From August 20 until August 23, over 230 members gathered online and at Camp Cedar Crest in Running Springs, California, to participate in the 2023 SWR Summer Camp. The purpose of the camp was to rekindle the desire to accomplish the Heavenly Family Mission Statement. Camp Cedar Crest sits at about 6000 ft elevation in the pristine beauty of the San Bernardino mountains, which was an ideal location for the camp. Here members could put aside all their worries and difficulties to focus on the camp mission.
The camp was initially set to begin on Sunday with all the members arriving at the campsite. However, due to the unprecedented Hurricane Hilary approaching the area, the camp was pushed back. Despite the initial uncertainty, every member was able to gather via Zoom on Sunday to begin the camp and receive many realizations through the education.
The status of the camp remained up in the air until Monday morning. Through God’s grace, the storm hardly affected the area, and all members traveled to the campsite. Members came from as far as Hawaii and Alaska to participate in the event. Other areas included Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Francisco, Arizona, Fresno, and Las Vegas.
Arrival At The Campsite
On Monday afternoon, all members arrived at the camp and settled into their lodgings. From the afternoon to the evening, the word of God was delivered through which members could build their faith. As a special appearance, five pre-theological students from Korea came and performed touching new songs in front of all of the members.
At the end of Monday, the members split into two groups and played unity games with one another. Through this, members could learn new things about each other since many of them lived far away.
On Tuesday, breakfast was served in the morning and then the education continued throughout the day with lunch and dinner breaks. In the evening, over 250 members gathered to keep the Holy Third Day worship. Through the worship, members realized the important message that God always gives love and wisdom to their children.
After the worship, all the members went to change and gathered at the amphitheater for a campfire. Prior to the campfire, each cabin practiced a skit with spiritual meaning to perform in front of everybody. During the skits, everybody enjoyed delicious s’mores that were prepared by the Las Vegas members.
The brothers and sisters performed various skits, ranging from new songs to acting out the David and Goliath scene and even the anointment of King David. Through this event, members enjoyed each other’s company with laughs while receiving gracious realizations.
The Conclusion
Wednesday was the final day of the 2023 SWR Summer Camp. It began with members packing all of their belongings and emptying the cabin before enjoying breakfast once again. The morning session consisted of one final education before the members broke up into smaller groups to share the “fragrance of Zion”. Throughout the entire experience, there were many realizations and understanding gained by the members. The theme of the event was to Complete The Heavenly Family Mission Statement. By the end, all members had made a firm resolution to carry out the gospel work with eagerness.
After lunch, a few members were selected to give their realizations in front of everybody. The camp concluded with parting words from Pastor Enoch before everybody departed to their home.
By the end of it all, everybody’s faith was renewed and re-energized to carry out the gospel in their respective areas.
