From June 13 to 16, 2024, the Himalayan Section Youth Department, supported by the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) and the Korean Union Conference (KUC) Youth Department, organized a groundbreaking youth leadership camp at the Dapcha Adventist Educational Center. Themed “The Love of Christ Compels Us,” this event marked the first-ever youth leadership camp in the Himalayan Section’s history, signifying a monumental step in nurturing future church leaders in Nepal.
They took the first step in training youth leaders (Master Guides, Senior Youth Leadership) who will lead Nepali churches in the future. Additionally, the camp showcased practical examples and models of youth ministry from the KUC Youth Department. Initially, 25 participants registered for the camp, but the number rapidly increased to 55, with 70 attendees joining the Friday evening worship service, demonstrating great interest and enthusiasm.
The camp commenced with an opening worship message from Samuel Saw, Associate secretary of the General Conference. Following this, Hiroshi Yamaji, Secretary of the NSD, and Umesh, President of the Himalayan Section, delivered greetings. Keynote speakers included Pastor Choi HoYoung, Youth Director of the NSD, and Kim HyunTae, Youth Director of the KUC. The participants engaged actively and earnestly in the training sessions, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Adventist youth ministry and committing to participate in advanced leadership training courses in the future.
Pastor Choi HoYoung expressed his sentiments: “Every moment of this event was inspiring. It was particularly moving to see Elder Bajuram Shrestha, the first Nepalese Adventist, attending throughout and making a profound impact during the Sabbath sunset worship.” This camp is expected to invigorate the Pathfinder ministry in the Nepalese Adventist Church, creating opportunities for youth evangelism and leadership development. The NSD and KUC have pledged to continue their support by inviting the Korean Church Pathfinder volunteer team to Nepal within the year to enhance the advanced leadership training program further.
