South District Palawan Youth Camp 2025

By: Kristine Mae D. Ustares (Palawan, PI Fieldworker)

From April 28 to May 2, 2025, the South District Palawan Youth Camp of the First Free Will Baptist Church gathered 155 young people under the powerful theme: "Anointed Reigning Mighty Youth of Christ (ARMY of CHRIST)",based on Ephesians 6:13:

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Opening Day: Unity in Worship and Purpose

The camp officially opened with a joyful and vibrant evening. Delegates were divided into six teams named after biblical figures: Blue Jephtah, Yellow Abimelech, Green Josiah, Orange Joab, Red Ephraim, and Violet Uriah, representing ten local churches in South Palawan. The event began with an opening prayer led by Ptr. Anacito III L. Linga, praise and worship from Ipilan and Aboabo Churches, and welcome remarks from Rev. Freedom G. Amenin.

Special numbers were rendered by Narra, Ipilan, and Aboabo Churches. The night’s highlight was a powerful message from Ptr. Roderick B. Nilasa, who shared his personal testimony of serving as a spiritual soldier in Christ. He reminded the youth that being in God’s army is not about comfort, but about obedience amid adversity. Through trials, our faith is refined like gold.

Presiders Sis. Jemimah S. Ombang and Bro. Jennson A. Panaguiton uplifted the campers with joyful instructions and the session concluded with a prayer by Rev. Jimmy L. Ombang.

Day 2: Learning, Laughter, and Living the Word

The second day began with a heartfelt devotion from Rev. Reymon A. Mate and worship by Maasin Church. He emphasized trusting in God's timing over rushing into unblessed decisions. After a community dance and warm-up, participants dove into enriching lectures:

• Lecture 1: Redeeming Discipline – “Discipline of a Christian” by Sis. Diosa S. Ombang and Sis. Jemimah S. Ombang

• Lecture 2: Obeying God Regardless of the Outcome by Sis. Lalaine Jaranilla, Sis. Joy Barbajano, and Bro. Jennson A. Panaguiton

• Lecture 3: Discipline as Reward by Sis. April Anne E. Reyes and Bro. Beljay Edito A. Madumma

Afternoon activities featured fun and educational Bible games, such as Bible drills, verse blocking, character guessing, and Book order challenges, reminding youth that Scripture is central to the Christian life.

The day continued with basketball games by church teams, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Evening worship was led by Plaridel Church, and Rev. June P. Buscano delivered a compelling message on church discipline as a refining tool for genuine Christian living. The night closed with a choral singing contest and a prayer by Rev. Reymon A. Mate.

Day 3: Sharpened by the Spirit

Morning worship was led by Aribungos and Amas Churches, followed by a deeply impactful message from Ptr. Anacito III L. Linga. The lectures for the day focused on spiritual warfare:

• Lecture 4: The Battlefield – “God’s Strategy for Winning Battles” by Sis. Angelita P. Fabila and Sis. Christine D. Caabay

• Lecture 5: Christian Weapons – Praise, Prayer, and the Word by Sis. Jane Margaret D. Sano, Sis. Annabelle M. Punla, and Sis. Anna Reze S. Castillo

In the afternoon, a lively game of Christian Henyo challenged teams to guess Bible names, places, and events. The basketball championship followed, with Maasin Church taking the win.

The evening service, blessed by Rev. Edito Madumma, featured praise from Narra Church and a stirring sermon by Rev. Freedom G. Amenin titled “The Forge.” Spiritually, the forge represents God sharpening our lives by removing what doesn’t glorify Him. In a symbolic activity, participants wrote down their fears and burned them, surrendering their burdens to God. Presentations from Amas and Balacan Churches followed, and teams crafted spiritual armor, reminding all that we are equipped to fight evil as Christ’s soldiers.

Day 4: Strengthened and Sent

The fourth day opened with a devotion from Rev. Alvin R. Dagot and worship by Balacan Church. The final set of lectures encouraged spiritual and emotional strength:

• Lecture 7: Stronger Than Your Enemy – Mental Health & Faith by Bro. Melhasan Indana, Sis. Melfe Galzote, and Ptr. Judy A. Artizuela

• Lecture 8: Safe Under God's Wings by Sis. Jonalyn N. Algazar, Sis. Christine Faith R. Buscano, and Sis. Jezzabel M. Magallanes

• Lecture 9: The Lord Is Our Refuge by Bro. Marte A. Lansap and Sis. Jenny Mae A. Mate

The Amazing Race in the afternoon tested each team's endurance and teamwork through six challenging stations. That night, the worship was led by Narra Church, followed by an entertaining presentation from Aribungos Church.

The climactic message, “Overcomer: Jesus Has the Final Word,” delivered by Rev. Jimmy L. Ombang, deeply moved the campers, reminding them that every victory is by God’s grace. Campers also showcased their "Camp Vlogs"—fun, heartfelt videos capturing their experiences, lessons, and camaraderie.

The awards ceremony celebrated team dedication, sportsmanship, and participation. Each team and individual left encouraged and empowered.

A Lasting Impact

This youth camp was a powerful and unforgettable journey of faith, fellowship, and formation. It reminded every participant that we are Christ’s ambassadors and warriors, empowered to live for His glory. With grateful hearts, we say:

To God be all the glory, honor, and praise!We march forward, ready for the next youth empowerment event, united as the Anointed Reigning Mighty Youth of Christ!