First Annual Southern California’s SWORD Camp 2009

In 2007 USA Today reported on a survey done on Protestant churches to find out why they were "losing young adults in ‘sobering’ numbers.” The article states, “Seven in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30 — both evangelical and mainline — who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23, according to the survey by LifeWay Research.” *

This is an alarming percentage. Even in the Church of God (Seventh Day) an increasing number of young adults are abandoning the Church, seeking worldly knowledge or just plain fun. Listening to a weekly sermon with nothing they can identify with is not on top of their "to do" lists. Recognizing this, Ruth Martinez, a young adult, has taken a stand in organizing this event to rekindle a relationship with God using key workshops designed specifically for young adults.

This first-ever Southern California SWORD event August 20-23, 2009, did not end up just like any other camp. In the midst of skeptical and disillusioned hearts, God’s grace fell upon Cedar Falls SWORD Camp 2009. With brethren prepared throughout the state as well as internationally, this year’s camp has ignited an already existing small flame to grow larger.

Some wondered how many young adults would attend this camp. Yet once again we saw God's hand at work when a whopping 18 young adults drove across the state line of Nevada to join their unknown brethren in Southern California. All that is left to say is “God is good!” The lively atmosphere has given new hope to the organizers who spent months of planning. The long nights of chatting and singing helped create a bond that only junior camp promises. Thanks to everyone's willingness to “meet ‘n greet,” our young adults enjoyed the complete spiritual and social experience they came for.

We were blessed to have great speakers with excellent topics and a bilingual interpretation team on hand. Brothers Hiram Esparza Plata and Raul Lopez Espinoza from Chihuahua, Mexico, led the Spanish workshops, and Brothers Heber Vega from San Diego and Larry Zaragoza from Visalia, California, led the English workshops. All workshops were provided with interpretation by Sister Ruth Chaves and Brother Juan Gonzalez. The camp could not have been this successful had it not been for the eye-opening, inspiring, and motivating workshops so brilliantly delivered to a group of eager minds.

The result was a revival of a dormant group of young adults who by first glimpse seemed to be non-existent in the Church. Now the future for the SWORD ministry looks promising. A sense of “uplift” has resulted from the new and aspiring friendships, brotherhood, and sisterhood. The Holy Spirit was ever so present, and a new flame is in the air. While we do not know about the rest of our nation, this small group of about 50 or more young adults wants to be on fire for the Lord.

— Maria Torres

* www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-08-06-church-dropouts_N.htm