Camp Forever XV: Fresh Heart brought together 130 youths at the mountain resort of Rafael Salas National Park in Bago City, Negros Occidental last December 26-30, 2009. For 80% of the campers, it was the first time for them to attend an SMO youth camp. After five days and four nights, their responses were unanimous – it was an experience of a lifetime.
With solid biblical nightly messages from the speakers, the staff prays the impact to the youths would be lasting. Pastor Richard Guion kicked off the night with a message on “The Fallen Heart”; he continued it the morning after. Pastor Aeron Caldeo gave a powerfully-charged message on “A Fiery yet Forgiving Heart” focusing on the holiness of God and (justice and righteousness) and the love of God (mercy and grace). Pastor Reuel Ben “Arbi” Seijo kept the momentum with his message on “A Frenzy/Freaky Heart” focusing on the confuse state of the youth, youth conflicts, and struggles over sin. Pastor Renato Bravo during the final morning message preached on “A Fresh Heart” focusing on regeneration and sanctification, with a call of commitment from the campers. And finally, Engr. Xerwin Ceballos wrapped up the event with an exposition on Ezekiel 36:26 giving importance on the God who can change a “heart of stone” to a “heart of flesh”.
Morning group devotions were held at the break of dawn each day with facilitators putting much emphasis on the campers’ need of a Savior. The rest of day were set aside for group games which serves as object lessons.
This is the 15th year SMO Bacolod organized this evangelistic camp. The staff expresses its gratitude to churches, individuals, and alumni who have prayed and extended their financial support to make this event, indeed, an experience of a lifetime, for the youths.

What the Campers were Saying…
I was rebuked to know that no matter how big or small sin is, it is still sin. But there is victory in Christ.” – Manna
“Before I thought that God is only powerful, but the camp taught me that He is more than just powerful. He is perfect and He saved me.” – Chello
“From the games, I learned that when one violates a law, he violates the whole law.” – Emberr
“The camp strengthened my relationship with God.” – Barbie
“There were misunderstandings during our camp games, but being brothers and sisters in Christ made the campers united after all.” – Shane
“Praise God that I was able to hear His Word and I learned that with God, all things are possible.” – Judy
“Here, I learned to love God and hate sin.” – Junel
“I thank God for the friendships that were made here.” – Jolly
“I’ve learned that even if I believe in God but if there’s no change in my life, it is useless. I promised myself that this camp will be the beginning of a change in myself. – Ailyn
“God is really magnificent! I know that words are not enough to express what I felt inside, but surely God sees how grateful I am for having Him as my personal Savior and God.”- Joan Mir
“I realized that joining the camp is not only for having a vacation but there’s really a purpose—to cause a change in my life.” – Irica
“I can’t believe God continues to love us even if we are sinners. He’s the One who’s offended but still He made the first step. Because of the preaching, I said, “Lord, I surrender my life to You. I can do nothing because I’m helpless. Lord I’m scared of hell. I want You, Lord, to change my heart.” I get to understand God even better when we meet with our counselors.” – Anonymous
“I thank God for using someone to sponsor me in this camp. Through it I learned that God can change my heart of ‘stone’ to a heart of ‘flesh’.” – Cris
“I learned how important God is in my life.” – Christie
I’ve learned how filthy I am in God’s eyes. Even if I am a sinner, still, God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a ransom for my sins. I learned that we should live according to His word for apart from Him I can do nothing. – Stephen John
I was rebuked to know that no matter how big or small sin is, it is still sin. But there is victory in Christ.” – Manna
“Before I thought that God is only powerful, but the camp taught me that He is more than just powerful. He is perfect and He saved me.” – Chello
“From the games, I learned that when one violates a law, he violates the whole law.” – Emberr
“The camp strengthened my relationship with God.” – Barbie
“There were misunderstandings during our camp games, but being brothers and sisters in Christ made the campers united after all.” – Shane
“Praise God that I was able to hear His Word and I learned that with God, all things are possible.” – Judy
“Here, I learned to love God and hate sin.” – Junel
“I thank God for the friendships that were made here.” – Jolly
“I’ve learned that even if I believe in God but if there’s no change in my life, it is useless. I promised myself that this camp will be the beginning of a change in myself. – Ailyn
“God is really magnificent! I know that words are not enough to express what I felt inside, but surely God sees how grateful I am for having Him as my personal Savior and God.”- Joan Mir
“I realized that joining the camp is not only for having a vacation but there’s really a purpose—to cause a change in my life.” – Irica
“I can’t believe God continues to love us even if we are sinners. He’s the One who’s offended but still He made the first step. Because of the preaching, I said, “Lord, I surrender my life to You. I can do nothing because I’m helpless. Lord I’m scared of hell. I want You, Lord, to change my heart.” I get to understand God even better when we meet with our counselors.” – Anonymous
“I thank God for using someone to sponsor me in this camp. Through it I learned that God can change my heart of ‘stone’ to a heart of ‘flesh’.” – Cris
“I learned how important God is in my life.” – Christie
I’ve learned how filthy I am in God’s eyes. Even if I am a sinner, still, God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a ransom for my sins. I learned that we should live according to His word for apart from Him I can do nothing. – Stephen John
