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by Glen Doss, Major –
A tasteful blend of sincere reverence and light-hearted comedy prevailed throughout the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division Family Camp at Camp Homelani on Oahu, culminating in dozens coming to the mercy seat at the camp’s conclusion.
Some 245 people from throughout the far-flung division came together for good old-fashioned praise and worship (with a contemporary touch), fun and games, as well as powerful preaching and prayer. Special guests were Captains Edward and Shelley Hill, Pasadena Tabernacle corps officers.
The theme, “The Great Commission…Our Mission,” ran deep. The tone was set from the outset on Friday evening when Major Dave Hudson, divisional commander, delivered a message on the Great Commission passage, Matthew 28:19-20. He poignantly emphasized the verb “go” in Christ’s directive. This single-word directive was echoed throughout the weekend.
Following a rousing performance on Saturday night of the divisional brass band back-to-back with the family camp worship group with its contemporary strings, drums, and vocals, Captain Dusty Hill commented: “Isn’t it great that we can have these two music forms present on the same stage. See, nobody has to get hurt!” proving that the traditional and new music styles can co-exist peacefully. The comment brought the house down.
Children and youth had their own programs while Hill taught on holiness. One delegate described his family camp highlight this way: “Two members of my congregation accepting the Lord.”