CANADA—For the very first time, sixteen members of the Philadelphia Church of God gathered in remote northwestern Ontario in the community of Balmertown for a weekend campout.

Members arrived on Friday and that evening shared a potluck and barbecue, as well as conversation and laughs. Saturday was the first Sabbath service and Bible study ever to be held in Balmertown. The service, including special music, was fully live.

On Sunday, members met in the morning for their first float plane ride in a De Haviland Otter. Taking off from the lake on floats, the members rose above the trees to view the extensive display of forests and water, as well as a view of the community. After the plane ride, the members had lunch before splitting into two groups. Eleven people went fishing in three boats, and five people went kayaking on the river. The fishing trip yielded 26 fish total. Upon arriving back at the camp, they cleaned and cooked the fish for dinner, a first for many members.

To conclude the campout, they gathered at the shore for an evening bonfire and stargazing. Many members commented on the millennial setting of the campout, as it was in the middle of nowhere, away from the distractions of the city.

“The fellowship of like-minded brethren cannot be taken for granted,” one member said.