Annual camp meetings have long been a highlight for many, and this year was no different. The 2025 Northern New England Conference (NNEC) Camp Meeting theme was “Victory in Jesus—Overcoming By the Grace of God!” A passionate theme already etched into many hearts, attendees, young and old, eagerly anticipated a tremendous and powerful display of God’s mighty works this summer at the Freeport, Maine, campground located at Pine Tree Academy.
And God did not disappoint! He was there, and the Holy Spirit showed up! Jesus saved and transformed lives, and many left blessed, refreshed, and revived. Attendees enjoyed sweet fellowship everywhere, and the music lifted spirits. The theme song, “Victory!”, written and composed by gifted and inspired musician Glenn Holland, perfectly embodied the theme and spirit of the meetings.
Thanks to the thoughtful planning and work of Dustin Johnson, NNEC camp meeting manager and conference communication director, and his dedicated team, the campgrounds took on a new look that pleased the eye. The camp meeting schedule was packed with dynamic speakers covering topics relevant to the times, seminars, fun classes, and engaging programs for every age group. It was so impressive that every seminar was well attended throughout the day, and everyone of all ages was actively engaged!
MESSAGES THAT MOVED THE HEART
NNEC administrators, Gary Blanchard, president, Brad Cauley, executive secretary, and NNEC pastors Rick Kuntz and Paul Hunt delivered awe-inspiring, thought-provoking messages of comfort and divine counsel. Guest speakers, amongst others, included Abraham J. Jules, Atlantic Union Conference president, and nightly speaker Carlton P. Byrd, president of the Southwest Region Conference (pictured right). NNEC pastor Raciel Hernandez ministered powerfully in Spanish to the NNEC Hispanic church family, echoing the camp’s central theme.
YOUNG HEARTS, DEEP IMPACT
In the Young Adult division, Melvin and Katja Sandelin, a faith-driven and adventure-loving Norwegian couple, shared their personal journey and search for truth. The Teen Division heard their very own Peter Flores, who delivered messages on the theme “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” which connected with hands-on community outreach activities. Kathy Rondinelli’s Junior Tent centered around the theme “Let Your Light Shine,” and the Primary Division, led by two sisters—Bethany Vincent and Becky Browning—reminded the children that “You Are God’s Masterpiece.” Many little ones graced the Kindergarten classes guided by Alessandra Battin on the theme of “Jesus Lambs: Where the Lambs Find Jesus.” Linda Dayen introduced the Cradle Roll (Beginner) class to “Heaven and the New Earth,” and led them to experience heaven as a delight.
MORE OF THE SPIRIT
Throughout the week, the presence of the Lord was evident. New converts shared amazing testimonies of deliverance from demons, drugs, and addiction that they experienced right there at camp meeting. One woman, moved by her personal life transformation, could not stop praising God and volunteered immediately to help serve meals in the cafeteria. The first Sabbath culminated with the baptism of several children—a moment that touched many hearts. On the second Sabbath, the ordination of two humble servants of the Lord, pastors Samuel Nzoikorera and Dorrin Patillo, was marked by a double anointing—spiritual and literal—as showers of blessings poured down from the skies.
MOMENTS OF TEACHING AND TESTIMONY
At the main tent, morning and afternoon, the audience sat spellbound each day at the feet of Dennis Smith, NNEC pastor, drinking in new lessons and insights through two classes: “God’s Last Warning to the Church,” and “Israel in Prophecy.” “Having pastored in New England for 10 years, it was a blessing to renew old acquaintances from the past, as well as make new friends,” Smith said. “Everyone was very welcoming.”
Sarah Waldron shared a touching experience: “At camp meeting this year, a simple moment with a toddler reaching for cherries became a powerful reminder of how our Heavenly Father longs for us to ask, so He can lovingly bless us beyond what we imagine.
“As I waited for this precious little one to say, ‘Cherry, please,’ I reflected on God’s heart—eager to give, waiting with joy. That week, I had been praying for help in leading a prayer line, uncertain and longing for His guidance. In His mercy, God answered with miraculous, faith-renewing clarity through Scripture, The Desire of Ages, a friend’s testimony, and the still voice of His Spirit.
“That small act of sharing fruit became a lesson in trust, teaching me that when we come with childlike faith and believe His promises, He responds with grace, gently leading us back to the beautiful truth of victory in Jesus!”
Camp meetings are a time for spiritual renewal, revival, and rejuvenation of one’s walk with the Lord, and fabulous fellowship. Byrd reflected, “What an awesome experience we had at the NNEC Camp Meeting! The fellowship, worship experiences, testimonies, positive energy, and the presence of the Holy Spirit were all there. At the conclusion of the encampment, we knew we had “Victory in Jesus!”
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Judy Mathers is part of the pastoral team with her husband, Arnet Mathers, of the Oakfield and Presque Isle churches, and Madawaska Fellowship.
