Five Baptist churches from south-west Victoria recently went on a combined camp in Port Fairy, and the result was a great time of fellowship and encouragement that everyone would love to repeat in the future.

The camp brought together Naringal, Warrnambool, Port Campbell, Portland and Hamilton Baptist churches, with five pastors sharing the lead on activities and studies.

“It was a joy to share fellowship with new and familiar faces and to be reminded that we’re part of something bigger than our own congregations,” said Kim, who attends Port Campbell Baptist Church. “The overall program struck a great balance between structured teaching, worship, down time, and opportunities to simply connect and enjoy one another’s company. The speaker sessions were rich in insight and encouragement, helping us reflect more deeply on our walk with Christ.”

Shared meals and evening activities added to the sense of community, with plenty of uplifting conversations around the table. “All in all, it was a weekend that left me feeling spiritually refreshed and more connected to the wider body of believers in our region.”

Naomi from Naringal Baptist Church said she enjoyed the opportunity to meet others and to worship together. “The different speakers was a wonderful idea. To hear different perspectives from them was to be brought into others’ interpretations. I did think we may need a larger venue next time. Once the word gets out, everyone will want to be there next year!”

Naringal Baptist Church Ministries Coordinator Matt Jellie said the churches were keen to make this an annual event and had already shared ideas for future camps.