15 Sep 2025, 21:43IM Communications
Unshaken: Families in the West of Ireland Gather for 2025 Family Camp
From 1–4 August this year, the churches in the West of Ireland gathered in Newmarket-on-Fergus for their annual Family Camp. With the theme “Unshaken: Standing for Christ in a Changing World”, the event brought together around 120 participants, including children, with even more joining on Sabbath for the morning and afternoon services.
The weekend featured a rich programme for all ages. Pastor Jefferson Melki, Youth Sponsor for the Irish Mission, served as guest speaker for the youth. While Pastor Clayton Maurede had originally been scheduled as the speaker for the adults, visa delays prevented his arrival. Instead, the pastors from the West of Ireland stepped in to share the Word with the congregation. For the children, Pastor Tiago Rossendy (Roscommon, Sligo, and Longford churches) led a dynamic programme designed especially for them.
In addition to inspiring messages, attendees enjoyed early morning prayer sessions, music, a concert, games, a bonfire, and times of fellowship. “The Family Camp this year was a tremendous blessing for all of us,” said Pastor Fillipe Lessa, one of the organisers. “It was an amazing weekend full of songs, prayers, and biblical messages. I thank God for everyone who took part, especially the organising committee who worked hard to make it happen.”
A creative journey for children
The children’s programme carried the theme Flight 3:16 — Destination Heaven. As the children queued to enter the area, they were welcomed by a “flight attendant” and greeted by a “pilot.” The hall was decorated with planes, maps, and flags, making the experience feel like a real journey. Each day, the children enjoyed Bible reflections, learned about different countries, sang songs, and created crafts. At the end of the camp, each child received their own “passport,” complete with a photo and stamps from the “countries” they had visited. They were also reminded that, while travelling is exciting, the greatest journey is the one that will lead us to Heaven.
A time of spiritual growth and fellowship
On Sabbath morning, the sermon was delivered by Pastor Kerwin Mitchell, from the Cork and Tralee churches, with a powerful message on standing firm in faith. The weekend was also marked by a joyful celebration: two young people, Ben and Florence, publicly declared their faith through baptism.
For Precious Madubeko, Family Ministries Sponsor for the Irish Mission, camps like these carry deep significance. “Camps give us the opportunity to step aside from daily distractions and focus on worship and fellowship,” she reflected. “It’s a time of rest, renewal, and building relationships. Our children especially benefit—they see that being a Christian can be joyful, meet other Adventist young people, and form lasting friendships.”
Others shared similar feelings. Christiana Hofmann, from Tralee Church, described her experience warmly: “I loved it. I loved the community—how people from different churches could connect and reconnect. The messages really spoke to where I am in my life right now, and I found that very precious.”
For Sandhya Joy, a member of Galway Church, the camp was equally meaningful. “Family camps like this are important because they bring families together,” she said. “They give us time to reflect, share challenges, and let children meet other families with the same values. It helps us realise we are not alone.”
Gratitude for a blessed camp
As the weekend came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with joy, gratitude, and renewed commitment to Christ. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to making the camp a success—the pastors who shared God’s Word, the volunteers who led programmes, the staff who worked tirelessly in the kitchen, and every participant who came with a spirit of fellowship and faith. Truly, the West of Ireland Family Camp 2025 was a time of blessing, connection, and spiritual growth.
From 1–4 August this year, the churches in the West of Ireland gathered in Newmarket-on-Fergus for their annual Family Camp. With the theme “Unshaken: Standing for Christ in a Changing World”, the event brought together around 120 participants, including children, with even more joining on Sabbath for the morning and afternoon services.
The weekend featured a rich programme for all ages. Pastor Jefferson Melki, Youth Sponsor for the Irish Mission, served as guest speaker for the youth. While Pastor Clayton Maurede had originally been scheduled as the speaker for the adults, visa delays prevented his arrival. Instead, the pastors from the West of Ireland stepped in to share the Word with the congregation. For the children, Pastor Tiago Rossendy (Roscommon, Sligo, and Longford churches) led a dynamic programme designed especially for them.
In addition to inspiring messages, attendees enjoyed early morning prayer sessions, music, a concert, games, a bonfire, and times of fellowship. “The Family Camp this year was a tremendous blessing for all of us,” said Pastor Fillipe Lessa, one of the organisers. “It was an amazing weekend full of songs, prayers, and biblical messages. I thank God for everyone who took part, especially the organising committee who worked hard to make it happen.”
A creative journey for children
The children’s programme carried the theme Flight 3:16 — Destination Heaven. As the children queued to enter the area, they were welcomed by a “flight attendant” and greeted by a “pilot.” The hall was decorated with planes, maps, and flags, making the experience feel like a real journey. Each day, the children enjoyed Bible reflections, learned about different countries, sang songs, and created crafts. At the end of the camp, each child received their own “passport,” complete with a photo and stamps from the “countries” they had visited. They were also reminded that, while travelling is exciting, the greatest journey is the one that will lead us to Heaven.
A time of spiritual growth and fellowship
On Sabbath morning, the sermon was delivered by Pastor Kerwin Mitchell, from the Cork and Tralee churches, with a powerful message on standing firm in faith. The weekend was also marked by a joyful celebration: two young people, Ben and Florence, publicly declared their faith through baptism.
For Precious Madubeko, Family Ministries Sponsor for the Irish Mission, camps like these carry deep significance. “Camps give us the opportunity to step aside from daily distractions and focus on worship and fellowship,” she reflected. “It’s a time of rest, renewal, and building relationships. Our children especially benefit—they see that being a Christian can be joyful, meet other Adventist young people, and form lasting friendships.”
Others shared similar feelings. Christiana Hofmann, from Tralee Church, described her experience warmly: “I loved it. I loved the community—how people from different churches could connect and reconnect. The messages really spoke to where I am in my life right now, and I found that very precious.”
For Sandhya Joy, a member of Galway Church, the camp was equally meaningful. “Family camps like this are important because they bring families together,” she said. “They give us time to reflect, share challenges, and let children meet other families with the same values. It helps us realise we are not alone.”
Gratitude for a blessed camp
As the weekend came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with joy, gratitude, and renewed commitment to Christ. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to making the camp a success—the pastors who shared God’s Word, the volunteers who led programmes, the staff who worked tirelessly in the kitchen, and every participant who came with a spirit of fellowship and faith. Truly, the West of Ireland Family Camp 2025 was a time of blessing, connection, and spiritual growth.
