Lake Junaluska Camp Meeting

Where hundreds gather for unity and inspiration...and a lot of fun!

The Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists hosted its annual Camp Meeting at Lake Junaluska from May 26 to June 1, 2024. The gathering drew hundreds for a week filled with spiritual enrichment and community. Messages throughout the week aligned with the camp meeting’s theme, “When the Spirit Comes,” and inspired attendees to invoke the blessings of the Holy Spirit.

Evening sessions from Sunday through Thursday featured Andy Nash (above), who provided impactful messages on practical spirituality and transformative faith, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Dr. Ron Clouzet spearheaded the seminar “Living by the Spirit,” emphasizing the necessity of a daily baptism of the Holy Spirit. Citing Ellen White, he detailed eight conditions for receiving the Spirit, including deep repentance, obedience, and persistent intercession for others, offering attendees a roadmap for spiritual growth.

David and Marquita Klinedinst conducted specialized evangelism training, exploring effective visitation techniques, Bible studies, and strategic planning for church outreach. Their practical advice and anecdotes from the field equipped participants with essential skills for spreading the gospel.

Other seminars were presented by David and Beverly Sedlacek, Erica Smith and Rene Drumm, Sandra Doran, Rudy and Janet Salazar, Michael Harpe, David Klinedinst, Ricardo Palacios and Stephen Bauer. Several of the Carolina Conference pastors took the pulpit for the early morning meetings, including Rick Russell, vice-president for finance.

What would camp meeting be without music? The camp meeting choir, under the direction of Kathy Russell, performed a diverse mix of contemporary and traditional songs during the Sabbath services. The youth orchestra, led by Ellen and Jeremy Francisco, showcased young talents ranging from ages 11 to 22. A myriad of other talented musicions lent us their musical abilities during the week, enhancing the worship experience and bring a closer connection with Heaven.

Children’s programs featured interactive storytelling that brought biblical tales to life.Whether it was a trip to Noah’s ark or a glimpse into the world under the sea, our kids were enjoying learning about Jesus and His amazing love for us.

The teens and young adults took a break from their meetings and each had their own rafting adventure during the week. The earliteen outing was a day of tubing at Deep Creek in Bryson City.

The annual Run for Life 5K race and Fun Run saw a large amount of enthusiastic participation, with Cooper Getchell winning the 5K, followed by Judah Kim and Malcolm Smith. In the Fun Run, Calev Harrold, Matthew Wickham, and Elliot Whitsett led the pack.

Alex Bryant, president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, delivered keynote addresses on Friday evening and Sabbath morning, focusing on unity and mission.

Special musical guest Jennifer LaMountain captivated the audience with her Sabbath afternoon concert on June 1. She was followed by a parade and presentation by the Carolina Pathfinders and Adventurers.

Elder Leslie Louis concluded the week of festivities with his Sabbath evening sermon, “A Message from the Empty Chair,” delivering a powerful and reflective message that resonated deeply with those in attendance.

The 2024 Carolina Camp Meeting provided a week of profound spiritual renewal, equipping and inspiring participants for continued faith and service. Please join us again next year!