First 5-Day Haitian Camp Meeting Focuses on Youth with Hearty Support from Sister Churches

Sandra Dombrowski
Aug 20
2 min read

Maestro Palmer Mercier leads the Bethesda Haitian SDA church choir in praise to God at Southern New England Conference Haitian Camp Meeting 2026.

Southern New England Conference (SNEC) Haitian Ministries, under the leadership of coordinator Jean Parisien, held its first five-day camp meeting July 8–12, 2026, with hearty support from sister churches and conference administrators. The first three days were dedicated exclusively to young people, with approximately 200 youth in attendance.

Pastor and Master Guide Abraham St. Croix led Pathfinder and Adventurer activities, while Pastor Fredo Ignace coordinated a variety of outdoor activities. In a spirit of collaboration, Luis Peguero, pastor of the Village SDA Church, joined Ignace in planning and facilitating the outdoor program.

The young people also had opportunities to put their faith into action through community service. They served at the food pantry in Clinton and participated in additional community outreach organized by College Church Associate Pastor Maria Velente and SNEC Adventist Community Services Director Yves Francis. Francis also provided the youth with SNEC’s bright yellow “We Care” vests, which has become a symbol of commitment to serving others and sharing Christ’s love in the community.

Guest speaker Berguy Orange engaged the young people during morning devotionals, while evening worship services provided opportunities for more hands-on, participatory experiences. On Thursday evening, Pastor Ignace, who holds a doctoral degree in psychology, helped the young people process difficult experiences, including the 2021 earthquake in Haiti and the challenges of adjusting to life in the United States. Participants were given an opportunity to share their stories and pray with a prayer partner. Ignace also made himself available for personal counseling sessions outside of the scheduled meeting times. “The kids loved it and can’t wait for next year,” said Ignace, noting that organizers are anticipating 500 young people at next year’s camp meeting.

On Sabbath morning, camp meeting programming for all ages began with Sabbath School, followed by baptisms. Guest speaker Pastor Nicolas Louis then preached a dynamic message in the main pavilion. Music coordinator Palmer Mercier led the Bethesda Haitian SDA Church choir, as well as the mass camp meeting choir, which was composed of singers from churches throughout the Southern New England Conference Haitian Ministries. In the afternoon, Los Heraldos del Rey, a men’s vocal group from Canada, presented a concert.

Myriam Jean Pierre and her food team provided three meals a day for all camp meeting attendees. This was made possible through a generous collaboration with the Village SDA Church, which provided access to its kitchen and fellowship hall for meal preparation and serving. “Every meal was on time, and everyone did a wonderful job!” Ignace reported.

Pastor Orange delivered the final message on Sunday. During the closing program, SNEC President Edgardo Herrera shared a vision for reaching unreached communities throughout the conference territory. In a meaningful gesture of unity and spiritual watchcare, the adults joined hands to form a large circle of prayer around the young people, who formed an inner circle. Herrera prayed for God’s protection, guidance, and continued blessing over these precious members of the church.

SNEC’s Haitian members are already looking forward with eager anticipation to Camp Meeting 2027!