“Who are you?”
For young people growing up in a world filled with competing voices, expectations, pressures, and definitions of identity, that question is more important than ever.
From July 17–19, 2026, approximately 55 young men and women from different Baptist churches across the countrygathered at the Baptist Village in Petah Tikva for the ABC Annual Youth Camp. This year’s theme was “Identity Crisis – Who Are You?”
The camp was designed in response to a growing need among young people to understand where their true identity comes from. In a world offering countless identities and ideas that can shape how young people see themselves, the purpose of the camp was to lead participants back to a biblical understanding of who they are and help them establish that truth in their everyday lives.
Across four connected teaching sessions, participants were taken on a journey of discovering their identity in Christ.
They began with the foundation of identity: being a son or daughter of God—learning that the believer’s identity begins with a relationship with God as Father rather than with achievements or circumstances.
They then explored their new identity in Christ, recognizing that their past, sins, or wounds do not have the final word over who they are.
The third session, “You Are a Masterpiece, and You Have a Mission,” challenged each young person to recognize that God created them intentionally and has given them a unique purpose.
Finally, “Ambassadors in a Foreign World” called them to put their identity into action—to live in a way that reflects Christ, becoming salt and light in society and faithful representatives of Jesus wherever God places them.
But camp is about more than teaching sessions.
Throughout the weekend, worship, games, interactive activities, small groups, prayer, and meaningful conversations created an environment where relationships could deepen. Young people had space to discuss what they were learning, pray together, ask questions, and consider how biblical truth could become part of their everyday lives.
One of the greatest strengths of ABC’s youth ministry is the opportunity to bring young people from different churches together as one family in Christ. The annual camp provided exactly that: a place to strengthen relationships with the Lord and with one another while building a deeper understanding of identity in Christ that young people can carry back into their homes, churches, schools, workplaces, and communities.
We thank God for His faithfulness throughout the camp and for every leader, servant, worship team member, volunteer, and person who prayed, prepared, organized, and gave so that these young people could have this experience.
And the investment does not end when camp ends.
Every young person who discovers who they are in Christ has the potential to influence a family, strengthen a church, serve a community, and point others toward Jesus. This is why investing in the next generation matters.
Through the partnership of churches, leaders, friends, and supporters of the Association of Baptist Churches, we can continue creating opportunities where young people encounter biblical truth, develop meaningful Christian relationships, discover their calling, and are equipped to live faithfully for Christ.
Our prayer is not simply for successful youth events. It is to see a generation rooted in Christ, confident in its God-given identity, and ready to live out His mission.
