Ignite YourSpiritual Experience: Sunday’s Message andEvening Tribute

The 2025 Carolina Camp Meeting opened with a powerful invitation to reignite personal communion with God. Pastor Jerry Page, former General Conference Ministerial Secretary, delivered the Sunday evening message, urging attendees to deepen their spiritual lives through prayer, abiding in Christ, and seeking the Holy Spirit.

He began with a moment of silent prayer, encouraging the audience to personally invite the Holy Spirit into their hearts. Quoting Jeremiah 33:3, Page reminded listeners, “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” He emphasized that meaningful prayer flows from relationship. Citing John 13–17, he underscored Christ’s call to abide in Him and love one another. “‘Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it’ (John 14:13),” he said, “but only if we abide: ‘Abide in Me... and you will bear fruit’ (John 15:4–5).”

To demonstrate the power of intercessory prayer, Page recounted a remarkable story from Tony Campolo’s ministry. After being prayed over at a graduation ceremony, Campolo unexpectedly encountered Charlie Stolcis—the very man someone had prayed for moments earlier. This led to a divine appointment and the eventual reconciliation of a broken family through Christ.

Page also shared his own testimony. Though raised in a Seventh-day Adventist home, he turned to alcohol and drugs in search of fulfillment. But his parents—and their prayer network—never gave up. After realizing the emptiness of rebellion, he surrendered to God. Within six months, he enrolled in seminary.

He closed with a heartfelt appeal: unplug from distractions, rise early, and invest time with Christ. He called families to nurture spiritual unity and intimacy with God. Citing Romans 13:11, he proclaimed, “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

That evening, the spirit of reflection and worship continued through a moving concert led by Andrews and Darby Shultz. Their piano and violin solos stirred hearts, culminating in the song “Where Sin Abounds, Grace Abounds More,” a reminder of God’s overwhelming mercy.

In a moment of reverence, the audience honored military veterans with a performance of the Navy Hymn, giving thanks for their service and sacrifice. The program blended musical excellence with spiritual depth, capping a day filled with worship, testimony, and the unmistakable presence of God.

— Mauricio Schiavenin

photos: Courtney Herod