This past week, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the camp pastor and speaker for Teen Camp here at Frenda. My responsibilities included delivering a morning worship message, leading a Bible study class with the campers, and speaking at the evening worship service, held outdoors around a blazing campfire with a stunning view of Lake Rosseau in the beautiful Muskoka Lakes region of Ontario.
My morning messages were based on the prayer of Jabez found in 1 Chronicles 4:9–10. It’s a short prayer, yet one that made a tremendous difference in Jabez’s life. His name means “pain,” and although his story begins in hardship, it concludes with blessing because of the prayer he prayed and the life he chose to live. Jabez prayed, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil.” This simple yet powerful prayer—centered on blessing, expansion, protection, and preservation—has profoundly impacted both staff and campers who have committed to internalizing it and making it their own.
Our mid-morning Bible study was based on the Momentum Youth Bible Study (2025), a newly released resource from the North American Division Youth and Young Adult Department. The campers thoroughly enjoyed this well-written and engaging guide. While summer camp is often synonymous with fun outdoor activities like water sports, horseback riding, adventure courses, and crafts, these young people were equally eager to dive deeper into God’s Word. I was truly blessed to study Scripture with them and to build meaningful relationships throughout the week. Sharing one’s faith—along with prayer and Bible study—is foundational to the Christian life.
In the evenings, I shared a continuing campfire story titled “Life Without Parole.” It follows the life of Rick Fleck, a Canadian, third-generation Adventist, and product of Christian education. Despite having strong spiritual foundations and supportive parents, Rick’s poor choices and addictions led him to a life sentence in a California state prison. Yet, as Rick himself shares, “Although I’m serving life without parole, I am free through the power of the Holy Spirit, having accepted Jesus and His life-changing grace.” His story is a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin—and the even greater power of redemption.
On Wednesday evening, during a prayer meeting at Camp Frenda, I shared our camp theme song, “Rescue Story” by Christian artist Zach Williams. It was a moving experience to see campers—many of whom had never attended church or had very limited knowledge of God—singing and embracing the truth of a Savior who knows us by name, fights our battles, and offers rescue to all who sincerely seek Him.
I have been truly blessed to serve here at Camp Frenda, and I look forward to reconnecting with all of you at Willowdale.
Maranatha,
Glenn DeSilva