Courtney Herod
Benjamin Lawson
In a world marked by uncertainty and being overextended, Carolina Camp Meeting 2025 offered a much-needed “vacation for the soul.” Set beside scenic Lake Junaluska, May 23–31, 2025, the gathering drew thousands from across the Carolinas and surrounding states for worship, renewal, and connection.
The theme “Hope Beyond Tomorrow” resonated deeply following a year of restoration after Hurricane Helene damaged the grounds. The refreshed setting symbolized God’s redemptive power and enduring presence.
Attendees found both relaxation and revival through lakeside strolls, uplifting worship, and family fellowship. Mornings began with prayer walks and reflection, while Stuart Auditorium came alive with dynamic preaching. Evangelist Shawn Boonstra bookended the week with messages on prophecy and redemption. Jerry Page, pastor and former ministerial secretary for the General Conference, inspired evening worship with calls to deeper faith and joyful mission. Roy Gane, Ph.D., opened Scripture each morning with clarity and grace.
Daily seminars offered practical tools for Christian living. Rick and Cindy Mercer shared a moving testimony of prayer and marital healing. Brad Cauley addressed tough cultural questions with biblical conviction, and Roman Pawlak, Ph.D., debunked common dietary myths, encouraging health stewardship.
Families found rich spiritual and social programming for every age group. Children participated in themed activities such as “Castles and Crowns” and a throne room experience, culminating in a Thursday night performance. Juniors and earliteens enjoyed outdoor worship and bonding, while youth joined rafting adventures and campfire discussions. Young adults connected through small groups, service, and testimonies of spiritual transformation.
Friday morning’s Run4Life 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run blended fun and purpose. While winners Aidan Kimbrl and Matthew Wickham crossed the finish line, the event reminded participants that in the race of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2), endurance matters most.
Additional highlights included a bluegrass sing-along, a Sabbath concert by Matt and Josie Minikus, and joyful giving to the Maranatha $10 Church offering, teaching children their spare change could help build churches worldwide.
In the Harrell Center, women’s ministries, literature evangelism, and Pathway to Health ministries offered connection and inspiration. Conversations turned into prayer circles, and booth visits led to new mission commitments.
Friday evening’s Anointing Service created sacred space for healing. Many called it the most meaningful moment of the week, a time to surrender burdens and receive Christ’s touch.
Sabbath celebrations included the commissioning of Beth Grissom as women’s and prayer ministries director for the Carolina Conference, the Pathfinder and Adventurer Parade, and music that filled the campgrounds with joy.
As the sun set and families prepared to return home, one truth remained: Camp Meeting 2025 wasn’t just a vacation. It was a divine appointment — an invitation to embrace hope and live every tomorrow anchored in Jesus.
Carolina | August 2025
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