24 Jul 2025, 11:44Robis Da SilvaTaunton, Somerset, England, United Kingdom
Taunton and Chard Churches Host Spiritual Retreat in Cornwall With Youth Baptisms
Members from the Taunton and Chard churches came together from 18th to 21st July for their annual retreat, held at the Chapel Porth campsite in Cornwall. This year’s theme, taken from 2 Corinthians 5:14, was “For Christ’s love compels us” — a powerful reminder of God’s love as the driving force in our lives.
Throughout the weekend, Pastor Goodluck shared inspiring and encouraging messages, reminding all attendees of the call to live a life motivated by Christ’s love. The atmosphere was filled with joy, praise, and spiritual renewal.
The Sabbath service was a particularly uplifting worship experience. Worship was heartfelt, and the message lifted the congregation spiritually. Many testified to being deeply touched and encouraged to grow stronger in their faith.
In the afternoon, a baptismal service was held, and several young people were baptised. “It was amazing to baptise young people and see their commitment to follow Christ,” said Pastor Robis da Silva. The appeal for future baptisms was met with a heartfelt response from more youth, making it a truly memorable and Spirit-filled moment.
The retreat came to a close on Monday morning, as campers left with renewed hearts and strengthened faith. It was a weekend of spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and recommitment to walk with Christ daily.
The people were driven by Christ’s love as they continue in faith until His return.
Led by Dayne Mathieu, Unified Purpose from Clapton SDA Church led out in a powerful praise and worship session which included their own meditational interpretation of the Kirk Franklin gospel track Always, which ushered the congregants into the presence of God.
Special guest speaker, Elder Lillian Kabambe, Prayer Coordinator for London Area 6D and a member of the Willesden SDA Prayer Ministries team, based her sermon on the scripture found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 where the Lord declares: “If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.” Elder Kabambe admonished those in attendance to maintain a one-to-one relationship with God without distraction and interference from those meaning harm, and of the importance of prayer, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives to lead us to repentance and subsequently unity with God and each other.
Members then took to the streets, distributing literature and sharing the love of Jesus with members of the public before returning to the church, where the afternoon concluded with an interview and testimonies which highlighted the importance of forgiveness, as it is that which will then lead to reconciliation and unity amongst God’s people. Sister Anna Seepaul gave a short discourse on repentance and unity, followed by a charge by Elder Leroy Daley and Hackney’s Prayer Team Leader, Sister Eileen Philip, to make prayer a priority in our lives and to live the life of a peacemaker, as it is those whom Christ identified as the ones who would be blessed to see God. Access to a prayer room, facilitated by prayer intercessors, was available throughout the day for anyone needing special prayer.
Members from the Taunton and Chard churches came together from 18th to 21st July for their annual retreat, held at the Chapel Porth campsite in Cornwall. This year’s theme, taken from 2 Corinthians 5:14, was “For Christ’s love compels us” — a powerful reminder of God’s love as the driving force in our lives.
Throughout the weekend, Pastor Goodluck shared inspiring and encouraging messages, reminding all attendees of the call to live a life motivated by Christ’s love. The atmosphere was filled with joy, praise, and spiritual renewal.
The Sabbath service was a particularly uplifting worship experience. Worship was heartfelt, and the message lifted the congregation spiritually. Many testified to being deeply touched and encouraged to grow stronger in their faith.
In the afternoon, a baptismal service was held, and several young people were baptised. “It was amazing to baptise young people and see their commitment to follow Christ,” said Pastor Robis da Silva. The appeal for future baptisms was met with a heartfelt response from more youth, making it a truly memorable and Spirit-filled moment.
The retreat came to a close on Monday morning, as campers left with renewed hearts and strengthened faith. It was a weekend of spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and recommitment to walk with Christ daily.
The people were driven by Christ’s love as they continue in faith until His return.
Led by Dayne Mathieu, Unified Purpose from Clapton SDA Church led out in a powerful praise and worship session which included their own meditational interpretation of the Kirk Franklin gospel track Always, which ushered the congregants into the presence of God.
Special guest speaker, Elder Lillian Kabambe, Prayer Coordinator for London Area 6D and a member of the Willesden SDA Prayer Ministries team, based her sermon on the scripture found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 where the Lord declares: “If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.” Elder Kabambe admonished those in attendance to maintain a one-to-one relationship with God without distraction and interference from those meaning harm, and of the importance of prayer, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives to lead us to repentance and subsequently unity with God and each other.
Members then took to the streets, distributing literature and sharing the love of Jesus with members of the public before returning to the church, where the afternoon concluded with an interview and testimonies which highlighted the importance of forgiveness, as it is that which will then lead to reconciliation and unity amongst God’s people. Sister Anna Seepaul gave a short discourse on repentance and unity, followed by a charge by Elder Leroy Daley and Hackney’s Prayer Team Leader, Sister Eileen Philip, to make prayer a priority in our lives and to live the life of a peacemaker, as it is those whom Christ identified as the ones who would be blessed to see God. Access to a prayer room, facilitated by prayer intercessors, was available throughout the day for anyone needing special prayer.
