Navajo Camp Meeting
By Carlos A. Camacho
On the weekend of Sept. 6-8, I had the privilege of visiting Monument Valley, Utah, for the Navajo Nation Camp Meeting, an event I will not soon forget.
The camp meeting was led by Nancy Crosby, the Native American Ministries Coordinator from the Pacific Union, and her husband, Pastor James Crosby, who serves as pastor and leader of the Kayenta mission and church in Kayenta, Arizona. With around 100 people in attendance, it was a blessed and well-organized gathering that I was honored to be a part of.
Karen Schneider, the Nevada-Utah Conference treasurer, came to help prepare for the long-awaited weekend. She helped prepare 300 sack lunches for the Sabbath meal and was extremely helpful throughout the weekend. One member shared how impressed she was about “The Boss Lady’s” willingness to be there to help make this a memorable weekend.
One of the most memorable aspects of the weekend was the sense of community that permeated the entire event. From Friday night dinner through to Sunday lunch, every meal was provided for the attendees. The weekend culminated in a delicious meal of Navajo tacos on Sunday, which was the perfect way to close our time together.
As the main speaker, I had the opportunity to share messages throughout the weekend under the theme “The Power of Us.” It was an inspiring time to reflect on how, through unity and the power of God, we can achieve great things in the community for the service of God. I was particularly moved by the passion and dedication I witnessed among the Navajo members, many of whom are committed to furthering the gospel throughout the Navajo Nation. I challenged them to continue harnessing God’s power, trusting that He will lead to accomplish even more as we work together.
During divine worship on Sabbath, Elder Leon B. Brown, executive vice president of the Pacific Union, was our keynote speaker. His message on “The Power of the Love of God” deeply resonated with everyone. It was a timely reminder of the transformative and unconditional nature of God’s love, which can unite and uplift us in every challenge we face.
In addition to the spiritual programming, we enjoyed the natural beauty of Monument Valley with a group hike on Sabbath evening. It was a wonderful opportunity to take in God’s creation and reflect on the weekend’s themes. Throughout the entire camp meeting, there were excellent programs for the children, ensuring that they too were involved in the weekend’s activities.
One of the topics of discussion I was able to bring into focus is the long-term commitment the Adventist Church has had to the Navajo Nation for over 80 years. We talked about the services rendered through the years. We’ve operated a church, a hospital, and a school in the Monument Valley area, and much work has been done on behalf of our beloved Navajo Nation brothers and sisters. We talked about the challenges we’ve faced and our commitment to move forward.
The central message I shared and felt echoed throughout the weekend is that God’s power is available to all of us. It is my prayer that the Navajo Nation will continue to join together in unity, trusting that God will guide them in their mission to bring the gospel to every corner of their land.
This weekend was a powerful reminder of how, when we come together in faith, God can work through us to accomplish more than we could ever imagine. I left Monument Valley with a full heart, deeply encouraged by the faith and dedication of the Navajo people.
Camp Meeting Preparations Lead to Empowerment
It was a special weekend on the Navajo nation. Before camp meeting even began, many preparations were made. Among those preparing was one of the leaders at Kayenta. It was exciting to see Loraine Whitehair’s enthusiasm and involvement as she drove to the church multiple days in a row, bringing food and supplies. Her enthusiasm was contagious!
One of the moments that was particularly heartwarming was during one of Elder Camacho’s messages. “We want to empower you to do the work of sharing the gospel with your people,” he shared. He then asked one of the leaders of Kayenta church if there was a word in the Navajo language that meant “empower.” She shook her head. “Could you please stand up and explain in Navajo what empowerment means?” She stood up with dignity, and I watched in awe—you could not hear a pin drop while everyone listened with rapt attention to her words. Elder Camacho had just given a profound real-life illustration of what empowerment looks like.
On Sabbath afternoon, there was a time for testimonies to be shared. An elder from Kayenta church shared his testimony of how, many years ago, God had given him the victory over drinking. “I claimed the promises of God” he said. It was so beautiful to see him speak passionately, encouraging those attending to “claim the promises of God. It will make a difference in your life!”
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By Leah Crosby
International Pathfinder Camporee 2024
You need to be ready for anything at the International Camporee,” said Mary Converse, who has been attending the North American Division-sponsored International Pathfinder Camporee since its inception in 1985. This year’s camporee was nothing short of eventful.
Attendees from around the world arrived between Saturday, August 3, and Tuesday, August 6. About 600 came from the Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC), with some taking a plane while others opted to drive. Several churches partnered to rent buses. The first few days were spent pitching tents and setting up camp. Meanwhile, the city of Gillette, Wyoming, got an exclusive preview of the Moses story reenactment, dubbed “Night at the Camporee.” Ron Whitehead, the camporee’s executive director, warmly welcomed the city: “We heard about Gillette, how special it is. The more we saw, the more we fell in love with your community. So tonight’s for you!”
After receiving a gift of appreciation, Gillette’s mayor, Shay Lundvall, shared his excitement: “This was a treat, and we’re excited to host such a large event. In terms of the world, we need more positivity like this. I’m thrilled you chose Gillette, and I look forward to meeting as many people as possible.” The city had been preparing for this event, and it was heartwarming to see the entire community come together to extend hospitality.
However, on August 6, the excitement was interrupted by a severe storm. All activities were canceled as thunderstorms brought heavy rain and lightning. Although part of the NUC camp sustained minor damage, it was not severe. Nearby buildings were opened to provide shelter for those at the campsite. The next day, everyone came together to help each other recover from the storm. Karen Schneider, NUC treasurer, purchased new blankets and sleeping bags for those in need. The city of Gillette also offered schools and hotel rooms for those requiring temporary shelter. Thanks to everyone’s combined efforts, all programs resumed by noon on August 7 as if nothing had happened. Daily activities included marching drills, community service projects, skill-based honors, an exhibition hall, a food court, and off-campus events.
The following day, several NUC Pathfinders decided to get baptized, joining nearly a thousand other Pathfinders who were baptized that week.
That same night, a decision was made to end the evening program a day early due to another approaching storm. In light of this change, our conference held the investiture ceremony on Friday, August 9. This ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work by young people who dedicated themselves to a program aimed at developing their spiritual, mental, physical, and social skills.
Mary Converse, affectionately known as “Master Guide Mary,” was right. Every attendee experienced something unique that could only be found at the international camporee. Interim Youth Director Delberth Castillo summed it up well: “The good days, the laughter, and the storm are all part of the camping experience, and we’re all here for it.”
One attendee shared that this might be her only opportunity to attend the camporee as a Pathfinder, and she was grateful to have created lasting memories this year. The next International Pathfinder Camporee will be five years from now in the same city with a new theme centered on the life of the prophet Elijah.
