Most of the campers, in their 20s and 30s, were leaders of young peoples’ fellowships in their home churches. But an observer would not have been impressed by their behaviour. They were undisciplined, resistant to instruction from their leaders, and sceptical.

It was the first camp conducted for ECWA (Evangelical Church of West Africa) young people in an area deep in the south of Nigeria. The state is rich in oil, and the young people are better educated than most in Nigeria; yet there is a high level of hostility and disenchantment.

Claudia Long, camp director, reported that problems began even before camp, when only one-fourth of the staff showed up for training.

But God had plans for that camp! By the closing day, he had touched the hearts of the campers through the Bible studies, hut devotions, and their personal quiet times.

Smiles broke out on their faces and they were obviously having fun, making new friends, learning new things, and even talking to ‘Auntie’ Claudia.

After the Sunday messages by elders from the church, the campers registered their responses: 18 made new decisions to trust Christ as their Saviour, 32 confirmed prior salvation decisions, 37 committed their lives to serve Christ, and 18 made other responses of obedience.

Why is camp important?
This camp was held at a school. Further north, near Jos, development of a permanent camping facility on 36 acres of land is now one-third complete. Helping young Nigerians to become devoted followers of Jesus is the primary objective. Camping programmes are designed to be fun, but with a very serious purpose.

First, the leaders want every camper to know Christ as his or her Saviour and Lord. Other emphases are faithfulness in Bible study; meaningful personal devotions; mission awareness; improved study habits; morality, integrity, hard work; appreciation for their ECWA heritage; and exposure of false faith systems that compete for the soul of Nigeria.

Camp gives the young people an opportunity to freely discuss with their peers the struggles they face from issues related to education, family pressures, morality, cults, and secret (occult) societies.

Since the first camp was held in 1993, nearly 1,500 campers and staff from 13 ECWA church districts have participated in 39 camps.

After a recent camp, Kauna reported, ‘I’m not as before. I have made up my mind that I will serve God with all my heart, whatever I will be in the future. I will serve him, and may God help me.’

Young people make up more than half of Nigeria’s population, but they are often ignored in the churches. We thank God for the growing interest in camping.

In 2007 a series of eight camps around Nigeria are already filling up. The theme is ‘The World Around Us’, from Romans 12:2.

Please pray for:
• A suitable substitute director during Director Claudia Long’s home assignment beginning November 2007
• Funds to complete the camp facility near Jos*

*If you would like to give to this project, please send your gift to SIM-UK, marked for project 96912. Alternatively, you can give online, by clicking on the link below.

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