Faith is a Journey
Abasieme (left) at camp during a conversation with Keyede
In the early months of 2023, a snippet on my Instagram feed caught my attention – Pastor Okeowo at the I.H.S Movement camp, themed "The Traveler." His simple yet profound words resonated from a deep, longstanding connection with God. The video not only informed but also showcased an exquisite setup, captivating my fascination.
However, the latter half of 2023 proved intensely busy. Immersed in work, I unintentionally neglected other aspects of life, lacking time for personal moments and connections with friends and family. My once vibrant Bible study routine grew stale, my prayer life redundant, and my relationships affected. I questioned the sustainability of this hectic lifestyle.
Amidst this, I realized I had accrued vacation days and decided to take a break. In November, I stumbled upon a post about the I.H.S Movement camp, prompting a recollection of the impactful snippet from Pastor Okeowo. The desire to experience the camp's diverse community and unique atmosphere led me to register, marking my decision to attend the 2023 camp. Yearning for a pause to realign, connect with others, and join a community of believers, I eagerly anticipated the camp. Flights were booked, arrangements made, and it was time to head to Lagos.
The camp held a mystery as the theme remained undisclosed until our arrival. A puzzle, presented in the camp brochure, awaited our deciphering. Though not entirely abstract, the excitement and curiosity it sparked added to the unique charm of the camp.
A picture capturing the theme for camp: FAITH
My first impression of the camp was astounding. The vision bearer - Adebayo Okeowo - set a phlegmatic tone. The camp, thriving for 12 years, stood as a testament to a diverse group united by their desire to connect with God. Meeting fellow first-timers, including vibrant individuals from Gen Z and millennials, added to the charm of the experience. After a while, I was guided to my beautiful apartment, sparking curiosity about the unfolding journey. Throughout my stay, positive impressions continued to shape my experience at the I.H.S Movement camp.
The initial session at camp went smoothly, offering a cool and pleasant atmosphere. We began with a worship session led by Mr. Bayo, the visionary behind the event. His calm and soft-spoken nature was evident in the way he led the worship. His communication with God seemed seamless, and I could envision the deep, almost romantic connection he shared with the divine. After spending several hours in worship, we concluded the session.
We experienced an emotional session with Chimamaka Ige. It was a vulnerable moment where individuals delved deep into discussions about their life and the challenges to their faith in Christ. Deep questions were posed about various difficulties, highlighting the reality that even though these questions arise, individuals are still rooted in their faith. This emphasized the understanding that belief in God doesn't shield us from tribulations and trials. The session conveyed a profound message that faith is not always convenient; it's about complete trust and is a progressive journey. It's natural to break down, ask questions, and shed tears when faced with challenges, but the key is to remain in God. By doing so, over time, you will experience comfort, confidence, and a deepened trust in God. The strength exhibited by those who shared their experiences spoke volumes and reminded me of my own Christian journey that began in 2018.
Abasieme vibing to a song during camp
The consistent message from every speaker at camp was that "faith is a journey." It's not a one-time achievement; it's about embracing the ongoing process. To have faith means to believe in God entirely and the challenges we face serve a purpose in strengthening us, helping us shed burdens, drawing us closer to God, and teaching us to lean entirely on Him.
We encountered another impactful session led by an elder in the faith, Reverend Opeoluwa. The focal point of the session was the scripture from the book of Hebrews. What resonated most was the profound consistency demonstrated by Reverend Opeoluwa in his faith journey. He communicated with simplicity, not attempting to forcefully persuade us, yet it was unmistakable that he had traversed the path and currently lives in constant dependence on the God’s word. His ease in quoting scriptures left me in awe, making me reflect on the need to deepen my own understanding of the scriptures through more constant study.
We wrapped up the camp with another impactful session featuring Gaise Baba, a Christian Afro-pop artist. This session prompted deep reflection, leading to a personal resolution that I fervently pray to sustain. Gaise Baba described his unique journey, expressing that living a faith-filled life often involves walking an unconventional path. His words resonated deeply, emphasizing that the faith journey can be radical and sometimes misunderstood, akin to the resolute steps of biblical figures like Esther and the four lepers.
During a pivotal moment in the session, we were asked, "Where are you from?"—a question about our origin—and "Where are you going to?"—pertaining to our faith journey. It sparked profound introspection for me as I pondered my uncertain path. When asked, I responded, "I am heading to a place where all that is within me is fully exploited, leaving this world empty." This encapsulates my commitment to take every step without fear, even when tired or weak, trusting in God's grace and mercies.
Abasieme (middle) with some other campers during the boat cruise
In conclusion, the I.H.S Movement Camp proved indispensable to me. I forged new friendships with incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds (if you're reading this, shout-out to you, my camp companions). I am grateful for the experience, especially since I almost didn't attend. Life has undoubtedly changed for the better, and I appreciate the valuable network I gained. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you're contemplating the experience, start packing your bags now; you won't regret it.