IT’S ABOUT TIME: 2022 KYTN Camp Meeting emphasizes church’s mission,God’s second coming

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference (KYTN), like many other conferences around the country, were forced to transition its annual camp meetings online. This year, KYTN was blessed to meet in person once again. From May 27 to June 4, conference members worshiped God by following the theme, “It’s About Time.”

The theme emphasized Jesus’ second coming and the mission of the church: sharing the Good News. 

Prominent guest speakers, including Hope Channel President Derek Morris, It Is Written President John Bradshaw and CHIP Founder Hans Diehl, came to present throughout the eight-day long event. The conference was also blessed to welcome Southern Union Church Growth and Revitalization Director Richie Halversen, Southern Union Evangelism Director Roger Hernandez and Solid Rock, VA, Church Pastor Vinnie MacIsaac.  

A Time of Fellowship

The long-awaited event drew in more than 1000 guests. While most attendees were members of KYTN, some visitors were coming from other conferences, and some were traveling from abroad.

“Th program was vibrant and engaging,” said Daryl Gay Atiteo-Tanamal, who was visiting from the Philippines. “The sermons had wonderful Biblical reflections. I learned that Jesus cares and He is in control. [As Christians,] we must anchor on Him alone.”

In between sessions, friends, some who had not seen each other since the 2019 camp meeting, were able to catch up and fellowship with one another. Each day, children, earliteens, youth and young adults also enjoyed programs prepared specifically for their age group.

“[My] biggest takeaway is that we’re not alone,” Pastor Jon Remitera, who led the young adult group, said. “There are those who still believe in the mission of the Adventist Church. Each person is a leader in the movement. I witnessed fellowship in the thought provoking and challenging discussions about church, ministry, and bearing the torch of leadership for the next generation of leaders.”

A Time to Learn

One of the highlights of KYTN’s Camp Meeting were the daily seminars prepared by a wide range of speakers. Attendees had a variety of classes that they could choose from, including a class for Bible journaling, preaching, digital media, and even a hands-on lesson on how to build a greenhouse and grow tunnel.

In addition to the seminars, ministries from across the country, like It Is Written and Voice of Prophecy, set up booths with pamphlets and other gear to showcase their work and the services they have available. Similarly, conference ministries, like the health and youth department, also got the chance advertise their upcoming events and available resources.

Un momento en Español

Following the weekend of June 4, the Hispanic churches hosted their own camp meeting sessions from June 10 to 11. The theme, translated in Spanish to “El Momento Es Ahora,” remained the same.

With more than 700 visitors, not counting those watching online, the crowd was blessed to hear from Florida Conference Evangelism Coordinator Homero Salazar. On Saturday evening, they also enjoyed a concert by well-known Christian singer, Hugo Yin.  

“[During these meetings] God manifested himself teaching, motivating, and instructing His people,” said Pastor Armando De Leon, KYTN Hispanic Coordinator. “The most beautiful moment was seeing how God touched the hearts of several people who attended the Hispanic Camp Meeting.”

A time for God

"What can we do less of so we can do more of evangelism?” John Bradshaw asked the crowd during his June 3rd presentation at the KYTN Camp Meeting. “What can we waste our time less talking about so we can talk more about Christ?"

Throughout the entirety of Camp Meeting, attendees were reminded that the church’s mission is to lift high the cross and seek the lost. Each day, the crowd was blessed to remember that God is waiting for them with open arms.

The most incredible testimony to come out of camp meeting was that, at the end of both the English and Hispanic sessions, five individuals declared their love for God through baptism.