Nearly 300 attended the 2026 Southern and Eastern District (SED) Camp Meeting, which took place July 29 through August 2 at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center in Leesburg, Florida. The five-day event was a time of Christian fellowship, sound Biblical teaching, and rich spiritual blessings and renewal.

Delegates gathered from Alabama, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington DC, as well as the Caribbean. The broad representation of churches reflected the unity and fellowship that continue to characterize the SED.

The camp meeting began on Wednesday evening, July 29, with the young adults from East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, ministering through hymns, including “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” This directed hearts toward God, preparing the congregation for a week centered on His Word and His presence.

The SED Superintendent, Josephine McElveen, further set the tone for the gathering with a message titled “Let My Soul Live.” Referencing Psalm 119:175, “Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me,” she emphasized the Holy Spirit’s desire to do His full work in every heart. She also drew attention to the important distinction between merely existing and truly living spiritually.

Throughout the camp meeting, messages from God’s Word inspired believers to examine their spiritual lives, pursue deeper relationships with Christ, and remain steadfast in their Christian walks. On Thursday, Olulana Alofe of East Bridgewater taught on “The Three Foundational Experiences.” Opening with Isaiah 1:1-11, he noted that obedience is necessary for receiving God’s blessings. Ron Gaddis of Richmond, Virginia, preached from Acts 3:6-7 on “Revelation that Brings Transformation.” He said true revelation of God unlocks understanding, changes perspectives, and transforms lives.

On Friday, Dwane Ross of Kingstree, South Carolina, preached from Acts 2:23-24 on “The Determinate Counsel and Foreknowledge of God.” He said God is sovereign over end-time events, and he urged all to be ready for Christ’s return. Joshua Garraway of Houston, Texas, presented a message from Romans 8:5-9 titled “To Be Carnally Minded Is Enmity with God.” He challenged the youth to seek a genuine relationship with God and warned against becoming spiritually distracted. Johnny Wyatt, Jr., of Brooklyn, New York, preached on “The Only Thing that Counts.” He called believers to examine their priorities and remain focused on those things that have eternal value.

The testimonies were also inspiring. One pioneer of the SED work told how the land was cleared in Century, Florida, to establish the campground there. She also shared personally how God has sustained her since her husband’s passing. Her testimony served as a moving reminder of God's faithfulness throughout every season of life. A man testified of suffering a serious leg injury in an accident. He was given the option of surgery but chose to let the leg heal naturally. He arrived at the camp meeting wearing a brace but received a touch from the Lord while praying and now walks without one.

Several special events took place during the week, including a retirement recognition for Edward and Lessie Dixon and Glory and Carmen Thomas. Brother Dixon was the pastor in Columbus, Georgia, for thirty-five years, while Brother Glory pastored for twenty-eight years, most recently in Orlando, Florida. Both couples were recognized for their years of devoted service to the work of God. In a separate service, John Green and Sharon Allen were appointed as group leaders for the Columbus and Orlando congregations respectively. In addition, Abraham Segres of Richmond was named as the SED Financial Officer. The appointees were prayed over by the ministry as the congregation joined in committing them and their responsibilities to God's guidance and blessing.

Another memorable highlight of the camp meeting was “Joy Night.” Joyful music filled the evening service as musicians, vocalists, and choirs from various branches united in lifting high the name of the Lord.

Women’s Day was also an important part of the camp meeting. During the service, the outgoing leadership of this group concluded their tenure of faithful service as the district expressed sincere appreciation for their dedication and labor. Prayerful consideration is now being given to the selection of new leadership to continue this important area of ministry. For the message, Deliso Pressley from Birmingham, Alabama, preached from Acts 9:36-40, asking the question: “If the Lord hadn’t been on my side, where would I be?” She called attention to God's faithfulness, reminding all to be thankful for His guiding, protecting, and keeping power through the different seasons of life.

On Saturday, teaching sessions were held with classes tailored for different stages of life from childhood through adulthood. One session was led by Bob Downey, Director of North America Work, and his wife, Cheryl. They focused on “The Seasons of Marriage,” sharing from their own experiences and Scripture. The session provided practical guidance and Biblical principles for developing a love and commitment that can be sustained at every stage of married life.

The camp meeting concluded on Sunday with a devotional service. For the final message, Brother Bob ministered from the Book of Joshua, sharing five key points under the theme “A Time to Remember.” He encouraged the congregation to carry the lessons and blessings received during the week back to their respective churches and communities.

As the campers disbursed to their various locations, the collective prayer was that the spiritual seeds planted and the blessings received during camp meeting will continue to bear fruit.