Becoming Like Jesus
This year’s ICOC Lagos Youth Camp was truly a step of faith.
In the midst of economic hardship, rising costs, and concerns about insecurity, we took a bold step and announced the 2026 Youth Camp. At the time, our expectation was simple: if we could get between 100 and 150 campers, we would consider the camp a success.
But God had something far greater in mind.
Amazingly, 261 campers registered, alongside about 60 dedicated counselors, volunteers, and officials.
This can only be God!
The theme for this year’s camp was “Becoming Like Jesus,” and every class, devotional, activity, and conversation was intentionally centered around this powerful theme.
Our main scripture was Luke 2:52:
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Our prayer was that every young person would leave camp not simply having had a wonderful experience, but having taken a meaningful step toward becoming more like Jesus—in character, wisdom, spiritual maturity, relationships, and service.
A Week of Faith, Fellowship and Growth
The camp officially began on Sunday with the arrival of all the campers, while counselors and other volunteers had already been on ground from Saturday, preparing and waiting to welcome them.
Throughout the week, campers participated in numerous games, physical activities, classes, devotionals, and fellowship opportunities. There was plenty of fun and laughter, but beneath it all was a deeper purpose: helping young people encounter God and grow to become more like Christ.
On Wednesday morning, we experienced an incredibly inspiring Singing Devotional. The atmosphere was truly heavenly as campers and counselors lifted their voices in worship and praise to God.
On Thursday, we held our Ring of Honor, a special time when campers and counselors honored one another by sharing the impact they had made in each other’s lives. It was beautiful to hear words of encouragement, appreciation, and gratitude and to witness the meaningful relationships that had developed throughout the camp.
Then came Friday’s Grateful Devotional—one of the most emotional moments of the camp.
Everyone was given an opportunity to pause, reflect, and remember all that God had done in their lives throughout the year. Many heartfelt testimonies were shared as campers, counselors, and volunteers expressed gratitude for God’s blessings, faithfulness, protection, and love.
There were tears. There was laughter. There was reflection.
Above all, there was gratitude to God.
Celebrating Our Camp Alumni
We cannot talk about the success of this year’s camp without giving special recognition to our amazing Camp Alumni.
Many of these young people once attended camp as campers. Today, they have returned as counselors, volunteers, and leaders, pouring back into the next generation.
Their impact, commitment, sacrifice, and dedication have been remarkable.
This year, when we explained that finances were tight and that we could not include camp T-shirts in the budget, our Camp Alumni stepped up and single-handedly produced T-shirts for both the counselors and campers.
What an incredible demonstration of ownership, love, and service!
May God Almighty richly bless and reward every one of you for your generosity, sacrifice, and commitment to God’s Kingdom.
To Our Camp Officials and Volunteers
I also want to sincerely appreciate every camp official, counselor, and volunteer who gave their time and energy to make this camp possible.
Many of you left lucrative jobs, personal businesses, family responsibilities, and other commitments simply to serve these young people.
You gave your time.
You gave your strength.
You gave your resources.
Most importantly, you gave yourselves.
May God Almighty bless you, replenish you, and reward you abundantly for every sacrifice you made.
Appreciation to the Church Leadership and Administration
We are equally grateful to the Church Leadership and Administration for their deep involvement, support, contributions, guidance, and commitment to making this year’s camp a reality.
Your partnership made a tremendous difference.
To God Be the Glory
Above everything else, I want to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to God Almighty.
When we announced this camp, we stepped out in faith.
When we saw the economic realities, we wondered how it would all come together.
But God showed us once again that what may look impossible to us is never impossible with Him.
From our expected 100–150 campers to 261 registered campers and about 60 volunteers and officials, God exceeded our expectations.
He provided.
He protected.
He strengthened.
He brought people together.
He made a way where we could not see one.
And He allowed us to witness young people grow in wisdom, faith, relationships, and their desire to become more like Jesus.
This year’s Youth Camp was more than a camp. It was a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
May the lessons learned, friendships formed, prayers offered, songs sung, testimonies shared, and seeds planted continue to bear fruit long after the campers have returned home.
May every camper continue to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
And may we all continue on the journey of Becoming Like Jesus.
To God alone be all the glory!
Amen.
