IN-TUNE A CAPPELLA

The Nairobi Central SDA Church Camp Meeting 2008 was a huge success bringing together speakers from around the globe;

Pastor Randy Skeete (Main Speaker)- USA
Pastor Wynsome Baadjes (Senior Youth)- England
Pastor Micah Campbell (Teens/Junior Youth)- England
Pastor Wynny Lynn (Health and Nutrition)- England
and our very own, Sis. Millicent Odhiambo- Mombasa, Kenya

'The Signs of Hope' was this year's theme, and if the attendance was anything to go by, then there is indeed still hope alive in the hearts of many. But this hope we refer to, is the kind of hope that is everlasting and true and stands the test of time. This hope is indeed the hope that is Jesus Christ who came to die for our sins so that we could be set free.

The composed and inspiring Pr. Micah Campbell took the teens (15years and above) and the Junior Youth (upto 22years) through the whole of the camp meeting, conducting a series of sermons, teaching bible studies and how to preach effectively and thoroughly to a congregation. He also took us through exegesis of a given bible text and each and every day encouraged us to be courageous, read God's word and spread the message.

Elder Nzweli Banzi Ndlovu was on the other hand talking to us about pertinent teen issues and adventists belief, pratices and norms. It was inetersting to hear other people's views on how we could observe the sabbath more strictly, using means such as kesharing(transnighting) in church on friday or hiring transport for all church members during the week! He also discussed with us the dangers of dancing, along with your emotions and the effect the two, to a heightened extent, have on your bodily reactions.

We also discussed relationships with him, whether it was advisable (note ADVISABLE not permissible) to be in a serious relationship or commitment at our age, even though some people I know claim its practice for the future. Holding hands, touching, kissing...the works are not recommended, surely that isn't rocket science, as Chris would say, now is it? The Associate Church Pastor, Ezra Okioma went to great lengths to sensitize us on the dangers of pornography and its physiological and psychological effect on young and maturing minds.

Linda, our class guide, was instrumental in the success of our activities throughout the week as she ensured that the speakers were available and there on time. Her welcoming and warm personality and her upfront honesty made her a star among the teens and the youth, which left a lasting impression on , I'm sure all of us would agree, who had an opportunity to interact with her. In-Tune had countless opportunitie, like no other time in our history, to perform and sing praises to God, like at that time....the whole Camp Meeting week. This was also in addition to us becoming closer with another acappella group, AMO Junior, which also rocked the scene!

As for Pr. Skeete's priceless sermon's, I don't think I have to emphasize on his ability to reach out to the congregation and drive his point home. The core theme of his sermons was the unmatchable love of Jesus Christ for humanity and creation. The only man alive I know, whom has seemingly crammed and memorised every inch of the King James Version Bible word for word, in addition to most of Ellen G. White's books. If thats not a gift, I dont know what is! He however claims that the more one reads God's word, the more the Lord opens up the mind.

At the climax of the Camp Meeting, Joseph, as well as other picked individuals, represented the whole age group at the pulpit in the main church to give the rest of the church a taste of what we had learned. They did indeed give a sterling performance, each.

The guest choir, Magomeni SDA Church Choir summed up the spirit-lifting week with a fantastic piece, a Kiswahili version of the Hallelluyah Chorus, from Handel's Messiah. What more can I say?...