Nazarene Youth International Timor-Leste held a youth camp during the national holiday known as “Finado Day,” and over 100 young people participated.

Finado Day is when people in Timor Leste visit cemeteries to pray and ask for blessings from their ancestors in late October and early November. The NYI of Timor Leste hoped to provide a new way of celebrating the holiday.

The camp’s theme, “We are Soldiers of Christ,” was taken from 2 Timothy 2:4. With this theme, the national NYI encouraged youth to be firm and steadfast in Christ, like soldiers who fight so that their commander, Christ, is pleased with them. 

In the second night’s session, Pastor Soares preached the gospel and challenged young people to accept Christ afterward, while also encouraging those who already believe in Christ to recommit their faith. Most participants came to the altar, and the pastors prayed for them. 

Luciana “Rosa” Soares de Oliveira shared her testimony during the youth camp. She said she was wary of attending at first but was glad she decided to go.

“I learned many things through this youth camp, including a session that said, ‘Don’t limit God’s power by underestimating yourself and learn to respect yourself,’” Soares de Oliveira said. “Also, it was a session that taught us to be ready to step forward with faith, not depending on today or tomorrow… Stepping in faith means that in the various situations we face, we keep going and hold on to our faith; our faith in God does not depend on time or the situation we face.”

Timor Leste NYI is committed to holding a youth camp every year on this date so that the young people of Timor Leste continue to walk in faith with Jesus despite challenges.