Mega Manila Youth Unite Across Three Post-Christmas Camps to Embrace Faith and Revival
GMC youths worshipping during one of the sessions of Youth Ignite 2024 in Pampanga. Photo by Missy Balingit.
In a powerful demonstration of faith and fellowship, three youth camps—Thrivecon 2024, Thrive Camp 2024, and Youth Ignite 2024—brought together over 300 young believers from churches within the Mega Manila Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church (GMC), reaffirming the transformative power of the Holy Spirit at work among the youth.
These camps continue the rich legacy of the Methodist “Christmas Institute,” first introduced to the Philippines in December 1921 by a well-known Methodist Episcopal Church missionary revivalist Joshua F. Cottingham. Originally envisioned as a post-Christmas Methodist camp meeting among the young people, the Christmas Institute has served as a rite of passage for generations of Filipino Methodist youth, providing a sacred space to profess faith in Jesus Christ and respond to calls to full-time ministry. Thousands of Methodist pastors and deaconesses in the Philippines trace their callings to this life-changing event.
Reflecting on this legacy, Pastor Luther Oconer, who fondly recalled answering God’s call to the ministry at a Christmas Institute in Pampanga, shared, “We praise God that the original spirit of the Christmas Institute continues in Mega Manila. While we no longer carry the original name, its essence endures as we embrace innovative ways to reach young people with the gospel. May the Holy Spirit set them ablaze with a passion for deeper faith and equip them for impactful leadership in the life of the church.” Pastor Oconer, who wrote extensively on the history of Methodism in the Philippines, serves as conference superintendent of the Mega Manila Annual Conference.
“We praise God that the original spirit of the Christmas Institute continues in Mega Manila. While we no longer carry the original name, its essence endures as we embrace innovative ways to reach young people with the gospel. May the Holy Spirit set them ablaze with a passion for deeper faith and equip them for impactful leadership in the life of the church.”
Each of the three camps, while unique in approach, shared a unified mission: to deepen faith, foster community, and inspire the next generation of Christian leaders. Together, they embodied movements of the Holy Spirit within the ministry of the GMC in Mega Manila, fueled by faith, fellowship, and the unwavering hope in God’s promises.
Faith Forward in Aklan
Thrivecon recap video by Gabriel Tan.
Held from December 26–30 at Good News GMC in San Jose, Ibajay, Aklan, Thrivecon 2024 gathered 70 delegates and 10 volunteers from eight churches for a week of spiritual renewal. Anchored in the theme “Faith Forward” (Isaiah 43:19), the event featured vibrant activities such as a talent showcase (Pagpasundayag 2024), a revival night, and team-building exercises.
Revival Night proved to be a defining moment as many attendees recommitted their lives to Christ. Pastor Andro Tenorio of GMC Rizal remarked, “We witnessed the new generation of Jesus’ followers sprouting. The sessions deepened their relationship with Jesus, making this event truly transformational.”
“The participation of various churches provided an opportunity to unite as one body in Christ, grow in faith, and continue to be a light in their respective communities.”
Echoing this sentiment, Pastor Jeannilyn David of True Life GMC shared, “The camp is not just traditional but transformational. The theme reminds the youth to prioritize God first. It’s challenging, but God’s promise to make a way through the desert resonates strongly.”
Pastor Tony Casuncad of Conqueror City Church added, “Through activities centered on Transformation, Hope, Relationship, Inspiration, Victory, and Empowerment, the youth were led to a deeper understanding of their spiritual mission. The participation of various churches provided an opportunity to unite as one body in Christ, grow in faith, and continue to be a light in their respective communities.”
Pastor Ulysis Ambucay of Good News GMC emphasized the camp's future significance, saying, “A prophetic declaration of a new generation of youth was realized. In three to five years, they will be leading the Aklan GMC youth activities.”
Transformation in Talisay
Delegates and volunteers of Thrive Camp in Talisay City. Photo courtesy of Kevin Pedrosa.
From December 26–30, Thrive Camp 2024 unfolded amidst the serene beauty of Dongsan Gethsemane Church in Talisay City in the Province of Negros Occidental. The camp welcomed 42 youth participants from five churches and 15 volunteers, all inspired by the theme “Faith Forward.” Participants engaged in transformative sessions on hope and empowerment, forming meaningful connections and leaving with a renewed sense of purpose.
The camp’s highlight was the spiritual breakthrough of 16 youth who publicly declared Jesus as their Savior. Pastor Kevin Pedrosa of Christ Mission Bacolod shared, “Thrive Camp 2024 was more than an event—it was a powerful reminder of God’s promise to do a new thing. The testimonies and life-changing moments will stay in our hearts.”
Revival in Pampanga
“I heard the sound of revival during the closing worship. God is raising up a new generation of men and women to spread the fire of revival.”
Closing the series was Youth Ignite 2024, held from December 28–30 at the sprawling Charismatic Evangelical Ministries International (CEMI) World Family Camp in Mexico, Pampanga. With 178 delegates from 11 churches from Pampanga, Rizal, and Manila, the camp, themed “Authorized,” focused on empowering youth to take authority in carrying out God’s mission.
Pastor Cookie Puno of Encounter Church, who delivered a powerful message during the final evening, reflected, “I was so blessed to see that the leaders of our conference are truly invested in the next generation. I’m proud to be among those who want to raise young people to unlock their God-given destiny, shining their light in the darkest places because they have been authorized to do so. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, they will advance God’s kingdom and shake the gates of hell!”
Over 200 youth delegates and volunteers enthusiastically declare their authority in Christ. Video by Missy Balingit.
The closing worship service, marked by passionate singing, heartfelt prayers, and a powerful fire tunnel experience, left a lasting impact. Pastor Robert Parcasio, deputy conference superintendent of Mega Manila and presiding elder, shared, “I heard the sound of revival during the closing worship. God is raising up a new generation of men and women to spread the fire of revival.”
A Testament to Faith and Community
Together, these three camps exemplified the vitality of a budding youth ministry in Mega Manila. From the tranquil fog of Talisay to the spirited revival in Pampanga, these events showcased God’s work among young believers. Moments of recommitment, spiritual breakthroughs, and heartfelt worship offered a glimpse into a vibrant future for the Church.
As Pastor Oconer fittingly concludes, “My prayer is that these post-Christmas camps, while still in their formative stages, will yield a great harvest of souls in God’s kingdom and inspire many to answer the call to ministry.”
[This is a developing story. More updates and pictures will be provided soon.]