Petah Tikva - Linga

On Sunday, November 21st the second Challenge Youth Camp, entitled “Ignite the Flame of Revival,” concluded. The camp was held at Baptist Village in Petah Tikva, and drew youth from grades 9-12. The camp’s theme verse was taken from Acts 1:8: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” The camp was attended by about 30 students from across the country, including the cities of Nazareth, Acre, Kfar Yassif, Tur’an and Abu Sinan.

The camp centered on the theme of revival and drew heavily on the Book of Acts, chapters 1-8. The meetings were led by Fadi Hanna and Rani Espanioly, both of Nazareth. Mr. Hanna is the director of Child Evangelism Fellowship and Rani Espanioly is a tour guide at Nazareth Village and founder of SALAM in the Holy Land ministry.

Praise and worship was led by Joseph Joubran of Haifa on guitar and Fadi Hanna on piano. Each morning and evening, the youth gathered for a time of worship followed by a message. They also spent time in small groups discussing the topic of revival and praying for one another.

The campers were divided into three ‘teams’ led by local leaders and competed against one another for points. These points were earned by excellence in athletics, bible verse memorization and being on time. Leaders included Haneen Obeid, Eman Obeid, Rozan Espanioly, Rani Odeh, Raja Jeries, Shireen Schumar, Jiana Touma, Joseph Joubran and Miriam Elias. The camp was organized by Matt and Jillian Altman, American youth leaders working with the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel. The kitchen and kiosk were staffed by Samuel Basha, Jillian Altman, Hannah Espanioly, Peter and Jane Knot, and Sharon Westerhoff.

The teams spent a great deal of time competing in athletic games and tournaments and memorizing Bible verses on their own and in groups. On one particular evening, everyone gathered around a bonfire and began sharing testimonies and praying together. Everyone joined hands and begin singing ‘Forever You Loved Me.’ One counselor said, ‘God’s presence was powerful and we literally felt that the ground we stood upon was holy ground. It was an awesome time of experiencing the power and love of God.’

The atmosphere of joy and unity was so powerful that many wished to remain at the camp, enjoying the presence of the Lord. The youth returned home full of boldness, ready to share their experience and on fire for God to bring revival to this country.

For Challenge Youth Camp Photos Album Click Here