“God showed up.” That is what Olivia Edelback shared when asked about her experience at North Star Camp in Brainerd during the annual Young Adults Minnesota Conference Retreat last October. A total of 27 young adults from different churches across the state participated, bringing home practical lessons about witnessing.
The retreat, themed “Unashamed: Living Out for God,” featured guest speaker Daniel Duffis, a professor at Andrews University. Duffis explored the book of Daniel and related it to his reflections as an evangelist and how the young people of the church today can be bold and unashamed as they witness to the world.
According to Sarah Brown, one of the participants, “The speaker was phenomenal this year! His messages about Daniel and his own personal testimony were extremely relevant and applicable for us young people. He even shared stories from his Muslim ministry that were very captivating and inspiring. I believe we all left with a deeper desire to listen and follow God’s voice as guided by His Word.”
Aaron Sesay, who eagerly anticipated the event said, “This year was particularly memorable. We explored the book of Daniel, reflecting on how his bold faith in Babylon serves as a powerful example for Christians navigating today’s world. The messages, worship music sessions, and discussion questions were seamlessly integrated, enriching the theme and leaving a lasting impact.”
While personal time is important and built into the schedule, another key element of the retreat is connection. From the bonfire and hotdog roast on Friday to the small group discussion/application sessions after each message, to the mini canoeing excursion to an island, and the uproarious fun of game night on Sabbath evening, the retreat allowed everyone to quickly and deeply connect with friends new and old.
Pastor Ray Valenzuela, the Minnesota Conference young adult ministries director, encourages more young people in the church to participate in programs like this.
He said, “Attending events offers young adults a chance to step away from daily pressures, connect deeply with God, build supportive friendships, and find purpose and direction for their lives. It’s time to recharge spiritually, reflect, and strengthen their faith in a welcoming community.”
To add a cherry on top, Ben Waymire and Sarah Brown, one of the couples who attended, became engaged in the beautiful camp.
Love at North Star Camp
“Pastor, I need you.” Those were the words of Waymire to Pastor Ray while preparing for the once-in-a-lifetime proposal event. Pastor Ray, shared that most of the time when people say that, there is something bad that needs to be addressed. So, he was pleasantly surprised when he was asked to help him out with his proposal surprise.
According to Waymire, he wanted to propose to the love of his life in Minnesota, her home state. He said that Brown loved the fall season and thought it would be a perfect setting to get down on one knee and ask for her to spend a lifetime and eternity with him.
Waymire added, “For weeks I thought about and planned a proposal custom-made for my Sarah! With the help of close friends and God, I was able to start the next step in the amazing journey of a lifetime at a very special spot for my sweetheart, by the water at North Star Camp! Why North Star? Because I know my Sarah loves it there!”
Information provided by Herssel Capobres, a teacher at Maranatha Adventist School in Dodge Center, Minnesota, and Sarah Brown, teacher at the Rochester Adventist School in Rochester, Minnesota.
