise together, declaring that the future of the church is vibrant, faithful, grounded in the Bible and focused on the mission.
Photo Credits: Various Adventist Youth Ministries of SePUM
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