From March 29-31, 2024, Hope Haugesund celebrated our very first Easter Camp with the theme, “Transformed Lives to Change Lives,” in line with the HIM Vision 2030: Transforming Lives Everywhere. The first night focused on all the leaders, creating a venue where they could be refreshed, empowered, and energized after giving so much of their lives to their respective ministries and life groups. It was a night of learning, growing, and deepening our relationships with one another as leaders—a time to refresh our body, soul, and spirit. We started the night with a sumptuous meal, followed by blessed worship and a teaching from Ps Prakich on the different types of leadership. We had the chance to rate each other based on our impressions of each other’s leadership styles, whether inclined to being a seer, carer, thinker, or doer. It was a fun and refreshing night of laughter, learning how we see each other as leaders.
The second part of the leadership agenda was profound. The leaders answered a Life Reflection Questionnaire and afterward shared with one another their responses to questions such as how they were presently doing and how they had experienced God lately. These questions fostered deeper connections among the leaders and opened opportunities for prayer related to what was shared. We realized there were many things we were unaware of about one another, and we were truly grateful for this activity.
On the second day of the camp, the rest of the participants arrived and enjoyed team-building activities and various games like darts and cheerleading tournaments. We ended the second night with a powerful praise and worship session, followed by a message from one of the church’s regular guest speakers, Sis Lyla Granberg. In line with our camp theme, “Transforming Lives to Change Lives,” she shared the story of Peter and his transformation—from denying Jesus to becoming a bold follower of Him, impacting many lives. The message blessed and challenged many.
On the final day of the camp, we started with morning exercises joined by some participants, followed by the final face-off between the last two groups competing for first place in our team-building activities. After lunch, we had our Resurrection Service, which commenced with powerful praise and worship led by our dancing ministry. Ps Steve Mondala delivered a sermon entitled “Rescued by the Blood,” highlighting the importance of the father’s role in the family. Just as the Israelites were rescued from the destroyer when the fathers put the blood of the lamb on the doorposts, so it is through their leadership that the family will be blessed. The service ended with a challenge and prayer for all the men in the congregation. After the service, participants enjoyed more fellowship, and the children had great fun with egg hunting and chocolate prizes.
Overall, it was a blessed first Easter Camp, and participants look forward to the next one! We give all glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our soon-coming King!
