On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the Church of God in Orange County hosted the International Student Bible Academy Student Bible Camp for all student members within the southwestern region of the United States. The International Student Bible Academy, also known as ISBA, is comprised of Church of God students from sixth to twelfth grade. They are carrying out the mission of the gospel even in their young age and this camp helped to refresh and excite them for their mission.
Members made their firm resolutions as they headed to Orange County for the camp. Many of them resolved to share the love of God the Mother with all people and to preach diligently within their schools. Among the resolutions, one student, Damani said, “he wanted to take what he learns from the camp and put it into practice and be able to share about the Bible to his friends.” Though before, the student members didn’t realize their true capacity and potential to do the gospel, through the ISBA they are realizing their God given mission and becoming the forefront of the gospel by trusting in God Elohim and dedicating their youth to this work.
Nurturing the Heart Through Bible Study and Character Education
Once the students arrived they were greeted with bright smiles and received name tags to begin the camp. It began with an opening ceremony, in which one of the pastors delivered words of encouragement. The students realized that though they are young, God chose them to carry out the mission of the gospel.
The opening ceremony was followed by a Bible education entitled, “Youth Like the Dew of the Dawn.” It taught the students not to be afraid of anything, but to be bold and courageous especially since they are shaping our future. They were reminded that great examples in the Bible, like David, Joshua, and Daniel were all chosen by God in their youth. As Psalms 110:3 states, “your young men will come to you like dew,” the youth of the Church of God are full of enthusiasm to carry out the gospel.
The student members also received gracious teachings about manners. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, in the last days people will be disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, and without love. Despite this, God wants us to be holy, godly, and to love one another. The students learned how to greet everyone brightly, how to be considerate of others, how to respect elders, and much more. By putting all of these into practice, they will surely be able to display the glory of God.
Youthful Energy
Various events were prepared for the student members to exert their youthful energy. There was puzzles, Rubiks cubes, an obstacle course, Pictionary and Korean Charades. The students continuously laughed and smiled throughout the event. They felt so happy and thankful to God the Father and God the Mother for entrusting them, from the least to the greatest with the great work of the gospel. All ISBA members felt encouraged and excited from holding this camp together and they look forward to more in the future.
Not only here in the southwestern region, but all over the world, the student prophets are rising up! Similar, student camps were held in Korea, Peru, and Mongolia from July to August according to the schedule of each church. It consisted of various programs: field trips, cooking competitions, character education, volunteer services, etc. The students participated in the camp with excitement and anticipation, and spent a meaningful time making good memories.
