When Restoration Became Reality: A Weekend at Camp Berkshire
On May 16–17, 2025, something truly special took place. After months of planning, prayer, and coordination, the New York/New Jersey Korean SDA churches gathered together for a weekend that exceeded all our expectations. A collaborative effort between FAMBAM, the NY Korean Ministry of the Greater New York Conference, and the Greater New York Conference, the event was held at the peaceful and scenic Camp Berkshire in upstate New York.
The meeting room was filled to capacity—members came from churches across Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, Central Jersey, Northern New York, and New York Central. It was heartwarming to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together with one purpose: to be restored.
And restoration—our theme—was not just something we spoke about. It was something we experienced.
One of the most meaningful parts of the weekend was the messages delivered by our guest speaker, Yohan Joo. Pastor Joo traveled all the way from Korea just to be with us. As the founder and president of Bethel Sanitarium, a holistic healing center where many have found restoration through natural health principles, his insights came from both experience and deep faith.
His Sabbath morning message focused on physical restoration—caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. In the afternoon, he guided us into the deeper waters of spiritual healing. What touched me most was how approachable his messages were—rich in meaning, yet accessible to everyone in the room, regardless of age or background. The messages were really insightful as well as practical. Even young people were carefully taking notes as they learned great messages about healing foods. But even more importantly of how God loves us and desires us to be made whole, body and soul. We left with a sense of awe of how good God was in creating us and abiding with us.
The music that day lifted us even further. The Golden Angels, a talented singing group with roots in the renowned Samyook University ensemble, blessed us with harmonies that seemed to come straight from heaven. There were six members in total—including two married couples who met while serving in the group, and a touching mother-son duo whose presence reminded us that ministry can be a family calling. They traveled from Maryland, New Jersey, and California just to be with us. Their voices graced both the divine service and the afternoon program, offering music that soothed, inspired, and stayed with us long after the last note faded. The blending of such wonderful music combined with great messages left us so filled that there was a palpable sense of joy and praise in the room.
We also had the joy of hearing our own youth lead worship. The New York Central Church praise team opened Sabbath morning, and there was something deeply moving about seeing our younger generation lift their voices in praise. It felt like a glimpse into the future of our church.
One of the most touching moments came when we honored our seniors—a cherished tradition. We presented them with gifts and serenaded them with beloved Korean folk songs. Their smiles, their tears, their quiet dignity—it reminded us why honoring those who came before us is not just tradition, but blessing.
The children, of course, had their own adventure. About 14 young ones from various churches spent the day learning about the story of Elijah fleeing Jezebel. They laughed, crafted, played, and connected across church lines. Although shy with each other at the beginning, but by the end of the program they were sharing craft materials, chatting together and boys were chasing each other. It was a fun and active time for both the children and the leaders. We saw God move even in the children’s department.
And just when we thought the day couldn’t be any sweeter, we were surprised with a generous gift from Elder and Mrs. Kim of Evergreen Farm—a whole box of prized Korean pears for each family. I can still picture the excitement on people’s faces as they received those golden boxes. It was the perfect final touch to a weekend filled with grace.
Looking back, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Beautiful weather. Rich fellowship. Nourishing food. Deep messages. Heavenly music. And above all, a powerful sense of God’s presence.
As someone who helped organize this event, I can honestly say: every bit of effort was worth it. We came seeking restoration, and we left with full hearts and renewed spirits. Thanks to the other leaders who helped organize this event - Junsik Kim, Eric Chung, Kevin Maravilla, Jay Cheong, Kelsey Ahn, Josephine Kong, Jae Shin and Sangkee Ahn.
Praise God from whom all whose blessings flow!
