The Himalayas Joshua Camp Meeting ‘05

The theme for this year’s Camp Meeting was “All Things New .” In many respects this was indeed a new kind of experience for us all—the young people and those of us who were involved in the planning and conducting of the meeting.

Though the actual meeting took place from 7th to 12th January 2005 in Kalimpong , West Bengal (India), the physical and spiritual preparation started many months before in the form of intensive prayer and fasting , ongoing conscription of volunteers and staff , and an assortment of administrative tasks. None of us , however, were really prepared to witness what God actually had in store.

In the early morning hours of the 7th January, eager participants started to crowd the registration stalls. Before noon, we were full to capacity : every available seating and boarding was taken. But people were still coming in large numbers and we had neither place for them in the auditorium nor accommodation in the Hostel. More chairs were quickly brought into the auditorium. Later in the evening, more chairs were hired , as many more as could be squeezed in. The aisles were also crowded out. On the next day we had no choice but allow people to sit on the stage too. In none of our previous meetings for the past seven years had we seen teenagers and youth so hungry for God. They were desperate to be in the meeting. Sadly, due to the physical constraints, many latecomers had to be turned away.

Youngsters came from all over the Himalayan region : Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Deoars, and the neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan , and even Bihar. 95% were attending this Camp for the first time.

The exuberant worship of the Joshua singers brought on the presence of God into the auditorium from the very first session. When the Shofar was blown and Sadhuji was welcoming Jesus with the “Khada” (the traditional silk scarf ), the whole atmosphere was suddenly transformed: we could literally feel God moving in our midst!

In the first message, Sadhuji shared the vision of Joshua Camp meeting as God had revealed to him in 1997 : “Touching the whole Himalayan region through young people .” He exhorted the youth to turn to God and several hundred young people got up to do just that—give their lives to God.

On the following day, other servants of God shared anointed messages that brought great edification. Rev. Jose Rocco taught on holiness ; Rev. Jack Yeo spoke on the fatherhood of God ; Rev. Stella Rocco taught people to pray ; and Mr. Sylvanus Tamang spoke about Bethel– the dwelling place of God.

During the ministry of word and worship, conviction fell on the people. They started confessing the sinful lives they were living–their drug and alcohol addiction s, their sexual lusts. Hundreds testified of God setting them free from their bondages that night.

One of the most challenging session s was Ms Amutha’s workshop on “Sex and Purity, ” which dealt frankly and honestly with the issues the young people were facing. Many youngsters openly admitted how God so touched their lives through this workshop.

As like always, the session devoted to praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit was an especially powerful moment. Hundreds of young people who were prayed over by their fellow participants , led by Sadhuji, received the baptism of Holy Spirit. During the anointing session, the power of God fell on the people. The glory of God was so heavy the people fell all over the place. The Holy Spirit , working through Brother Sadhu , gave numerous personal prophecies to different individuals.

The six power -packed, life -hanging days of Joshua Camp Meeting were a greater fulfillment of what God showed Brother Sadhu in 1997.

The worship team, choreographers , and the ministry team comprising Indian, Australian, US , and Singapore brethren really blessed the people with their hard work and their humble service.

All glory be to God!