Summer Camp Meetings Celebrate God’s Work Across Cultures
By Laurie Trujillo
This summer, NCC’s camp meetings became vibrant gatherings of people from diverse backgrounds, united in worship and growth in Christ. Whether beneath the towering redwoods at the Redwood Camp Meeting, gathered in fellowship at Rio Lindo Academy’s Hispanic Camp Meeting, or lifting voices in praise at Pacific Union College’s Korean Camp Meeting, each event reflects the rich cultural diversity of our faith family.
These gatherings, made possible through the dedication of directors, pastors, staff, and volunteers, offer more than worship and fellowship. They serve as spiritual touchstones, renewing faith, forging new friendships, and strengthening the bonds between cultures in ways that echo the unity of heaven.
Korean Camp Meeting—Pacific Union College
More than 1,000 attendees participated in the Korean Camp Meeting, a highlight for the Asian Pacific Ministries community. “It was so fantastic, the turnout,” said James Lim, Asian Pacific Ministries director. “What is significant each year is the growing number of second-generation participants.”
Evenings featured music, testimonies, and reports on missions from around the world. For many families, the event offered both spiritual renewal and a reconnection to cultural heritage. Participants left inspired to share Christ within their own communities and beyond.
Redwood Camp Meeting—A gathering beneath the trees
During the final week of July, 1,300 worshipers came together in the majestic setting of the Northern California redwoods. The diversity of the gathering was evident, with the Hispanic Ministries amphitheater drawing more than 300 attendees. A growing Ukrainian and Slavic group, now numbering over 80, also joined, with Pastor Andriy Mykhaylovskyy translating sermons in real-time for those who speak little or no English. For the younger members, pastors noted a joyful increase in children and young adults filling the camp with laughter, games, and spirited worship.
“From camp pitch to the last sermon, Redwood was a meaningful experience,” said Pastor Vince Saunders of the Haven church. “Our young adult team, each inviting their circle of friends, filled our meeting tent to overflowing. It was a great turnout and reminds us that Redwood continues to be a special gathering for faith and fellowship.”
Camp Director Steve Babb reflected, “Redwood was a living reminder that faith changes everything. From early preparations to the final Sabbath, I saw teams working with dedication and joy—media leaders extending the experience online, sanitation crews maintaining high standards, and volunteers quietly solving problems behind the scenes. We look forward to building on this spirit as we prepare for our 50th anniversary next year.”
Hispanic Camp Meeting—Rio Lindo Academy
Over 800 friends, families, and volunteers gathered for “Pentecost Harvest” at Rio Lindo Academy in August. The campus buzzed with shared meals, heartfelt worship, colorful tents, and banners waving in the summer breeze. The church service was so well-attended that approximately 200 worshipers had to sit outside and listen. At the river, hundreds sang as 40 souls answered the call for baptism.
“We are so blessed with our Rio Lindo event,” said Hispanic Ministries Coordinator Paul Guevara. “Members of our churches make this gathering possible by bringing their communities, hearts of service, and the love of God.”
One Spirit, many cultures
As campers return to their home churches, they carry renewed faith, stronger relationships, and a shared sense of mission. Each of these gatherings demonstrates that God’s Spirit is at work—breaking down barriers, uniting people across languages and cultures, and offering a glimpse of the eternal fellowship we will one day share in His kingdom.
Sacramento Adventist Academy Students Serve in Paraguay
By the Communication Department
For 10 days, students from Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) joined 122 volunteers from around the world in Paraguay.
The trip was with Ultimate Workout 35, an immersive, teens-only mission trip organized by Maranatha Volunteers International. This opportunity allowed young people to serve with purpose, deepen their faith, and witness God’s work through acts of service.
In Paraguay, at project sites with names like Campo 9, Kilometer 8, and Kilometer 40, SAA’s group worked alongside other volunteers, carrying tools, water bottles, and sunscreen before dividing into teams. By mid-morning, one group was hauling bricks, another was assisting with blood pressure checks at a small clinic, and a third was teaching local children’s songs in Spanish, sharing laughter across languages and cultures.
After long, hot, humid days, evenings often brought moments of reflection and fellowship. Students shared stories over dinner about the day’s accomplishments, unexpected challenges, and the generosity and kindness they encountered. Hannah Emmanuel, 17, reflected, “It gave me the opportunity to build new relationships, forming friendships while deepening my understanding and faith in Jesus—not only through worship but also by helping others.”
