The Southern Mindanao Missionโs Adventist Youth Ministries (AYM) recently marked a historic milestone with the successful conduct of the first-ever Mission-Wide Friendship Camp (FCAMP) 2026. Held at the scenic Matutum View Academy in Brgy. Acmonan, Tupi, South Cotabato, the event drew a massive assembly of 975 registered youth delegates from various districts. United under the theme โKeeping and Acting the Faith by Bringing Others Transformed in Christโ (KAB-OT), the gathering was designed to be more than just a social retreat; it served as a spiritual powerhouse aimed at equipping the next generation with a firm commitment to Christ and a passion for gospel work.
Throughout the week, the camp provided a holistic environment that balanced physical activity with deep spiritual introspection. Delegates participated in a rigorous schedule of morning and evening devotionals, obstacle courses, and traditional Larong Pinoy, alongside specialized skills training. Expert lecturers led workshops in diverse fields such as CPR and emergency response, mountaineering, arts and crafts, and even digital storytelling. These sessions were meticulously curated to ensure that every participant left not only spiritually refreshed but also practically prepared to serve their local communities with life-saving skills and leadership capabilities.
The heartbeat of FCAMP 2026 was its extraordinary emphasis on evangelism and discipleship. The spiritual harvest was significant, with the camp reporting a total of 296 baptismsโ157 resulting from prior district-level efforts and an additional 139 individuals who accepted Christ during the mission-wide event. Under the powerful preaching of Pastor Edward Marton of Quiet Hour Ministries and the guidance of local district pastors, the youth were challenged to surrender their lives fully to God. This transformative week, orchestrated by Youth Director Pastor Edilberto T. Tangayan Jr. and a dedicated team of leaders, concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, sending nearly a thousand “missionaries” back to their homes to continue the work of sharing Godโs love.
Serene Shekinah D. Boncavil | Photos by Hope Channel Southern Mindanao
