On December 16, 2023, the Southern New England Conference (SNEC) hosted Journey to Bethlehem, the first live, walk-through nativity experience at the SNEC campground. Over 700 people attended, some coming from states outside the conference territory.
“We have this beautiful campground that’s not used during the winter, and we have all these [Adventist] churches around the Lancaster area,” said Bob Folkenberg, Jr., SNEC president, as he explained how the idea began. “We could be reaching all of Worcester County with an awesome opportunity to spotlight Jesus and the gospel.”
The pastors and members of the Bethel Haitian church, the College Church, the Village Church, and many others in the area worked together to plan the event, build props and stages, create lighting, and advertise. Seamstresses sewed costumes, but there was not enough time to sew all they needed, so the Merrimack Valley and Foxboro congregations loaned them their costumes. Volunteers from the surrounding churches also played the characters in the nativity story.
Church members brought animals from their farms, and others prepared hot chocolate and food. Choirs and musicians from various churches provided a concert for those waiting for the guided tours to begin. Conference administrators acted as emcees and tour guides, leading the groups and playing a part in the story.
“The best part was to see all the churches working together,” said event coordinator Ollyce Gardner.
“One Deaf couple drove six hours, all the way from Rochester, New York, and slept in a hotel so they could join this event. They are talking about coming back in 2024 for other DEAF events,” reported Jessica McGowan Smith, SNEC DEAF Ministries coordinator. An ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted tour of the Journey to Bethlehem was provided, and McGowan Smith invited the DEAF ministries group and the Deaf community to attend.
One church member invited her daughter’s friend whose family is experiencing difficulties. “It was a miracle they came,” the church member shared. “Who knows what seeds were planted? This would not have been possible without [the] team putting on this wonderful event!”
“With this kind of event, you never really know the actual impact,” Folkenberg said. “But we know that the community came and that people were blessed. The story of Jesus’ birth and even His life and death are now part of those who attended, because we told the story all the way to the crucifixion. At the end of every tour, we invited them to seek after the Master, Jesus.”
As churches and conference administrators worked closely together to point people to Jesus, they participated in the true meaning of Christmas.
