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 from 29 June –to 1 July for spiritual strengthening, reconnecting, and equipping.

The theme of this year’s camp 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 challenged and encouraged the participants in their calling as leaders and to initiate a movement among the youth. It is a call to become role models for the youth they lead.

Some of the activities included workshops on topics of “Calling and Commitment,” “Public Speaking,” “Seven Characters of a Leader,” and a panel discussion titled “Great Leadership.” There were also fun activities such as games and a bonfire.

One of the 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. Some of the campers were mad because they had no idea what was happening. After the activity, the camp coordinators explained that leaders need to be prepared mentally and emotionally in times of conflicts, problems, and sudden tasks. 

Rahel, a youth leader from Alpha Omega Church of the Nazarene, shared that he was blessed by the message that he heard from the speakers.

“A good leader needs to be a good follower,” he said. “If we want to be good leaders, we need to become good followers first, humble our hearts, solve problems, and trust each other with that humble heart.” 

Grace, one of the camp coordinators, was also blessed with the outcome of the camp. She said that organizing a camp was 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 gave all the glory to God for a successful camp.

The district youth leaders pray that the fire 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.  

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific