–President Ali joins seventh-day Adventist leaders, youths for regional camporee

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has urged young people gathered at the Seventh-day Adventist Caribbean Union Conference Regional Camporee in Guyana to see the camp as sacred ground for shaping a new generation of principled leaders.

Addressing church elders, pastors, youth leaders and international guests, President Ali on Tuesday night said the purpose of the camp goes far beyond recreation.

“This is the ground that will produce the Josephs of tomorrow,” he said referencing biblical verses and stories, adding: “Young men and women of integrity, young men and women who will save their families, who will provide leadership for their families.”

He extended the metaphor, calling on the youth to become modern Josephs, Davids, Esthers and Jeremiahs.

In the same breath, he challenged participants to develop the courage and be as young shepherds in their communities.

“This church did not come about yesterday or the day before yesterday…“this church built on the foundation of faith, values and principles [that] will withstand the storms of tomorrow and continue to stand strong in this land and all across the Caribbean,” he said.

Paying tribute to the regional nature of the event, he stressed the significance of the strong bonds that connect the region.

He also recalled that Adventism was introduced to Guyana in 1887.

“Adventism is a Christian teaching that places strong emphasis on the future, particularly the belief in the second coming of the Saviour. It encourages its members to understand biblical prophecy and to live lives of readiness, discipline and purpose. Adventism has grown into a global faith community with a clear focus on spiritual development, service and education,” he added.

Over 4000 pathfinders and Master Guides from across the Caribbean are gathering this week at the camporee being held at Loo Creek, along the Linden-Soesdyke highway.