Gathering deepens understanding
Victoria Taliaoa reflection
Attending the three-day church camp was a truly meaningful and enriching experience that challenged me both spiritually and personally. The theme ‘Lost in Translation; Reclaiming Discipleship and the Foundations of Faith’, encouraged me to look beyond my initial understanding of Scripture and recognise that many unfamiliar words and passages carry deeper meanings when examined beyond their surface meaning.
Through the keynote sessions and small group discussions, I was able to listen to thoughtful questions from others and hear a range of different perspectives in response. This helped me reflect more deeply on my own faith and reminded me that growing as a disciple is not only about gaining knowledge, but also being willing to listen, learn and consider new insights into God’s word.
The highlight of the camp for me was Songfest. It was a joyful evening where people expressed themselves through music, poetry, comedy and creative performances. I had never experienced anything quite like it at a church camp before, and it was inspiring to see how creativity could bring people together in such a genuine and uplifting way. It created an atmosphere of encouragement, laughter and belonging, where everyone felt comfortable sharing their gifts without fear of being judged.
Looking back, this camp was much more than just a weekend away. It gave me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of God’s word, reflect on my own faith and appreciate the value of learning alongside others. It reminded me that faith is not only strengthened through teaching and worship, but also through meaningful conversations, shared experiences and genuine community. I left camp feeling encouraged to continue growing in my relationship with God, to remain open to learning and to carry the lessons I gained into my everyday life.
Mafi Pole reflection
Attending SOD for the first time was a meaningful experience for me. The theme, ‘Lost in Translation: Reclaiming Discipleship and the Foundations of Faith’, challenged me to reflect on my own journey of faith and what it really means to follow Christ.
As someone who is still growing in my relationship with Jesus, I realised that being a disciple is not just about knowing God’s word, but about building a genuine relationship with Him and allowing Him to transform my heart. One of the biggest takeaways was recognising how easy it can be, even as Christians, to approach our faith with a transactional mindset—expecting something from God or others in return for our actions. Instead, I was reminded that true discipleship is about trusting God wholeheartedly, following Him faithfully and loving without expecting anything in return.
This experience has equipped me to continue growing my faith spiritually but also to continue seeking God, becoming more Christ-like through my everyday actions, and following Him not because of what I can receive, but because of who He is.
