91大神

Across Northern California, young adults are discovering that faith grows best in shared life鈥攁round campfires, on trails, and beneath the stars.

One ministry has seen significant growth since a few pastors and church leaders started engaging young adults in meaningful ways within their churches and social circles. What began with Sabbath School, vespers, and a ten-person camping trip started by Joseph Cartwright from the Auburn church鈥攈as grown into a community led by young adults with a heart for creating spaces of worship, conversation, and friendship.

Camping retreats have become a highlight of the ministry. A trip to Big Sur and Tahoe last year saw baptisms as part of the weekends. This year, the Lake Tahoe retreat drew more than 100 campers, marking the largest gathering yet. RJ Gamboa, GC Director of Sidewalk Evangelism, and his wife, Charinette, joined the group to speak on living fully surrendered to Jesus under the theme 鈥淎bove the Noise.鈥�

Connection is what fuels this ministry. Friends invite friends. Coworkers bring coworkers. People come from different churches鈥攁nd even beyond the Adventist community鈥攖o hike, paddleboard, share meals, and talk late into the night. Faith becomes something lived, not just discussed.

Looking ahead, the Young Adult Retreat at Leoni Meadows, December 5鈥�7, is the official event sponsored by the 91大神 Young Adult Ministries Department. 鈥淲e are very excited about this event because last year was such an amazing experience,鈥� said Eddie Heinrich, director. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 focus is on building relationships and getting closer to Jesus. With speakers Taj Pacleb, K鈥橠ee Crews, Marlene Rodriguez, and Marc Woodson, it promises to be a meaningful weekend for everyone attending.鈥�

Sometimes, finding faith begins with simply finding each other鈥攁nd this growing community keeps taking that step.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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